100 Guests Wedding Planning Guide

Thinking about a 100‑person wedding? That number hits a sweet spot – big enough for family and friends, small enough to keep costs in check. In Bristol, you have plenty of venues that can handle a crowd of this size without breaking the bank. Below you’ll find the essential steps to turn the idea of 100 guests into a well‑run, enjoyable day.

Budget Basics for a 100‑Guest Celebration

Start with a clear per‑guest figure. In 2025 the average cost per guest in the UK sits around £150‑£200 when you include venue, food, drink and basic décor. Multiply that by 100 and you’ve got a solid baseline of £15,000‑£20,000. From there, slice the budget into key buckets: venue (£5,000‑£7,000), catering (£4,000‑£6,000), photography (£1,200‑£2,500), attire and décor (£2,000‑£3,000), and the rest for extras like transportation or a cake.

One trick to shave off dollars is to book your venue on an off‑peak day. A Thursday or a Sunday in late autumn often costs 10‑20% less than a Saturday in June. Also, consider a mixed‑service catering option – a formal dinner for the ceremony and a buffet for the reception can keep costs down while still feeling special.

Managing the Guest List and Invitations

The biggest headache for many couples is the guest list. Keep it honest: ask yourselves who you truly want to share the day with and who you feel obligated to invite. A simple spreadsheet can help you track RSVPs, meal choices and any plus‑ones. If you’re aiming for 100 guests, you’ll likely need to trim a few names once you hit that mark.

When it comes to invitations, ordering in bulk saves money. A set of 100 standard wedding invites can run between £300‑£450. Look for printable options or local Bristol printers who offer discounts for larger orders. Don’t forget to budget for postage – a standard envelope costs about £0.70, so 100 pieces add up to £70.

For those on a tighter budget, e‑invites are a viable alternative. They’re instantly trackable, save on paper, and reduce waste. Just make sure the design matches the vibe of your wedding to keep things cohesive.

Beyond the basics, think about little details that make a 100‑guest wedding feel personal. A welcome board at the entrance, a simple drink station, or a DIY photo backdrop can add charm without a huge price tag. Bristol’s local markets are great for sourcing décor items like candles, flowers or vintage signs at a fraction of the cost of high‑end vendors.

Finally, remember to leave a small cushion in your budget – about 5‑10% – for unexpected expenses. A surprise cake price increase or a last‑minute add‑on can happen, and having that buffer keeps stress at bay.

With a clear budget, a trimmed guest list, and a few smart sourcing choices, a 100‑guest wedding in Bristol can be elegant, fun, and financially sensible. Start planning early, keep track of every line item, and enjoy watching the pieces fall into place.