How Much Does an Event Really Cost? A Realistic Budget Breakdown for Modern Celebrations

Planning an event is exciting—but figuring out where your money should go can be overwhelming. Whether it’s a baby shower, bridal shower, milestone birthday, or micro wedding, having a clear idea of how to allocate your budget is key to creating a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

In this post, we’ll break down the typical costs of hosting a professionally styled and catered event—plus provide a percentage-based guide to help you prioritise spending based on your vision.

💰 Average Total Budget: $3,000 – $10,000+

This depends on your guest count, level of styling, venue choice, and whether you’re hiring professionals for setup, food, photography, etc. For around 30 guests in a boutique venue with full styling and catering, expect to spend $4,500–$6,500 for a high-quality, all-inclusive experience.

🧾 Budget Breakdown by Category (%)

Here’s a general guideline for how to split your budget:

1. Venue Hire – 20% to 30%

Estimate: $600 – $2,500

This includes exclusive access to the space, setup time, cleaning fees, and often basic furniture or serviceware. At Events on Citrus, for example, our coastal-chic venue provides a warm, welcoming space without the need for additional rentals.

2. Catering & Food Service – 30% to 40%

Estimate: $1,200 – $3,500

This covers grazing tables, afternoon tea, plated meals, or buffets. High-end, scratch-made menus like ours at Regnier Cakes and Events on Citrus ensure both presentation and flavour impress your guests.

3. Event Styling & Decor – 15% to 25%

Estimate: $700 – $1,800

Styling includes floral arrangements, backdrops, themed props, linens, candles, and tableware. Full styling also means setup, pack down, and personalised touches that elevate your celebration.

4. Custom Cake & Desserts – 5% to 10%

Estimate: $250 – $750

Your cake is often the centrepiece of the celebration—and we believe it should taste as good as it looks. From vintage buttercream styles to fresh florals and dessert tables, custom sweets are worth the investment

5. Photography – 10% to 15%

Estimate: $400 – $1,200

Professional photography ensures your memories last long after the last slice of cake. Some packages may include a set number of edited images, reels, or full event coverage.

6. Entertainment, Games & Extras – 5% to 10%

Estimate: $200 – $700

This might include keepsakes, custom signage, lawn games, or live music. These extras bring personality and interaction to your event.

💡 Example Budget: Baby Shower for 30 Guests

This level of investment allows for a fully styled, professionally hosted event where you don’t have to lift a finger on the day. We handle it all—from setup to pack down—so you can actually enjoy the celebration.

Final Thoughts

Your event budget should reflect your priorities. If food is important, invest in catering. If you want a visual wow-factor, prioritise styling. Most importantly, working with experienced professionals saves you time, stress, and ultimately money from DIY mishaps.

At Events on Citrus, we offer tailored packages that combine venue hire, styling, catering, and custom cakes—all in one seamless experience. And because everything’s done in-house, we keep it beautiful and efficient.

👉 Planning your next celebration? Reach out to book a tour or grab one of our downloadable packages.