Update: The Black Swan Riverwalk is no longer in business – this venue is now The Rivulet which is run by our friends at Two Birds Event Group.
We LOVE seeing native Milwaukeeans getting married in the heart of the city, and that’s exactly what this couple did! They met while working at the former Water Buffalo (now Blue Bat), which helped them pick The Black Swan Riverwalk as their venue since it’s right across the street.
For just under $32,000 they hosted 221 guests at their Black Swan wedding with some amazing vendors! Read on for the full Cost Breakdown, and don’t miss the “note from the couple” at the bottom.
Married In Milwaukee Family Used:
We were excited to see that this couple used several Married In Milwaukee Family Members!! Here are the MIM Family Members involved in this Black Swan Riverwalk wedding:
- Catering: Bubb’s BBQ/All Occasions Catering
- Dress: Miss Ruby Bridal Boutique
- Floral: Feisty Flowers
- Bartenders: Over The Moon Bartending
- Rehearsal Dinner: Deer Camp
Quick Facts – Black Swan Riverwalk Wedding:
- Guests: 221
- Ceremony/Reception: Black Swan Riverwalk (Now Closed)
- Total Costs: $31,665
Wedding Essentials ($3,250):
- Invitations/Stationery: $500 (DIY)
- Photographer: $1,800
- Cake: $150
- Mexican Cookies: $100
- Flowers: $700 (included real flowers from Feisty Flowers for bride’s bouquet and groom’s boutonniere, as well as artificial flowers from Amazon.)
Reception and Ceremony Costs ($23,648):
- Ceremony/Reception: $9,550
- Catering: $8,886
- Drinks: $1,800 (couple purchased alcohol and kegs)
- Late Night Food: $200 (pizza)
- Bartenders: $1,914 (Over the Moon Bartending provided bartenders, mixers and soda)
- Officiant: $0 (pastor from groom’s church)
- Day of Décor: $398 (table décor set up/tear down)
- DJ: $900
Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($3,367):
- Bride’s Dress: $2,057 (from Miss Ruby)
- Bride’s Shoes: $100
- Groom’s Attire: $60 (jacket purchased on clearance; suit was free)
- Hair/Makeup: $300
- Rings: $850
Other Costs ($1,400):
- Hotel Suite: $500
- Rehearsal Dinner: $600 (pizza and apps from Deer Camp)
- Transportation: $0 (bus for wedding party was gifted by family friends)
- Wedding Party Gifts: $300 (cooler bag for men and robes/small
jewelry for ladies)
Honeymoon ($3,213 – Not Included in Total):
- Honeymoon in Cancun : $3,213 (Secrets the Vine in Cancun)
A Note From The Couple
We asked the couple to tell us about their planning and budgeting process, and this is what they had to say:
The Venue
As Milwaukee natives Josh and I knew we wanted to get married right in the heart of the city. Josh and I met when we were working at Water Buffalo (now known as Blue Bat Tequileria). So when we found a venue right next door, it was almost like it was meant to be! I come from a very big Mexican family and knew we needed a nice open space.Josh and I felt the top things for us were venue, food and music. Black Swan is so beautiful right on the riverwalk, so the decorations could be very minimal and that brought the cost down. Tables and chairs are included in the venue price. Not to mention we could bring in our own alcohol which was also a huge cost saver!
The Theme and Date
We wanted to incorporate a modern feel with some personal traditional touches. I always thought I wanted to get married in summer but found I loved the themes, color and textures that come along with a fall wedding.Looking into fall my great grandmother had passed away a few years prior and my cousin suggested why not get married on my great grandma’s birthday (November 6th). We said if by some chance the date was open, we would do it. The date was indeed open and things fell into place from there! DJ O as our DJ was HUGE and kept our dance floor FULL the whole night.
The Food
We never were big on plated meals at weddings and wanted to feel like it was enough food to get through the long day. Bubb’s BBQ was perfect and had everyone talking about how good the food was.The Ways They Saved Money
Weddings are expensive but we tried to be creative in ways we could cut corners i.e. fake flowers, shopping for decorations on Facebook Marketplace, I found my bridesmaids dresses online for only $30 by shopping in the off season, our ceremony music was all done via an iPhone, etc.– The Happy Couple
A BIG thanks to the couple for sharing the Cost Breakdown of their awesome Black Swan Riverwalk (Now Closed) wedding and to Melina Morales Photography for the amazing photos!
If you’re currently working on your wedding budget, make sure to read through our previous Cost Breakdown articles featuring real Milwaukee wedding cost breakdowns.
