Are you considering Holland Ranch as your wedding venue? This picturesque location nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo County, California, is a popular choice for couples seeking a rustic and romantic setting. However, one major consideration is the cost. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the expenses and provide tips on how to plan a dream wedding without breaking the bank.
Venue Rental Fees
Holland Ranch offers multiple venue options, including the barn, the lawn, and the grove. The rental fees vary based on the season, the day of the week, and the length of the event. For example, the barn rental fee ranges from $5,000 to $8,500, while the lawn rental fee ranges from $3,500 to $6,500. The grove, which is perfect for an outdoor ceremony, costs $2,500. The rental fee includes access to the venue for 12 hours, from 10 am to 10 pm, and tables and chairs for up to 200 guests.
Catering Costs
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Holland Ranch requires couples to use their preferred catering vendors. The cost per person varies based on the menu and the level of service, such as buffet or plated. On average, couples can expect to spend between $60 and $120 per person, including appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts. The catering cost also includes staff and equipment fees.
Bar Service Costs
The bar service is provided by Holland Ranch, and couples can choose between a hosted or cash bar. The hosted bar costs $35 per person for four hours, and includes beer, wine, and signature cocktails. The cash bar option requires a $1,500 minimum spend. Couples can also bring their own beer and wine for a corkage fee of $15 per bottle.
Wedding Planner Fees
Hiring a wedding planner can help alleviate stress and ensure a seamless wedding day. Holland Ranch does not require couples to hire a planner, but it is highly recommended. The cost of a wedding planner varies based on the level of service, such as full planning or day-of coordination. On average, couples can expect to spend between $2,000 and $6,000.
Photography and Videography Costs
Capturing the memories of your wedding day is important, and hiring a professional photographer and videographer is recommended. The cost varies based on the number of hours, the number of photographers, and the level of editing. On average, couples can expect to spend between $3,000 and $6,000 for both photography and videography.
Florals and Decor Costs
Holland Ranch provides basic decor items, such as wooden arches, lanterns, and string lights. Couples can also bring their own decor items, or hire a florist and event designer to create a personalized look. The cost varies based on the floral arrangements, the centerpieces, and the overall design. On average, couples can expect to spend between $3,000 and $8,000.
Officiant and Ceremony Fees
The cost of an officiant and ceremony fees varies based on the type of ceremony and the level of personalization. Couples can hire a professional officiant or ask a friend or family member to perform the ceremony. Holland Ranch also provides an onsite ceremony coordinator to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The ceremony fee ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.
Music and Entertainment Costs
Music and entertainment can make or break a wedding reception, and there are several options to choose from. Couples can hire a DJ, a live band, or a solo musician. The cost varies based on the number of hours, the type of music, and the level of experience. On average, couples can expect to spend between $1,000 and $5,000.
Transportation Costs
Transportation is often overlooked, but it is an important aspect of the wedding day. Couples may need to rent a limousine, a party bus, or a vintage car to transport the wedding party and guests. The cost varies based on the type of vehicle and the duration of the rental. On average, couples can expect to spend between $500 and $2,000.
Wedding Attire and Beauty Costs
The cost of wedding attire and beauty services depends on personal preference and style. The bride may need to budget for a wedding dress, accessories, and hair and makeup services. The groom may need to budget for a suit or tuxedo rental. On average, couples can expect to spend between $2,000 and $5,000 on wedding attire and beauty.
Wedding Cake and Dessert Costs
A wedding cake or dessert table is a sweet treat for guests and a memorable part of the wedding day. The cost varies based on the size and design of the cake, or the variety and quantity of desserts. On average, couples can expect to spend between $500 and $2,000.
Miscellaneous Expenses
There are several miscellaneous expenses that couples may need to consider, such as invitations, favors, rentals, and permits. These expenses can add up quickly, so it is important to create a budget and prioritize accordingly.
Tips for Cost-Saving
- Choose a weekday or off-season wedding date to save on venue and vendor fees.
- Opt for a buffet-style meal instead of a plated meal to save on catering costs.
- Choose a signature cocktail instead of a full bar to save on bar service costs.
- DIY certain decor items or purchase them secondhand to save on decor costs.
- Ask a friend or family member to officiate the ceremony to save on ceremony fees.
Conclusion
Community. Those people who stand alongside you, who promise to support and root for you, who check in, who send funny memes, who straight up just love you. Even needing to stay physically apart, seeing the intentional actions to show togetherness hits me—because we’re still doing it, somehow.
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For those couples who’s weddings have been put on hold… my heart is so heavy for yours. But soon, and hopefully real real soon, this scene is going to happen—and it won’t require cellphones and screens. And it will be one epic time to celebrate.
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but with proper budgeting and research, it is possible to have a dream wedding at Holland Ranch without overspending. Remember to prioritize what is important to you as a couple, and be willing to compromise on certain aspects to save money. With these tips and a little creativity, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding day.
FAQs
- Can we bring our own caterer to Holland Ranch?
- No, Holland Ranch requires couples to use their preferred catering vendors.
- Do we need to hire a wedding planner for our Holland Ranch wedding?
- While not required, hiring a wedding planner is highly recommended to ensure a seamless wedding day.
- Can we bring our own alcohol to Holland Ranch?
- Couples can bring their own beer and wine for a corkage fee of $15 per bottle.
- How much does it cost to rent a vintage car for our wedding day?
- The cost varies based on the type of vehicle and the duration of the rental, but on average, couples can expect to spend between $500 and $2,000.
- Can we rent decor items from Holland Ranch?
- Holland Ranch provides basic decor items, but couples can also bring their own or hire a florist and event designer to create a personalized look.