12 + Months From Your Wedding Day

  • Before booking any vendors make sure you finalize an overall budget for your day.

    It will be extremely helpful to you later in the planning process and should reduce stress! Please include a 10% buffer in your budget for misc. items.

    Eastbank Wedding Budgeting Basics

    To help you set realistic expectations and prioritize your wedding spending, here’s a guide to what many Eastbank couples typically budget:

    📸 Photography

    • Starting at $1,800, with most couples spending between $3,000–$5,500 for a quality professional.

    • Top-tier photographers or full-day coverage with extras may be $4,000+.

    🎥 Videography

    • Generally starts around $2,000, with high-end packages going up to $4,000+.

    🎧 DJ / Entertainment

    • Budget $1,000–$4,000 for a reliable DJ.

    • Under $900 can be risky unless they come with strong referrals.

    • Uplighting, monograms, and MC services may cost extra.

    🍽 Catering (150 Guests)

    • Local catering packages typically range from $3,000–$6,000 depending on menu choices and service style (buffet vs plated).

    🍷 Bar

    • Most hosted bars (keg beer, wine cases, and seltzers) run $2,500–$5,000.

    • A full open bar or craft cocktail service could push the budget to $5,500–$15,000+.

    🕴 Planning & Coordination

    • Day-of coordination (which usually starts 1–3 months out): $1,500–$2,000 in-house

    • Full-service planning:$3,000–$5,000+

    • A planner often handles vendor coordination, timelines, contracts, and keeps everything running smoothly.

    🌸 Flowers

    • Small-to-moderate floral budgets: $1,000–$3,000

    • Statement florals, installations, or flower-heavy weddings may be $3,000–$7,000+

    🪞 Photo Booth

    • Budget around $500–$800, depending on features and props.

    💍 Officiant

    • Typically $250–$400 depending on experience and customization of your ceremony.

    💡 Lighting & Decor

    • Uplighting usually starts at $500.

    • Specialty rentals (arches, backdrops, hanging installations) may require separate vendors.

    💄 Hair & Makeup

    • Bridal hair and makeup (with trial):$250–$350

    • Bridesmaids/moms:$150–$185 per person

    ✉️ Invitations + Postage

    • Costs vary widely depending on printing method and quantity.

    • Don’t forget postage—typically $1 per set (invite + RSVP envelope).

    🍰 Desserts & Cake

    • Tiered cakes often run $500–$700.

    • Alternatives like cupcakes, donuts, or dessert bars may save money.

    • Specialty desserts (mini pies, ice cream carts, etc.) can go quickly, so plan carefully.

    🛏 Hotel Accommodations

    • Downtown Cedar Rapids hotel rates typically range from $110–$180/night for wedding blocks.

    • Book blocks early—especially for summer or fall weddings.

    🚌 Transportation

    • Optional, but helpful for guests staying in hotels.

    • Shuttle or party bus: $500–$1,200, depending on group size and hours.

    💵 Gratuity

    • Some vendors include gratuity in contracts; others leave it to your discretion.

    • Always double-check contracts and build this into your final payments.

    👗 Attire

    • Wedding dresses: Budget from $800–$2,500+ depending on designer and detail.

    • Tux or suit rental:$150–$200

    🧾 Miscellaneous

    • Set aside 10% of your total budget for last-minute expenses or surprises (extra rentals, overtime fees, weather-related add-ons, etc.).

    💰 Typical Total Budgets at Eastbank

    • Most couples spend between $18,000–$40,000.

    • Smaller weddings or off-season events can come in around $17,000.

    • High-end weddings with premium vendors and extras may exceed $50,000+.

  • 🎯 Set Your Priorities First

    • Venue Capacity: Your guest list cannot be more than 450 people due to the max capacity.

    • Budget: Calculate cost per guest and total budget.

    • Wedding Vision: Is it an intimate gathering or a big celebration?

    🧩 Create Categories

    Start by organizing guests into key groups:

    • Immediate family

    • Extended family

    • Close friends

    • Family friends

    • Colleagues or professional contacts

    • Plus-ones

    📋 Draft the Master List

    • Start with a “dream list” with everyone you’d ideally like to invite.

    • Use a spreadsheet or wedding guest list tool for easy tracking (name, RSVP, meal choice, address, etc.). - Zola, The Knot, and Wedding wire are great tools!

    ⚖️ Divide Fairly

    • Ensure both partners have equal input.

    • If families are contributing financially, they may expect to invite some guests too—discuss and agree on numbers.

    ✂️ Trim Thoughtfully

    • Be realistic + consider:

      • When was the last time you talked?

      • Would you invite them if you weren’t obligated?

      • Are they part of your current life?

    🧠 Handle Tricky Situations

    • No kids? Decide early and communicate clearly.

    • Plus-ones? A good rule: Only offer to long-term or engaged couples.

    • Work friends? Invite only if they're genuine friends.

  • 💞 1. Start with What Feels Right

    • Think about who you genuinely want by your side on your big day.

    • Don’t feel obligated to include someone just because they asked you or you were in their wedding.

    👯‍♀️ 2. Consider Reliability Over History

    • Choose people who are supportive, responsible, and can handle some responsibilities—like attending fittings or helping with planning.

    • Longtime friends are great, but only if the bond is still strong and supportive.

    🗓️ 3. Factor in Availability

    • Your bridal party doesn't need to be local, but they should be able to participate in major events like your shower or bachelorette party.

    • Consider if they have the time and means to commit.

    💬 4. Be Clear About Expectations

    • Let them know what being in your bridal party involves: financially, emotionally, and time-wise.

    • This helps avoid awkwardness or resentment later on.

    💸 5. Be Mindful of Budgets

    • Not everyone may be in the same financial position. Be considerate about costs related to attire, travel, gifts, etc.

    👗 6. Don’t Feel Tied to Tradition

    • You can have bridesmen, a smaller bridal party, or even no party at all.

    • Your day, your way.

    🧘‍♀️ 7. Trust Your Gut

    • If you’re unsure about someone, it might be better to include them in another role (like a reader or usher).

    • The right people should bring joy, not stress.

    ✉️ 8. Ask in a Meaningful Way

    • Once you decide, ask your bridal party thoughtfully—through a card, gift box, or heartfelt conversation.

  • Your vision board is your overall wedding aesthetic and mood. It guides every stylistic decision you make. Start gathering inspiration (Pinterest, google item, mood boards, etc.)

    • Includes:

      • Mood (e.g., romantic, boho, modern, classic, rustic)

      • Textures (e.g., lace, velvet, wood)

      • Decor inspiration (e.g., candlelight, string lights, greenery) - Start looking at the decor we offer in house. Eastbank Decor Catelog

      • Floral styles

      • Dress inspiration

      • Venue vibes (e.g., garden, industrial loft, beach)

      • Photos, Pinterest pins, magazine clippings, etc.

    • Purpose:

      • Acts as your style compass

      • Keeps everyone (planner, florist, decorator) aligned with your vision

    • Start looking at the decor we offer + what could go with your vision board.

    • Start with the big ones: photographer, videographer, caterer, entertainment, and planner if desired. Do not forget to keep your overall budget in mind

    • These vendors also book far in advance, especially for peak seasons.

    • Eastbank Preferred Vendors

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