How much should we budget for a wedding in St. Louis, and what are the big cost drivers?
Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming once you start adding the numbers up. If you are building a wedding budget in St. Louis, Missouri, you have likely seen wildly different estimates online. One source says weddings here are “affordable,” while another makes it feel impossible to stay under six figures.
This guide is designed to help you set clear, realistic expectations. Below, we break down the true St. Louis wedding cost range, explain what actually drives your total, share example budgets, and walk through how wedding payment plans typically work, so you can plan confidently and avoid surprises.
The Quick Numbers: Missouri Averages vs. a Realistic St. Louis Range
Nationally, the average wedding cost now lands in the mid-$30,000s. In Missouri overall, couples often see lower averages, typically $25,000–$30,000, thanks to lower venue and labor costs in rural and suburban areas.
St. Louis, however, is its own market. Weddings in the St. Louis metro area often land above the Missouri baseline due to:
Strong venue demand during peak seasons
Catering tied to venue requirements or exclusivity
Higher staffing costs for full-service events
More couples are prioritizing guest experience (bar, entertainment, and design)
A Realistic St. Louis Wedding Cost Range
Most couples planning a wedding in the St. Louis metro area can expect the following ranges:
Lower range: $18,000–$25,000
Smaller guest count with simplified vendor choicesTypical range: $28,000–$40,000
Higher-end range: $45,000–$60,000+
A helpful early planning tool is estimating costs by guest count. For many St. Louis weddings, a realistic planning number is $225–$325 per guest, depending on service level, catering style, and bar offerings.
Wedding Budget Breakdown: Where the Money Actually Goes
When couples feel shocked by their total, it is usually because they are thinking in line items rather than categories. Here is a simplified breakdown of where wedding budgets typically go.
Typical Budget Allocation
Venue, catering, and bar: 40–50%
This often includes space rental, food, alcohol, staffing, tables, chairs, linens, and sometimes basic rentals.Photography and videography: 10–15%
Photography is a top priority for many couples, and videography is increasingly common. Experienced professionals often start around $4,000+.Music and entertainment: 5–10%
DJs are generally more budget-friendly than live bands.Florals and décor: 8–12%
This category is highly flexible depending on design goals and floral choices.Attire and beauty: 5–8%
Includes attire, alterations, and hair and makeup.Planning and coordination: 5–10%
Full-service planning versus month-of coordination impacts this range.Stationery and signage: 2–3%
Transportation and miscellaneous fees: 2–5%
Key takeaway: Venue-related costs dominate the budget, and many decisions ripple outward from that one choice.
The Biggest St. Louis Wedding Cost Drivers
Not all wedding expenses behave the same way. Understanding fixed versus variable costs is one of the most powerful budgeting tools couples can use.
Guest Count
Guest count directly affects:
Catering
Bar
Rentals
Staffing
Invitations and favors
Cutting 25 guests can save thousands, often more than trimming décor or favors ever could.
Catering Style and Alcohol
Per-person costs change dramatically based on:
Plated vs. buffet vs. stations
Staffing ratios
Open bar vs. limited bar
House selections vs. premium upgrades
Venue Type
All-inclusive venues: Fewer surprise costs and more predictable budgeting
Blank-slate venues: Greater flexibility, but additional rentals, staffing, and coordination
Many couples searching for affordable wedding venues in St. Louis find that all-inclusive venues often provide the clearest financial picture.
Season and Day of the Week
Peak Saturdays (May–October) are the most expensive. Fridays, Sundays, and off-season dates can unlock meaningful savings.
Entertainment Choice
A DJ is usually the most cost-effective option for a full reception. Booking early and choosing off-peak dates can help manage costs.
Three Example Wedding Budgets
These examples are illustrative, not rules, but they can help ground expectations.
Example 1: Intimate Celebration (50 Guests)
Estimated total: $18,000–$22,000
Venue and catering/bar: $9,000
Photography: $3,000–$4,000
DJ: $1,200
Florals and décor: $2,000
Planning, stationery, and miscellaneous: $3,000
Ideal for couples prioritizing experience over size.
Example 2: Mid-Size Wedding (100–125 Guests)
Estimated total: $28,000–$38,000
Venue and catering/bar: $16,000–$20,000
Photography: $4,000–$6,000
DJ: $1,500
Florals and décor: $3,500
Planning, stationery, and miscellaneous: $4,000–$6,000
This is where many St. Louis weddings land.
Example 3: Large Celebration (150–200 Guests)
Estimated total: $45,000–$60,000+
Venue and catering/bar: $25,000–$30,000
Photography and videography: $7,000–$9,000
Entertainment: $2,000–$5,000
Florals and décor: $5,000–$8,000
Planning, stationery, and miscellaneous: $6,000+
Hidden Wedding Costs Couples Often Forget
Even well-organized couples can be surprised by these additional expenses.
Commonly Missed Costs
Service charges (often 20–28%)
Sales tax on food, beverage, and service fees
Required gratuities
Delivery, setup, and strike fees
Overtime charges
Ceremony flip fees
Permits or insurance requirements
Transportation for guests or the wedding party
Welcome events, signage, or favors
Questions to Ask Every Vendor
Is the service charge included in the quote?
Does sales tax apply to all line items?
What triggers overtime?
What is not included that couples usually need?
Comparing proposals apples-to-apples is one of the fastest ways to protect your budget.
Wedding Payment Plans: What to Expect
Most couples do not pay everything at once, and that is normal.
How Wedding Payment Plans Typically Work
Retainer or deposit: Due at booking (often 25–50%)
Milestone payments: One or two scheduled payments
Final balance: Typically due 14–30 days before the wedding (sometimes earlier for venues)
Final balances are usually due before the event, not after, so this is important to plan for early.
Sample Payment Timeline
12 months out: Venue booking and deposit
9 months out: Photography deposit
6 months out: Planning milestone payment
30 days out: Final balances due
Budgeting Tips
Align payment dates with income cycles
Ask vendors if milestone dates are flexible
Track everything in one spreadsheet
If you want to meet multiple vendors at once and discuss pricing face-to-face, attending Off White The Wedding Show can be a helpful early budgeting step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average wedding cost in St. Louis?
Most couples land between $28,000–$40,000, with each additional guest adding $200–$300 once food, bar, rentals, and staffing are included.
Why is catering so hard to estimate in St. Louis?
Catering includes more than just food:
Meal style
Staffing levels
Rentals
Bar packages
Venue rules or exclusivity
To compare accurately, request quotes using the same details every time: date, venue, guest count, service style, and bar expectations.
What hidden fees should we budget for in Missouri weddings?
Mandatory service charges
Sales tax on food, beverage, and service fees
Food and beverage minimums
Overtime and delivery fees
Always ask for an all-in estimate.
Are there affordable wedding venues in St. Louis under $10,000?
Yes. Many couples find options under $10,000 by choosing:
Smaller guest counts
Non-Saturday dates
Venues that include rentals and staffing
You can explore our curated list of recommended venues for more options.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “right” number, only what aligns with your priorities. A thoughtful wedding budget in St. Louis, Missouri, is less about cutting corners and more about understanding where your dollars have the most impact.
If you want help meeting trusted wedding vendors in St. Louis, comparing options, and building a realistic plan, Off White is here to help. Join us at The Wedding Show or explore The Collective, our curated list of recommended wedding professionals.