When we started planning our wedding, one of the first things we thought about was: what delicious food should we serve our guests? And, along with that delightful question came another, less pleasant one: how much would we need to invest to cover the cost of the whole party?
The catering options on the market are so varied that choosing one becomes almost a sport. Let me share a real-life story: for my wedding, my wife and I went to four tastings just to decide which company would handle the catering. Yes, four. And let me tell you, it was no hardship—each tasting was an incredible experience (I highly recommend this part of the planning process; it’s probably the only phase where you leave "working" and gain a few extra pounds as a bonus).
The catch was that, at every tasting, we were told we’d have to select a limited number of items for the final menu. Yet, during the actual tastings, we sampled over 50 items at each one. The package we ended up booking allowed us to choose 25. Believe me: deciding which 25 items to leave off the list was far from easy. There were items that almost sparked an argument between us right there at the tasting table (gourmet *brigadeiro* is serious business).
After booking the caterer—which, at the time, seemed like the most important and expensive part of the entire wedding—we started looking at the other services we still needed to hire. And that’s when the surprise came: catering wasn't the most expensive item of the wedding.
We discovered that the costs for the reception venue and the decor exceeded the cost of the catering.
And looking back, it makes perfect sense: the options for the venue and décor are just as varied (if not more so) than the food options—and the costs reflect that variation.
Here’s a simple example to illustrate the multiplier effect of décor: if you decide to place a vase of flowers on one guest table, ideally you should place similar vases on all the other tables too—otherwise, the room looks visually unbalanced, and that one "decorated" table will look out of place compared to the rest. Harmony is what makes a space look elegant.
The problem (or the trap, if you will) is that this same item, when multiplied across 10, 15, or 20 tables, starts to weigh heavily—and quickly—on the budget. It’s this "multiply-by-a-hundred" effect that causes wedding décor costs to range from around R$ 5,000 to over R$ 20,000—and even higher for designs featuring lots of fresh flowers, theatrical lighting, or specialty furniture. On average, décor accounts for about 15% of the total party budget, which explains why it competes with (and sometimes beats) the catering costs.
The same logic applies to practically any decorative item: it’s perfectly possible to have a simple, lovely chandelier hanging from the ceiling—but it’s also possible to rent a crystal chandelier, the kind fit for a European palace, which costs more on its own than the catering for twenty guests. The choice is always yours; the important thing is simply knowing that the choice exists.
A tip for keeping things manageable: choose one "focal point" to invest in—such as the altar, the cake table, or the entrance—and keep the rest of the décor more understated. No one is going to notice that the vase on table 14 is 10% smaller than the one on table 3.
The same logic applies to event venues: there are options to suit every taste and budget. Most locations offer the expected basic amenities—a room for the couple, a ceremony area, a dance floor (the classic "nightclub" setup), as well as a reception area, kitchen, and restrooms.
However, beyond this basic package, the market also offers—for those willing and able to pay—extras like hot tubs, supervised play areas for children, nightclubs with full concert-grade sound and lighting, artificial lakes, and historic estates with guest accommodations, among countless other possibilities. Seriously: when it comes to weddings, not even the sky is the limit.
In terms of cost, renting a reception venue typically ranges from R$ 3,000 for simpler options to over R$ 30,000 for venues with full infrastructure—event halls featuring equipped kitchens, furniture, and prime locations usually fall between R$ 5,000 and R$ 30,000. Meanwhile, high-end venues—featuring spacious halls, outdoor areas, guest accommodations, and exclusive services—can exceed R$ 45,000 for the venue alone, depending on the region and the level of customization.
Generally speaking, the venue usually accounts for 15% to 25% of the total wedding budget—a share similar to (or sometimes even larger than!) the portion allocated for catering.
A quick tip: If your dream venue is a country estate, a rustic property, or a beach—chosen because it seems "cheaper" at first glance—be careful: these locations often require you to separately rent tents, a generator, portable restrooms, and all the furniture. What seemed like a cost-saving measure can, in the end, match (or even exceed) the cost of an indoor venue that already has the necessary infrastructure in place.
The honest answer is: it depends.
Catering, venue, and décor form a trio that typically accounts for the bulk of the total wedding investment—and which of these takes the top spot as the most expensive item varies from couple to couple, city to city, and vendor to vendor.
To provide a rough guide (keeping in mind that prices vary significantly based on region and the level of customization chosen):
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Catering (per guest) | R$ 120 – R$ 400 |
| Full décor | R$ 5,000 – R$ 20,000+ |
| Reception venue | R$ 3,000 – R$ 30,000+ |
| Complete wedding (~100 guests) | R$ 25,000 – R$ 70,000 |
In short: assuming catering is automatically the budget-buster is a common mistake—and it is precisely this kind of surprise that can throw your planning off balance if not anticipated in advance.
When it comes to weddings, the possibilities are virtually endless—which is exactly why the real challenge isn't finding the cheapest option, but rather balancing your available budget with the dream you have in mind. Setting priorities right at the start of planning (what is essential to the two of you? Incredible catering? Stunning décor? An unforgettable venue?) really helps direct funds where they matter most. It prevents the trap of overspending on one item—thinking, "well, this is bound to be the most expensive part anyway"—only to discover later that another item ate up even more of the budget.
The experience we’re sharing here is the kind of lesson you usually only learn after you’ve already started planning—and the goal of this article is to save you from the same surprise many couples face. The best way to avoid surprises is simple: research, compare, and talk to actual vendors before signing any contracts, starting with the biggest budget items (catering, venue, and décor)—in that exact order of priority.
This is where DisseSim steps in to make your lives easier. On the platform, you can find real caterers, event venues, and decorators; compare proposals side-by-side; view each vendor's portfolio; and organize everything in one place—without relying solely on friends' recommendations or spreadsheets buried in WhatsApp chats.
How about taking the next step and exploring the vendors available on DisseSim? That way, when the time comes for a tasting (or a visit to your dream venue), you’ll already know exactly where your money is going—and where it’s worth investing a little extra.
