TL;DR: A 150-guest wedding in Savannah, GA typically runs $52,000 – $85,000 all-in, with most couples landing around $65,000 — roughly $430 per guest. The biggest local cost drivers are historic district venue fees, Saturday pricing from March to May, and travel/lodging logistics for out-of-town vendors.
Useful summary
Savannah is a destination-wedding market, which means your budget behaves more like Charleston's than Atlanta's. Expect to pay a premium for historic venues, peak-season Saturdays, and anything that needs to be trucked into the historic district (rentals, florals, large catering setups).
For a 150-guest wedding here, plan around these realities:
- Catering + bar is your single biggest line item — usually 35–45% of total spend.
- Venue fees in downtown Savannah run higher than the national average because most spaces are privately operated historic properties.
- April, May, October, and November are the most expensive months. January, February, July, and August are 15–25% cheaper.
- Most couples spend 9–14 months planning at this guest count and book catering and venue first.
Variable data table
Typical all-in budget for 150 guests in Savannah, GA. Ranges reflect mid-range vendors at a non-peak Saturday; peak season adds 10–20%.
| Category | Low | Typical | High | % of budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue (ceremony + reception) | $6,500 | $11,000 | $18,000 | ~17% |
| Catering (food, staff, rentals) | $15,000 | $21,000 | $30,000 | ~32% |
| Bar + beverages | $4,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 | ~12% |
| Photography | $3,800 | $5,500 | $8,500 | ~8% |
| Videography | $2,500 | $4,000 | $7,000 | ~6% |
| Florals + decor | $4,000 | $7,000 | $14,000 | ~11% |
| Music (ceremony + DJ or band) | $1,800 | $3,500 | $9,000 | ~5% |
| Attire (both partners + alterations) | $2,500 | $4,500 | $8,000 | ~7% |
| Stationery + signage | $800 | $1,400 | $2,500 | ~2% |
| Hair + makeup | $900 | $1,500 | $2,800 | ~2% |
| Officiant, license, coordinator | $1,800 | $3,500 | $6,500 | ~5% |
| Transportation (trolleys, shuttles) | $1,200 | $2,200 | $4,000 | ~3% |
| Cake + desserts | $600 | $1,100 | $2,200 | ~2% |
| Favors, gifts, tips | $1,000 | $1,800 | $3,500 | ~3% |
| Total | $46,900 | $75,500 | $128,000 | 100% |
Most Savannah couples at 150 guests target the middle column and trim one or two categories (often florals, videography, or bar tier) to land near $65,000.
Local context
Venue types you'll price against: - Historic district mansions and squares (Whitefield, Forsyth Park, Soho South Cafe, The Mackey House): $8,000–$18,000 site fees. - Tybee Island beach and oceanfront venues: $5,000–$12,000 but add shuttle costs for guests staying downtown (~20 minutes each way). - Plantation-style estates outside the city (Wormsloe-area, Richmond Hill): $4,500–$10,000, often with more flexibility on outside catering. - Hotel ballrooms (The DeSoto, Perry Lane, Plant Riverside): often bundled F&B minimums of $20,000–$45,000 for 150 guests.
Climate and calendar considerations: - Humidity and heat from June through early September mean indoor or tented receptions — tents with cooling can add $4,000–$8,000. - Hurricane season (Aug–Oct) is worth insuring against; wedding insurance runs $200–$500. - St. Patrick's Day week (mid-March) spikes hotel room blocks city-wide — avoid it unless it's the theme.
Hidden costs specific to Savannah: - Historic district parking and load-in fees for vendors. - Permits for squares (Forsyth, Whitefield, Chippewa) — $350–$1,500 depending on size and amplification. - Guest shuttles are effectively mandatory: narrow streets, limited parking, and spread-out venues mean 150 guests need at least two 25-passenger trolleys for 3–4 hours ($1,800–$2,800 total).
Internal links
- Build a personalized number with the wedding budget calculator.
- Learn how the major categories interact in the wedding budget guide.
- Stay on track with the wedding checklist guide.
- Compare guest-count scenarios: 25 guests, 50 guests, 75 guests.
Tool CTA
Use the wedding budget calculator to turn the Savannah ranges above into a line-by-line plan based on your actual guest count, venue type, and priorities. You'll get a category-by-category target, a running total, and a flag when any line drifts out of the realistic local range.
FAQ
How much does a 150-person wedding in Savannah actually cost?
Most couples spend $52,000 – $85,000 all-in, with a median near $65,000 (~$430 per guest). Couples who book off-peak months (January, February, July, August) or choose venues outside the historic district can land closer to $45,000.
What's the cheapest time of year to get married in Savannah?
Mid-January through February and mid-July through August are the cheapest, with venues discounting 15–25% and more weekend availability. Summer saves money but requires indoor or tented cooling. January is the single best value month.
Do I really need shuttles for a Savannah wedding?
Yes, for 150 guests. Downtown parking is scarce and expensive, many historic venues have no parking at all, and guests are usually spread across 3–6 hotels. Budget $1,800 – $2,800 for two trolleys or shuttles running 3–4 hours.
What's a realistic catering cost per person in Savannah?
Plan on $110 – $175 per person for a full-service plated or upscale buffet dinner, including staff and basic rentals. Stations and family-style run similar. Add $35 – $60 per person for a full open bar across 4–5 hours.
How much should I budget for flowers at 150 guests?
A realistic florals range is $5,500 – $10,000 for ceremony, reception centerpieces, bouquets, and boutonnieres at 15 tables. Below $4,000 you'll need to drop either centerpieces or ceremony florals; above $12,000 you're in the installation/arch/hanging-floral tier.
Are historic square ceremonies worth it?
For many couples, yes — a Forsyth Park or Whitefield Square ceremony costs $350 – $1,500 in permits versus $3,000+ for a venue ceremony site. The catches: no reserved seating guarantees, public foot traffic, and you'll still need a separate reception space plus transport between them.
How much should I keep in a contingency buffer?
Hold back 8–12% of your total budget (roughly $5,000–$8,000 at this spend level) for overages, vendor tips, last-minute guest additions, and weather backup. Savannah's humidity and hurricane season make the weather line especially worth protecting.
Sources
- The Knot 2024 Real Weddings Study
- WeddingWire 2024 Newlywed Report
- Visit Savannah Official Visitor Data
- City of Savannah Special Event Permit Fee Schedule
Related
- Wedding Budget Calculator
- Wedding Budget Guide
- Wedding Budget for 25 Guests in Houston, TX
- Wedding Budget for 50 Guests in Houston, TX
- Wedding Budget for 75 Guests in Houston, TX
- Wedding Checklist Guide
Get started
Turn these Savannah ranges into your personal budget in about five minutes — category targets, vendor benchmarks, and a running total you can share with your partner. create_free_account