Wedding styles
Four formats that fit a $1,000 budget
Couples pull off all four of these for around $1,000. What changes is how many people come, what time of day it is, and where the money goes.
| Style | Guest countGuests | Typical totalTotal | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Courthouse celebration | 2-15 guests | $300-$700 | Couples who want a calm, personal day, would rather spend on dinner and photos than a venue, or plan to marry now and party later. |
| Backyard wedding | 20-50 guests | $700-$1,400 | Couples with access to a yard and a few willing helpers who want a relaxed party with room for kids, dogs, and dancing on grass. |
| Brunch wedding | 25-60 guests | $600-$1,200 | Couples who want to host more people for less money, families with young kids, and anyone who would rather serve great pancakes than mediocre chicken. |
| Micro-wedding | 10-25 guests | $650-$1,300 | Couples who love the little details, don't want a big crowd staring at them, or are traveling somewhere special to get married. |
Ranges are based on 2026 US prices, doing your own setup, and skipping the full open bar.
$300-$700 · 2-15 guests
Courthouse celebration
Make a legal ceremony feel special with a beautiful outfit, meaningful vows, great photos, and an intimate meal afterward.
What's included at this price
- Marriage license and courthouse ceremony fee ($35-$115 in most US counties)
- An outfit each that you'll actually wear again
- A short paid photo session: 60 to 90 minutes is plenty
- A restaurant dinner or lunch for the people who came
- Two small grocery-store bouquets and a boutonniere
The catch
- Most courtrooms only fit 6 to 10 guests, so someone may feel left out.
- The county sets the schedule, and it's usually a weekday morning.
- Restaurants charge per person, so the bill climbs quickly past 12 guests.
$700-$1,400 · 20-50 guests
Backyard wedding
Turn a yard you already know into a warm, easy party with a few rentals, simple food, and some string lights.
What's included at this price
- A borrowed yard, usually family, plus a rental package of chairs and a few tables ($3-$5 per chair)
- One food format done well: taco bar, pasta bake, barbecue, or a sandwich and salad spread
- Beer, wine, and a big-batch nonalcoholic drink instead of a full bar
- Café string lights, candles in glass jars, and a single flower type in bulk
- A portable restroom if you expect more than 30 guests for more than three hours ($120-$200)
The catch
- You're the venue manager now. Setup, parking, trash, and cleanup fall to you unless you hand them off.
- Plan for weather. A backup canopy or tent runs $80-$300, and you might not end up needing it.
- Each extra 10 guests adds about $120-$180, more than any other style.
$600-$1,200 · 25-60 guests
Brunch wedding
Serve everyone's favorite morning food, go easy on the alcohol, and wrap up before the pricey hours start.
What's included at this price
- A late-morning ceremony that goes straight into the meal, so there's no awkward gap to fill
- Egg bakes, quiche, fruit, pastries, bagels, and a coffee urn: $8-$14 per guest
- Juice, coffee, and one sparkling toast instead of an open bar (saves $6-$12 per guest)
- Natural light, so you need less decor and the photos come out better
- A community hall, park shelter, restaurant back room, or church hall at $75-$250
The catch
- Tell guests the time more than once. A 10:30 a.m. ceremony catches people off guard.
- Less dancing. Brunch weddings tend to wrap up by early afternoon. Some couples love that, and some miss the late night.
- Out-of-town guests may need an extra hotel night to make a morning start.
$650-$1,300 · 10-25 guests
Micro-wedding
Invite the people who matter most and put the extra care into the little things.
What's included at this price
- A state park, beach, botanical garden, or vineyard patio with a permit at $25-$150
- A bigger food budget per person. $18-$30 each covers a catered picnic or a private table at a restaurant
- Two hours of a photographer's time, or a talented friend plus a print budget
- Handwritten details: vow books, place cards, a letter at each seat
- A cake from a good local bakery instead of a tiered wedding cake
The catch
- The guest list is the hardest conversation you'll have. Decide your rule early and apply it evenly.
- Read the permit. Parks often restrict speakers, chairs, alcohol, and parking.
- Fewer guests also means fewer helpers. Pay someone to set up so you're not doing it in your wedding clothes.
Not sure which format fits?
The starter kit includes a two-page decision sheet that matches your guest count and budget to one of these four formats.
The 18-page PDF lands in your inbox in a minute or two. A few days later you'll get one short follow-up with where to start. That's all, no list.
Try the numbers yourself
Tell the Budget Builder your guest count, style, and top three priorities, and it'll split your total across all eight categories, with tips for each.