Planning a Baltimore Wedding? Here's Your Budget Breakdown

Congratulations Baltimore brides and grooms - you're engaged! Now it's time to start planning your dream Charm City wedding. But where do you begin with your wedding budget? This comprehensive Baltimore wedding cost guide will walk you through budgeting for every part of your big day.

Baltimore Wedding Costs - The Big Ticket Items

Venue - $5,000

Plan for approximately 10% of total budget

Catering - $14,000

$90/person for food plus $50/person for alcohol, for 100 guests

Photographer - $3,000

Average cost for professional wedding photographer

Videographer - $3,000

Average cost for professional videographer

Wedding Planner - $3,300

Average for full service planner in Baltimore

Florist - $2,800

Flowers for bouquets, centerpieces, decorations

Wedding Dress - $2,350

Average in Maryland for dress and alterations

DJ - $950

Average cost in Baltimore area

Cake - $750

3-tier cake serving 100 guests

Stationery - $3,000

For 100 invited guests

Hair/Makeup - $1,000

For bride plus bridesmaids

Wedding Bands - $1,400

For both bride and groom

Transportation - $500

Limousine or party bus

Wedding Party Attire - $2,000

For 10 attendants

Finding the Perfect Baltimore Wedding Venue

The venue is one of the biggest wedding budget items. In the Baltimore area, plan to spend approximately 10% of your total wedding budget on the venue. For example, with a $50,000 wedding budget, you would want to keep venue costs around $5,000. 

When researching Baltimore wedding venues, inquire about the following:

- Rental fees - some charge for tables, chairs, linens, while others include them 

- Additional rental requirements - lighting, draping, audiovisual equipment

- Setup and cleanup fees 

- Labor fees for venue staff 

- Parking availability and associated costs

- Catering policies - some venues require use of their approved caterers

Browse venue options like hotels, restaurants, museums, gardens, parks, barns, and historic buildings in Baltimore. Get quotes for potential venues before booking to get an accurate budget number.

Budget-Friendly Baltimore Wedding Venues

For more affordable Baltimore wedding venues, consider:

- Restaurants and bars during non-peak hours 

- Public parks and gardens - permit fees are often under $100/hour

- Unity halls, VFW halls, and community centers  

- Maritime venues - many offer discounts for off-season weddings

Having an initial venue budget will guide you as you search for the perfect place to say I do!

Catering Costs for Baltimore Weddings

Food and drink is typically the largest wedding expense after the venue. Catering costs per person generally start around $90 for plated dinners in the Baltimore region, with more budget options like buffets starting around $50 per person. 

For a 100 person wedding with plated dinner at $90/head, expect catering costs around $9,000. Then add $5,000+ for an open bar.

Questions to Ask Baltimore Wedding Caterers

When researching Baltimore area wedding caterers, inquire about the following:

- Menu prices - provide your estimated headcount to get accurate quotes

- Included rentals - linens, tables, chairs, glassware, plates, and flatware rentals add up  

- Service, gratuity, and tax - ask what percentage is added and if there are small group surcharges

- Cake cutting and serving fees if providing your own wedding cake

- Corkage and bartender fees for alcohol

- Overtime fees if the reception runs long

- Changes to the contract if guest count decreases

Saving on Baltimore Wedding Catering 

Ways to lower your Baltimore wedding catering costs include:

- Opt for heavy hors d'oeuvres, stations, or family-style service instead of formal plated meals

- Choose brunch, lunch, or dessert reception menus 

- Skip the open bar and offer beer/wine or a few signature cocktails 

- Look for venues that allow you to supply your own alcohol

- See if your caterer offers wedding menu discounts on off-peak days like Fridays or Sundays

Getting quotes from several wedding caterers will help create your Baltimore wedding food and beverage budget.

Photography and Videography for Baltimore Weddings

It’s important to invest in a photographer and videographer to document your special day. In the Baltimore region, average wedding photography costs are $3,000 and videography also averages $3,000.

Hiring a Baltimore Wedding Planner

An experienced wedding planner is invaluable for coordinating vendors, creating a timeline, and troubleshooting any issues so you can relax and enjoy your Baltimore wedding. In this region, costs typically start around:

- Day-of coordinator: $1,000 - $1,500

- Month-of coordinator: $1,800 - $2,500 

- Full service planner: $3,000 - $3,500+ 

Questions for Potential Baltimore Wedding Planners

Regardless of service level, ask planners about:

- How many hours of service they provide. 12 months of planning? 6 months? Only day-of?

- If they create decor like centerpieces and signage for you

- Whether they handle setup/cleanup the day of the wedding

- How many weddings they work on at one time - do they limit number of clients? 

- If they are personally on-site coordinating on the wedding day

- What types of emergencies they are prepared to handle  

An experienced Baltimore wedding planner provides invaluable service making your big day go smoothly. They manage critical logistics and timing so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

Baltimore Wedding Attire and Accessory Costs

From dresses to tuxes and more, here are typical Baltimore wedding attire and accessory costs.

Research Baltimore wedding dress shops, tuxedo rentals, jewelers, and more. Knowing price points allows for better wedding attire budgeting.

Baltimore Wedding Stationery 

From save-the-dates to invitations to signage, stationery adds up. Budget approximately $30 per invited guest. For 100 guests, that's $3,000.

Stationery costs include: 

- Save the date cards/postage - $0.50+ each 

- Invitation suites with envelopes and RSVP cards - $1.50+ per invite

- Postage for mailed invites - $0.55+ each

- Wedding website - $12/month

- Day-of paper goods - programs, menus, signage

Order wedding invitations 4-6 months in advance and purchase postage well ahead of time.