Houston Wedding Budget — What-If Simulator

Drag any control to see the total update instantly. Ranges are based on 2026 Houston-area vendor pricing. Built for early-stage planning — treat every number as a placeholder until you get real quotes.

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Catholic parishes often run $500–$1,000 for members, up to ~$1,800 for non-members; Protestant/nondenominational churches are typically $200–$800. Set to $0 if marrying at your reception venue.

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Organist/cantor ~$150–$400, or a string trio/soloist for an outdoor ceremony ~$300–$800.

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Altar arrangements, aisle décor, pew markers — separate from reception florals below.

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Houston average: ~$250–$500 depending on customization/travel. (If your priest/pastor fee is already folded into the church fee above, you can lower this.)

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Many churches offer this free or donation-based; independent counselors run $350–$900 for a multi-session package.

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Rental fee only. Off-peak (summer) shown; Peak season adds ~15%. Range: $2,000 simple hall/backyard → $20,000 upscale estate/hotel.

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Per-guest food cost. Heavy apps/cocktail ~$40–70 · Buffet ~$60–90 · Plated ~$100–150.

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Tip for servers/bartenders, on top of any built-in service charge. Standard is 15–20% of the food + bar total.

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Per guest. Skip or lower this if your venue package already includes furniture.

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A 9x9 dance floor runs ~$185/day, an 18x18 (fits 200 guests) runs ~$485–$745/day; add a small stage/riser for band or head table.

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DJ typical range: $650–$2,000.

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Houston average for photography alone: ~$2,700–$4,500 depending on guest count/hours.

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Scales with estimated table count (16 tables at ~8 guests/table).

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Per-serving cost. Simple buttercream ~$5–6/serving → fondant/tiered specialty ~$10–12/serving.

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Bridal party size (incl. bride) × cost per person.

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Bride's side: dress + alterations + veil/shoes/accessories (avg dress alone ~$1,800–$2,500). Groom's side: suit/tux purchase or rental.

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Both wedding bands combined (excludes any pre-purchased engagement ring). Typical combined range: $600–$3,500+.

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Per guest — save-the-dates, invites, RSVPs, thank-you cards.

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Couple's transport only vs. full guest shuttle service for a large venue.

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Usually just wedding party + immediate family, not your full guest list. Backyard/casual ~$15–30/person; sit-down restaurant ~$50–90/person; upscale plated ~$150–200/person.

Day-of Coordinator $0

Since you're planning this yourself, consider a paid day-of coordinator so you can actually attend the wedding.

Taxes & Venue Service Charges $0

Applied to Venue + Catering + Rentals only (TX sales tax ~8.25% + typical venue service fee). Separate from the staff gratuity line above.

Contingency Buffer $0

Applied to everything above. Wedding planners typically recommend 8–15% for surprises.

Estimated Total Budget
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Per guest$0
Subtotal before tax & contingency$0

Cost Breakdown

CategoryAmount%
This scenario is trending well above typical Houston averages for this guest count — you may want to dial back a category or two.