How To Plan a Wedding for $100,000 in Lake Tahoe: $100k Wedding Budget Breakdown

Before diving into the exciting world of wedding planning, every newly engaged couple should start with one essential step: setting a budget. Knowing how much you can spend will help you avoid falling in love with a venue, dress, or wedding style that’s beyond your reach. Whether you’re covering the costs yourselves or getting support from family and friends, having a clear financial starting point is key.

If you’ve always dreamed of tying the knot in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe, you might be wondering what it takes to make that dream a reality. While some Lake Tahoe weddings can cost upwards of $500,000, it’s absolutely possible to create a stunning and unforgettable celebration for much less. With a bit of creativity, strategic planning, and guidance from Epic Thyme, you can plan a spectacular $100,000 wedding in Lake Tahoe. Here’s how to make it happen!

What Does a $100k Wedding Look Like? Lake Tahoe $100k Wedding Budget Breakdown

Planning a $100k wedding in Lake Tahoe is totally doable. While there are many factors that determine your actual wedding costs, here’s a $100,000 wedding budget guide to give you an idea of what you can get for a 100k wedding. This example is for a 100-person wedding with all the traditional elements, vendors, and events. 

Planning a 100-Person Lake Tahoe Wedding for $100,000

• Venues: $13,000

• Wedding Planner: $11,995 (If you’re curious about what you get for the cost of a Lake Tahoe wedding planner, check out this blog post and this blog post for all the details.)

• Rentals and Decorations: $10,000

• Dress, Accessories and Alterations: $5,500 (Sometimes this is not included!)

• Suit: $750 (Depends on custom or rental)

• Beauty (including mothers): $2,000

• Stationery & Stamps: $1,555

• Officiant: Free (if you ask a friend or family member to do it since anyone can get ordained for free). We still recommend paying for their hotel: $350

• Photography: $7,000

• Catering: $120/pp = $12,000

• Cake: $15/pp = $1,500

• Bar and Beverage: $75/pp = $7,500

• DJ: $2,600 (It would be around $10,000 for a band)

• Transportation: $3,500

• Set-up and Breakdown Staff: $1,500

• Florals: $9,000

• Favors and Gifts: $1,500

• Travel and Accommodations for Couple and Vendors: $3,000

• Tips: $1,500

The TOTAL cost of this Lake Tahoe wedding budget example is $95,750! This doesn’t include additional items or upgrades, like a rehearsal dinner, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000, depending on the formality. However, it provides an excellent example of how to plan a wedding for $100,000 in Lake Tahoe.

Customizing Your $100,000 Lake Tahoe Wedding

While a $100,000 wedding budget in Lake Tahoe provides a solid starting point, it’s important to remember that your wedding should reflect your unique priorities and vision. At Epic Thyme, we know that every couple has different dreams for their big day, and we’re here to help you allocate your budget in a way that brings those dreams to life.

Here are some ways to customize your $100,000 wedding budget to fit your priorities (and how we can help you do it):

Focus on What Matters Most

Love a show-stopping venue? Some couples choose to spend upwards of $24,000 on event spaces to secure their dream location. Want to capture every moment? Allocate part of your budget to a wedding videographer, even if it means scaling back on other areas to accommodate an $8,000 cinema package. Whether it’s the food, entertainment, or decor, we’ll help you focus your time, efforts, and resources on what’s most important to you.

Adjust for Guest Count

The $100,000 wedding budget example is based on a 100-person event. If you’re planning a smaller guest list or a micro wedding, you’ll spend significantly less on food, drinks, and rentals. This frees up funds for extras like a post-wedding brunch, luxurious florals, or upgraded entertainment. On the flip side, a larger guest list will increase costs, as you’ll need to account for additional meals, seating, and rentals.

Personalize Your Experience

Use your budget to create a wedding that feels uniquely yours. Whether that means splurging on a live band, adding a late-night snack station, or incorporating custom decor, we’ll help you make it happen. At Epic Thyme, we believe your wedding budget should work for you — not the other way around. No matter your priorities, we’ll guide you in creating a celebration that’s as beautiful and memorable as the love you’re celebrating.

What Is a Realistic Budget for a Wedding in Lake Tahoe?

Planning a wedding in Lake Tahoe is a unique experience, and the budget required often reflects the area’s reputation as one of the most stunning and sought-after wedding destinations in the world. It’s important to note that a “realistic” wedding budget in Tahoe is different from a typical wedding budget elsewhere.

At Epic Thyme, we recommend starting with a budget of at least $75,000 for a traditional Lake Tahoe wedding. This allows for flexibility while covering the essentials. Keep in mind that the cost of Tahoe weddings has steadily increased over the years, and factors like demand, location, and the overall economic environment can influence pricing.

To create a budget that works for you, we suggest prioritizing in this order:

1. Your Wedding Planner: A skilled planner is key to maximizing your budget and making sure every detail is executed flawlessly.

2. The Location: Your venue sets the tone for your wedding, so allocate funds to secure the perfect spot.

3. Essential Vendors: Think catering, photography, and entertainment — these are the backbone of your celebration.

Once you’ve covered the essentials, dive into your “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” to determine where to allocate the remaining funds. Whether it’s luxurious florals, a live band, or a custom menu, your budget should reflect what matters most to you as a couple.

How To Plan an EPIC $100k Wedding in Lake Tahoe

Dreaming of a luxury wedding in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe? At Epic Thyme, we specialize in creating unforgettable weddings that feel extravagant without exceeding your $100,000 wedding budget.

Here’s how we help you make the most of your budget:

• Expert Planning & Design: Our team will guide you through every step, from selecting the perfect venue to designing a cohesive aesthetic that reflects your style.

• Creative Budget Allocation: We know how to stretch your budget to include the elements that matter most to you, whether it’s a gourmet menu, stunning decor, or top-tier entertainment.

• Stress-Free Execution: With our full-service planning package, we handle all the details, so you can focus on enjoying your engagement and wedding day.

For even more inspiration, check out our wedding blog, where you’ll find tips, ideas, and real stories from couples who’ve tied the knot with us. Ready to start planning your dream Lake Tahoe wedding? Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life!