How Much Does A Wedding Cost in Seattle?

Seattle, the Emerald City, is quite the wedding hotspot due to its naturally beautiful backdrops, gorgeous landscapes, panoramic views, and flexibility in wedding venues. Weddings in Seattle can be expensive, and knowing the costs is essential before you start planning. This article will provide estimates for a variety of wedding-related services in Seattle and give you some cost-saving tips as you plan for your big day.

According to the Wedding Report the average cost of a wedding in Seattle is between $32,000 and $40,000. But what does that include? Keep reading for a detailed breakdown.

Factors That Affect Wedding Costs in Seattle

Estimating a specific figure when calculating wedding cost in Seattle can be quite challenging as the price depends on several factors such as: 

Season

The time of the year you choose to host a wedding in Seattle can significantly affect the cost. Seattle's peak wedding season is usually during summer (June to September) when the weather is warm and relaxed. During these high-peak months, the cost of venues, catering, and other wedding expenses are higher. 

Venue

Wedding venue rental fees in Seattle vary greatly depending on the venue's type, location, and size. For example, if you opt for waterfront locations such as the Olympic Rooftop Pavilion and The Seattle Marriott Waterfront, you can expect the rental fee to start at $7,000. These high-end venues typically include other packages such as catering, bartending, and decor which can put the price between $20,000 to $50,000. Whereas, outdoor venues like Sunset Hill Park and Parsons Gardens charge from $2,000. 

Need help budgeting for your upcoming wedding? Contact one of our experienced wedding planners at Uniquely Unified for their tips and recommendations.

Food and drinks

The price of wedding catering services in Seattle depends on the type of cuisine, number of courses, and number of guests. Caterers can charge anywhere between $1,500 to $10,000 for 100 guests depending on whether you want a buffet-style catering service or fine dining experience with an elaborate menu. For the drinks, the price depends on the kind of beverage offerings. Bar services in Seattle typically cost between $300 to $5,000. 

Wedding attire

A wedding dress can cost between $500 to $15,000 depending on the designer, season, and fabrics. On the other hand, the price of the groom's suit or tuxedo is usually in the range of $200 to $3,500. 

Hair and makeup

Feeling beautiful and confident on your wedding day Is very important, hence the need for a hair and makeup artist. The price for bridal makeup and hairstyling in Seattle typically starts from $300 and can go up to $3,000. 

Flowers and decorations

Prices of flowers, wedding decorations, and lighting depend on your preferences, the season, and the venue. Park or beach weddings with basic floral arrangements usually start from $300, while formal weddings with elegant table settings, crystal chandeliers, disco balls, and more elaborate decorations can cost up to $25,000+.

Photography and Videography 

The cost for wedding photography and videography in Seattle is based on the duration of coverage, the number of photographers and videographers, style, and package inclusions. Prices can start from $4,000 for only photography and go up to $15,000 with videos inclusive. These prices are typically for 6 to 10 hours of coverage. 

Entertainment 

The cost of entertainment services in Seattle is determined by the duration and type. Live bands in Seattle can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 while DJs/MCs typically charge between $900 to $2,500. Including a photo booth or other form of entertainment can cost you between $300 to $3,000 for 2 to 4 hours depending on the package inclusion. 

Guest list

The number of guests you invite can influence the cost of the venue, food and drinks, and decorations. More guests will require more expenses. 

Ultimately, the average wedding cost in Seattle is $40,000. If you want a large elegant wedding, then you should expect to spend up to $80,000. To get an approximate budget for your wedding in Seattle, you need to consider what matters most to you. Whether it’s couture wedding dress, decor, or food and drinks, your priorities will define the budget. 

Need help finding the best vendors for your upcoming wedding? Contact one of our experienced wedding planners at Uniquely Unified for their tips and recommendations.

How To Save Cost on A Seattle Wedding

If you’re planning your Seattle wedding on a budget, there are several ways to save a few dollars here and there without compromising on quality. Below are some tips to help you plan a memorable wedding in Seattle while reducing the costs of the factors mentioned above:

Season

Be selective when choosing your wedding date. To get more competitive rates, prioritize winter, which is an off-peak season in Seattle. Avoiding big holidays, such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter, can also help you cut down on costs. 

Venue 

Picking a venue, such as a hotel, that offers all-inclusive packages can also reduce the costs of separate vendors. Meanwhile, hosting both the official ceremony and reception at the same venue can help you save on transportation.

Need help finding the best venue for your upcoming wedding? Contact one of our experienced wedding planners at Uniquely Unified for their tips and recommendations.

Food and drinks 

You can reduce both food and service costs by going for a buffet-style dinner. Also, if a fully stocked open bar is not a priority for you, limiting your alcohol selection can be a great money saver. 

Wedding attire 

To save cost on your wedding dress, you can reach out to bridal stores and ask if they have any upcoming sample sales or bridal dresses at discounted prices. For grooms, you can wear a suit or tux you already own.  

Hair and makeup

Following the DIY route is a fail-proof way to cut costs, if you know how to do your hair and makeup. If the DIY approach isn’t ideal for you, consider asking an experienced friend to take on the responsibility. 

Flowers and decorations

Choosing a wedding-ready venue that doesn't need additional decor and is already in line with the look you want to go for, can reduce decoration cost. You could also opt for DIY decor by designing personalized wedding decorations. 

Photography and Videography 

You can keep costs low by not having the photographers and videographers present for the whole event. Meanwhile, if you have a friend who's an amateur photographer or videographer, you can ask them to take the pictures or cover the event. 

Entertainment

Asking a friend to be the MC at your wedding and using Djs rather than a live band can help you save money on entertainment expenses. 

Guest list

Trimming down your guest list can make a significant difference in your catering, decor, and venue bill. Consider hosting an intimate wedding with only close family and friends for a more budget-friendly wedding experience. 

Conclusion: Wedding Cost Seattle

The key to pulling off a successful wedding in Seattle is planning meticulously and doing your research. When you understand the different factors that can affect wedding costs in Seattle, you can plan a wedding that you and your partner will treasure for a lifetime, while still meeting your needs and budget. 

If you need help planning your upcoming wedding, Contact one of our experienced wedding planners at Uniquely Unified to see how we can help.