TYPICAL WEDDING COSTS
(Averages in Ulster County, Dutchess County, and Catskills for about 100 guests)
Photo by Céline Druguet.
Photo by Coral Belle Studios.
Wedding budgets are no longer about rigid rules—they’re about informed choices. Knowing realistic costs early allows couples to plan intentionally, reduce stress, and spend where it matters most. Below is a practical, region-specific breakdown of what couples can expect to spend in the Hudson Valley and Catskills for a well-planned, mid-range wedding of around 100 guests.
Venue (site fee only)
$8,000–$18,000
Includes use of the property. Some venues include tables, chairs, or coordination; others are a blank canvas requiring rentals.
Bar Service
$40–$80 per guest
Based on open vs limited bar, length of service, and if local beer/wine or specialty cocktails are featured.
Photography
$4,000–$8,000
Typically includes 6–10 hours, editing, and a digital gallery. Albums are often additional.
Videography
$3,000–$7,000
Pricing varies by coverage length, number of shooters, and edit style.
Flowers and Floral Design
$4,000–$9,000
Covers personal flowers, ceremony and reception, setup, and breakdown.
Music
DJ: $1,800–$3,500
Live band: $6,000–$12,000+
Attire
$1,500–$5,000 per person
Includes dress or suit and alterations. Accessories are typically additional.
Hair and Makeup
$800–$2,500
Includes trials and wedding-day services for the couple and sometimes attendants.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator
Full-service planning: $5,000–$10,000
Partial planning: $2,500–$5,000
Month-of/Day-of: $1,500–$3,500
Catering(food only)
$100–$200 per guest
Family-style and stations tend to fall mid-range; plated dinners and premium menus trend higher.
Invitations and Stationery
$600–$2,500
Driven by print method, quantity, and custom design.
Décor & Styling
$3,000–$10,000+
Ceremony and reception décor including arches, tablescapes, lighting, signage, etc.
Rentals (if not included)
$3,000–$8,000Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, tents, lighting, and specialty items.
Transportation
$1,200–$3,500
Guest shuttles and wedding party transport.
Cake and Desserts
$700–$2,000
Cake, dessert table, or a combination of both.
Favors and Welcome Bags
$500–$1,500
Optional and increasingly minimal.
Officiant
$400–$1,200
Secular or religious; varies by preparation and ceremony type.
Miscellaneous/Cushion
5–10% of total budget
For weather plans, overtime, tips, and last-minute additions.
BUDGET REALITY CHECK
A 100-guest wedding in the Hudson Valley or Catskills typically lands between: $45,000–$65,000
(mid-range, thoughtfully planned).
Lower budgets are possible with smaller guest counts or simplified formats. Higher budgets reflect larger scale, luxury venues, or full-service experiences.
Photo by Love Me Do Photography.
WHO TRADITIONALLY PAID—AND WHY THAT’S CHANGING
HISTORICALLY:
• Bride’s family: ceremony, reception, flowers, photography
• Groom’s family: rehearsal dinner, officiant, alcohol
• Couple: attire, rings, honeymoon
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW::
• Couples often pay for the majority themselves
• Parents contribute a set amount rather than specific line items
• Costs are split based on ability, not tradition
• Some families contribute time, hosting, or services instead of cash
This shift reflects later marriages, dual incomes, retirement planning, and a desire for autonomy.
HOW COUPLES ARE BUDGETING SMARTER
• Start with a total comfort number before booking vendors
• Identify three or four top priorities and spend intentionally there
• Hire a planner to avoid costly mistakes
• Choose fewer elements, executed well
One Final Note: A wedding budget isn’t a judgment; it’s a tool. Knowing the real numbers early allows couples to plan with clarity, confidence, and creativity.
