The morning of your wedding should be fun, relaxing, and full of laughter and popped champagne bottles before the big “I do!” If there’s one thing that can help start your morning off on the right foot, it’s the perfect wedding morning playlist. To help keep your day as stress-free as possible, we’ve curated a wedding getting ready playlist that will have you and your wedding party dancing in your hair and makeup chairs. Turn up the volume and bust out your best dance moves, because you’re getting married!
I Like You (A Happier Song) – Post Malone, Doja Cat
Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) – Elton John, Dua Lipa
Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
Sunday Morning – Maroon 5
Follow the Entire Wedding Getting Ready Playlist Here:
Don’t want to put this entire playlist into your own Spotify account? Don’t worry, we created the playlist for you. These little details are just one way we’re here to help make your wedding day as seamless as possible. And while you’ve got your wedding morning on your mind, check out these adorable getting ready robes for your bridesmaids!
At the beginning of your wedding planning journey, your first step will be to talk money. You’ll create a budget that’s comfortable for both you and your significant other. This magic number will play an important role in hiring vendors, finding your dream venue, and so much more. But let’s be real. Sometimes you set a budget, and before you know it, you go over it. We’ve seen this happen many times, and it can be frustrating for those looking to keep a close eye on their spending.
Underestimating your wedding expenses can really cost you in the end. Either you’ll have to cough up more money, or you’ll have to rearrange funds to make up for the costs. Both sound incredibly stressful. That’s why we want to make sure you have realistic budget expectations from the start.
We’ve polled our Instagram audience to see what they expect to spend in each wedding category, and we’re comparing these numbers to the averages to see if there’s a gap between what people expect to pay and what they ultimately dish out.
Wedding Invitations
Wedding invitations give your guests a sneak peek into your wedding. So, of course, you want them to be stunning and match your theme. But they also need to have all the important wedding details as well. That can get expensive quickly. When we polled our audience on Instagram, the majority said they expect to pay between $100-$300 total for their wedding invitations.
The price of invitations will vary based on your design, printing style, paper quantity, and quantity. But the average cost typically ranges between $300 and $700 for both invitations and envelopes. While close to the average, Instagram underestimates the cost of wedding invitations slightly.
Of course, you could always opt for electronic invites or just create a wedding website with all the must-know information. This will undoubtedly save you money. But, if there’s room in your budget, try and stick with paper invites. They’re extra special to receive in the mail, they’ll make for a nice keepsake, and your photographer will appreciate this when it comes to capturing your flatlay.
Expected costs: $100-$300 Average costs: $300 and $700
Venue costs vary substantially. We’re taking into consideration lowkey backyard spaces, lavish banquet halls, and everything in between. With the different venue locations, sizes, and guest capacities, our average venue costs will vary quite a bit. And our Instagram poll is proof.
The final votes from our Instagram poll were scattered. Yet, the slightest majority leaned toward the $8,000+ range. And they’ve got it right. The average wedding venue typically hovers around $10,000. But when it comes to searching for your dream venue, to get the most accurate pricing estimate, do a little research on the average costs of spaces in your local area that’ll fit your number of guests.
Expected costs: $8,000+ Average costs: $10,000
Realistic Breakdown of Fashion Costs
When thinking about fashion, we’re not just referencing your wedding day outfit. While your wedding dress, jumpsuit, or tux will inevitably take up the majority of your fashion budget, there’s so much more involved. You also have to consider your accessories like jewelry, ties, shoes, veils, shapewear, etc. While these all may seem like small, insignificant details, they can add up quickly.
Wedding dresses generally fall between $1,500 to $2,500. Purchasing a suit averages between $300 and $500. If you want to wear a veil, you can expect to pay around $250. Those all together will leave your budget around $3000, but that doesn’t include shoes, ties, jewelry, headbands, etc.
When we polled Instagram, our audience said they were expecting to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for their fashion. While that is doable, these numbers fall much lower than the average. It’s estimated most couples will spend between $3,000 and $5,000 to complete both wedding ensembles. When calculating your budget, make sure you take into account all the nitty-gritty fashion details beyond just your dress or suit. This will help prevent any surprises down the line.
