Rough Wedding Planning Guide for a $50,000 Salt Lake City Wedding
Rough Wedding Planning Guide for a $50,000 Salt Lake City Wedding
Featuring Bella Alder Photo + Film
Planning your wedding can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable pieces makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re a couple planning your own wedding or working with a planner, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize a beautiful Salt Lake City celebration on a $50,000 budget. This guide also highlights the exceptional work of Bella Alder Photo + Film, one of Utah’s top wedding photography teams, ensuring your special day is captured perfectly.
1. Establish Your Priorities and Vision
Before diving into the details, spend time discussing and defining your overall wedding vision. Ask yourselves:
What is most important to you?
(e.g., the venue, food, photography, entertainment)Which elements are non-negotiable?
(For instance, you may want high-quality photography by Bella Alder Photo + Film to capture every precious moment.)What style do you envision?
(Modern, classic, rustic, or a blend?)
Creating a mood board on Pinterest or a shared digital folder can help consolidate your ideas, making it easier to communicate your vision to vendors.
Budget Tip: Identify your top priorities (like photography or venue) and allocate more of your budget there.
2. Create a Budget Breakdown
With a total budget of $50,000, here’s a rough breakdown of common expenses for a Salt Lake City wedding:
Venue and Catering: ~$25,000
Many Salt Lake City venues offer packages that include both space and catering. Depending on the venue, costs can range from $10,000 to $25,000. For a mid-range venue with quality catering, plan on around $25,000. This budget should cover a reception for 100-150 guests.Photography & Videography: ~$6,000
Hiring Bella Alder Photo + Film as your primary photography team typically falls in the $5,000-$7,000 range for comprehensive packages that include engagement sessions, full-day coverage, and post-production editing.Attire (Bride & Groom): ~$4,000
This includes the bridal gown, alterations, accessories, and the groom’s attire. Look for local designers or off-the-rack options that can be customized.Flowers and Décor: ~$5,000
Floral arrangements, table centerpieces, and venue décor help set the tone. Focus on seasonal blooms and local vendors to maximize quality and value.Entertainment: ~$3,000
This budget covers your DJ or live band, plus any additional entertainment elements.Invitations and Stationery: ~$1,500
Save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and thank-you cards. Digital options can help lower costs.Miscellaneous (Transportation, Rentals, Favors, etc.): ~$5,500
This includes transportation for the bridal party, rentals (such as additional lighting or furniture if needed), wedding favors, and a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
Budget Tip: Always set aside 5-10% of your budget (around $2,500–$5,000) as a contingency fund for any unexpected costs.
3. Secure Your Venue
Choosing the Right Venue in Salt Lake City
The venue sets the stage for your wedding day. Salt Lake City offers diverse options—from chic urban lofts to elegant mountain settings. Consider these factors:
Location: Is it convenient for most guests? Salt Lake City has great options near downtown, as well as scenic venues in nearby mountain areas.
Capacity and Amenities: Ensure the venue fits your guest count and offers the services you desire (like in-house catering or flexibility for décor).
Time of Day and Lighting: The venue’s natural light can greatly affect your photos. Discuss with Bella Alder Photo + Film how best to use the venue’s lighting to capture Pinterest-worthy shots.
Example Venues in Salt Lake City
Urban Options: Modern lofts, rooftop venues, or repurposed industrial spaces in downtown SLC offer sleek, contemporary backdrops.
Mountain/Scenic Options: Venues in the nearby mountains or at natural reserves can provide breathtaking views and a more intimate, rustic feel.
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4. Hire Your Wedding Vendors
Photography by Bella Alder Photo + Film
Investing in high-quality wedding photography is crucial because your photos are the lasting memories of your day. Bella Alder Photo + Film offers comprehensive packages that include:
Pre-Wedding Consultation: Discuss your vision, plan your shot list, and review the venue.
Engagement Session: A great opportunity to get comfortable with the photographer and capture beautiful couple portraits.
Full-Day Coverage: From the preparations to the reception, ensuring no moment is missed.
Post-Production Editing: High-resolution, beautifully edited images ready to be cherished for a lifetime.
Other Key Vendors
Catering: Choose a venue that offers in-house catering or hire a local caterer known for quality cuisine. Request tasting sessions and check reviews.
Florists: Look for florists experienced with Salt Lake City weddings who can incorporate seasonal, local blooms into your décor.
