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Planning your dream wedding in Milwaukee starts with setting a realistic budget. Understanding the costs associated with vendors, venues, and other essentials will help you prioritize your spending and avoid unexpected expenses. In this guide, we’ll break down average Milwaukee wedding costs and provide tips on how to create a budget that works for you.
Step 1: Determine Your Total Budget
Before diving into specifics, figure out how much you and your partner (along with any family contributions) are willing to spend. In Milwaukee, the average wedding cost ranges between $30,000 and $60,000, though it can be higher or lower depending on guest count, venue, and personal preferences.
Step 2: Break Down Your Budget by Category
Below are the typical wedding expenses and their average costs in Milwaukee:
1. Venue & Catering: 40-50% of Budget
Venue Rental: $3,500 - $8,000
Catering (Per Person): $50 - $150
Bar Service: $15 - $40 per person
Rentals (Tables, Chairs, Linens): $1,000 - $4,000
2. Photography & Videography: 10-15% of Budget
Photographer: $3,000 - $6,000
Videographer: $2,500 - $5,000
3. Wedding Planner or Coordinator: 5-10% of Budget
Full-Service Planning: $6,000 - $12,000
Month-of Coordination: $1,800 - $3,500
4. Florals & Decor: 10-15% of Budget
Floral Arrangements: $2,500 - $7,000
Lighting & Decor: $1,500 - $5,000
5. Entertainment: 5-10% of Budget
DJ: $1,500 - $3,500
Live Band: $5,000 - $15,000
6. Attire & Beauty: 5-10% of Budget
Wedding Dress: $1,500 - $4,500
Alterations: $300 - $800
Hair & Makeup: $200 - $600 per person
Suits: $150-400 per person (We partner with Generation Tux! Use our code BPREDWOODWI for $$ off of your suit rentals, FREE suit for the Groom if you have 7+ rentals)!
7. Stationery & Favors: 3-5% of Budget
Invitations: $500 - $2,000 (We partner with Minted for 25% off of your invites, and 35% off of save the dates and other paper stationary-- Use our code WEDPLREDWOODWED)
Favors: $300 - $1,000
8. Miscellaneous Costs:
Marriage License: $110
Tips & Gratuities: $500 - $1,500 (click here to view our gratuity guideline for suggestions on how to tip your vendors!)
Transportation: $500 - $2,000
Step 3: Adjust Your Budget Based on Priorities
No two weddings are the same, and your budget should reflect what matters most to you. If having an incredible photographer is your top priority, allocate more funds toward that and cut back on areas that are less important to you. For my own wedding, music, food and bar was most important so we cut costs on things like decor and flowers.
Step 4: Track Your Expenses
Staying on top of your spending is crucial to avoid going over budget. We recommend using a wedding budget spreadsheet to track deposits, remaining balances, and due dates.
📌 Download our FREE Milwaukee Wedding Budget Template to stay organized! Download Here!
Step 5: Plan for Hidden Costs
Many couples forget to account for taxes, service fees, and gratuities. Here are some common hidden costs:
Venue service charges (20-25%)
Vendor travel fees for remote locations
Dress alterations and steaming
Cake-cutting and corkage fees
Post-wedding expenses (thank-you cards, dress preservation, etc.)
Need Help Creating Your Wedding Budget?
Budgeting can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! At Redwood Weddings, we help couples navigate their finances while still creating the wedding of their dreams.
📌 Interested in working with us? Schedule a consultation today!
Photos: Alex Rodriquez Photo
Venue: Ingleside Hotel and Noble Victory Chapel
Florist: Avant Garden in Delafield Wisconsin
Hair and Makeup: Belviso Co
DJ, Photobooth, Dancefloor: Vital Image Studios
Draping and Ceiling Decor: Heavenly Creations
Planning, Coordination and Decor Setup: Redwood Weddings and Events WI
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