Lauren and Alex wanted a wedding that felt like them: modern, stylish, and memorable. They found their venue on a private rooftop space overlooking the Chicago skyline—$9,500 for exclusive use, including ceremony and reception areas with panoramic city views.
"The venue WAS the decor," Lauren explains. "With that backdrop, we didn't need elaborate installations. The city did the work." They invested their floral budget ($2,800) in a dramatic ceremony structure and lush tablescapes, letting the skyline handle the rest.
Food was a priority. They hired a catering company known for elevated cuisine—not wedding food, real food. At $72 per person including cocktail hour, dinner, and premium open bar, their 145-guest food bill was $10,440. The menu: passed appetizers during cocktails, family-style sharing plates for dinner (short rib, seared salmon, seasonal vegetables), and a late-night taco station.
Their photographer was an artist whose work they'd admired for years—$5,200 for full coverage with second shooter, engagement session, and a leather-bound album. Videography from a documentary-style filmmaker: $3,100 for a 10-minute film and full ceremony.
Instead of a DJ, they hired a 6-piece band for cocktail hour and dinner ($3,500), then transitioned to a DJ for dancing ($1,200). "The live music during dinner elevated everything. People weren't just eating; they were having an experience."
Their Final Budget
- Venue (rooftop, exclusive)$9,500
- Catering + bar$10,440
- Photography$5,200
- Videography$3,100
- Band + DJ$4,700
- Florals + decor$2,800
- Dress + accessories$1,850
- Groom attire$650
- Invitations$580
- Hair + makeup$720
- Rings$1,260
- Total$40,800
"Every single guest said it was the best wedding they'd ever attended. The food, the music, the view—everything came together perfectly."