The Cost of a Boston Wedding
The Bottom Line
To briefly summarize average costs in the Boston area:
As a Boston wedding videographer for over a decade, I've had a front-row seat to countless couples' big days across the city and surrounding areas. From lavish celebrations at historic venues to intimate backyard ceremonies, I've experienced the full spectrum of what Boston nuptials have to offer.
One question that inevitably arises during planning is: how much does a Boston wedding truly cost? The overall price tag can feel daunting, with endless vendors, rentals, attire, and other details to account for. However, breaking it down category by category can provide some much-needed clarity. Today, I'll walk through the major expenses to anticipate based on real-world data from my years of experience.
Typical Guest Count: 200-300
For weddings in the 200-300 guest range, which are quite common in the Boston area, costs quickly escalate across virtually every category. Let's dive into the numbers:
Venue, Catering & Rentals
$37,661 - $46,031 No surprise here - this category demands the lion's share of the budget at a whopping 75.8% of total costs. The venue rental itself for a sizable guest list like this will likely run $11,000-$13,600. Food and beverage fees make up over 40% of this bucket as well. See my favorite venues in Boston!
Photography & Video
$2,891 - $3,533 As a videographer, I obviously have a vested interest in this line item! For full videography coverage and a photography package, you're looking at nearly 6% of estimated costs. While high-quality wedding documentation is an investment, it's the only lasting product you'll take away from this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Attire & Accessories
$2,505 - $3,061 Between apparel like the wedding dress, suits/tuxedos, and accessories, this 5% chunk covers the sartorial necessities for a couple's walk down the aisle in style.
Flowers & Decorations
$3,258 - $3,982
Floral arrangements, centerpieces, and other decorative elements combine for about 6.6% of costs. For many couples, these thoughtful touches help transform their venue into their dream wedding setting.
Gifts, Favors & Tips
$1,936 - $2,366 You'll want to allot 2-4% of the budget for gratuities as well as gifts for the wedding party, family members, and small favors for guests.
Smaller Guests Lists: 100-150 & 50-100
Of course, not all Boston-area weddings involve hundreds of attendees. For a more intimate occasion with 100-150 guests, overall costs drop to $42,854 - $52,377 on average. Venues understandably claim a smaller (but still substantial) 48.1% of that total.
Interestingly, jewelry expenses like the engagement ring spike for this guest count, making up 19.7% of costs versus just 5.8% for 200-300 guests. The same $6,000+ ring simply accounts for a higher percentage of a smaller overall budget.
For 50-100 guests, total costs dip to $17,990 - $21,988. Venues take the highest share at 57.5%, with photography/video a still-respectable 14.6% of costs.
No matter the size, prioritize what matters most to you as a couple. Some scaling back on decorations, favors or apparel can offset higher priorities like top-tier photography/videography or an exceptional venue.
Compare Boston’s numbers to Massachusetts as a whole!
These estimates simply represent the historical norms from my own experiences - every wedding is truly unique. As you start planning, solicit quotes from specific vendors to build a detailed budget. With thoughtful preparation and the right team of professionals, your Boston-area wedding can be an absolute dream come true. Let’s talk about your wedding!
