Venue Package vs. DIY Vendor Stack: Cost & Complexity Comparison

Estimate real-world costs and planning workload using industry benchmarks. See which path fits your budget and stress tolerance.

Venue Package

Predictable

On-site coordinator	Included
Catering & staff	Included
Bar options	Packages
Tables/chairs/linens	Basic
DJ	Add-on
Photographer	Add-on

DIY Vendor Stack

Flexible

Coordinator	Hire separately
Catering	Source & staff
Bar	BYO or vendor
Rentals	Often needed
DJ	Your choice
Photographer	Your choice

Guest Count

Typical weddings range 80–180 guests. Min 25, max 400.

Please enter between 25 and 400 guests.

Market Region

Adjusts vendor pricing by region.

Day of Week

Season

Meal Quality

Bar Option

Sales Tax %

Typical US range 6–10%.

Service & Gratuity %

Venue packages often 20–24%. DIY caterers 15–20%.

Include DJ (typical $1.2k–$1.6k)

Include Photographer (typical $2.6k–$3.5k)

Include Floral & Decor Upgrade (typical $1.8k–$3k)

DIY Venue includes tables/chairs/linens

If unchecked, DIY will add extra rental costs.

DIY allows BYO alcohol

Estimates use current US wedding benchmarks.

Venue Package

$0/guest 0 vendors 0 hrs

Line Item	Estimate

DIY Vendor Stack

$0/guest 0 vendors 0 hrs

Line Item	Estimate

Recommendation will appear here.

Cost Comparison –

Venue Package DIY

Complexity Index

Venue Package: 0/100 DIY: 0/100

Next steps

Get our vendor outreach email templates and budget worksheet to lock pricing with leverage.

Access Insider Planning Hub

Estimates reflect common US venue/catering ranges: venue packages (food+beverage) $95–$200/guest; DIY catering food $65–$120/guest plus rentals and staffing; open bar $35–$75/guest; service charges 18–24%; taxes 6–10%.

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