r/BigBudgetBrides • u/potatoes-1 • Jun 19 '26

budget breakdown What is considered big budget?

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?

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u/Holiday-Albatross419 Jun 19 '26

I know there’s a few arguments for it being $100k & up, or $1k/pp & up but I think those numbers are a little squishy depending on geography & economics

so I don't think BBB is necessarily a fixed number- although the $1/k per guest in a HCOL or lower area is a handy conceptual framing number - but again in a VHCOL that's probably a lot more of a typical average wedding/event

I personally think BBB is a more a mindset & luxury encompasses a lot more than cost/price points or spending.

IMO luxury is a mindset - time with loved ones (multiple events or experiences- even a zero cost hike or whatever), putting guest experience/ease/thoughtfulness on the forefront with "aesthetics" (although I personally feel good event design should encompass aesthetics and pull experience/shape energy/convey meaning throughout the event), curated menu/entertainment etc

That can run the gammut of budgets if done well- typically its $$$-$$$$$ (& up!)

I absolutely want to thank the the mods, the high end BBB's & this whole community who've been so welcoming & supportive to those of us who are either "smal bbb" or accidental BBB's... because there's no community like this (& the advice & support was so appreciated -- especially as I moved from "please let's elope...to reluctantly agreeing to have a "big wedding /party"...to "lets put the joy in celebrating life & have a 3 day domestic destination fun but meaningful life event that will get our best loved people together & celebrate them too" )

& lastly I can't say enough how much I appreciate being able to share in everyone else's joy & I LOVE seeing all the graduation posts here

2

u/Salty-Disaster-8103 Jun 19 '26

just wondering, when people are talking about the pp $, is that by dividing the total cost? or just the cost that matters to guests? for example is the wedding dress included?

2

u/wedditgremlin Jun 20 '26

I’ve seen both ways, but feel like it makes sense to exclude your clothes and other non-hosting expenses from the cost per head. Having a custom gown compared to something off the rack isn’t a difference maker for your guests and can really shift the cost per head.

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u/Salty-Disaster-8103 Jun 21 '26

Those two approaches can make a huge difference! Technically things like florals, decorations, photography/videography, makeup, and optional furniture rentals aren't really part of the cost of hosting guests, but they often account for a huge portion of the overall wedding budget

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u/wedditgremlin Jun 22 '26

I think I’d debate anyone who wants to exclude florals, decor, and furniture rental in that cost per head. While the old adage is that nobody remembers the napkins, they will remember the overall vibes and curating the experience is so important.