What 60k Looks Like for 175 Guests
One Budget, 3 Guest Lists: What 60k Looks Like for 175 Guests
This morning we shared Part 1 of 3 in today’s wedding budget 101 breakdown based on your guest count with a total budget of $60,000. With some incredible advice from Texas wedding vendors, this gorgeous shoot gives us a visual on how a wedding, even with the same budget, can change based solely on your guest count. So we’re now stepping into part 2 with the same vendors, moodboard and budget but you’ll notice the increase in the volume of flowers used and the intricacy in details like the use of sugar flowers on the cake. Let us know what else you notice with this new guest count of 175:
From the photographer and stylist, Josh & Dana Fernandez: A set of budget items, that had the same exact items and cost, but the total pricing changed due to a smaller guest and bridal party count are below. For frame of reference, the bridal party sizes were as follows: 250 guest count had 12 bridesmaids and 12 groomsmen, 175 guest count had 8 bridesmaids and 8 groomsmen, and the 100 guest count had 4 bridesmaids and 4 groomsmen:
1. Groomsmen Boutonnieres
2. Bridesmaids Bouquets
3. Makeup and Hair
4. Attendant Gifts
5. Favors
6. Sparklers
The wedding budget items that changed due to having more budget because of decreased bridal party size and guest count were:
1 | Planning and Design level of service
As the guest count decreased the level of planning went up as it was assumed that the client would need more help and planning with a larger design budget.
2 | Cake
Buttercup Bakery specializes in sugar flowers, but understands that it isn’t always an option for all budgets. So for the 250 guest count, only real flowers were used but as the guest count went down, more sugar flowers were added in.
3 | Florals
Going from 250 to 100 guests, more floral budget, resulting in not only more flowers overall, but also more premium blooms were used such as peonies and garden rose.
4 | Gown
The gowns increased in price as the guest count went down, starting with a gown that was under $1,000 going up to $6,000.
5 | Chairs
Beginning with the 250 guest count, standard folding chairs were used. We made sure to keep the same wood tone so as to visually show the change in chairs. The 175 guest count used the popular option of chiavari, and you’ll see the chair upgrade for the 100 guest count wedding later today!
6 | Linens
While the colors of the linens changed slighting from each guest count, they were all still referred to as grey in the swatches. The less the guest count, the truer the gray and thicker the fabric with a beautiful texture.
7 | Invitations and paper goods
The baseline that we used for paper (and also the 250 guest count) included Save The Dates, postage, a two-piece invitation suite (invite and RSVP), printed addresses, and table numbers. Then for the 175 guest count, another piece was added to the invites, calligraphy for the addresses, and a program.
8 | Tabletop items
With the 250 guest count, the only item that we had budgeted as a rental was the napkins. Everything else was standard catering plates, flatware, glassware, and glasses. When we went down to the 175 guest count, chargers were added as well as upgraded glasses. 
Our minds are officially blown! Isn’t it crazy how much of a difference just 75 fewer guests can make? One of our favorite budget recommendations is to determine your top 3 priorities as a couple because that will naturally help you decide where to filter a higher or lower dollar amount to your wedding budget. And that’s 411 on your wedding budget 101! 
Can we just take a moment to soak in the beauty of this ruffled wedding dress from Sachin and Babi found at Unbridaled in Houston? #Swoon
If you’re anything like us, you’re on the edge of your seating for the grand reveal of how a guest count of 100 with the same budget, vendors and style can impact your wedding day. So stay tuned for part 3 of the wedding budget 101 that will be shared later this afternoon!
Thoughtfully editing your guestlist is the best way to provide the best experience for your guests and keep your wedding budget in check. Check out this post we shared on 12 questions to ask yourself when curating your guestlist! There are so many ways to trim your budget, but none will be as effective as keeping your guest list small!
Styled Shoot Vendors:
Concept + Photography + Styling: Josh & Dana Fernandez
Planning + Design: Mallory Jackson Ferreira with Two Be Wed
Floral Design: Flower Vibes
Venue: River Oaks Garden Club
Cake: Buttercup Bakery
Makeup and Hair: Hey Lovely Makeup
Gown Designer (100 Guest Count Gown): Pronovias
Gown Boutique (100 Guest Count Gown): Mia Bridal Couture
Veil Designer: Toni Federici via Mia Bridal Couture
Gown Designer (250 Guest Count Gown): Willowby by Watters
Gown Designer (175 Guest Count Gown): Sachin and Babi
Gown Boutique (250 & 175 Guest Count Gowns): Unbridaled
Invitations + Menu + Place Cards + Escort Cards + Table Number + Painted Escort Card Backdrop: Half Moon Lettering
Plates + Louis Side Chairs + Hemstitch Napkins + Table Linens + Flatware + Glassware: Aztec Events & Tents
Table + Lounge Furniture + Armless Linen Chairs + Chivari Chairs + Folding Chairs: Swift + Company
Model: Taylor Morrison