100 Person Wedding Budget: Real Costs, Smart Saves, and What to Expect

When you’re planning a wedding for 100 person wedding budget, the total cost of hosting exactly 100 guests at a wedding event, including venue, food, attire, and services, you’re not just picking a dress—you’re building a financial plan that holds up under real pressure. This isn’t about luxury for luxury’s sake. It’s about making every dollar count while still having the day you want. A wedding catering cost, the expense of feeding wedding guests, typically the largest single line item after the venue alone can eat up 40% of your budget if you’re not careful. For 100 guests, that’s often $5,000 to $12,000 depending on whether you go buffet, plated, or food stations. And yes, that’s before the cake, drinks, or servers.

Then there’s the wedding photographer hours, the number of hours you hire a photographer to capture your wedding day, directly affecting cost and coverage. Most couples think eight hours is enough, but if your ceremony starts at 3 PM and the reception runs until midnight, you’re probably underbooked. And don’t forget the who pays wedding, the traditional and modern expectations around which family or couple covers specific wedding expenses. In Australia and the UK, it’s less about rigid rules now and more about what works for your family. Maybe your parents help with the venue, your in-laws cover the cake, and you handle the photographer. Or maybe you’re footing it all yourself—and that’s totally fine. The key is talking early, setting boundaries, and knowing what’s negotiable.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly how much you need to feed 100 guests without going broke, how to time your cake order so you don’t pay extra, and whether you really need two photographers. We’ve got real examples from couples who pulled off a beautiful 100-person wedding for under $20,000—and others who spent way more and still felt the pinch. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the hidden costs no one tells you about—like last-minute floral delivery fees or overtime charges for your DJ. This isn’t a fantasy budget. It’s a practical toolkit built from real weddings, real people, and real money decisions. Whether you’re aiming for elegant simplicity or full-on celebration, the right choices here will make your day feel rich without draining your account.