Entertainment: Hire a DJ or live band that suits your music style. Ensure they are familiar with your venue’s acoustics.
Planners and Coordinators: A local wedding planner can help manage timelines and vendor coordination, ensuring your day runs smoothly.
Hair and Makeup: Book professionals who specialize in bridal beauty, ensuring that your look stays flawless throughout the day.
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5. Plan Your Wedding Timeline
Creating a detailed timeline is essential to keep your day on track and to ensure every special moment is captured.
Pre-Wedding Preparations
Morning:
Hair and makeup session for the bride and bridal party.
Gown fittings and final adjustments.
Photographer arrival to capture candid preparation moments.
Bridal Session:
A scheduled session for individual portraits, details of the dress, and close-up shots of accessories.
Consider an outdoor mini-session if your venue and lighting permit.
Ceremony and Reception
Ceremony:
Capture key moments: the processional, the vows, the ring exchange, and the first kiss.
Bella Alder Photo + Film will focus on both candid and formal shots.
Post-Ceremony:
Family portraits and formal wedding photos.
Transition to a cocktail hour or a second-session location if available.
Reception:
Document the ambiance, the speeches, and the special dances.
Ensure time for capturing details like décor, table settings, and the cake.
Consider a “first look” session if not done earlier in the day.
Post-Wedding
After the Event:
Schedule a follow-up session (if desired) for additional portraits or creative shots in a different setting.
Discuss the delivery timeline for the edited photos (typically 2–4 weeks with Bella Alder Photo + Film during busy seasons).
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6. Styling and Beauty: Look Your Best on Your Big Day
Wardrobe and Accessories
Your bridal attire is the centerpiece of your wedding photography. With a $50,000 budget, consider investing in a custom or designer gown that reflects your personal style. Don’t forget about the details:
Bridal Gown: Ensure it’s tailored perfectly with room for movement and comfort.
Accessories: Statement jewelry, elegant veils or headpieces, and chic bridal clutches add the finishing touches.
Groom’s Attire: Coordinate the groom’s look with the overall color palette and style of the wedding.
Hair and Makeup
For a flawless bridal look:
Professional Hair and Makeup: Book experienced professionals who understand both modern and classic bridal trends.
Beauty Trials: Schedule trials to perfect your look and ensure your style remains fresh throughout the day.
Skincare: Maintain a good skincare routine in the weeks leading up to the wedding to achieve a radiant, dewy finish.
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7. Décor and Ambiance
Your venue décor sets the tone for your wedding and enhances your photography. With a $50,000 budget, allocate funds to create an elegant atmosphere that complements your style.
Floral Arrangements
Work with local florists who specialize in Salt Lake City weddings:
Seasonal Blooms: Choose flowers that are in season for a fresh, vibrant look.
Centerpieces and Bouquets: Coordinate colors with your overall theme.
Backdrops: Consider floral arches or installations that serve as stunning photo backdrops.
Lighting and Ambiance
Effective lighting is key to capturing beautiful photos:
Ambient Lighting: Use soft lighting to enhance the natural beauty of the venue.
Creative Accents: Consider string lights, chandeliers, or lanterns to add a warm, romantic glow.
Professional Setup: Work with your venue or a rental company to ensure optimal lighting for both the ceremony and reception.
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8. Entertainment and Guest Experience
Music and DJ/Band
Entertainment sets the tone for your celebration:
Music: Decide on a mix of live music or a DJ that fits your style.
Guest Interaction: Ensure that your entertainment can engage guests and keep the energy high.
Sound Quality: Check that the venue’s acoustics work well with your chosen music.
Additional Entertainment
Consider fun extras that create memorable moments:
Photo Booths: Offer guests a chance to capture their own memories.
Interactive Experiences: Lawn games or a dedicated lounge area can provide a relaxed space for guests to mingle.
Live Performances: If within budget, a live band or cultural performance can add a unique flair to your reception.
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9. Transportation and Logistics
Guest Transportation
Ensure that your guests have a smooth experience:
Parking: Verify that your venue has ample parking or arrange for valet services if needed.
Shuttle Services: Consider offering transportation for out-of-town guests, especially if your venue is in a remote or mountainous area.
Timing and Coordination
Develop a detailed timeline for the day:
Vendor Coordination: Ensure all vendors are aligned with the schedule.
Rehearsal: A well-planned rehearsal ensures everyone knows where to be and when.
On-Site Coordinator: If your venue doesn’t include one, hire a day-of coordinator to manage logistics and keep the day running smoothly.
