The Ultimate Budget Guide for Airbnb-Style (Non-Traditional) Weddings
A wedding doesn’t have to follow a one-size-fits-all template. If the idea of a non-traditional celebration in a cozy cabin or a grand estate has you excited, you’re in the right place. Think of this guide as your go-to resource for understanding the budget ranges and cost categories that come with an Airbnb-style wedding. From minimalistic ceremonies in the backyard to elaborate, multi-day events at a luxe villa—it’s all about celebrating your love in a way that feels true to you.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Airbnb-Style?
- Budget Overview: Key Categories
- Venue & Accommodations
- Food & Drinks
- Decor & Rentals
- Vendors & Services
- Attire & Accessories
- Stationery & Invitations
- Additional & Hidden Costs
- Sample Budget Tiers & Tables
- Tips & Takeaways
- Conclusion
1. Introduction: Why Airbnb-Style?
Airbnb-style (or short-term rental) weddings let you tailor your celebration exactly to your taste. Instead of booking a traditional venue for a few hours, you can have:
- Multiple days of festivities (rehearsal dinner, next-day brunch, pool party—go wild!).
- Personal touches without rigid venue rules.
- Flexible guest counts, whether you invite 15 or 150 (though large gatherings require careful host approval).
- A home-away-from-home atmosphere—turn a property into your own private wedding oasis.
Some couples host a 2-hour casual ceremony in the backyard with homemade refreshments. Others transform a sprawling estate into a full-blown, multi-day wedding wonderland. The range is huge, so the budgeting approach should be, too!
2. Budget Overview: Key Categories
Every wedding budget (traditional or not) generally breaks down into these categories:
- Venue & Accommodations
- Food & Drinks
- Decor & Rentals
- Vendors & Services (photographer, coordinator, etc.)
- Attire & Accessories
- Stationery & Invitations
- Additional/Hidden Costs (permits, insurance, etc.)
In an Airbnb-style wedding, “Venue & Accommodations” often merge into a single category—the property you rent doubles as your lodging and event space. That’s the beauty (and cost-saver) of this approach.
3. Venue & Accommodations
This is usually your biggest expense. You’re renting a property that could range from a rustic farmhouse to a modern villa with ocean views. Most wedding-friendly properties start at $5,000 for a multi-night stay, but you can certainly spend more if you’re aiming for a larger or more luxurious spot.
Cost Ranges (3-Night Stay)
- Small to Mid-Range Property (Sleeps 8–20, event-friendly): $5,000–$8,000
- Large / Luxury Mansion (Sleeps 20+, designed for events): $9,000–$15,000+
(Note: Event fees or cleaning charges may add $500–$2,000 on top.)
Tips
- Off-Peak Seasons: Booking mid-week or in the off-season can yield huge savings.
- Extended Stays: Some hosts offer discounts for longer rentals—perfect if you want multiple days for setup, the wedding, and teardown.
- Platform Choice: Booking through a wedding-focused platform (like WedBnB) may offer clearer pricing and event-friendly policies, reducing the risk of any “surprise” host cancellations.
4. Food & Drinks
In a non-traditional setting, food & drink can be as simple or lavish as you desire. You can hire a Michelin-star chef or grab groceries and a food truck.
Common Options
- Food Trucks
- Cost per person: $15–$35
- Great for casual or eclectic menus (tacos, sliders, gourmet pizza).
- Full-Service Caterer
- Cost per person: $40–$100+
- More traditional multi-course meals.
- DIY or Potluck
- Cost per person: $5–$15 (if friends/family pitch in or you shop wholesale).
- Hybrid
- Hire a bartender + minimal waitstaff while providing much of the food yourselves.
Beverage Approaches
- Open Bar: $15–$30 per guest (plus bartender fees).
- Self-Serve: Stock up at a wholesale store, provide coolers/kegs, or set up a simple cocktail station.
- BYOB: If your property permits, guests can bring their own—just have enough glassware/disposables.
5. Decor & Rentals
Your property’s charm can cut down on the need for heavy décor. Still, you might need tables, chairs, and possibly décor to match your theme.
Potential Costs
- Tables & Chairs: $3–$10 per chair, $10–$20 per table.
- Linens: $8–$20 each, unless purchased or DIY’d.
- Lighting: $100–$500 total (string lights, lanterns, etc.).
- Flowers & Greenery:
- DIY from a flower market: $200–$600
- Professional florist (bouquets + centerpieces): $1,000–$3,000+
- Extra Decor: Photo booth backdrops, signage, arches: $50–$500 depending on complexity.
Savings Tips
- Focus on Key Areas: Beautify where guests congregate. If the property has stunning natural features, leverage them!
- Strategic DIY: Pick a few statement projects you can handle without burning out.
6. Vendors & Services
In a non-traditional Airbnb wedding, you’ll choose and hire your own vendors. This can be flexible—and sometimes more cost-effective—but requires extra coordination.
Common Vendors & Approx. Costs
- Photographer: $1,500–$4,000
- Videographer: $1,000–$3,000
- DJ / Live Band: $600–$2,500
- Day-of Coordinator / Planner:
- Day-of: $500–$1,000
- Full-service: $3,000–$6,000
- Florist: $500–$3,000 (depending on scope)
- Officiant: $200–$600
Vendor Logistics
- Parking & Load-In: Confirm your property has space for vendor trucks (especially caterers, DJs, etc.).
- Insurance: Some hosts or municipalities require event insurance, especially for larger events.
- Power Capacity: Double-check for enough electrical supply to handle sound systems, lighting, and catering equipment.
