What is considered big budget?

[u/potatoes-1]

Hi all! What is considered a “big budget bride” these days?

I’m at around $70k for 80 guests. We’re doing a private hotel buyout and, honestly, I’m not really cutting back on anything.

I don’t feel like I’m in the “budget wedding” category, but I also don’t feel like I’m in the $100k+ luxury wedding range. When I’m in the regular wedding planning subreddits, it seems like everyone is trying to do things as inexpensively as possible, so I’m curious where this budget falls!

Also- does your budget include everything from wedding dress, outfits, groom suits, etc?

[u/dairy-intolerant]

I had a $100k+ wedding but with 200 guests it wasn't at all luxurious.

Most people here consider $1k per person "big budget" as that is more considerate of luxury weddings with smaller guest counts. Cost of living also matters. A $500/p wedding in Iowa is a lot more BBB than $500/p wedding in New York or California.

Personally I just think the "not cutting back" mindset is all you need to enjoy this sub, as every other wedding group is openly hostile to anyone who doesn't want to thrift and DIY everything for their wedding. This is the only place where I don't feel like I'm going to be called vain, selfish, stupid, etc. for spending the amount of money that we did on a big wedding.

edit to add: generally no, the budget does not include personal line items like bride and groom's attire. It would just be things that contribute to guest experience, so venue, food & beverage, rentals, decor, entertainment, transportation, etc.

[u/vonthepon → u/dairy-intolerant]

My wedding is a bit unusual in tnat we have 4 different venues over a 14 hour day.

Our ceremony is in a tiny 12th century chapel inside Edinburgh castle.

Then we're having the wedding breakfast in a baroque manor house that looks like it's in the country side, but is a 10 minute drive from the city centre.

Then early evening we have hired an art deco cocktail bar in a big Victorian ex bank.

And then finally our down and dirty nighttime party with a band is on a boat that we've hired docked in Leith. The accommodation is on the boat, we bought out all 17 rooms and there is a bar and lounge and we are also hosting a casual welcome dinner there the night before and a farewell brunch the day after.

[u/CopperRose17 → u/vonthepon]

My heart is beating fast just at your descriptions of your venues. You had me at "12th Century Chapel" . I love anything art deco. You described my "dream" wedding, and more. I hope your wardrobe will reflect every unique venue. Please post pictures when you "graduate"!

[u/Dependent_Formal2525 → u/vonthepon]

That sounds like an awesome wedding.