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10. Working with Bella Alder Photo + Film
Why Choose Bella Alder Photo + Film?
Bella Alder Photo + Film is renowned in Utah for their ability to capture both modern and classic wedding styles with artistry and precision. Here’s why they’re the perfect choice for your Salt Lake City wedding:
Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in diverse settings—from urban venues to mountain retreats—they understand how to make every moment memorable.
Personalized Service: They offer one-on-one consultations to tailor the photography package to your specific needs and style.
Innovative Techniques: Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and creative techniques, they capture stunning, high-definition images that are both candid and beautifully composed.
Timely Delivery: With efficient post-production processes, your photos will be delivered promptly, ensuring you can relive your day as soon as possible.
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What to Expect from Your Photography Package
A typical package with Bella Alder Photo + Film might include:
Engagement Session: A pre-wedding shoot to get comfortable and capture your love story.
Full-Day Coverage: Photography from pre-wedding preparations through the reception.
Detail Shots: Close-ups of your gown, accessories, décor, and candid moments.
High-Resolution Edits: Professionally edited images delivered within 2-4 weeks.
Online Gallery and Prints: Options for digital sharing and high-quality prints for your album.
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11. Final Thoughts: Bringing It All Together
Planning a Salt Lake City wedding with a budget of $50,000 requires careful allocation of funds and thoughtful coordination among vendors. By establishing your priorities, creating a detailed budget breakdown, and working with trusted vendors—including the exceptional Bella Alder Photo + Film—you can create a beautiful, unforgettable wedding day that is as stress-free as it is stunning.
Recap of Key Steps
Define Your Vision:
Create a mood board and list your priorities, ensuring that you focus on what matters most to you (e.g., photography, venue, décor).Budget Allocation:
Roughly assign your $50,000 budget among major categories such as venue/catering ($25K), photography ($6K), attire ($4K), décor ($5K), entertainment ($3K), stationery ($1.5K), and miscellaneous expenses (~$5.5K).Secure the Right Venue:
Choose a venue that fits your style and guest count—whether an urban setting or a mountain retreat—and that works well with your photography vision.Hire Top Vendors:
Book Bella Alder Photo + Film for wedding photography, along with trusted local vendors for catering, florals, entertainment, and styling.Plan a Detailed Timeline:
Organize a comprehensive schedule for the day, ensuring all vendors are coordinated and key moments are captured.Focus on Styling and Beauty:
Invest in high-quality bridal attire, professional hair and makeup, and thoughtful décor that will enhance your wedding photos.Coordinate Transportation and Logistics:
Ensure guest transportation and on-site coordination are well managed to create a smooth, stress-free day.Trust in Your Photographer:
Rely on the expertise of Bella Alder Photo + Film to capture your day beautifully, knowing that every moment—whether candid or posed—will be documented with artistic precision.
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Creating Pinterest-Worthy Moments
Your wedding photos are not just keepsakes; they’re shareable moments that capture the essence of your celebration. By following these planning steps and partnering with talented professionals like Bella Alder Photo + Film, you’ll create a wedding album that is both Pinterest-worthy and deeply personal. Focus on natural light, authentic moments, and creative compositions to ensure that your photos stand out on social media and in your family albums for years to come.
Conclusion
A Salt Lake City wedding on a $50,000 budget is absolutely achievable with careful planning, thoughtful vendor selection, and a clear vision of your wedding day. Whether you’re dreaming of a modern urban celebration, a timeless mountain retreat, or a blend of both, the key is to prioritize what matters most to you and invest in quality areas—especially your wedding photography.
Bella Alder Photo + Film is here to ensure that every moment of your wedding day is captured with creativity, elegance, and precision. Their personalized approach, combined with modern techniques and a deep appreciation for timeless beauty, makes them the ideal choice for Utah brides who want their wedding photos to be both beautiful and unforgettable.
By following this rough planning guide, you’ll be well on your way to orchestrating a magical wedding day that reflects your unique love story and leaves you with a treasure trove of memories—captured perfectly for you to share, pin, and cherish forever.
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Thank you for reading this comprehensive guide to planning a Salt Lake City wedding on a $50,000 budget with Bella Alder Photo + Film. For more detailed tips, inspirational galleries, and to inquire about photography packages, visit Bella Alder Photo + Film’s website and connect with us on social media. Happy planning, and here’s to your unforgettable wedding day in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah!