$100,000 Wedding Budget Guide – Spend Smart, Celebrate Big
Thinking about a six‑figure wedding can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to panic. With a clear plan, you can decide exactly where the money should go and where you can pull back without compromising the wow factor. Below we break down the major categories, give you realistic numbers, and share tips you can start using today.
Where to Splurge
Venue and Food. Your venue sets the tone, and good food keeps guests happy. For a $100k budget, allocate about 30‑35% to the location and catering – roughly £30,000‑£35,000. Look for historic buildings, luxury hotels, or boutique estates that already include décor, lighting, and tables. When you book a venue that offers in‑house catering, you save on rentals and coordination fees.
Photography & Videography. Those photos will live forever, so spend wisely here. Aim for 12‑15% of the total budget, which is £12,000‑£15,000. Choose a team that offers both a photographer and a videographer in a combined package – you often get a discount and consistent style.
Dress and Attire. A stunning bridal gown and a well‑coordinated groom’s look are worth the investment. Set aside 8‑10% of the budget (£8,000‑£10,000). Consider buying a dress off‑the‑rack and having it altered; you’ll get a custom fit for less than a fully bespoke design.
Where to Save
Invitations. Digital save‑the‑dates and e‑invitations look sleek and cut printing costs dramatically. If you love paper, order a modest run of printed invites and use the same design for place cards and thank‑you notes to keep printing costs low.
Flowers. Flowers can eat up a big chunk of the budget. Focus on one or two statement arrangements (like the bridal bouquet and a ceremony arch) and use greenery or seasonal foliage for table décor. Greenery is beautiful, cheap, and lasts longer.
Entertainment. A live band is amazing, but a DJ can deliver the same energy for 30‑40% less. If you still want live music, hire a small ensemble for the ceremony and a DJ for the reception.
By trimming these areas, you can re‑allocate funds to the categories you care about most – like a grand entrance song, a luxe cake, or extra lighting for a night‑time ceremony.
Darcy's Wedding Boutique can help you make every pound count. Our stylists know which vendors deliver value, and we can source dresses, accessories, and décor that match your vision without overspending. Want a real‑world example? One of our couples spent £32k on a countryside manor, £13k on photography, and saved 20% on flowers by opting for seasonal roses and eucalyptus. The result was a dreamy, Instagram‑ready wedding that stayed comfortably under $100k.
Ready to start planning? Grab a notebook, list your top three priorities, and allocate percentages based on the guide above. Adjust as you go, but keep the biggest splurges where they matter most – the moments you’ll remember forever.
Remember, a $100,000 wedding isn’t about flashing cash; it’s about creating an experience that feels true to you. With the right balance of spend‑and‑save, you’ll walk down the aisle confident that every penny earned its place.
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This article unpacks whether spending $100,000 on a wedding makes sense, especially when it comes to decorations. It compares what you actually get for that price tag in the current wedding industry. Get tips on making your big day look incredible without blowing the budget. Spot real examples of where that money goes and which choices matter most. Discover clever ways to create wow-factor decor for less.