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TL;DR: A 75-guest wedding in Columbus, OH typically costs $28,000 – $48,000 all-in, with most couples landing around $36,000 — or roughly $480 per guest. Catering and venue together eat about 55% of that, and Columbus runs 10–15% cheaper than coastal metros of similar size.

Useful summary

Seventy-five guests is the sweet spot for Columbus weddings: big enough to feel like a real celebration, small enough to avoid the ballroom-scale minimums. At this size, you have real flexibility — a downtown hotel, a converted industrial space in Franklinton, a Short North restaurant buyout, or a country club in New Albany are all realistically in range.

What your $36,000 median budget actually buys in Columbus:

Trim to $28,000 by moving to Friday or Sunday, choosing a restaurant venue that handles food and space together, and keeping florals tight. Stretch to $48,000+ if you want a live band, a premium venue like The Ivory Room or Franklin Park Conservatory, and a full open bar with top-shelf liquor.

Variable data table

Here's how a typical $36,000 budget for 75 guests in Columbus breaks down:

Category Allocation Typical Cost Notes
Venue 18% $6,500 Site fee only; food/bar often separate
Catering & bar 34% $12,200 ~$95/person food + $65/person bar
Photography 11% $4,000 8 hours, single shooter, edited gallery
Videography 6% $2,200 Optional; skip to save
Flowers & decor 9% $3,200 Bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces
Attire & beauty 7% $2,500 Dress, suit, hair/makeup for couple
Music (DJ) 4% $1,500 Live band runs $3,500–$6,000
Stationery 2% $700 Invites, save-the-dates, signage
Cake/desserts 2% $700 ~$9/person
Officiant 1% $400 $300 for a friend w/ online ordination
Rings 3% $1,100 Wedding bands only
Other (transport, favors, tips, buffer) 3% $1,000 Always build in a 5% buffer
Total 100% $35,500

Full cost range for 75 guests in Columbus: $28,000 low / $36,000 typical / $48,000+ high-end.

Local context

Venue landscape. Columbus has strong mid-range inventory. Short North and the Arena District run premium ($8,000–$12,000 site fees), while German Village, Franklinton, and Grandview offer character at $4,000–$7,000. Suburban options in Dublin, Powell, and New Albany sit in the middle. Franklin Park Conservatory and The Ohio Statehouse are the marquee venues — expect to pay for the name.

Catering. Columbus has a surprisingly deep caterer bench thanks to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Expect $75–$115 per person for plated dinner including service. Bar packages run $45–$85 per person for 4 hours.

Season matters. September and October are peak — you'll pay 15–20% more and book 12+ months out. January through March pricing drops meaningfully, but weather is a real factor (and so are HVAC-struggling older venues).

Guest travel. With 75 guests, you likely have 20–30 from out of town. Columbus hotel blocks are cheap ($120–$180/night downtown) compared to Chicago or the coasts, which matters if you're cost-conscious about your guests too.

Tax and tip reality. Ohio sales tax in Franklin County is 7.5%, and caterers typically add an 18–22% service charge on top. Budget the full 25–30% markup on any food/bar quote.

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FAQ

How much does a 75-person wedding really cost in Columbus?

Expect $28,000 to $48,000 total, with a median around $36,000 (~$480/guest). That assumes a Saturday evening reception with a mid-range venue, plated or buffet dinner, open bar, photographer, DJ, and florals. Going off-peak or choosing a restaurant venue can bring you to the low end.

What's the cheapest way to host 75 guests in Columbus?

A Friday or Sunday restaurant buyout in the Short North or German Village typically lands at $18,000–$24,000 all-in, because the venue covers food, staff, and furniture in one contract. Skip the live band, keep florals to greenery, and use a photographer for 6 hours instead of 10.

How much should I budget for catering alone?

For 75 guests in Columbus, plan on $10,000–$14,500 for food and bar combined, including the 18–22% service charge and 7.5% tax. Plated dinners cost more than buffets; stations fall in between. Ask caterers for pricing with tax and service already included to avoid surprises.

Do I need a wedding planner for 75 guests?

Not strictly, but a month-of coordinator ($1,200–$2,000) is worth it for almost every Columbus wedding at this size. Full planners run $4,500–$8,000 and make sense if you're out-of-town, have a complex venue, or simply don't have time to vendor-shop.

How far in advance should I book vendors in Columbus?

Venues and photographers for Saturdays in May, June, September, or October book 10–14 months out. Caterers and florists need 8–10 months. For a Friday, Sunday, or off-season date, you can often book quality vendors at 6 months with normal pricing.

Is tipping expected on top of service charges?

Usually yes, but not on everyone. The service charge covers the catering staff's wages, not gratuity. Plan on tipping your DJ ($100–$200), photographer ($50–$150 if you love them), hair/makeup artists (15–20%), and bartenders ($1–$2 per drink served or $50–$100 each). Budget about $500–$800 in tips total.

What if my guest count grows to 100?

Every additional guest adds roughly $160–$220 to your total in Columbus (food, bar, rentals, stationery, favors). Going from 75 to 100 guests typically adds $4,000–$5,500 to your budget, and may force you into a larger venue tier.

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