Let’s be honest: feeding over 150 people is not cheap. In today’s wedding world, the average cost of servicing food and basic beverages for 150 to 275 guests starts at around $28,000, and that’s before you add rentals, candles, florals, decor, and design. But here’s the thing: there’s nothing wrong with spending money on a wedding when it’s rooted in what matters most to you. There’s still very much a place for the large, traditional wedding in today’s world.

^{Photo by Jamie Denise Photography, Venue is The Griffin House, Oregon}

These events are high-energy, high-reward. From the moment guests walk in, there’s a celebratory buzz that just can’t be replicated in smaller groups. But they require detailed planning and a strong team to execute well. A good rule of thumb? Expect to spend about $1,000 per guest when you tally up all the major components: venue, catering, rentals, floral design, entertainment, photographer and videographer, planner, and bar.

Venues in the Portland and Seattle markets are commonly $10,000 to $25,000 for a one-day rental. Add 25+ guest tables, three courses of plated meals, cocktail hour apps, a full-service bar, late-night snacks, and floral on every surface, and you’ll quickly see why numbers climb. But with a planner in your corner, you won’t walk blindly into budget decisions. We become your soundboard, timeline manager, and strategic partner.

And let’s clear up one myth: larger weddings don’t always mean more stress. Planning is about preparation and partnership. We help you choose vendors who complement each other’s timelines, contracts, and expectations. This isn’t just about booking people, it’s about orchestrating a team.

Your wedding is your vision, and the right planner helps you execute it in the most seamless, elevated way possible.

✨ Want to bring a big, beautiful wedding vision to life without the overwhelm? Head to Luxe Event Productions to learn more. Let’s make magic happen. Who’s your planner?