In this blog, we’ll break down a realistic budget and reveal the average cost of a wedding in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you’re curious for a sneak peek before diving in, the average cost of a wedding in Indianapolis for 150 guests is approximately $45,000. Keep reading to understand all the expenses that can accumulate. At the end, we’ve provided a segmented budget with average costs for each vendor broken down.

Many couples approach me with ambitious visions for their wedding day, yet often they are working with limited budgets. What they don’t always realize is the multitude of small expenses that can quickly accumulate, making it challenging to stay within their financial constraints. It’s important to shed light on these hidden costs and provide a realistic perspective on the true expenses involved in bringing their dream wedding to life. Weddings can indeed rack up expenses, and it’s crucial for couples to have a clear understanding of what they’re facing.

The Guest List

The Main Factor Affecting Your Wedding Budget

When analyzing the average cost of a wedding in Indianapolis, it’s important to consider the factors that contribute to the overall cost. Beyond the anticipated vendor fees, the size of your guest list can significantly impact your expenses.

When you invite someone to your big day, it’s like asking them to join you for a fancy dinner. Imagine treating 200 of your closest family and friends at your favorite restaurant. You’re not just paying for their food and drinks; you’re also covering the cost of everything else – tables, chairs, china, centerpieces and even a few glasses of wine per person. Each extra guest adds more to your bill.

We’re not trying to scare you, but it’s a good idea to think carefully about who you invite . Ask yourself, “Are they really close to me?” If you can afford everyone on your list, great! But if you’re watching your budget, skipping out on inviting casual acquaintances can save you money in the end. As a general rule, inviting fewer guests allows you to allocate more of your budget to priority details.

The Venue

Average Cost of a Wedding in Indianapolis

Choosing the venue is one of the biggest decisions affecting your wedding expenses. In Indianapolis, there’s a wide array of options, including elegant ballrooms, historic mansions, charming outdoor gardens, and rustic barns. Venue costs typically vary from $3,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on factors like location, amenities, and the day of the week.

Comparing venues isn’t always straightforward; it’s crucial to consider the amenities they offer. Do they provide tables and chairs as part of the rental, or will you need to rent them separately? Is there a spacious bridal suite available for your wedding party to get ready in, or will you need to book a hotel suite or Airbnb? Asking these questions ensures you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your venue choice.

The biggest mistake couples make is that they fall in love with a venue and spend a majority of their budget just on that. As a result, they’re left with little to nothing for your other vendors such as photography, flowers, decor and entertainment. This mistake can leave couples ‘venue poor’ with no money for the things that are important to them.

Another common misconception is that hosting a wedding at a private residence is more budget-friendly. However, in reality, many of our private residence tented weddings end up being just as expensive, if not more so, than weddings held at traditional venues. This is due to the additional costs associated with renting tents, lighting, electricity, restrooms, tables, chairs, and labor, which can quickly add up. While choosing a special location for sentimental reasons is understandable, opting for a private residence solely to save money may not be the most cost-effective choice and can lead to logistical challenges. Explore average costs for a tented wedding among other considerations in this post.

Catering & Bar

Average Cost of a Wedding in Indianapolis

Food and beverage expenses constitute a substantial portion of the wedding budget. Whether you opt for a plated dinner, buffet-style meal, or food stations, catering costs can vary widely based on menu selection and guest count. In Indianapolis, couples can expect to spend approximately $50 to $150 per person on catering services.

You can’t simply estimate the cost of a picnic style caterer at $10 per person without considering all the additional factors. This price typically includes staffing, serving, cleaning, as well as the rental of plates, flatware, and linens. It’s essential to account for all these elements when budgeting for your catering expenses.

Additionally, bar costs are typically charged per person per hour at an average rate ranging from $20 to $50 per person. Some venues may allow you to host a cash bar (ie., guests pay for their own alcoholic drinks). However, it’s important to note that due to Indiana liquor laws, venues require that alcohol be purchased and served exclusively by the venue or an approved bar provider.

Wedding Flowers

Average Cost of a Wedding in Indianapolis

Unfortunately, many couples find that weddings depicted on blogs or Pinterest are unrealistic representations of what an average wedding entails. Floral ideas showcased online often come with hefty price tags, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars. It’s essential to approach wedding inspiration with a critical eye and consider realistic budget constraints when planning your own special day. When envisioning your floral and decor, it’s wise to focus on one focal area that holds particular significance to you, allowing you to allocate your budget effectively.

The cost of floral and decor elements, including ceremony arches, centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres, can fluctuate depending intricacy of the designs, seasonality of florals and size/number of arrangements. In Indianapolis, couples can expect to allocate approximately $2,500 to $5,000 for florals.
For those who adore flowers and place them high on their list of priorities, they may budget upwards of $10,000 or more for floral arrangements. To gauge the average cost of wedding flowers, read our post here.

Entertainment and Photography

Average Cost of a Wedding in Indianapolis

Capturing precious moments and keeping guests entertained are essential aspects of any wedding celebration. Hiring a professional photographer and videographer can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 each, depending on the coverage and package offerings.

Furthermore, within the Indianapolis area, the typical cost for hiring a DJ ranges from $1,200 to $2,000, whereas bands tend to average $4,000 and higher. They not only supply all the necessary equipment but also provide microphones for ceremony & speeches. Additionally, they keep the party vibe alive throughout the night and act as emcees, ensuring smooth event flow.

Additional Wedding Costs

Additional costs to consider for your wedding budget include expenses for the officiant, transportation, hair and makeup services, wedding cake, lighting, videography, rentals, and more. It’s important to account for these items when planning your budget to ensure a well-rounded and financially sound celebration.

The Grand Total

Average Cost of a Wedding in Indianapolis, Indiana

Our couples typically spend an average of $45,000 on their wedding in the Indianapolis region. This figure excludes expenses for jewelry, auxiliary events (such as rehearsal dinners or after-parties), attire, and honeymoon costs.

For Hoosier brides and grooms starting their wedding planning journey, understanding the average cost of a wedding in Indianapolis is crucial for budgeting effectively. As a seasoned Indianapolis wedding planner, my team and I here to help you set realistic expectations and make wise spending decisions. We’re dedicated to working closely with couples, discussing various options to bring your vision to life while ensuring it aligns with your financial comfort zone. We welcome a consultation to help align your vision and budget! Contact us today!