What is the Average Cost of a Wedding in Kansas City?
Your wedding day – You’ve probably been dreaming about this day for ages, and now it’s finally here. You’ve got a stash of magazine cutouts, a Pinterest board bursting with ideas, and you’re ready to kickstart the planning process. From the music to the food, the attire to the decor, you’ve certainly thought it all through. And after that, the inevitable conversation about the B word… BUDGET. We get it. Your wedding day is likely the grandest event you’ve planned so far, and it comes with a multitude of details and vendors, all of which add up. And trying to do figure it out without knowing the average cost of a wedding in Kansas City is so difficult. As a professional Kansas City wedding planner, I’m here to help shed a bit of light on wedding costs.
We’ve broken down what to expect for your main wedding expenses, as well as some unexpected areas to consider.
Now, let’s talk priorities. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of expenses, have a heart-to-heart with your partner and anyone contributing to the big day. Here are a few questions to ask:
- What are the 3 biggest priorities for your wedding day? Are there any non-negotiables?
- Knowing your priorities and any non-negotiables can help you better allocate your budget, knowing you may want to spend a little more on the most important areas.
- Who is contributing financially? Are they giving a lump sum or covering specific areas?
- Traditionally, one partner is “responsible” for paying a majority of the wedding expenses, while the other partner may cover things like the florals, the officiant, the rehearsal dinner, and the marriage license. (But if you haven’t caught on yet, we aren’t tied to tradition around here). Discuss with anyone who’s financially involved about what this looks like and what you’re including in your overall wedding budget.
Breakdown of a Typical Kansas City Wedding Budget:
According to the Wedding Report, the average cost of a Wedding in Kansas City with 100-150 guests is between $36,678 and $44,828.
| ITEM | PERCENTAGE OF BUDGET | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Venue/Food and Beverage | 49% | Plated meal packages usually start around $55/person Buffet packages start around $25/person $19,600 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Attire | 5% | $2,000 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Beauty | 2% | Avg. hair and makeup services: $100-$150 per service $800 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Cake | 2% | Most bakers start at a base cost of $7/slice $800 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Favors/Gifts | 2% | If you’re not super excited about favors, this is an easy thing to cut from the budget $800 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Flowers/Decor | 8% | Avg. bridal bouquet cost: $200 Avg. attendant bouquet cost: $85 Avg. centerpiece cost: – Low & Lush: $100 – Tall: $200 Avg. large installations: $800-$1,200 $3,200 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Invites/Stationery | 2.00% | $800 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Entertainment | 8.00% | Avg. cost of DJ: $1500 Avg. cost of Band: $3500 $3,200 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Photo/Video | 10.00% | $4000 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Transportation | 2.00% | $800 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Wedding Planner | 3.00% | Wedding Management Package: 3-5% Full-Service Package: 10-15% $1,200 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Wedding Rings | 2.00% | $800 based on a $40,000 budget |
| Extra | 5.00% | $2,000 based on a $40,000 budget |
We’ve covered the big-ticket items, but what about the sneaky expenses that often slip under the radar? Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Getting ready space: Consider booking your hotel room the night before for early access or extending your venue rental for prep space.
- Additional beauty needs before the wedding day: Don’t forget about trials, waxing, tanning, skincare treatments, and beard trims.
- Ceremony sound equipment: Ensure everyone hears those vows loud and clear.
- Shipping and postage for stationery: Unique envelopes and vintage stamps can add up.
- Welcome bag fees: Some hotels charge per bag for distribution or delivery.
- Late-night/after-hour charges: Factor in pick-up and breakdown fees for rental items and sometimes even floral arrangements.
Remember, a well-planned budget is the cornerstone of a stress-free and unforgettable wedding day.
September 28th, 2023 at 2:18 pm
OMGGG I’m so glad you broke this down!! This is perfect for couples planning their wedding!!