Khanh's REALISTIC Budget Guide for Your 2024 Wedding

If you happen to scroll through Instagram, marveling at the luxurious and editorial weddings in my circle and beyond, you'll notice that on average, couples typically budget around 60k for their 100 guests. Realistically, this figure is projected to increase by $10k each passing year.

To achieve such a glamorous wedding experience for 100 guests without some compromises. You might have to reduce your guest list, opt for a more laid-back pub or restaurant as your reception venue, or consider scheduling your big day during the "off-peak" season when many venues offer more favorable rates.

It's important to note that these financial adjustments don't necessarily apply to all your wedding suppliers; some costs remain relatively consistent year over year.

Irrespective of your initial budget, it's a common reality that most couples will find themselves surpassing it. Weddings are indeed a luxury.

And for those contemplating a DIY wedding in the comfort of their own home, it's worth noting that these events often come with a heftier price tag—typically 30-40% higher due to the need to rent various items and services. So, the idea that home weddings are inherently less expensive might not hold true in practice.

Essential Investments for Crafting a Luxurious Wedding Experience

• Professional Speaker, Officiant & Master of Ceremonies (MC)

• Catering (Culinary Delights and Beverages)

• Experience photo & video team

• Your designated wedding captain and coordinator (Please note that a venue coordinator does NOT fulfill this role).

Wedding vendors often increase their prices to adjust for the natural inflation of the economy for several reasons. Firstly, the cost of doing business tends to rise over time, with inflation affecting everything from the price of raw materials to transportation costs. Wedding vendors, just like any other business, need to cover these increased expenses in order to continue operating and providing their services. Additionally, they invest significant time, effort, and resources into constantly improving their skills, upgrading equipment, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. All of these factors contribute to the overall value they offer to their clients.

The demand for my wedding services remains high, and like other experts in my field, I need to adjust accordingly. As the economy grows and people's disposable income increases, couples are often willing to invest more in their wedding day, leading vendors to adjust their pricing to match the market demand. Ultimately, wedding vendors increase their prices to not only cover their own rising expenses but also reflect the value they provide and respond to the changing dynamics of the wedding industry.

Event Planning & Coordination
The typical figure below is closely tied to the scale and number of attendees at your wedding and experience of your planner and coordinator. A high-demand vendor is going to charge differently.

• Full service planner: $6-12k

• Month-of Coordinator: $2.5-$3k

Beauty & Outfits

• Dress: $3-7k (includes evening dress + veil/accessories)

  Things to consider: Custom gown, couture, rental or multiple dress change (i.e. reception dress, cake cutting dress, Ao Dai, traditional outfit)

• Groom’s Custom Suit/Rental -$800- $1200

• Bridesmaids Dress/Rental & Shoes - $300-$500 x4

  Things to consider: Ao Dai

• Hair and Makeup (For you, your mom, mother-in-law, and bridal party): $2k

  Things to consider: Less bridesmaids = less expense

DJ, Live Band, Musicians & Entertainment

Being a seasoned MC, I can't emphasize enough the significance of finding a skilled DJ who excels at mixing, gauging the crowd's vibe, possesses prior wedding expertise, and it's certainly a bonus if they provide exclusive lighting packages too!

• Live Band: $5-$10k

• DJ: $1200-$2k

• Musicians: $1k

Misc

• Awesome officiant: $600-$1k

• Stationary: $700-$1000 (Save-the-dates, Invites, Thank You Cards)

• Cake: $900-$1k

• Rental: (Table decor, candles, plates, cutlery)

Catering

• Per Guest Count: $100-300 per head

• Asian 8-course catering: $700-$1000 per table (not including administration charge and sales tax)

• Other things to think about: Dessert, Late Night Snack, Coffee & Tea Station

• Alcohol: $50-$60 (2.5 drinks) per head