How to Plan a Wedding Budget in Kansas City: A Local Guide

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes stressful) events in life. With so many choices to make and details to consider, one of the first steps every couple needs to take is determining their Kansas City wedding budget. Knowing how much to allocate for each category of your wedding will help you stay organized and ensure that your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of—without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re having a lavish celebration or a more intimate gathering, understanding the costs of a Kansas City wedding budget is key to making smart decisions as you plan. In this blog, we’ll break down typical wedding expenses in the Kansas City market and offer tips for setting and sticking to your Kansas City wedding budget.

Setting a Realistic Kansas City Wedding Budget

Before diving into specific categories, it’s important to take a step back and figure out what kind of wedding you want to have. Do you dream of an extravagant affair with large floral installs at a beautiful venue with outdoor ceremony space or a cozy, more laid-back celebration? Your vision for your wedding will help dictate the budget. But also, it’s essential to have realistic expectations about the costs involved in your Kansas City wedding budget.

The Average Wedding Cost in Kansas City

The cost of weddings can vary greatly depending on factors like venue, guest count, and time of year. However, according to industry data, the average Kansas City wedding cost falls in the range of $20,000 to $35,000. That might seem like a broad range, but there are plenty of ways to adjust this figure based on your priorities.

Here’s a closer look at some of the major expenses you can expect when planning your Kansas City wedding budget:

1. Venue: $3,000 – $10,000+

The venue is usually the largest single expense in a wedding budget. Kansas City offers a variety of beautiful venues, from historic landmarks to chic urban spaces and stunning outdoor locations. Popular venues like The Grand Hall at Power & Light, The Fontaine, or 1900 Building might charge higher fees due to their popularity, while smaller, less traditional spaces can help reduce costs. Wild Rye KC is right in the middle of the Kansas City market as far as budget is concerned and has options to fit really any budget. Choosing to have your wedding not on a Saturday can drastically impact your budget and leave wiggle room for other vendors to make your day perfect, while choosing a Saturday at the ranch can still be cost effective and offer the amenities you are looking for. Finding a venue that offers things like tables and chairs, as well as a decor selection can save a few precious pennies. Another consideration is if the venue has space for you to get ready to avoid having to rent hotel rooms near by or traveling from home to the venue after getting ready.

2. Catering: $50 – $150 per person

The food you serve at your wedding will be another significant portion of your Kansas City wedding budget. A plated dinner will typically cost more than a buffet, and premium menu options like steak or seafood will also drive up the price. On average, Kansas City wedding catering costs range from $50 to $150 per guest. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, consider food trucks like Ragusas Italian, a BBQ buffet from Q39, or a simple cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception with Brancatos.

3. Photography: $2,000 – $5,000+

The photographer you hire will be responsible for capturing your most cherished moments, so it’s worth investing in quality and in my opinion, your most important invesment because this is what lasts a lifetime! Kansas City is home to many talented wedding photographers including Madalynrphotos, kelliophotography, and Samantha holli creative, and pricing can vary depending on the photographer’s experience and package offerings. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for a full-day wedding package, which can include an engagement session, multiple photographers, and edited images.

Videographer is another category that couples have been cherishing the past few years and it really pays off with the beautiful content you can experience again and again, as well as sharing with friends and family and influencers through social media.

4. Entertainment: $1,000 – $3,000

Whether you choose a live band like Lost Wax or a DJ like Alex Reed, entertainment is crucial to setting the tone of your reception. A good DJ is more like an MC making sure the focus is on you and the dance floor ALL NIGHT LONG. Kansas City offers a wide range of talented wedding DJs and musicians, and prices typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a professional service. If you’re looking for a live band, you may pay on the higher end of this spectrum, while a DJ could be more budget-friendly.

