[Breakdown] How Much Does a 100-Person Wedding Cost
SHELTENT
-
![[Breakdown] How Much Does a 100-Person Wedding Cost](http://sheltent.com/cdn/shop/articles/100-person-wedding-tent-cost_52328de2-bdd2-4859-a236-1ab074d3701a.webp?v=1765265805&width=1100)
"How much does a 100-person wedding cost? "
Based on the average US wedding, the cost for a 100-person wedding is approximately between $20,000 and $50,000. The largest expenses are venue rental (around $10,000), catering ($75-$150 per person), and entertainment such as hiring a DJ or band ($1,000-$3,000).
Specific prices vary greatly depending on location. California is significantly more expensive than the Midwest. Let's break down the average cost of a 100-person wedding to help you understand where each expense goes. Some money-saving tips can also help you.
Breakdown of How Much a 100-Person Wedding Costs
Before delving into the detailed cost breakdown, it's recommended that couples set a total wedding budget. Allocate the money reasonably across different aspects based on your priorities.
| Category | Budget % | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | 30%–40% | $10,000 – $30,000+ | Usually, the biggest expense varies by city |
| Catering | 25%–35% | $8,000 – $20,000 | Around $80–$200 per person, more with alcohol |
| Photography | 6%–12% | $1,500 – $5,000+ | Includes wedding day and pre-shoots |
| Entertainment (DJ/Band) | 5%–10% | $1,000 – $5,000 | DJ is cheaper than live bands |
| Wedding Planner | 5%–10% | $1,800 – $5,000 | Optional but helpful for stress-free planning |
| Flowers | 3%–6% | $500 – $3,000 | Includes bouquet, centerpieces, and decor |
| Decorations & Rentals | 3%–7% | $1,000 – $5,000 | Chairs, tables, lighting, arches, etc. |
| Attire | 4%–8% | $2,000 – $5,000+ | Wedding dress, groom’s suit, bridal party outfits |
| Miscellaneous (Stationery, Favors, Cake) | 2%–6% | $1,000 – $4,000 | Invitations, guest books, gifts, cake, etc. |
| Ceremony & Rings | 4%–8% | $1,000 – $2,000 | Includes rings, officiant, and ceremony setup |
Venue
Venue rental is typically one of the biggest expenses in a 100-person wedding budget, averaging between $10,000 and $30,000+. Prices can be even higher in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.
However, if you want to save a significant amount of money, you can consider having your wedding in your backyard, a friend's farm, or a park. The only thing to keep in mind is that outdoor weddings require consideration of the weather. In such cases, buying a wedding tent can provide shelter from the wind and rain.
So, how much would it cost to prepare a suitable wedding tent for 100 guests? A tent size for 100 guests is recommended to be between 20'x40' or 30'x70' in size. The cost of a wedding tent ranges from approximately $3,000 to $13,000. The exact price depends on the size, ground conditions, and whether additional amenities such as lighting are included.
Catering
Wedding catering costs range widely, averaging between $8,000 and $20,000. That's roughly $80 to $200 per person. The cost depends primarily on the style of catering and the types of food you choose. If you're on a budget, you can opt for a lunchtime wedding. Alternatively, you can skip the formal dinner and have afternoon tea, snacks, or a dessert table.
Common catering options include:
- Buffet: Relatively economical, costing approximately $40-$100 per person.
- Plated dinner: More formal and attentive service, costing around $100-$200 per person.
- Family-style: Combines atmosphere and efficiency, with a moderate price.
- Food truck: Creative and inexpensive, suitable for outdoor weddings or a minimalist style. A budget of around $30-$60 per person is achievable.
Service
Besides food and drinks, service staff at a wedding can be a significant expense. This includes waiters, bartenders, cleaners, and event coordinators. A wedding banquet for around 100 people typically requires 5-10 service staff, with total costs ranging from approximately $1,000 to $2,500.
If you choose a full-service dinner, each waiter will be charged an hourly rate. A buffet-style wedding requires less service, resulting in lower costs. If you're on a tight budget, you can shorten service hours or ask trusted friends to help with lighter tasks, adding a sense of participation and warmth.
Rentals
Whether your wedding is in a hotel, garden, or your own backyard, renting supplies is almost always the most cost-effective option. This includes tables and chairs, tableware, glasses, napkins, tablecloths, lighting equipment, and even stages and sound systems. The average rental cost for a 100-person wedding is roughly between $1,000 and $5,000.
It's advisable to ask the supplier if they offer package deals. Some venues also provide some supplies themselves. Asking beforehand can save you money.
The price difference mainly depends on the style and materials you choose. High-end metal dining chairs are much more expensive than ordinary plastic chairs. If it's an outdoor wedding, you may also need to rent wedding tents, fans, or heaters to cope with the summer heat or winter cold. These will require additional budget.
Entertainment
Are you planning to hire a DJ, a band, and set up a dance floor and games area? Hiring a DJ for a 100-person wedding typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500. If you hire a live band, the price could rise to $3,000 or even over $5,000.
If you're looking for a lively party atmosphere, hiring a DJ is a cost-effective option, offering a wide music library and strong interactivity. If you prefer a more ceremonial and live performance, a band provides a better atmosphere.