Expected costs: $1,000 and $3,000 Average costs: $3,000 and $5,000
Photographer and Videographer Costs
Your wedding day will go by in a blink of an eye. That’s where your photographer and videographer become important. Their goal is to capture your special day so you can relive your cherished moments for years to come. Unsurprisingly, when we polled our Instagram followers, they estimated to spend $3,000+ on their photographer and videographer.
On average, most couples spend between $1,500 and $2,500 on their wedding videographer and between $3,00 and $4,000 for their photographer. This is, of course, dependent on location, add-ons, and hours of coverage.
Expected costs: $3,000+ Average costs: $3,000 to $4,000
With wedding flowers typically being one of the most important wedding decor details, it’s crucial that you don’t underestimate your floral budget. You want to ensure an accurate price estimation before meeting with potential florists. It’s important to note that the price of your flowers depends on the style of flowers you choose, the seasonality of your flowers, the amount of arrangements you need, the size of your arrangements, delivery costs, etc.
With all those details in mind, our Instagram audience estimated wedding flower costs in 2023 to be between $500 and $2,000. This would be the case for those planning a small, intimate wedding. But couples wanting a large, floral-filled wedding can expect to pay, on average, around $3,000 minimum.
This number might have you considering a DIY project, but keep in mind that hiring an experienced florist can actually save you money. That’s right! They can make suggestions on ways to bring your vision to life within your wedding budget. As long as you come to your initial consultation with an open mind, you can create some floral magic regardless of your budget.
Expected costs: $500-$2000 Average costs: $3,000
Wedding Cake Costs
Wedding cakes come in many shapes and sizes, and their costs are closely tied to those factors, including the cake’s design and level of intricacy. As our Instagram audience correctly guessed, the average cake price for 2023 typically falls between $350 and $500.
If you’re aiming for a small and simple cake, you’ll find yourself on the lower end. However, for those with more elaborate visions, be prepared for your cake to be on the higher end. Sharing an inspirational image with a prospective bakery can help you get a more accurate quote based on your specific design.
Expected costs: Less than $500 Average costs: $350-$500
Music sets the scene for essential moments, such as the walk down the aisle, the reception entrance, and even your first dance. It’s also the secret to getting your guests moving and grooving on the dance floor. If you’re looking for a fun night of dancing, skipping on the music is simply not an option for your big day. And if you agree, set aside an average of $1,000 to $2,000 for a wedding DJ or live band.
Expected costs: $1,000 to $2,000 Average costs: $1,000 to $2,000
Average Wedding Catering Costs
Before estimating your overall wedding budget, we want to give you a little food for thought—pun intended. To get a truly accurate price, you need to know two things: the style of catering you want and your guest count.
Catering costs are often calculated per person, averaging around $75 per plate. So, if your guest list falls within the 50-100 range, you can anticipate a catering bill ranging from $3,500 to $7,500. It’s important to remember that this number typically doesn’t include expenses related to the bar, alcohol, or dessert.
Expected costs: $2,000+ Average costs: $3,500 and $7,500
Creating a wedding budget is overwhelming. First, you have to decide on the overall number you’re willing to spend on your big day. Then, you have to make decisions about where to put your money. These average estimations should help get you on the right track. But, before you actually meet with potential vendors, use our budget tool to get organized.
Madison and Aaron wanted to make their wedding feel modern and reflect their love for the city of Austin, which is why they planned a special weekend for their out-of-town loved ones who came to celebrate with them. They initially dreamed of an all-white wedding, but when they discovered their florist’s incredible work, they were inspired by the vibrant flowers they could incorporate–and about five months before the big day, they changed their color palette from all-white to a burst of vivid colors. Thanks to this change, their South Congress Hotel wedding on a beautiful spring day was elevated to a whole new level. And they couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out!
