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Cost Breakdown: A Perfect $20k Wedding in Downtown Milwaukee

December 11, 2019 by Greg Quigley

Grace Center Wedding Milwaukee
This happy couple spent $20k on their wedding. Photos by Erin Lee Photography

Above all, this couple wanted their wedding to reflect their personality and to have their guests see them happy on their big day. Starting with a cocktail hour at City Lights Brewery and ending with a reception at downtown’s Grace Center, we think think they did a great job!

Note that the couple had a lot of items gifted by friends and family, including their videographer, rehearsal dinner and DJ. So the total cost for this wedding would of been higher if those items were included.

We were excited to see that they used MIM Family Member All Occasions Catering for a BBQ feast and late night snacks. Read on to learn more about this Grace Center wedding, but start out with this awesome video by the couple’s friend, Daniel Gartzke:

Quick Facts:

  • Guests: 207
  • Ceremony: St. Mary’s Parish
  • Reception: Grace Center Milwaukee
  • Total Costs: $20,335
Grace Center Wedding
The flowers cost $540 while the cake and desserts added up to $1,000. Photos by Erin Lee Photography

Wedding Essentials ($2,540):

  • Invitations: $100
  • Cake: $500
  • Desserts: $500
  • Photographer: $900 (tip included)
  • Videographer: $0 (gift from friend)
  • Flowers: $540 (bride bouquet, 5 small bouquets, 2 boutineers, 2 corsages and surplus flowers to use as table decor)
Grace Center Wedding Milwaukee
The reception took place at The Grace Center. Photos by Erin Lee Photography

Reception and Ceremony Costs ($12,920):

  • Ceremony: $800
  • Reception: $2,100
  • Food: $6,600 (BBQ buffet an late night pizza rolls)
  • Drinks: $3,370
  • DJ: $0 (gift from family)
  • Photo Booth: $50 (DIY)
Grace Center Milwaukee Wedding
The bride’s dress cost $1,400 while the groom’s attire was $1,000. Photos by Erin Lee Photography

Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($2,625):

  • Bride’s Dress: $1,400
  • Bride’s Shoes: $35
  • Groom’s Attire: $1,000
  • Hair/Makeup/Nails: $190
  • Rings: $0 (not provided)

Other Costs ($2,250):

  • Transportation: $350
  • Wedding Favors: $50 (DIY seed packs)
  • Wedding Party Gifts: $350 (robes, hair pieces and wine)
  • Hotel Suite: $0 (gift from family)
  • Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (gift from family)
  • Other: $1,500 (cocktail hour, photo permits, decor, gifts, table cloths, postage, guest books, signage)
City Lights Brewery Wedding
We LOVE that they did a cocktail hour at City Lights Brewery! Photos by Erin Lee Photography

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:

Our goal for our wedding day was that it would “look like us.” We wanted people to leave saying that it was a very “Ella and Dan Wedding” and that “They looked so happy.” We are so happy that those have been the comments we have heard since!

We had about a year and a half to plan our big day. Daniel and I worked hard to accommodate over 200 people (I have a VERY large family) and stay budget conscious.

There were a few items Daniel and I really wanted. To start there had to be tulips involved. They are my favorite flower and my engagement ring is tulipset. Frame Park gave us the PERFECT opportunity because the tulips had just bloomed.

We also had our favorite comic books as our guest book and Pizza Rolls as our late night snack (an inside joke among friends made a reality!)

We are so grateful to our parents, family, friends and vendors who helped make our day wonderful!

– The Bride and Groom

A HUGE thanks to the couple for sharing their beautiful Grace Center wedding and to Erin Lee Photography for the photos! If you’re currently working on your wedding budget, make sure to read through our previous articles featuring real Milwaukee wedding cost breakdowns.

Milwaukee Art Museum Wedding Photos
Thanks to this awesome couple for sharing their wedding Cost Breakdown! Photos by Erin Lee Photography


Related:

  • An $18k Hubbard Park Lodge Wedding
  • Find a Party Bus in Milwaukee
  • A 30k Wedding at The Cooperage

Filed Under: Articles, Real Weddings Tagged With: Real Milwaukee Wedding Cost Breakdowns

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