Stop Guessing What Vendors Actually Cost
Calculate exact vendor budgets with real 2025 pricing data. Photography averages $4,650. Planning $5,000. Catering $3,200. Build your budget in minutes.
Interactive Vendor Budget Calculator
Customize your budget by guest count and service level. Pricing based on real vendor data from 36 estate wedding specialists.
Photography
Full-day coverage with second shooter, engagement session, and complete gallery delivery. Estate weddings require outdoor lighting expertise.
Planning & Coordination
Full-service planning with vendor coordination, timeline management, and day-of execution. Estate specialists handle permits and logistics.
Videography
Full-day filming with drone coverage, highlight reel, and complete ceremony/reception videos. Cinematic editing and music licensing included.
Catering
Per-person pricing for full meal service with portable kitchen setup. Estate catering requires complete infrastructure and experienced staff.
Floral Design
Ceremony and reception arrangements with bridal party flowers. Large installations and seasonal blooms impact pricing significantly.
DJ & Entertainment
Sound system, MC services, and reception entertainment. Estate venues require powerful equipment and backup systems for outdoor setups.
Hair & Makeup
Bridal styling with artist team for wedding party. On-site service at estate venues with trials and touch-up coverage included.
Lighting & Decor
Ambient lighting, uplighting, and decorative installations. Estate properties often need generator power and extensive equipment.
Transportation
Guest shuttles and wedding party transport. Estate venues with limited parking require coordinated shuttle services and backup vehicles.
Cake & Desserts
Custom wedding cake with delivery and setup. Multi-tier designs, specialty flavors, and dessert bars increase costs.
Budget Allocation Strategy
Invest Most In:
- • Photography & Videography (capture memories forever)
- • Wedding Planner (prevents costly mistakes)
- • Catering (guests remember the food)
Save Smartly On:
- • Transportation (standardize with shuttle services)
- • Cake (beautiful does not require expensive)
- • Lighting (focus budget on ceremony and reception)
Complete Pricing Breakdown by Category
Real 2025 pricing ranges with detailed breakdowns of what you get at each tier. Know exactly where your money goes.
Photography
6 hours coverage, digital gallery, one photographer
8 hours coverage, second shooter, engagement session, digital + prints
10+ hours, two shooters, engagement + day-after session, albums, unlimited prints
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate weddings need photographers experienced with outdoor lighting, property logistics, and timeline flexibility. Budget photographers often lack backup equipment essential for remote properties.
Wedding Planning
Month-of coordination, day-of execution, timeline creation
Full planning from 6 months out, vendor recommendations, timeline and budget management
Full-service from engagement to day-of, vendor negotiation, design services, unlimited meetings
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate planners handle permits, coordinate 10+ vendor teams, manage property access, and solve logistics challenges that do not exist at traditional venues. Budget planners typically lack this specialized experience.
Videography
Highlight reel only, single videographer, 3-5 minute edit
Highlight + full ceremony/speeches, two videographers, drone coverage, 8-10 hours
Cinematic storytelling, multi-day coverage, drone + gimbal, same-day edit, documentary style
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate properties offer stunning aerial shots but require FAA-certified drone pilots. Budget videographers rarely have drone capability or experience filming at private properties with access challenges.
Catering
Buffet service, limited menu, basic staff, disposable serviceware
Plated dinner, full bar, experienced staff, china and glassware, chef-designed menu
Custom menu creation, sommelier service, action stations, premium ingredients, farm-to-table
Estate Wedding Considerations
Per-person pricing shown. Estate caterers bring portable kitchens, generators, refrigeration, and full infrastructure. Traditional venue caterers cannot operate at private properties without these capabilities.
Floral Design
Bridal bouquet, 4 bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, ceremony arrangement
Full bridal party flowers, ceremony arch/altar, 8-12 centerpieces, cocktail arrangements
Large ceremony installations, 15+ centerpieces, escort card display, statement pieces, luxury blooms
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate properties often need larger installations to fill ceremony and reception spaces. Outdoor ceremonies require weather-resistant arrangements and backup plans for seasonal bloom availability.
DJ & Entertainment
Reception DJ only, basic sound system, 4 hours
Ceremony + reception, MC services, dance lighting, 6-8 hours, song requests
Multi-room sound, live musicians, custom lighting design, photo booth, extended hours
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate venues require powerful outdoor sound systems, backup equipment, and generators. Budget DJs with single speaker setups cannot adequately cover large estate properties or handle power failures.
Hair & Makeup
Bridal hair and makeup only, one trial, salon location
Bride + 3-5 party members, two artists, on-site service, trials included
Full bridal party, 3+ artists, on-site all day, multiple trials, touch-ups, airbrush makeup
Estate Wedding Considerations
On-site service essential for estate weddings where bridal parties stay at the property. Artists need experience with outdoor wedding makeup that withstands weather and photography lighting.
Lighting & Decor
Basic uplighting, 8-12 lights, standard installation
Uplighting, string lights, dance floor lighting, monogram, design consultation
Architectural lighting, chandelier installations, landscape lighting, custom gobos, LED design
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate properties need extensive lighting for pathways, outdoor ceremony spaces, and reception areas. Generator power and weatherproof equipment essential. Budget packages rarely include sufficient coverage.
Transportation
Bridal party transport only, 1-2 vehicles, 3 hours
Bridal party + guest shuttles, 2-3 vehicles, 5-6 hours, coordinated schedule
Luxury fleet, vintage cars, unlimited shuttles, all-day availability, professional chauffeurs
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate venues with limited parking require coordinated shuttle services. Drivers need property access familiarity and backup vehicles for schedule changes or mechanical issues.
Cake & Desserts
2-tier cake, basic design, standard flavors, pickup only
3-4 tiers, custom design, specialty flavors, delivery and setup, tasting included
4+ tiers, intricate sugar flowers, premium ingredients, dessert bar, multiple tastings
Estate Wedding Considerations
Estate deliveries require setup at specific times coordinated with caterers and planners. Outdoor reception desserts need temperature considerations and covered display areas.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Common Add-On Fees
- • Travel fees for vendors outside 50-mile radius
- • Overtime charges beyond contracted hours
- • Equipment rentals not included in base package
- • Service charges and gratuity (typically 18-22%)
- • Rush delivery fees for photos/videos
Questions to Ask Every Vendor
- • What is included in your base package price?
- • Are there any additional fees not listed here?
- • What happens if we go over contracted time?
- • Do you charge travel fees for our location?
- • What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Vendor Budget Questions Answered
Everything couples ask about wedding vendor pricing, budgeting strategies, and cost-saving tactics. Real answers based on 36 vetted vendors.
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Browse our network of 36 vetted vendors with transparent pricing across all 10 categories. Every specialist pre-screened for estate wedding expertise.
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