7. Attire & Accessories
Non-traditional can mean anything from a classic gown and suit to matching jean jackets or casual boho dresses.
Typical Ranges
- Wedding Dress: $300 (off-the-rack) to $3,000+ (designer).
- Suit/Tux: $200–$1,000.
- Shoes & Accessories: $50–$500.
- Hair & Makeup: $100–$300 per person (less if you go DIY or have a talented friend).
8. Stationery & Invitations
Even if you lean digital, some stationery might make sense (signage, seating charts, etc.).
Options & Costs
- Digital Invites: Nearly free or $50–$100 for a premium service.
- Printed Invites: $1–$5 each for basic designs. Upscale sets can run $15–$20 each.
- Signage & Programs: $50–$200 if printed online or done DIY.
Tip: A wedding website can be a fantastic hub for updates—especially for multi-day Airbnb weddings with detailed logistics.
9. Additional & Hidden Costs
Non-traditional settings can spark unique expenses:
- Event Permits: $100–$300, if required locally.
- Insurance: $100–$300 for event liability coverage.
- Cleaning/Trash Removal: $50–$200 if you exceed normal usage.
- Security Deposit: $500–$2,000, often refundable if no damage is done.
- Heating/Cooling: Rent outdoor heaters ($50–$100 each) or fans/tents for extreme weather.
10. Sample Budget Tiers & Tables
Below are example budgets for a 3-night Airbnb-style wedding with around 50–60 guests. Actual figures will vary by location, timing, and personal preferences.
Tier 1: Minimalist / DIY Emphasis ($10,000–$15,000 range)
| Category | Estimated Cost (Low–High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Accommodations | $5k–$6k (smaller property) | 3-night stay, off-peak or mid-week |
| Food & Drinks | $1k–$2.5k | DIY/potluck or simpler food truck |
| Decor & Rentals | $500–$1k | Low-key setup, leveraging natural scenery |
| Vendors & Services | $1k–$3k | Possibly a friend DJ, smaller photo package |
| Attire & Accessories | $300–$1k | Off-the-rack dress, casual suit |
| Stationery & Invites | $100–$300 | Mostly digital invites |
| Extras/Hidden Costs | $500–$1k | Insurance, cleaning, random supplies |
| Total | $10k–$15k | Sweet & simple, perfect for intimate vibes |
Tier 2: Mid-Range / Balanced ($20,000–$30,000 range)
| Category | Estimated Cost (Low–High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Accommodations | $6k–$8k | Mid-size estate with event fees included |
| Food & Drinks | $3k–$5k | Catered buffet or multiple food trucks |
| Decor & Rentals | $1k–$3k | Moderate florals, custom lighting, some rentals |
| Vendors & Services | $3k–$6k | Pro photographer, DJ, partial planner if desired |
| Attire & Accessories | $1k–$2k | Mix of off-rack / lightly tailored attire |
| Stationery & Invites | $300–$600 | Mid-range printed suite + signage |
| Extras/Hidden Costs | $500–$1k | Permits, insurance, extended cleaning |
| Total | $20k–$30k | Balanced approach, a mix of DIY + professional touches |
Tier 3: Luxe Experience ($40,000+ range)
| Category | Estimated Cost (Low–High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & Accommodations | $9k–$15k+ | Large luxury property or mansion for 3 nights |
| Food & Drinks | $8k–$12k+ | Full-service catering, premium bar, multiple-day meals |
| Decor & Rentals | $3k–$6k+ | Lavish florals, high-end furniture rentals, statement pieces |
| Vendors & Services | $7k–$15k+ | Top-tier photographer/videographer, full-service planner, live band |
| Attire & Accessories | $2k–$5k+ | Designer gowns, tailored suits, professional hair & makeup |
| Stationery & Invites | $600–$2k | Luxury paper suites, possibly custom calligraphy |
| Extras/Hidden Costs | $1k–$2k | Additional staffing, extensive insurance, premium add-ons |
| Total | $40k+ | A lavish, multi-day event with every detail professionally curated |
11. Tips & Takeaways
- Define Your Priorities: Pinpoint what matters most—food, photography, or a stunning venue—then allocate your budget accordingly.
- Compare Costs: While a $5k+ rental might seem steep, remember it covers both lodging and an event space, often saving you overall.
- Check Host Guidelines: Some short-term rentals have restrictions on noise levels, guest counts, or vendor use. Verify before you book.
- Use Multi-Day Stays: Spread out your celebration—rehearsal dinner, wedding day, and farewell brunch. This can transform your event into a memorable mini-vacation.
- Balance DIY & Pro Help: You can’t do everything solo. Consider hiring a day-of coordinator or leaning on friends for tasks like décor.
- Budget for the Unexpected: A 10–15% contingency fund can save you from last-minute stress over surprise fees or mishaps.
- Insurance is Your Friend: Invest in event insurance—hosts and local laws often require it, and it’s a safety net for unforeseen issues.
12. Conclusion
An Airbnb-style wedding offers flexibility, intimacy, and often cost-efficiency. By understanding typical budget categories and setting realistic ranges, you can plan an event that’s personal, memorable, and uniquely yours. Whether you’re inviting 20 friends for a backyard ceremony or going all-in at a luxury mansion, it all comes down to celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic.
Ready to get started? Grab your spreadsheets, imagine the perfect property, and remember—you’re not just planning a wedding; you’re crafting an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. Here’s to saying “I do” without breaking the bank (and without sacrificing any of the magic)!
Happy Planning and Cheers to Your Non-Traditional “I Do”!