The Ultimate Budget Guide for Estate‑Style (Non‑Traditional) Weddings
A wedding doesn’t have to follow a one‑size‑fits‑all template. If the idea of a non‑traditional celebration in a cozy cabin or a grand estate has you excited, you’re in the right place. Think of this guide as your go‑to resource for understanding the budget ranges and cost categories that come with an estate‑style wedding. From minimalistic ceremonies in the backyard to elaborate, multi‑day events at a luxe villa—it’s all about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Estate‑Style?
- Budget Overview: Key Categories
• Venue & Accommodations
• Food & Drinks
• Decor & Rentals
• Vendors & Services
• Attire & Accessories
• Stationery & Invitations
• Additional & Hidden Costs - Sample Budget Tiers & Tables
- Tips & Takeaways
- Conclusion
1. Introduction: Why Estate‑Style?
Estate‑style (or short‑term rental) weddings let you tailor your celebration exactly to your taste. Instead of booking a traditional venue for a few hours, you can have:
- Multiple days of festivities (rehearsal dinner, next‑day brunch, pool party—go wild!).
- Personal touches without rigid venue rules.
- Flexible guest counts, whether you invite 15 or 150 (though large gatherings require careful host approval).
- A home‑away‑from‑home atmosphere—turn a property into your own private wedding oasis.
Some couples host a 2‑hour casual ceremony in the backyard with homemade refreshments. Others transform a sprawling estate into a full‑blown, multi‑day wedding wonderland. The range is huge, so the budgeting approach should be, too!
2. Budget Overview: Key Categories
Every wedding budget (traditional or not) generally breaks down into these categories:
- Venue & Accommodations
- Food & Drinks
- Decor & Rentals
- Vendors & Services (photographer, coordinator, etc.)
- Attire & Accessories
- Stationery & Invitations
- Additional/Hidden Costs (permits, insurance, etc.)
In an estate‑style wedding, Venue & Accommodations often merge into a single category—the property you rent doubles as your lodging and event space. That’s the beauty (and cost‑saver) of this approach.
3. Venue & Accommodations
This is usually your biggest expense. You’re renting a property that could range from a rustic farmhouse to a modern villa with ocean views. Most wedding‑friendly properties start at $5,000 for a multi‑night stay, but you can certainly spend more if you’re aiming for a larger or more luxurious spot.
Cost Ranges (3‑Night Stay)
| Property Type | Sleeps | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Small–Mid (event‑friendly) | 8–20 | $5 K – $8 K |
| Large / Luxury Mansion | 20+ | $9 K – $15 K+ |
Event or cleaning fees may add $500–$2,000.
Tips
- Off‑Peak Seasons: Mid‑week or off‑season bookings can yield huge savings.
- Extended Stays: Some hosts discount longer rentals—perfect for setup, wedding, and teardown.
- Platform Choice: Booking through a wedding‑focused platform (like WedStay) offers clear pricing and event‑friendly policies, reducing the risk of “surprise” host cancellations.
4. Food & Drinks
In a non‑traditional setting, food & drink can be as simple or lavish as you desire.
| Catering Style | Cost per Guest | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Food Trucks | $15–$35 | Casual, eclectic menus (tacos, sliders). |
| Full‑Service Caterer | $40–$100+ | Traditional multi‑course meals. |
| DIY / Potluck | $5–$15 | Friends/family pitch in or wholesale shop. |
| Hybrid | Varies | Bartender + minimal waitstaff while you supply food. |
Beverage Approaches
- Open Bar: $15–$30 per guest (plus bartender fees).
- Self‑Serve: Wholesale runs, coolers/kegs, simple cocktail station.
- BYOB: If property permits, guests bring their own—have ample glassware/disposables.
5. Decor & Rentals
Leverage the property’s charm to cut down on décor.
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Tables & Chairs | $3–$10 per chair, $10–$20 per table |
| Linens | $8–$20 each |
| Lighting | $100–$500 total (string lights, lanterns) |
| Flowers & Greenery | DIY $200–$600 • Pro $1 K–$3 K+ |
| Extra Decor (arches, signage) | $50–$500 |
Savings Tips
- Focus on Key Areas: Beautify high‑traffic zones; use natural features.
- Strategic DIY: Pick a few statement projects you can handle without burnout.
