Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Joy Editors
The average wedding cost in Texas comes to about $30,200 – you could buy a brand new 2021 Camaro for that price. This amount stays slightly under the national average of $30,000, though wedding costs have gone up by $2,000 each year due to inflation.
Wedding costs in Texas vary based on location and several other factors. To cite an instance, see Dallas celebrations with 150-200 guests – they cost between $45,117 and $55,143 based on the season. The most important expenses are venues at $10,500, florals at $5,000, and bands at $4,500. Much of the budget goes toward catering which costs around $100 per person and alcohol running about $2,500.
We’ll explore wedding expenses from Austin to Dallas in this piece. You’ll learn how guest numbers and seasons impact your total costs, and discover practical ways to arrange your budget that matches your priorities without financial pressure.
What is the average cost of a wedding in Texas?
Planning a Texas wedding in 2025? You’ll need to know what it’s going to cost you. The average wedding cost in Texas now sits at $30,000-$30,200, just below the national average of $33,000. Prices keep going up each year – from $29,000 in 2023 to $33,000 in 2024, and they’re expected to hit around $36,000 in 2025.
Statewide average wedding cost in 2025
Texas gives you pretty good value compared to other states. While New Jersey couples shell out a whopping $57,706 on average, Texas weddings won’t break the bank quite as much. A typical Texas celebration costs more than Utah ($18,000) but it’s nowhere near as expensive as coastal celebrations.
Your money goes further in the Lone Star state because vendors tend to charge less than national rates. Texas’s diverse geography lets couples find venues that fit both their style and their wallet.
How guest count affects total cost
Your guest list might be the biggest factor that affects your wedding budget. The numbers tell us each guest adds about $284 to your total cost. Let’s break it down:
- 50 guests: approximately $14,200
- 100 guests: approximately $28,400
- 150 guests: approximately $42,600
- 200 guests: approximately $56,800
Each extra guest typically adds $321-$392 to your total bill. This covers food, drinks, rentals, favors, invitations, and other per-person costs.
Seasonal and regional price variations
The season you pick can really change what you’ll pay for a Texas wedding. Summer months cost more:
- January-March weddings: $32,000
- April-June weddings: $33,000
- July-September weddings: $34,000
- October-December weddings: $32,000
The day you choose makes a big difference too. One Texas couple saved $13,500 on their venue by picking a weeknight instead of a weekend ($5,500 versus $19,000).
Location matters as well. Central Texas weddings with 50-100 guests usually cost between $24,085 and $29,437, while big cities like Dallas tend to cost more. The Southwest region, including Texas, remains one of the most affordable places to get married nationally, averaging $29,000 compared to Mid-Atlantic ($46,000).
Breaking down the biggest wedding expenses
Let’s talk about your Texas wedding budget and how to make smart decisions about your money. Here’s a breakdown of the major wedding expenses you’ll face in 2025.
Venue and rentals
The venue will likely be your biggest expense, with prices ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 based on location and what’s included. Texas couples typically spend $10,500 on their venue. Big cities come with bigger price tags – you’ll pay $3,500-$7,500 in Houston or Dallas, compared to $2,500-$5,000 in San Antonio or Austin. You’ll need about $3,000 more for rentals to cover basics like tables, chairs, and linens.
Catering and bar service
The national average for food runs $80 per person, but Texas couples should set aside $100 per person. This means catering costs hit about $8,000 for 100 guests and $12,000 for 150 guests. Bar service starts at $15 per person, and basic wine and beer packages begin around $2,500. Catering and drinks take up about 24% of your total budget.
Photography and videography
Texas photographers charge between $2,000-$3,000 for experienced pros, and videography adds $2,300 on average. These services eat up 10% of your total budget. It’s worth noting that 19% of couples wish they had hired a videographer after their wedding.
Entertainment: DJ vs. live band
DJs are nowhere near as expensive as bands, costing $1,689 nationally and $1,200 in Texas. Live bands cost more at $4,475 nationally and $4,500 in Texas. Music makes up about 8% of your total wedding budget.
Florals and decor
National floral costs average $2,723, while Texas couples spend around $5,000 on flowers. You might need $3,000 more for decor and lighting. These decorative elements take about 9% of your wedding budget.
Planner and coordination services
Your coordinator’s fees depend on their involvement – from $1,400 for day-of coordination to $4,100 for full-service planning. Month-of coordinators usually charge $2,200, with hourly rates starting at $75. Planning services typically take 4% of your total budget.
