
Wedding Costs: Planning with Confidence
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Start With the Dream — Then Build the Budget.
Let’s dream big first. What does your ideal wedding feel like? Is it cozy and intimate? Is it black-tie and epic? You tell us the vibe — then we’ll help you build the budget to match.
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Some Key Questions to Ask
1. How many people do you think you'll invite?
2.What’s most important to you? (Venue? Photos? Food? Experience?)
3. What’s your total comfort spend — all in? (Not just the venue, but the dress, the band, everything.)
4. Who’s contributing financially, and what are the boundaries?
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THE BIGGEST MISTAKE
The biggest mistake couples make is picking vendors before knowing what they can really spend.
Let’s flip that — get clarity first, then invest wisely.
Make it stand out.
Sample Breakdown (Typical):
Category % of Budget. Notes Songbird Retreat
Venue Hire. 25-30% Venue hire alone often $5000–$15000. W/E $12,995+, Weekday/Intimate -POA
Catering 20-30% $80–$180+ per guest. Includes meals and service. Plated more expensive than buffet. Vendor recommendations
Alcohol 8-12% $2000–$6000 typical. Includes drinks, glassware, service, and/or corkage. BYO no corkage
Photography & Video. 10–15% $3000–$6000 is typical. You may like to splurge on drone or film-style videography. Vendor recommendations
Florals & Decor. 8–12% Often DIY or mixed with hire items. Greenery-heavy trends help stretch the budget. Celebration arch and plinths included
Entertainment 5-8% $800–$3k depending on live band vs. soloist or DJ. Vendor recommendations
Attire & Beauty 5–8% Bridal gowns often $2000–$4000, hair/makeup $500–$1000. Includes groom’s outfit. Vendor recommendations
Planning/Coordination. 5–10% Full-service planning $5,000–$10,000. On-the-day only $2000–$3000 On-the-Day Coordinator+service incl
Celebrant + Ceremony. 2–4% Registered celebrants range from $400–$1,200+. Include PA system hire if not provided. PA system included
Stationery & Extras. 2–5% Invites, signage, place cards, menus. Print vs digital impacts cost.
Contingency/Emergency 5–7% For weather plans, backup gear, last-minute extras. Marquee wet weather plan
Make it stand out.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
