Planning your dream wedding can be an exhilarating journey. But behind the enchantment of floral arrangements and designer gowns lies the crucial task of budgeting. Even for luxury weddings, a well-determined budget is key, especially in a market like DC where weddings costs are sky-high. Here, we’ll share practical tips to help you create a comprehensive budget for your luxury wedding in DC.

Understanding Your Wedding Budget

Before diving into the planning process, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your budget. Sit down with your partner and any other decision makers and discuss who will be contributing, what they expect that contributed money to go towards, and the style and size of wedding you are hoping for. Couples often tell me they have no idea what a DC wedding costs. In the city, you will be hard-pressed to host a luxury wedding for under $75,000 (assuming 100 guests). If you go into the broader DMV, however, you can often find venues that provide more bang for your buck, leaving some additional room for extra florals, late night bites, and personalized escort cards, which all add to the “luxury” experience. The average Evermore couple spends $750-1200 per person on their wedding reception, not including rings, attire, honeymoon, or other weekend events.

Key Components of a Wedding Budget

The most important thing to note when crafting your wedding budget, is that your venue and catering should only make up about half of your overall budget. If you go over that amount, you won’t have the funds necessary to throw a full luxury event. Here are some average prices for DC luxury weddings:

• Venue: High-end venues in DC can range from $15,000 to over $50,000 depending on the location, exclusivity, and services included.
• Catering: Expect to pay between $200 and $400 per person. This often includes premium menu options, full-service staffing, and top-tier presentation.
• Photography and Videography: High-end wedding photographers and videographers in DC can cost between $5,000 and $15,000. These professionals typically offer more comprehensive packages and have high-end equipment to capture every moment beautifully.
• Attire: Designer bridal gowns can range from $5,000 to over $15,000, depending on the designer and the intricacy of the gown.

Remember to account for often overlooked costs like gratuities (typically 15-20% of the service cost), setup and breakdown fees, or last-minute additions. Luxury weddings often also include additional elements like live entertainment, professional lighting, and custom decor, which can add significantly to the overall budget. If you are asking your vendors to sign an NDA, there may be additional fees added to your bill for the loss of publicity.

Allocating Your Budget

Now that you have a grasp on the potential costs, it’s time to allocate your budget. If food is a priority, you might dedicate 30% of your budget to catering. If you’ve always dreamed of a designer gown, you might allocate 10% to attire. The key is aligning your budget with your priorities.

Ways to Save Without Compromising Luxury

Even when planning a luxury wedding, there are opportunities to save. For instance, consider selecting a venue with natural beauty, reducing your décor expenses. Also, hosting your wedding on a weekday or during the off-peak season can reduce venue costs by up to 20%. Candidly, the best way to save without compromising luxury is to be strict with your guest count.

Working with a Wedding Planner

Investing in a luxury wedding planner can help you navigate the complexities of a high-end wedding budget. In DC, the cost for a luxury wedding planner typically ranges from $7,000 to $20,000, or a percentage of your overall budget. This investment often includes comprehensive services like full event design, vendor coordination, contract negotiation, and on-the-day event management by a full team of staff so you never even have to know what time it is. These professionals have connections with top-tier vendors and venues, and their expertise can ensure you get the most value for your money while creating an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

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Budgeting for a luxury wedding in DC means striking a balance between your dream vision and financial reality. With careful planning and clear priorities, you can create a stunning event within your budget. At Evermore Occasions, we specialize in crafting luxurious weddings that respect your budget. If you need more tips or assistance, please reach out. We’re here to help make your dream wedding a reality.