
For this couples’ wedding budget they prioritized the things they cared most about: photography, videography and attire. Since their venue, Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery, is so beautiful as-is, they didn’t need much extra décor.
For just over $43,000 we think they did a great job on their Pabst Best Place wedding! Check out their full wedding cost breakdown below, but first start with this video by Salem Media Productions:
Quick Facts – Pabst Best Place Wedding:
- Guests: 200
- Ceremony/Reception: Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
- Total Costs: $43,818

Wedding Essentials ($9,452):
- Invitations/Stationery: $708
- Postage: $258
- Cake/Cupcakes: $550 (cutting cake and cupcakes)
- Photographer: $3,100
- Videographer: $2,366
- Flowers: $2,000 (included: bridal bouquet, 4 corsages, bridesmaids bouquets, boutonnieres, flowers for ceremony ring, greenery for centerpieces)
- Preserve Flowers: $470

Reception and Ceremony Costs ($22,699):
- Ceremony/Reception: $5,011 (Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery)
- Food: $9,568
- Drinks: $6,000
- Officiant: $0 (family)
- Photo Booth: $325
- DJ: $1,295
- Live Painter: $500

Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($5,702):
- Bride’s Dress: $3,300
- Dress Alterations: $407
- Groom’s Attire: $0
- Brides’ Shoes: $64
- Brides’ Jewelry: $56
- Hair: $140
- Makeup: $270 (includes trial)
- Rings: $1,465 (wedding bands only)

Other Costs ($5,965):
- Wedding Favors: $209 (magnets & golf tees)
- Wedding Party Gifts: $1,039 (groomsmen: wall mounted beer openers, socks ; bridesmaids: travel jewelry case, necklaces, bracelets, robes)
- Hotel Suite: $991 (2 nights)
- Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (unknown)
- Dog Babysitter: $450
- Décor: $1,396
- Signage: $275
- Guest Book: $158
- Other Food: $636
- Tips: $465
- Marriage License: $148 (includes additional copies)
- Other: $198
Honeymoon ($1,917 – Not Included in Total):
- Honeymoon in Siesta Key: $1,917 (not included in total)

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:
Well, we initially wanted to stick around $30k, but that quickly became too low of a budget for us!
We decided to spend more money on the things we really cared about: photography, videography, attire.
We weren’t concerned with every table having a beautiful floral arrangement as the venue (Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery) has so much charm and character, we didn’t feel it was necessary.
We also wanted to spend a reasonable amount on food. In our opinion, no one leaves a wedding thinking it was the best meal they’ve ever had…you’re there to celebrate a marriage, not to eat an over the top meal!
– The Happy Couple
A BIG thanks to the couple for sharing their awesome Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery wedding and to Resler 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.