Stationery and Invitations
Wedding invitations aren't the biggest expense. The average total cost is around $500 to $2,000, depending on whether you choose paper invitations, e-invitations, or custom-made ones. You can use a mix of methods, for example, sending paper invitations to important guests and e-invitations to friends and colleagues.
You can also consider using template websites to design and print your own invitations, which is both effective and inexpensive.
Traditional paper invitations (including printing and mailing) average around $3–$10 each. Adding design-focused details like gold foil stamping, ribbons, and custom envelopes can double the price. While e-invitations are environmentally friendly and inexpensive, those may not be formal enough for some families who value a sense of occasion.
Rings and Ceremony Costs
A simple wedding ring typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000+. The price varies greatly depending on the material (e.g., platinum, diamonds, or custom-made). Wedding rings can be purchased from reputable brands or feature simple designs.
For ceremony, having a friend serve as the officiant is often considered more meaningful!
In addition, there are some unavoidable ceremony costs:
- Marriage license application fee: Usually $30–$100, varying depending on your state or city.
- Officiant or officiant fee: Hiring a professional wedding officiant will cost approximately $200–$500. Some churches may have donation requirements.
Wedding Planner
If you find wedding planning too stressful, hiring a wedding planner can significantly reduce the pressure. A full-service wedding planner typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000+, depending on the services offered, including venue negotiations, supplier coordination, and day-of-the-day coordination.
However, if your budget is limited, you can also hire a day-of-coordinator, which costs approximately $800 to $1,500. They are primarily responsible for the wedding day's flow, personnel coordination, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Decorations and Flowers
How much does a 100-person wedding cost for decorations? The atmosphere of a wedding largely depends on decorations and flowers. From the backdrop of the ceremony area to table floral arrangements, welcome signs, arches, chair back decorations, etc., the budget can be quite flexible.
For a wedding with 100 guests, the average cost of floral arrangements and decorations is around $1,000 to $3,000. If you prefer a natural style with fresh flowers and greenery, the price will be slightly higher. Using artificial or dried flowers, candles, draperies, and other creative combinations can save a significant amount of money.
Wedding Attire
For your wedding day attire, you absolutely must look your best! The wedding dress, groom's suit, bridesmaids' and groomsmen's outfits, and accessories are between $2,000 and $5,000+. This depends on whether you choose a designer brand, custom-made, or rental.
Wedding dresses can be rented. Many rental platforms offer popular styles at half the price or even less. For men's suits, choose classic styles that can still be worn after the wedding.
Wedding Photography
A wedding is only one day, but the photos and videos will stay with you for a lifetime, making photography one of the most worthwhile investments. The average cost of hiring a professional photographer for a 100-person wedding is between $1,500 and $5,000+. Adding a videography team, editing, aerial photography, etc., will further increase the price.
Photographers typically charge by the hour, and packages may include: full-day photography, several professionally retouched photos, a digital album, and even an engagement shoot.
It's essential to review the photographer's portfolio. A style that matches your preferences is paramount. Consider hiring only a photographer, or having a friend handle basic shooting and editing. Some photographers also offer packages for newlyweds, making wedding photos and pre-wedding portraits a more cost-effective option.
Tips on How to Save Money on a 100-Person Wedding
With some flexible options, you can keep your expenses within a more reasonable range. Even under $20,000 is possible. Here are some very practical money-saving tips:
- Choose weekdays or off-season for your wedding. Venue and vendor prices are usually significantly lower on Thursdays or Fridays, in spring or winter.
- Prioritize your budget for what matters most. If someone values photography and music more, you can simplify the floral arrangements or the cake.
- Choose a buffet or Mexican/light catering instead of formal individual servings. Not only is it cheaper, but it also creates a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Consider holding your wedding in non-traditional venues such as parks, backyards, or community halls to save on venue rental fees. Using wedding tents can also effectively solve space and weather issues.
- Hire a wedding coordinator instead of a full-time wedding planner. They specialize in managing the wedding day's flow and are much cheaper than a full-time planner.
- Reducing the number of guests is the most direct way to save money. Instead of inviting 150 nodding acquaintances, invite only 100 close friends and family members. This will significantly reduce the burden on catering, venue, and invitations.
- Try to make your own decorations, small gifts, or invitations. This not only saves money but also creates a more memorable experience.
Conclusion
How much does a 100-person wedding cost? This article tells you that a 100-person wedding doesn't necessarily have to cost tens of thousands of dollars. The key is to allocate expenses reasonably according to your budget and needs.
From venue, catering, photography, to decorations, every item can be flexibly adjusted. You can choose non-traditional venues, opt for a buffet instead of formal meals, or do your own decorations… These methods can significantly reduce costs without compromising the ceremony and atmosphere of the wedding.
Using tents instead of traditional wedding venues is an increasingly popular and cost-effective approach. Whether it's a pole tent or a frame tent, it not only creates a romantic and unique outdoor wedding but also offers greater flexibility in scheduling and more controllable costs. Professional platforms like Sheltent, with a wide selection of products, can help you find the most suitable solution based on your guest count and venue requirements.
