A $56K Wedding at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Center

We love it when brides contact us and want to share their wedding cost breakdown. It not only gives us great content, but helps countless other Milwaukee brides who are just starting their budgeting process.

So when Ashley contacted us about her cool Humphrey Scottish Rite Center wedding, we knew we had to feature it. Read on to explore what $56,000 Milwaukee wedding looks like.

Quick Facts:

Number of Guests: 175
Ceremony and Reception: Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center
Total Costs: $56,582

Wedding Essentials ($11,027):

Invitations:$4,410 (included custom made invitation suite, menus, programs, place cards, table numbers)
Wedding Cake: $67 (cost of cake pans – Grandmother made cake)
Wedding Photographer: $2,800
Videographer: $2,200
Flowers: $1,550 (bridesmaids clutches, pomander for flower girl, groomsmen boutonnieres, bride’s bouquet, altar garland, red rose and ribbon for the candelabras, red rose/mint julep vases, rose petals)

Scottish Rite Wedding Cost — This couple saved money on their wedding cake (amazing that Grandma made that!), but put more into invitations/stationary and a videographer.

Reception and Ceremony Costs ($17,133):

Ceremony: $1,320 (theater rental, sound & light technician, rehearsal use, candelabras, chairs, piano tuning/use)
Reception Venue: $13,500 (included: open bar, lunch, table linens, appetizers, cake cutting, plated dinner, candy buffet and late night snack )
DJ: $1,413
Photo Booth: $800
Officiant: $100

Scottish Rite Milwaukee Reception — This couple held both their ceremony and reception at the Humphrey Scottish Rite Center.

Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($5,052):

Dress: $3,102 (includes dress, veil, headpiece, and alterations)
Groom’s Attire: Free (with groomsmen rentals)
Bride’s Shoes $250
Rings: $1,200
Hair and Make-up: $500 (bride’s hair, makeup, spa)

Scottish Humphrey Rite Milwaukee Wedding Cost — The brides wedding dress, shoes and the couples’ rings all contributed to the cost of this wedding, but the groom’s tux was free with groomsman rentals.

Transportation ($1,020):

Carriage and Shuttle: $1,020 (horse-drawn carriage for bride & groom, shuttle bus for guests to hotels)

Other Costs ($7,350):

Rehearsal Dinner: $900 (groom’s parents paid)
Wedding Party Gifts: $1,100 (includes providing hair and makeup for bridesmaids day of wedding)
Favors: $500 (welcome bags of beer, soda, and pretzels, picture frames, and candy)
Hotel Suite: $750 (rehearsal night and wedding night)
Breakfast Brunch: $2,600
Other Costs: $1,500 (rehearsal dinner dress, bridal shower dress, hair trial, parents’ gifts, unity candle, cake serving set, dance lessons, grooms suit)

Milwaukee Wedding Spa and Carriage — The cost of gifts, transportation and beauty can add up quickly, so make sure to budget for them.

Honeymoon ($15,000)

European Trip: $15,000 (15 days in Ireland, Paris, and Normandy)

A BIG thanks to the bride and groom, Ashley and Jeff, for sharing their very cool Scottish Rite wedding and to The Clique Studio for the photos! Here’s Ashley and Jeff’s video produced by our friends at Sweet Pea Cinema:

If you’re currently working on your wedding budget, make sure to read through our previous articles featuring real Milwaukee wedding budgets of $60,000, $50,000, $25,000, $19,000, 13,000 and $5,000.