u/negativeandanxious

Craving a milkshake

When I was planning I didn't see a ton of budget examples on here for an LA wedding so I wanted to give an example for anyone planning their wedding here. It was directly in the city of LA, not in a suburb or anything. Not the cheapest wedding, but not the most expensive. All my vendors were great so happy to recommend anyone if you message me!

May 2026 Los Angeles Wedding - 79 guests (before gratuity):

Alcohol: $1,420 (we had leftovers)

Bartending service: $2,159

Cake (small cake and cupcakes): $757.49

Vegan/GF cupcakes: $101.48

Catering: $6,030.68

Day-of Coordinator & 1 event assistant: $1,660

Decorations (napkins, table runners, candles, etc): ~$500

DJ: $2,800

Dress: $498

Florist: $4,018.75

Insurance: $99.94

Hair/Makeup (trial & wedding day): $980

Marriage License & Certificate: $110

Officiant (a friend): $0

Paper (invites, placecards, seating chart): $403.57

Parking lot rental: $500

Photo & Video: $2,948.25

Venue: $9,800

Total Cost: $34,787 (we paid additional $1,500-$2,000 in gratuity)

Didn't include the wedding band cost, but it was $3,210.19. All in all with rings and gratuity it was about $40k. Not sure how much my husbands suit cost so I didn't include it.