6. Vendors & Services
You’ll hire vendors à la carte—flexible and sometimes more cost‑effective, but requiring coordination.
| Vendor | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Photographer | $1.5 K – $4 K |
| Videographer | $1 K – $3 K |
| DJ / Live Band | $600 – $2.5 K |
| Day‑of Coordinator | $500 – $1 K |
| Full‑Service Planner | $3 K – $6 K |
| Florist | $500 – $3 K |
| Officiant | $200 – $600 |
Logistics Check: Confirm parking, load‑in space, event insurance, and electrical capacity.
7. Attire & Accessories
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wedding Dress | $300 (off‑rack) – $3 K+ |
| Suit/Tux | $200 – $1 K |
| Shoes & Accessories | $50 – $500 |
| Hair & Makeup | $100 – $300 per person |
8. Stationery & Invitations
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Digital Invites | Free – $100 (premium) |
| Printed Invites | $1–$5 each (basic) • $15–$20 (upscale) |
| Signage & Programs | $50–$200 |
A wedding website is perfect for multi‑day estate weddings.
9. Additional & Hidden Costs
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Event Permits | $100 – $300 |
| Insurance | $100 – $300 |
| Cleaning / Trash | $50 – $200 |
| Security Deposit | $500 – $2 K (refundable) |
| Weather Control (heaters/fans) | $50 – $100 each |
10. Sample Budget Tiers & Tables
All for a 3‑night estate‑style wedding with ~50–60 guests.
Tier 1 – Minimalist / DIY ( $10 K – $15 K)
| Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Lodging | $5 K – $6 K | Smaller property, off‑peak |
| Food & Drinks | $1 K – $2.5 K | DIY or simple food truck |
| Decor & Rentals | $500 – $1 K | Leverage scenery |
| Vendors & Services | $1 K – $3 K | Friend DJ, mini photo pkg |
| Attire & Accessories | $300 – $1 K | Casual dress & suit |
| Stationery & Invites | $100 – $300 | Mostly digital |
| Extras / Hidden | $500 – $1 K | Insurance, cleaning |
| Total | $10 K – $15 K |
Tier 2 – Mid‑Range / Balanced ( $20 K – $30 K)
| Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Lodging | $6 K – $8 K | Mid‑size estate |
| Food & Drinks | $3 K – $5 K | Buffet or multiple trucks |
| Decor & Rentals | $1 K – $3 K | Moderate florals & lighting |
| Vendors & Services | $3 K – $6 K | Pro photo, DJ, partial planner |
| Attire & Accessories | $1 K – $2 K | |
| Stationery & Invites | $300 – $600 | |
| Extras / Hidden | $500 – $1 K | |
| Total | $20 K – $30 K |
Tier 3 – Luxe Experience ( $40 K +)
| Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Lodging | $9 K – $15 K+ | Luxury mansion |
| Food & Drinks | $8 K – $12 K+ | Premium catering & bar |
| Decor & Rentals | $3 K – $6 K+ | Lavish florals, furniture |
| Vendors & Services | $7 K – $15 K+ | Top photographer, planner, band |
| Attire & Accessories | $2 K – $5 K+ | |
| Stationery & Invites | $600 – $2 K | |
| Extras / Hidden | $1 K – $2 K | |
| Total | $40 K+ |
11. Tips & Takeaways
- Define Priorities: Splurge on what matters (food, photo, venue) and trim elsewhere.
- Compare Costs: A $5 K rental covers lodging and event space—often a net save.
- Check Host Guidelines: Verify noise, guest limits, and vendor rules before booking.
- Multi‑Day Stays: Turn rehearsals, ceremony, and brunch into a mini‑vacation.
- Balance DIY & Pro Help: Hire a day‑of coordinator; lean on friends for décor.
- Contingency Fund: Set aside 10–15 % for surprises.
- Insurance: Many hosts (and counties) require it—worth every penny.
12. Conclusion
An estate‑style wedding offers flexibility, intimacy, and often cost‑efficiency. By understanding budget categories and realistic ranges, you can plan a celebration that’s personal, memorable, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re inviting 20 friends for a backyard ceremony or going all‑in at a luxury mansion, it all comes down to celebrating love in a way that feels authentic.
Ready to get started? Fire up the spreadsheets, picture your perfect property, and remember—you’re not just planning a wedding; you’re crafting an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Happy Planning and Cheers to Your Non‑Traditional “I Do”!