Miami weddings - budget & investment guide: what to expect for a luxury celebration

Abril Lopez
May 22, 2024
3 min read

Updated: May 29

Vizcaya Museum Wedding — Luxury Wedding in Miami - Captured by Ben Levy

Talking about wedding budgets might not feel like the most romantic part of planning, but it is one of the most essential. As Miami continues to rise as a luxury destination and High Cost of Living (HCOL) city, strategic budgeting becomes key to bringing your vision to life—without surprises along the way.

At A Events, we believe that crafting an extraordinary celebration starts with clarity. With recent industry-wide price increases, understanding where to allocate your budget is more important than ever.

That’s where our Budget Consultations come in—personalized strategy sessions designed to help you plan with intention, prioritize what matters most, and make confident decisions from the very beginning.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when planning a luxury wedding in Miami, from real numbers to insider context.

Miami wedding Venue Costs

Luxury Hotels + Resorts

From the elegance of the Four Seasons Surfside to the iconic Faena Miami Beach, high-end hotels in Miami offer full-service experiences in unforgettable settings. Expect rates between $300–$600+ per guest, depending on guest count, time of year, and event complexity. Keep in mind: some hotels charge separate ceremony and reception fees.

Historic + Architecturally Distinct Venues

Venues like Vizcaya Museum & Gardens or the Alfred I. Dupont Building blend history with grandeur. Rental fees typically start at $20,000+, with seasonal and logistical variables impacting pricing. Looking for something more under-the-radar? South Miami and Homestead offer unique options starting around $10,000.

Catering Costs

Food Service

Catering is often one of the largest investments. For a guest list of 100, couples typically spend between $25,000–$60,000+, depending on service style and culinary offerings. This includes hors d'oeuvres, multi-course plated meals, and dessert stations.

Bar Service

Premium open bar services range between $65–$120 per guest. For curated mixology or signature cocktails, costs can exceed this range depending on your vision.

Photography and Videography

Capturing the essence of your wedding day is non-negotiable. Miami is home to some of the industry's top photo and cinema talent.

Photography packages typically range from $7,500 to $20,000+
Videography ranges from $6,500 to $15,000, depending on hours, edits, and delivery style.

Floral, Design & decor

Transforming your space is an art. From custom ceremony installations to fully designed dinner experiences, floral and decor budgets for luxury weddings range from $30,000 to $60,000+, with bespoke productions reaching upwards of $100,000. This includes:

Fresh floral installations
Custom furniture and rentals
Lighting and mood design.

Music and Entertainment

Your entertainment sets the tone.

DJs typically range from $3,500–$10,000
Live bands and specialty acts range from $15,000–$30,000+, depending on scale, talent, and duration.

Wedding Attire

Style is personal—and often, sentimental.

Bridal gowns in the luxury category range from $7,500–$15,000, with couture options exceeding that
Groomswear falls between $3,500–$10,000, especially for custom tailoring
Don’t forget to account for accessories, shoes, and alterations..

Wedding Planner

Hiring a wedding planner can help manage the stress and ensure your day goes smoothly. In Miami, wedding planners typically charge between 12% and 20% of your total wedding budget.

Miscellaneous Costs

Invitations + Stationery: $4,000–$10,000+
Transportation: $2,500–$6,000+ (based on number of vehicles and routes)
Welcome Gifts: $50–$200 per guest bag, depending on curation and contents

Luxury Wedding at the Perez Art Museum captured by Zai Lafitte

Total Estimated Costs

Summarizing the various expenses, a Miami wedding can range significantly based on your preferences and choices:

Based on 100 people:

Budget Wedding: $50,000 - $90,000 or $500 - $900 per person (Limited services)
Premium Wedding: $100,000 - $150,000 or $1,000 - $1,500 per person (Premium Services)
Intro-Luxury Wedding: $150,000 - 250,000 or $1,500 - $2,500 per person (Intro-to-Luxury Services)
Luxury Wedding: $250,000 - $450,000 or $2,500 - $4,500 per person (Upper Luxury Services)
Ultra Luxury Wedding: $450,000k and up or $4,500+ per person (Concierge & Bespoke Services)

Note: The fewer guests you invite, the higher the per-person cost due to fixed vs. variable expenses. Larger weddings often benefit from economies of scale.

Let’s Build a financial strategy Together

Whether you'r

e envisioning a sleek seaside celebration or a multi-day affair in South Florida, understanding your numbers is the first step to making it all come to life—beautifully.

Our Budget Consultations include: