I won’t bore you with the details. How much does the average wedding cost in Austin, TX in 2024? In the range of $60,000 – $120,000. For In Ink Weddings, we typically see couples spending $400-$800 per guest (to help you do some quick math). Let’s dive into where those numbers come from!
First Things First: Every Austin Wedding Is Unique
Factors that play into the cost of your Austin wedding day include:
- guest count
- time of year
- day of the week
- location
- level of expertise your vendors provide
- if you’re a minimalist or maximalist couple
The Breakdown: How much does the average vendor wedding cost in Austin?
Austin Full-Service Planner Cost: $8k-$15k
How is this number calculated? Many planners use percentage-based pricing. For example, if the percentage is 10% and you spend $100k on your wedding, the planner will collect $10k. (Keep in mind, many planners also have a starting price or a “minimum” that must be met.)
Austin Event Manager (Wedding Coordinator) Cost: $2.5k-$4k
If opting to not have a full-service planner, you’ll be investing in an event manager. To learn more about the difference between full-service and event management, check out our services page.
Austin Wedding Venue Cost: $7k-$15k
You’ll notice the day of the week and the time of the year play a HUGE role in pricing – sometimes there will be quite drastic differences. Here are some tips and tricks to consider while on your venue hunt.
Austin Wedding Catering Cost: $15k-30k
Your options are buffet, plated, or family style. The number above reflects plated/family style. For a buffet, your average will be around $35-$50 per person.
Alcohol: $2k-$6k
There are some great calculators out there to help determine how much booze you’ll need. Your bartending and/or catering team are also great resources.
Austin Wedding Photographer Cost: $7k-$12k
Let me be clear – do. not. skimp. on. your. photographer. You’re investing in the person collecting all the memories from your day. Make the photos worthy of adoring!
Austin Wedding Videographer Cost: $4k-$8k
Pricing will depend on packages such as the amount of coverage you desire and the length of your wedding video.
Austin Wedding Florist Cost: $7k-$15k
Items to consider for example include: Bridal bouquet, bridesmaids bouquets, groom/groomsmen/family boutonnieres and corsages, ceremony/cocktail hour/reception florals, cake flowers, flat lay floral pieces, misc. table flowers for the bar, welcome table, and seating chart. The average cost of a wedding florist in Austin will also depend on the type of florals and greenery you select.
Austin Wedding DJ Cost: $2.5k-$3.5k
Like photography, don’t go cheap on this. Think of your DJ as the host of your wedding – no one wants a boring one that can’t keep the vibes going.
Band: $8k-$15k
Why so much? You’ll typically have 5-8 members, figure in the hours of practice, hours day-of, the amount of set-up/tear down that occurs, travel, learning new songs, and being your ultimate hype group for the evening. Some bands cover your ceremony/cocktail music as well.
Rentals: $4k-12k
This includes china, flatware, linens, lounge furniture, bars, and other fun items to make your wedding pop!
Beauty for one: $600-$1k
This includes your bridal trial and day-of hair/makeup.
Cake: $1k-$3k
The average cost of a wedding baker in Austin will also depend on if you’re getting a small cake with an additional sheet cake or one massive cake. Generally, we recommend purchasing cake for 75% of your guests. You’d be surprised how much goes to waste!
Day-of Paper/Signage: $3k-8k
Programs, welcome signs, seating charts/displays, bar menus, table menus, directional signage, etc.
Invitations: $1k-$4k
Are you printing from an online template store or using a custom designer? Also, are you or the designer assembling the invites?
Officiant: $500-$800
The level of personalization and whether you want the officiant present for rehearsal will determine this cost.
Transportation: $5k-$8k
For transportation, you are typically charged a minimum of 4 hours and the meter is running from the time of pick up before the ceremony to the end of the night when dropping off your guests.
Getaway Vehicle: $300-$800
Chauffeured or no chauffeur? This will play a factor as well as the type of vehicle.
A quick tip to lower the cost of your Austin Wedding:
Lower the guest count. As mentioned, if each guest costs an average of $400-$800, you’re saving $1,200-$3,200 just by nixing 4 people from your guest list. When creating your guest list ask these questions:
- When was the last time I interacted with this person?
- Will they be a part of my life in the next 3 years, or is our friendship circumstantial?
- Is this someone who will champion my marriage?
- Have they picked up the phone to call me in the last year?
And there you have it! The average cost of a wedding in Austin.
Here’s the thing – working with a local Austin wedding planner will help you stay on budget, but it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with costs and the things that will influence this. Our goal is to educate you to ensure you make the right financial decisions leading into your marriage.
Part of our full-service planning package includes budget management, however, if you are an event management client, you can also add on this service with planning hours! Drop an inquiry here and we’ll chat about which service is right for you.
