Dallas tx wedding - is $20k a reasonable budget?

Hey Kelsey! Welcome to the WeddingWire community!

I think this is a very realistic budget for a Saturday wedding in Dallas! Off the bat, some ways you can keep costs down are by having a cheaper catering option, such as BBQ, Italian or Mexican! You can also do a beer and wine bar instead of a full open bar! In Dallas, the average couple spends about $5,000 on ceremony and reception venues! We have great cost guides that can give you the averages for your area, I'll link the venue one below!

Dallas Wedding Venue Cost Guide

I am also trying to achieve a fabulous wedding on a 20k budget. The most venues seem to start around 5k-7k if you stay more affordable.

But it I am interested to know any tips to help keep prices low

Kelsey,

Were you able to accomplish this?
If so would love tips, as I am recently engaged and trying to have the same budget.
Thanks,

Selina

View Quoted Comment Ladies, I was not able to stick to this budget. I wanted an evening of elegance and that’s exactly what I got. My husband and I realized mid way through planning, we can’t take money with us and in ten years are we going to be upset about spending the extra money to make our dreams come true or will we look back fondly on these fantastic memories we created.
I spent ~$32k on a mansion style venue with in house catering and an open bar. We each had an outfit change during the reception, we hired a full wedding planner and a getaway vehicle at the end of the night. I also had 6 bridesmaids and two flower girls. They all cost money so cut down on your attendants. These were things we chose but y’all can cut these items and potentially stay closer to budget. Good luck!

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Hey Kelsey,

My sister is planning on getting married in Dallas next year. Could you share with us your cost breakdown and if you have any recommendations. She's also thinking of having a wedding that would cost less than $20k.

Hoping to keep my 100 guest wedding at 15k, 16 max. It's been a challenge, but so far with some negotiating, prayers, and a lot of digging, I found:

Ceremony Venue: $1300, Reception Venue: $1700 (includes tables, chairs, linens, centerpeices, set-up/take down), Photographer/Videographer: $1600 (all day, includes engagement video), Cake: $400 (includes 1-year anniversary cake), Photobooth: $375 (includes attendant, unlimited prints, customizable background and a photobook), DJ: $450 (includes dancing on a cloud & cold sparklers), Wedding Painter: $750, Charcuterie Board for cocktail hour: $650, Floral Resin Preservation: $100. I have under 8k left to do dress/attire, ceremony flowers, dinner, drinks, hair/makeup, and misc. Wish me luck!

It is possible to keep it under 20k if you put enough effort into finding vendors.

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Where did you find a reception venue for $1700 in Dallas?!?! That's amazing!