Your Guide to Crafting a Venue Budget

Lets talk about everyone’s least favorite part of wedding planning… the budget! We know it can be a major headache to determine what to spend, especially on big ticket items like the venue and catering. Here are some things to consider when looking at an outdoor venue like Cypress Grove Estate House!

Venue Inclusions and Timing

First thing’s first, you need a space to host! Think things like:

  • How long will you have access to the space?
  • Is there room to get ready on site or will you need to rent a separate space for this?
  • How long can your actual event be?
  • What’s included with the venue?  Do you need to bring in tables, chairs, linens, or tabletop?


These things all have costs associated with them and are definitely elements to consider when creating your budget! Our most popular packages include full-day exclusive access as well as tables, chairs, linens, and standard tabletop items.

Estimated cost: between $4,750 to $6,750

Catering & Bar

Next comes the food! Catering is handled in-house, so that helps eliminate the stress of having to find a caterer. Our menus are crafted with your wedding in mind – they include hors d’oeuvres, salad, sides, and entrees with starting prices ranging from $79 to $82 per person, with plenty of options for upgrades and add-ons to accommodate all the foodies!

Along with the food, there’s also bar service to think about. We have tons of possibilities including mocktails, beer and wine bars, signature drinks + and specialty bars, but the top pick by far is our open bar packages!

Estimated cost: between $34 to $44 per person

The Nitty Gritty

Alright, now lets talk about some of those nitty gritty details that are easy to forget. Along with the venue and catering costs, there are things like service charge, taxes, and gratuities to consider. We have a 22% service charge that covers all the extras that go into servicing your wedding like labor (setup & strike team, bartenders, servers, dishwashers, cleaners, etc.), permitting fees, insurance, laundry fees, event management, etc. And of course, there’s sales tax (6.5% for our area). Tipping is up to you, but it’s not something we require or ask for.

Want to read more about the extras to budget for? Click here for our top tips!

Let's Crunch Some Numbers!

We’ve crafted a quick estimate for two of our most popular packages and guest counts:

Buffet Dinner for 150 People

Standard Venue Rental: $4,750.00
Buffet Meal: $11,850.00
Standard Open Bar: $5,100.00
Service Charge: $4,774.00
Tax: $1,720.81
Grand Total: $28,194.81

Plated Dinner for 150 People

Deluxe Venue Rental: $6,750.00
Plated  Meal: $12,900.00
Deluxe Open Bar: $5,850.00
Service Charge: $5,610.00
Tax: $2,022.15
Grand Total: $33,132.15

Weather Backup

Now that we have some starting numbers, lets talk about what we’re all dreading… rain. As much as we hate to admit it, rain is always a possibility in Florida, so it’s important to account for it in the budget.

Since the tent is through a third party, we can’t give an exact number, but we recommend setting aside anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000. This usually entails not just the tent itself, but those required extras like labor, permitting fees, lighting, etc. Our friends at Rentaland Tents and Events are a great resource if you’re looking for a stunning tent at Cypress Grove!

The Enhancements

Now that we’ve talked about the must-haves, let’s get into some ways to customize your wedding experience and make a lasting impression! Looks go a long way, so consider upgrading your tables, chairs, or tabletop with us to bring your full vision to life! If you’re wanting to add something that not only looks great but adds to the atmosphere, we also have stunning soft seating and lounge options to really take things up a notch!

Another fun experience to consider is a food trucks for late night snacks! We love working with the team at Smac Food Truck!

Photography: 28 North Photography

The Final Numbers

Overall, when booking at Cypress Grove, expect to fall somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000 for the venue + catering.

Keep in mind, these estimates are just that – estimates! We offer packages to fit every need, whether it’s something more budget-conscience, an intimate gathering, or an elevated soiree with all the bells and whistles!

Give us shout to chat options; we’d love to find the best fit for you!