Their venue, located in the heart of Austin, perfectly embodied the chic and modern vibe the pair wanted for their big day. Their talented team created a stunning scene for their vows, with Nordic wooden chairs and colorful blooms lining the aisle. Lush floral pillars beautifully framed the couple, adding a touch of magic to the moment. The romance reached new heights as the celebration transitioned to the indoor reception area. The tablescape was adorned with vibrant centerpieces, but the true highlight was the breathtaking floral installation above a black and white checkered dance floor.
Florals and color can transform every space into a romantic setting, and this wedding is a shining example of that enchanting magic. So keep scrolling for all the modern and floral-focused inspo beautifully captured by Junebug member Nikk Nguyen.
My bridal style vision was editorial, with simple lines and overall chic. I am not much of a bling or lace girl, so I went into bridal shopping knowing what I didn’t want. My dresses were from the designer Sarah Seven, and her whole vibe perfectly encaptured what I wanted and how I felt as a bride.
Choosing an Intimate Wedding Party to Keep their Big Day Relaxed and Calm
Getting married in our 30s, we had each been to many weddings in our day. We decided to have just our siblings and my best friend, just two people on each side, for our wedding party. Aaron has two brothers, and I have one sister and my ultimate bestie, Ellen. It made the day so much less chaotic as well. Getting ready with my mom, Aaron’s mom, my sister Delanee, and my best friend Ellen set the tone for a calm and loving day.
A Memorable Coffee Together Before the Big Day
The most memorable part of our day was waking up together and trying our best to soak it all in. We spent the night before in our suite and wanted to mitigate those nerves and “first look” anticipation. Before all the madness began, we walked in our pajamas to Manana coffee together. It set the tone for an incredible day. So many people encourage you to take moments to soak it all in. And we really did take that to heart. I don’t feel like the day escaped us or that we didn’t allow ourselves to experience the day’s magic. We truly savored every moment with each other, our families, and our guests.
A Tailored South Congress Hotel Wedding Ceremony and Personalized Vows
We each wrote our vows. We loved sharing our love with guests who traveled near and far to celebrate our day. Aaron’s best friend Ben officiated, and he gave a wonderful ceremony that was tailored to our relationship. It was light and fun, which is what we asked for.
A South Congress Hotel Wedding That Ticked All the Right Boxes
The South Congress Hotel checked all the boxes for us—a chic, modern reflection of Austin right in the heart of the city. We wanted our guests to experience the iconic street of South Congress Avenue. And all the fantastic restaurants, shops, and bars it offers without getting a ride across the city. Our wedding planner was the glue that held us all together. Without her expertise and guidance, I couldn’t have done any of this planning. She was along for the ride while I changed my vision, offered tons of resources and support, and was there from the beginning to the end.
A Unique DIY Polaroid Seating Chart
I had a vision of a Polaroid seating chart. Getting photos of each guest and showcasing them for our reception was something that everyone loved. I loved finding pictures, seeing who should be seated together, and having that vision come together.
Avoiding Planning Fatigue by Prioritizing the Essentials for Their South Congress Hotel Wedding
You can’t give one hundred percent to every detail. Choose a few things that you want to focus on. Ours was the music and the guest experience. Decision fatigue is real. And as much as you think you can give your time and energy to every aspect, it’s impossible. Hiring your team of vendors who understand your vision is essential for those small choices you may not have the time or energy to pour into.
Congratulations to Madison and Aaron on their modern and colorful South Congress Hotel wedding. And a special thank you to Junebug member Nikk Nguyen for capturing all the beautiful details and wonderful memories this couple will cherish for the rest of their lives. To see more of Nikk’s talent, check his profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.
Florals and a well-chosen color palette have the incredible power to breathe life and personality into any space. They set the mood, tell a story, and create an atmosphere that lingers in memory. Curious to know how to make the most of these design elements for your own special day? Don’t miss our comprehensive floral checklist and color palette guides to ensure your celebration is as unforgettable as the one you’ve just witnessed.
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