5. Attire: $1,000 – $4,000+

The cost of wedding attire can also vary widely based on style, designer, and whether you’re purchasing a gown or renting it. The average bride in Kansas City spends between $1,000 and $2,500 on a wedding dress, but designer dresses or custom designs can run much higher. Grooms’ attire typically costs between $200 and $800, depending on whether you rent or purchase the suit. A way to save on suits can be to look at companies like Hues Formal that sell suits for similar prices to renting one so it can live on as a staple in your wardrobe, hey, it’s called recycling!

6. Florals and Décor: $2,000 – $5,000

From bouquets and boutonnieres to centerpieces and venue decorations, florals and décor can significantly impact your Kansas City wedding budget. For a mid-sized wedding, florals and décor may cost between $2,000 and $5,000, but this number can go up if you’re choosing elaborate floral installations or extravagant décor. Choosing to focus on a few floral pieces and bouquets can help make it extravagant without going over budget. Simple bud vases for tables and larger floral installs from Sweet Chamomile Floral Design for your arbor or head table is seen as an elegant and minimalist approach.

7. Wedding Planner: $1,500 – $3,500+

Hiring a wedding planner can take the stress out of your planning and help you manage your budget more effectively. A full-service wedding planner in Kansas City typically charges between $1,500 and $3,500, depending on their experience and the level of service you require. If you don’t need a full-service planner, you can hire a day-of coordinator to help with logistics at a lower cost. Choosing to utilize Wild Rye’s in-house planning option can save stress and money with the help to choose vendors that will make your day seamless.

Hiring a planner can save you money on other vendors in several ways. Sometimes a planner can take on a task that another vendor may charge for for less, such as cake cutting or bussing after the caterer leaves. They can also save money by gaining you discounts on other vendors in their trusted network or just by knowing more vendors than you can search for. The stress saved is worth it when you aren’t supposed to be an expert in the wedding industry, leave that to us!

8. Other Costs: Invitations, Transportation, Favors, and More

Other wedding expenses may include wedding invitations ($300-$600), transportation like TC Transportation ($500-$1,500 for a limo or shuttle), wedding favors ($2-$5 per guest), and additional items like hair and makeup, which can range from $100 to $300 per person. Don’t forget to also factor in a tip for your wedding vendors—generally 10-20% of their service fee.

Tips for Staying on Track with Your Kansas City Wedding Budget

1. Prioritize: Identify the areas that matter most to you and allocate your budget accordingly. If a great photographer is a top priority, consider cutting back on less important areas, like wedding favors or certain décor items.
2. DIY and Personal Touches: There are many ways to save money without compromising on quality. Consider DIY projects for invitations, centerpieces, or wedding favors, or ask friends and family for help with things like flowers or event coordination.
3. Be Flexible with Dates: If you’re open to getting married on a weekday or during the off-season (winter months), you may be able to negotiate lower prices on venues and vendors.
4. Research Vendors: Kansas City has a vibrant community of wedding vendors, so take time to research and read reviews before making decisions. Don’t hesitate to reach out to vendors for quotes and inquire about discounts for off-peak times.
5. Create a Contingency Fund: Wedding planning can come with unexpected costs. Set aside 10-15% of your Kansas City wedding budget as a contingency fund for any last-minute expenses.

Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding in Kansas City is an exciting journey, and having a solid budget will help keep you on track as you make decisions about your special day. By setting an appropriate Kansas City wedding budget and being thoughtful about your spending, you can create a celebration that reflects your unique style and love story, all while staying within your means.

With a little creativity and careful planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams without compromising on the elements that matter most to you. Remember, it’s not about the size of the budget—it’s about making the day memorable and meaningful for you and your guests.

Thank you for using locally owned wedding venues that keep business local and your experience personalized to you. Thank you to the support of other locally owned wedding venues like; Cornerstone Ranch Event Center in Bushland, TX, Heartland Farms Event Center in Athens, GA, and 5 Family Ranch in Marshall, MN. Thank you to locally owned wedding venues support Wedding venue owners .com.