Additional costs couples often forget
Small expenses can add up quickly beyond the major costs. Let’s get into these often-overlooked budget items that can affect your average wedding cost in Texas.
Hair and makeup
Professional bridal hair costs $85-118 per person, and makeup ranges from $95 for traditional application to $118 for airbrush. Bridesmaids’ services cost $75-100 per service. You’ll need trials too. These practice runs help everything go smoothly on your big day and cost $50-150. Early morning appointments come with extra charges ($55 per artist), and holiday bookings cost more ($95 per artist).
Wedding attire and accessories
Your dress budget should include alterations. Texas brides usually pay $600-800, which is less than the national average of $700-900. The budget needs to cover accessories, undergarments, and professional cleaning after the event. The groom’s suit alterations and accessories need their own budget too.
Transportation and lodging
Staying at a hotel the night before creates a peaceful start to your wedding day. Guest accommodation costs average $1,989 per person. You might want to think over arranging transportation between venues or providing shuttle service, especially when you have alcohol at the event.
Rehearsal dinner and farewell brunch
A typical rehearsal dinner costs about $2,700, while destination wedding rehearsals cost $3,838. Location makes a difference – Northeast events run $3,500 and Midwest celebrations cost about $2,000. Guest count affects the price substantially: 50-guest dinners cost $1,630 while 100+ guest events reach $3,139.
Tips, taxes, and service charges
Service charges run 20-22% of your total food and beverage costs, and taxes vary by location. Gratuities for vendors should be part of your final budget. This includes hair stylists (15-20%), makeup artists (15-20%), wait staff ($10-20 per person), and transportation providers (15-20%). These extras can add thousands to your total cost.
How to plan a wedding budget that works for you
Creating a functional wedding budget goes beyond knowing the average cost of a wedding in Texas. You just need thoughtful planning and prioritization to make your dollars work harder.
Identify your top 5 priorities
Start by listing the five most important elements for your wedding day. This simple exercise helps you see what truly matters to you as a couple. Most Texas couples prioritize venue, photography, catering, entertainment, and coordination services. Early identification of these non-negotiables lets you allocate a larger percentage of your budget toward them. This ensures you’ll be satisfied with your investment.
Decide where to splurge vs. save
Your satisfaction and financial control improve when you know where to invest more versus where to cut back. Here’s what to think over:
- Splurge on: Venue, photography, entertainment, and food—elements guests will remember
- Save on: Invitations, wedding favors, elaborate bridesmaid proposals, and signage
The balancing act comes down to what matters most to you personally. You might want to invest more in landscaping and decor if outdoor ceremonies are non-negotiable.
Use a wedding budget calculator
Wedding budget calculators give you a well-laid-out framework for allocating funds. Texas Weddings has an improved calculator that shows green when you’re under budget and red when you’ve exceeded it. The tool lets you print, email, or download your budget as a PDF, which makes tracking simple throughout your planning experience.
Work with vendors who offer packages
All-inclusive packages often provide great value even though they might get pricey upfront. These complete offerings usually include catering, beverage service, and coordination from vendors with 100+ years of collective experience. You’ll eliminate markups from multiple providers and reduce logistical costs by bundling services. Package deals also streamline planning since you communicate with fewer vendors.
Note that wedding expenses in East Texas typically range from $15,000-$28,000 for 125 guests. These strategic approaches can help you direct costs while creating your dream celebration.
Conclusion
A Texas wedding takes smart financial planning. The average wedding in Texas costs $30,200 – less than the national average but still a hefty investment.
The numbers tell an interesting story about what drives your final budget. Your guest count will have the biggest effect on costs, as each extra person adds about $284 to your total. The time of year plays a big role too. Summer weddings cost more, while off-season dates can help you save.
Most couples spend the bulk of their budget on venues ($10,500), catering ($100 per person), and florals ($5,000). Watch out for hidden costs like alterations, transportation, and service charges that can push your total higher if you don’t factor them in early.
Your budget should reflect what matters most to you both. The path to a great wedding starts with knowing your priorities and spending your money there. You might want an amazing venue, stunning photos, or incredible food – smart planning lets you have a meaningful celebration without breaking the bank.
Texas gives you plenty of choices to match your style and budget. You’ll find everything from grand Dallas celebrations to rustic Hill Country gatherings. When you stick to these budget strategies and focus on what’s important, you can plan a Texas wedding that celebrates your love and keeps your finances intact.
