Planning your dream wedding can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. At Island View Waterfront, we’ve seen it all—from elaborate celebrations to intimate gatherings—and we know one thing for sure: a solid budget is the foundation for a stress-free wedding day.
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or fine-tuning the details, this guide will help you allocate your budget effectively and keep track of every dollar.
1. Set Your Overall Budget
Before diving into specifics, determine how much you’re comfortable spending. The average wedding budget ranges from $17,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on your vision.
2. Break Down Your Budget
Here’s a typical breakdown to help you prioritize:
Venue & Catering: 40%-50%
This includes your venue rental, food, and beverages. At Island View Waterfront, our wedding packages start at $5,400 for a 12-hour single-day rental or $7,650 for our signature wedding weekend. We’ve partnered with locally owned caterers who can customize a menu to suit your taste and style. Plus, if you have a favorite licensed and insured caterer, you’re welcome to bring them along for an additional fee.
Photography & Videography: 10%-15%
Capture every special moment to relive for years to come.
Attire: 8%-10%
Includes the wedding dress, groom’s attire, and any accessories.
Entertainment: 8%-12%
A DJ or live band keeps the energy up and your guests dancing all night.
Floral & Décor: 8%-10%
Bring your vision to life with beautiful arrangements and décor that complement our stunning waterfront backdrop.
Other Essentials:
Stationery (invitations, programs): 3%-5%
Wedding Planner/Coordinator: 5%-10%
Transportation: 2%-3%
Favors & Gifts: 2%-3%
3. Leverage Our Curated Vendor List
Island View Waterfront provides a carefully curated list of trusted vendors at various price points and packages. From florists to DJs, we’ve partnered with the best to ensure your wedding is seamless and memorable.
4. Consider Wedding Insurance
Unexpected events can happen, and wedding insurance offers peace of mind. There are two main types to consider:
Cancellation Insurance: This protects you if your wedding needs to be postponed or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances like illness, extreme weather, or a vendor no-show. The cost typically ranges from $150 to $500, depending on the size and complexity of your event.
Special Event Insurance: This covers liability for damage to the venue or injuries during the event. For most weddings, special event insurance costs between $150 and $300.
While insurance isn’t mandatory, it’s a wise investment to safeguard your big day. It helps mitigate the financial risk of anything going wrong and ensures you can enjoy your celebration stress-free.
5. Plan for the Unexpected
Set aside 5%-10% of your budget for unexpected costs, like last-minute vendor changes or extra décor items.
6. Maximize Your Venue Package
At Island View Waterfront, we pride ourselves on being the best value on the Chesapeake Bay. Our flexible packages cater to the DIY-savvy couple or those working with a planner to create a truly personalized event.
Final Thoughts
A well-planned budget allows you to focus on what truly matters: celebrating your love with family and friends. Let us help you create a seamless, memorable experience.
Let’s see if we’re the right match!
Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality at Island View Waterfront
Island View Waterfront offers a flexible approach to wedding planning, allowing you to customize your package to suit your needs and budget.
Island View Waterfront is committed to making your dream celebration a reality.
Contact us today to schedule a tour and start planning your unforgettable wedding or event.
Wedding Website: www.islandviewwaterfrontevents.net
Instagram: Island View Waterfront Venue, Essex Maryland
Photos by https://timelesspv.com
About us: Island View Waterfront is an independent, locally-owned wedding venue near Baltimore Maryland. We have been family owned and operated since 1968. What started as a small bar and marina (read the history here), we are proud to be the current stewards of this waterfront property on the Chesapeake Bay.
When you choose an independent, locally owned venue like ours, you work directly with the owner, and third generation operator Jessica, throughout your entire wedding planning process!
We are committed to supporting other locally owned wedding venues around the country. A shout-out to the following venues who are offering their continued support and encouragement:
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