Top 5 Expenses You Need to Consider for your High-End Wedding
From Venues to Florals to Photography: Understanding the Biggest Investments in Your Dream Luxury Wedding
A breathtaking wedding doesn’t just happen — it’s carefully planned, with each detail reflecting your vision of luxury and elegance. After seven years helping couples plan six-figure weddings, I’m here to unveil the biggest wedding investments you’ll encounter, so you can confidently plan the celebration of a lifetime.
Wedding Venue Costs
When it comes to high-end weddings, the venue will undoubtedly be your largest investment. Imagine exchanging vows in grand ballrooms, exclusive private estates, or expansive properties with sweeping views. Prestigious venues offer more than just stunning settings — they deliver unparalleled service and exclusivity that streamline your day.
For venues of this caliber, you can anticipate starting costs around $60,000, with some easily reaching six figures based on your guest list and chosen add-ons.
Tip: When selecting a luxury wedding venue, look for features that elevate your experience: exclusivity, exceptional service, and stunning backdrops. Consider venues that offer full-service options, experience with complex logistics, and amenities like valet service, on-site accommodations, and customizable spaces. A luxury venue is worth the investment when it enhances guest comfort and provides a stress-free experience.
Wedding Catering Expenses
Most luxury venues offer in-house catering services, which can be convenient for couples who prefer an all-inclusive option. However, it’s important to note that catering is often not included in the venue rental fee. Expect to pay between $200 to $400 per person (or more) for premium menus and presentations.
Several factors contribute to these higher costs, including choosing plated service over a buffet, elaborate cocktail hour displays, interactive food stations, and dishes made with premium ingredients like filet mignon, lobster, or truffles.
For Nigerian and Indian weddings, bringing in a specialized caterer is essential for an authentic cultural dining experience. Keep in mind that many venues charge an additional fee for external caterers. This, combined with your caterer’s fees, can become a significant expense — but one that’s worth it for a personalized and culturally rich experience.
Tip: Before committing to a venue, ask about their policies and fees for external catering. Clarify whether these fees include additional costs like service staff, kitchen use, or clean-up to avoid unexpected expenses. This will help ensure your catering aligns with your vision.
Wedding Decor and Floral Costs
Decor and florals are where your wedding’s unique essence truly shines. For luxury weddings, decor can transform a venue into an extraordinary experience. Expect to invest in lush aisle arrangements, dramatic ceremony arches, and stunning ceiling installations adorned with florals or lighting.
Additional impactful features may include 8-foot panels displaying photos or seating charts, elevated chairs and tables for a sophisticated touch, and custom dance floors that tie the design together. For grand, immersive designs, decor and florals can easily run well into five figures.
Tip: Prioritize a few key decor elements that will have the biggest visual impact, leave lasting impressions on your guests, and guide the overall design of your wedding.
Professional Wedding Photography and Videography
This is not the place to compromise. High-end weddings deserve equally luxurious photography and videography. A trusted luxury wedding photographer and videographer who understand lighting, elegance, and nuance will capture every defining moment, preserving your memories beautifully.
A professional photographer is never intimidated by the complexity of a wedding, whether it involves simultaneous events, large guest counts, or long hours. They capture every moment with skill and poise. If you’re investing $100,000+ in your wedding, you need a photographer who can recreate the magic of the day through their photos and videos.
For cultural weddings, it’s essential to hire a team experienced with your specific traditions. A beach wedding in Malibu is vastly different from a Nigerian wedding in a glamorous ballroom or an Indian multi-day celebration. Professionals familiar with your culture will know how to capture key moments and emotions authentically.
Expect a combined budget of $12,000 to $25,000 for top-tier photographers and videographers.
Tip: Review full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels, when selecting your photographer and videographer. This ensures they can capture every part of the day and honor your traditions beautifully.
A Full-Service Professional Wedding Planner
When it comes to luxury weddings, a professional planner is an investment that ensures your vision comes to life seamlessly. Did you know, according to a study by Minted, planning a wedding takes an average of 528 hours — that’s over three months of full-time work! Do you have that kind of time? Leave it to a professional, like DunniWeddings, whose full-time job is to make sure every detail is handled with precision.
We specialize in culturally dynamic weddings, multi-day celebrations, and intricate day-long events. Our experience with high-end weddings allows us to manage complex logistics and execute every detail flawlessly. Because of this, your investment will be above the average of what other planners may quote you - our full-service planning packages start at $13,500 and reflect the dedication, expertise, and personalized attention required for a luxury wedding experience.
Tip: Hire your wedding planner early in the process, ideally before booking your venue or vendors. A skilled planner can shape your vision, recommend venues, and negotiate contracts, ultimately saving you time, stress, and expenses.
Ready to Plan Your Wedding?
Transform your dream wedding into reality. Schedule a complimentary consultation today and let’s design a celebration that reflects your vision of luxury and elegance.