Why Do Weddings Cost More Than Other Events In Southern California?

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—times in life. If you’ve been researching venues, you might have noticed that hosting a wedding often costs more than hosting a birthday, anniversary, or corporate event in the same space. At Speakeasy On State Venue in Redlands, CA, we believe in being transparent with our couples, so today we’re breaking down why weddings cost more than other events.

Photography by The Theodor's Photography

1. Extra Time and Preparation

Weddings require more planning and coordination than most events. From rehearsals to ceremony setups, to moving spaces between the “I do’s” and the reception, our team invests significantly more time preparing and executing to make sure your day flows seamlessly.

2. Vendor Management

Many weddings involve multiple vendors—florists, photographers, caterers, DJs, planners, officiants, and more. Our team coordinates with these vendors to ensure they know where to be, when to arrive, and how to set up. This added layer of management helps everything run smoothly, but it also means more behind-the-scenes work on our end.

3. Customization and Décor

Photography by The Theodor's Photography

Weddings are some of the most personalized events we host, and no two look the same. Couples often want their ceremony and reception spaces to reflect their unique story, whether that’s through themed décor, elaborate floral installations, specialty rentals, or customized floor plans.

Unlike many parties or corporate events—where décor may be minimal and layouts fairly standard—weddings involve multiple design elements working together. Think ceremony arches, personalized signage, layered table settings, statement lighting, lounge furniture, and guest experiences like photo booths or champagne walls.

Our team spends extra time helping couples bring those details to life, coordinating setup with vendors, and ensuring the transition between ceremony and reception spaces is seamless. All of that added effort and attention to detail is part of why weddings carry a higher price point than other types of gatherings.

4. Staffing and Service Levels

On wedding days, we staff at higher levels to make sure you, your wedding party, and your guests are cared for. From assisting with ceremony cues to transitioning spaces quickly between events, the service expectations are higher, and we want to meet them flawlessly.

5. Emotional Investment

This might not show up on an invoice, but it matters: weddings are one of the most important days in a couple’s life. The weight of that responsibility means we go above and beyond to ensure everything is perfect—and that dedication is reflected in the pricing.

In short, weddings aren’t just “another event.” They require more time, more people, more precision, and more care. That’s why you’ll see a difference in pricing compared to other types of gatherings we host.

Download our Pricing Guide here:

Price Guide

🎥 See a glimpse of what a wedding looks like at our venue on TikTok :

At Speakeasy On State in Redlands, CA, our goal is to create a wedding experience that feels seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. While weddings do cost more than other events, the added investment ensures that every detail—from your ceremony to your grand exit—is handled with care and professionalism.

If you’re planning a wedding in Southern California, especially in the Inland Empire, and searching for a venue that combines history, elegance, and modern amenities, we’d love to show you why couples choose us to say “I do.”

📅 Ready to start planning? Contact us to schedule a tour of our venue.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Costs

Why do weddings cost more than parties? Weddings require more staff, more preparation, and more detailed coordination than a birthday or anniversary party. From multiple vendors to ceremony and reception setups, the extra work and responsibility increase the overall cost.

How much does a wedding venue cost in Redlands? Wedding venue pricing in Redlands can vary depending on the size of your guest list, the services included, and the uniqueness of the space. At Speakeasy On State, our starting wedding package is $6,899, with customizations available to fit your vision.

What’s the difference between wedding and event pricing? Event pricing usually covers shorter, less complex gatherings like meetings or parties. Wedding pricing reflects the additional time, staffing, and planning required to make your day seamless and memorable.

How can I plan my wedding budget wisely? Start by prioritizing your must-haves, like venue, catering, and photography. Then, build in a cushion for details that matter most to you. Many couples find it helpful to work with a venue that offers packages to simplify costs and reduce stress.

What makes weddings more expensive than other events? In short: the details. Weddings often involve elaborate décor, timelines with multiple transitions, higher service expectations, and a deeper emotional investment from both the couple and the venue team.

Download our Pricing Guide here:

Price Guide