Real budget · 50 guests
$10,000 wedding budget example
A tight but beautiful $10K wedding for 50 guests. Every dollar accounted for, with substitutions if you go higher or lower.
The breakdown
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | $1,500 | Non-traditional: restaurant private room, family backyard, park permit, or Airbnb |
| Catering + bar | $3,000 | $60/head — brunch, taco bar, BBQ, or restaurant buyout |
| Photography | $1,500 | Emerging photographer, 4-hour package |
| Attire | $800 | Sample sale dress or off-the-rack; suit |
| Florals | $500 | DIY bouquets from wholesale market + potted plants |
| Music | $400 | Curated Spotify playlist + rented speaker |
| Cake / dessert | $250 | Grocery bakery + toppers |
| Stationery | $200 | Digital invites (Paperless Post, Greenvelope) |
| Hair & makeup | $300 | Bride only, no bridesmaid packages |
| License + officiant | $300 | License + friend-officiated ceremony |
| Décor + rentals | $500 | Candles, linens, thrifted vases |
| Buffer | $750 | Because something always comes up |
Where to splurge
- Photography. The one thing you'll have forever.
- Food quality. Guests remember what they ate. Choose one great thing (BBQ, pizza, tacos) done exceptionally.
Where to cut
- Guest count. Every cut of 5 saves ~$500.
- Day of the week. Friday or Sunday cuts venue fees 20–40%.
- Off-peak month. January–March or November saves on almost every vendor.
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