What Is a Realistic Budget for a Small Wedding?
Are you dreaming of a beautiful Charleston wedding without the big price tag? Whether you’re picturing a romantic garden ceremony at Magnolia Plantation or a waterfront reception aboard a wedding yacht rental, it’s possible to create a stunning, unforgettable day—without exceeding your budget. At CHEERS Event Rentals, we believe your wedding should be both magical and manageable. So, let’s talk numbers: What does a realistic budget for a small Charleston wedding actually look like, and how can you make the most of it? How Much Should You Spend on a Small Wedding in Charleston? A small wedding typically includes 30 to 100 guests. That means fewer glassware rentals, fewer meals to serve, and more room in your budget for those dreamy extras, like a sunset-filled honeymoon stay in a beach rental on the Isle of Palms or a vintage wedding car rental in Charleston, SC—yes, we’re talking about The REEF. This baby blue, vintage Land Rover D90 is a head-turner with mahogany wood floors and cracked leather seating. Whether you use it for bridal portraits, a stylish getaway car, or a grand arrival at the reception—it’s guaranteed to turn heads. Trust us—your guests will be talking about it. According to The Knot, the average U.S. wedding in South Carolina costs between $35,000 and $39,000. For a smaller wedding in Charleston, SC, you can typically expect to spend around $15,000 for an average of 89 guests, but this number is only a guesstimate. As Desireé Dent, Chicago-based wedding planner and owner of Dejanae Events, puts it: “The concept of an average wedding cost can be misleading since every wedding is deeply personal. What couples spend depends greatly on their location, guest count, and priorities. While an average can offer a helpful starting point, each couple’s budget should reflect their unique vision and needs.” Budget Breakdown: Where Does the Money Go? Here’s a general idea of how couples spend their budget on a small wedding for 89 guests: Category Estimated % of Budget Estimated Cost Venue 25% $3,750 Catering ($27 per guest buffet) 16% $2,400 Rentals (tables, chairs, linens, etc.) 13% $1,950 Photography 10% $1,500 Décor and flowers 8% $1,200 Entertainment (DJ) 7% $1,000 Transportation and extras (car, honeymoon, etc.) 7% $1,000 Cake, hair, makeup, misc. 7% $1,000 Officiant and ceremony music 4% $600 Total 100% $15,000 Notes based on WeddingWire data: Wedding Rentals That Maximize Your Budget One of the best ways to stretch your budget? Rent strategically. At CHEERS, we offer wedding rentals in Charleston, SC, that bring maximum style for a fraction of the cost of buying: Smart Ways to Save on Your Charleston Wedding Let CHEERS Help You Plan the Perfect Small Wedding At CHEERS, we believe every couple deserves a beautiful wedding—regardless of size. From high-end lounge furniture to retro wedding car rentals and gorgeous dinner settings, we offer stylish rentals that elevate your day without stretching your budget. Need help with ideas or a custom quote? Contact us or visit our showroom to explore our latest rental inventory. Let’s make your Charleston wedding unforgettable.