What’s the Real Cost of a North Texas Wedding? Let’s Break It Down

What’s the Real Cost of a North Texas Wedding? Let’s Break It Down

Feeling Lost in the Numbers? You’re Not Alone.
​You’re planning your dream wedding in North Texas, but suddenly every Pinterest idea has a price tag. How much should flowers cost? What’s a realistic venue budget? Is it normal to feel like you're planning a small-scale production?
Take a breath—you’re not alone. And the good news? You don’t need a finance degree to figure this out.

When Wedding Planning Sticker Shock Strikes

We remember working with a sweet couple who started planning their wedding with a $15k budget—only to discover their dream venue, photographer, and catering quotes alone were already pushing $20k. The bride said, “Why does no one talk about the real costs?”
That’s why we’re writing this blog. Let’s pull back the curtain, and help couples like you plan so you can have a less stressful wedding experience.

​Clarity Over Confusion: What a North Texas Wedding Budget Really Looks Like

​When you understand where your money goes, you can prioritize what truly matters—and skip the things that don’t. It’s not about spending more; it’s about spending smarter. We talk quite a bit in our past wedding planning blogs about prioritizing before you really dive into planning - it truly does help you stay focused on what matters to you two the most and saves your budget for the places you want to use it.

Wedding Budget Breakdown: What to Expect in North Texas

Of course you're always able to DIY or trim things depending on your priorities. To keep things simple let's say you're wanting a hands off day, and planning for a Saturday wedding.
Here’s a look at average cost ranges for a 100-guest wedding in the DFW/Denton area would look like:

1. Venue – $4,000–$8,000 for weekend pricing
   (Hawthorn Hills offers transparent packages that include coordination, tables, chairs, and décor. Our 2025 rates for a 13 hour Saturday being $5,500.) You'll want to pay attention to see if tablecloths, security costs, staffing etc. are included or not as well. Non-Saturdays, and half day rentals are also great ways to save quite a bit.
2. Catering – $28–$75 per guest
   Costs vary with cuisine, service style and staffing included, and of course the individual vendor. We allow outside catering to give couples flexibility or have packages with it already bundled in.
3. Photography & Videography – $3,000–$6,000
   This also depends on the number of hours and if you're hiring a solo photographer or one with a 2nd shooter so nothing goes unmissed.  Worth the investment—these professionals preserve your memories for decades to come.
4. Florals & Décor – $2,000–$6,000
   From centerpieces to ceremony arches, floral design is where creativity shines. Most couples who skip large ceremony arrangements and have minimal reception decor find a budget of $3,000 or less sufficient.
5. Attire – $1,500–$4,000
   Think dress, suit, alterations, and accessories.
6. Entertainment – $1,750–$4,000
   DJ or live music? This will shape your guests’ experience. DJs will be on the lower cost side of things and cost varies based on hours as well as other services you can choose from. Up lights? Outdoor and indoor set ups? It's all customizable for you.
7. Planner/Coordinator – $800–$2,000
   We highly suggest all couples have a coordinator to help guide things the day of - so much so that our mist inclusive package already has this bundled in for you.
8. Miscellaneous – $1,000+
   Invitations, transportation, favors, tipping—don’t forget these sneaky extras.

💡 Total Average: $17,000–$40,000
Your budget may be above or below that range, but this gives you a realistic foundation.

How to Plan a Meaningful Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

• Prioritize your top 3 “must haves”
  Invest where it matters most (for many, that's venue, food, and photography).
  
• Ask about all-inclusive vs. a la carte options
  At Hawthorn Hills, we help you compare packages that align with your vision and budget.
  
• Cut guest count, not impact
  Micro weddings and intimate guest lists are on the rise—and can be just as memorable.
  
• Take advantage of off-season or weekday pricing
  Consider Friday weddings or cooler months for greater savings.
  

FAQ: Wedding Costs in DFW and Denton

Is a wedding in North Texas more expensive than other regions?
Generally, no. DFW offers a wide range of vendor pricing, from luxury to budget-friendly, especially compared to cities like Austin or NYC.

Can I save by using family/friends as vendors?
Sometimes! Just be cautious—professional experience is worth its weight on a high-stakes day.
​
Does Hawthorn Hills offer payment plans?
Yes! We provide flexible payment structures and transparent pricing to help you plan with peace of mind.

Don’t Let the Numbers Scare You

Money talk isn’t the most romantic part of wedding planning—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. What’s one area you’d be willing to simplify to make room for what matters most?
Want help building a personalized plan that fits your wedding vision?
Contact Hawthorn Hills to tour our venue and chat about the package that fits you—not just your wallet.

Get Pricing Details

Schedule a Visit

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Did you know…when you choose a locally owned wedding venue you are helping to develop and improve the local economy? It’s true, your locally owned wedding venues are small business owners who not only create hundreds of jobs for the local wedding industry every year, we actively support our local economy. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.

Here are a few other venues helping to spread support:
- The Postmark - Chillicothe, OH
- Hightower Falls - Cedartown, GA
- The Venue at Springfield Estates - Georgetown, SC
- Heart Farm Wedding and Event Venue - St Cloud, FL
- Brandt 1920 - Wallis, TX
- The Haycraft
- Willow Creek Farm - Cleveland, Ga
-  Berkshire Ridge Wedding Venue - Blackwell, MI
- Butterfly Kisses Pavillion - NC