Wedding Investment Calculator

Don’t know where to start with your wedding budget? We don’t believe your wedding should cost an arm and a leg, so we include A LOT of amenities to help you focus on the things that matter most TO YOU! Walk through this tool to see what you’ll dedicate your funds to. (Aside from venue rental, these are VERY general estimates). Then check out some budget tips!

 

Looking for wedding budget tips? Here are few handy ways to prioritize your budget and still have the wedding of your dreams!

  • Opt for a non-Saturday! Sunset Oaks offers $1,000+ off, and many other wedding vendors offer lower rates on non-Saturdays as well.

  • Choose your guest list wisely. It’s true- you can’t invite “everyone.” You can expect each guest to cost you approximately $50-75 per person (food, alcohol, cake, etc), so choose guests who you genuinely want to celebrate with. Ask about “micro weddings!”

  • Unpopular opinion- suggest a “kid-free” wedding. Parents really DO need a night out, and you still have to count kids in your catering bill.

  • Decide if alcohol is a priority. Alcohol immediately adds at least $1,000 in cost for10 guests in cost for basic beer/wine when you account for Bartender(s), Security Guard(s), cups, and alcohol.

  • Use a florist! Yes, it sounds counter intuitive, but florists have decor in house. They are magicians and can add an immeasurable level of aesthetic without much effort on your part, so you can spend your time optimizing your other costs. You will spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, and countless hourse on tiny details that florists can handle in the blink of an eye.

  • Skip the favors. We often see couples stress over extras like favors, s’mores bar, etc. then skip the “bones” of the operation like DJ, Caterer, Photographer, and Florist, and let me tell you- they are MORE stressed. Stick to the basics then add the extras when everything else is paid for. Your guests won’t mind.

  • Don’t try to OVER DIY. Etsy, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon boxes will pile up, and so will the credit card bill. Focus on the basics: DJ, Caterer, Photographer, Cake, Coordinator, and Florist.

  • Choose local vendors to minimize delivery/travel fees. It helps if you venue is close to a major town (like Tyler!)

  • Find a venue that offers loads of inclusions like tables, chairs, ice, DECOR TO BORROW, outdoor games, and more!

  • Cake alternatives- Here’s a secret: A LOT of cake is often wasted, and the bigger/more elaborate the cake, the more expensive (obviously). Perhaps go with a smaller cake to cut and some cupcakes. The Sunset Oaks decor closet is full of items to make your cake/cupcake table look amazing!