Let's Talk About Wedding Budget. Really.
Nobody wants to have this conversation. But after 30 years of catering weddings in the Bay Area, I've learned that the couples who go into it eyes-open have a better experience from start to finish. The ones who don't — and I say this with real compassion — often spend the most important planning period of their lives stressed, frustrated, and making decisions from a place of scarcity. That robs the joy from the whole thing. So let's just talk about it.
The honest truth about wedding budgets
Most couples don't start with enough money. That's not what anyone wants to hear, but it's the truth. And the single most powerful thing you can do to bring your budget into reality is also the thing nobody wants to do: invite fewer people.
Under 100 guests changes everything. More venues are available to you. Every line item — catering, rentals, florals, cake — drops proportionally. The intimacy goes up. The stress goes down. If you're working with a real budget, start there.
What catering actually costs
At Roux Catering, our couples spend on average $125–$165 per person before rentals. Here's what that includes: a welcome beverage, abundant passed appetizers, a plated meal with bread on the table, a beautiful organic salad, and a choice between three entrées. The higher end is fish and beef; the lower end is chicken and fish or beef. We always offer a vegetarian option. Coffee and tea are included. Dessert is not — that's a separate line.
For dessert, our wedding cakes average $10–$12 per person. Bite-size desserts run about $6 per person with a selection. Both are beautiful. Both are made in-house.
The real all-in number
This is where most couples get surprised. Here's what a realistic Bay Area wedding actually costs when you add everything up — catering, venue, rentals, florals, photography, music, cake, and alcohol.
100 Guests — Plan for $33K–$55K
Catering ($125–$165 per person): $12,500–$16,500
Venue: $3,000–$15,000
Rentals: $5,000–$6,000
Florals: $2,800–$5,000
Photography: $5,000–$8,000
DJ: $2,000
Cake & Dessert: $1,000–$1,200
Alcohol: $1,200–$1,500
125 Guests — Plan for $37K–$62K
Catering ($125–$165 per person): $15,625–$20,625
Venue: $3,000–$15,000
Rentals: $6,000–$8,000
Florals: $2,800–$5,000
Photography: $5,000–$8,000
DJ: $2,000
Cake & Dessert: $1,250–$1,500
Alcohol: $1,200–$1,500
These are real numbers from real weddings. Not worst case. Not best case. The actual range depending on your venue, your choices, and what matters most to you.
Rentals
This is where budgets get surprised. Rentals vary enormously depending on your venue — what's included, what's needed, how much infrastructure the space requires. My advice: budget $6,000-$8,000 to start and build from there. I'd rather you have that number in your head from day one and be pleasantly surprised than have it appear at the end and feel blindsided.
The Extras
Then there are the things that add up outside the main budget: a welcome dinner the night before, the dress, a shuttle, take-home gifts. And alcohol — always look for a venue that allows you to bring your own. It's one of the most significant savings available to you and more venues offer it than couples realize.
I recommend getting everything into the budget from the beginning so you can digest the real number. If things come in cheaper you'll be thrilled. If you've been holding a rosy number in your head and reality hits at the end, you'll be miserable. I'd rather have the honest conversation on day one.
If you want to talk through what your wedding might actually cost — no pressure, no pitch — reach out. Consultations are always free. Contact us here.