Budget · 8 min read
What a Charleston wedding really costs in 2027
By Josephine Hale, founder
The question we hear most, usually in a whisper on the first call, is “what does it actually cost?” Here is our honest answer for a Saturday wedding in Charleston, with 120 guests, in spring or fall.
Most of the couples we planned for in 2026 spent between $52,000 and $95,000 on the whole celebration, including our fee. The biggest single line is almost always food and drink, at around a third of the total. The venue and rentals come next, then flowers and decor, photography and film, and music.
Where the money goes
- Catering and bar: about 36% of what you spend with vendors. Charleston caterers price per guest, and the bar is often the easiest place to save.
- Venue and rentals: about 28%. A beautiful empty room can cost more in the end than a dull one that comes with tables and chairs.
- Florals and decor: about 12%. Seasonal, local flowers go further.
- Photo, film and music: about 17% together, and the last place we’d cut.
Three ways to spend less
Move to a Friday, Sunday or Thursday (see below). Choose a winter date: December to February rates are often 10 to 20 percent lower. And trim the guest list: every guest you don’t invite saves around $285 at a typical Charleston wedding.
Want your own numbers? Our budget estimator uses the same figures we use on discovery calls. It’s an estimate only, but it’s a good place to start the conversation.
