🧮 Budget Calculator
💰 Your Estimated Budget
Total Estimated Cost
$45,000
Cost per guest: $450
Budget Breakdown
Venue
$15,000
Catering
$18,000
Bar/Alcohol
$5,000
Rentals & Setup
$3,500
Staff & Service
$2,500
Miscellaneous
$1,000
🏢 Real NYC Venue Cost Comparisons (2025 Data)
Raw Spaces
$25,000 - $100,000+
What's Included: Empty space only
You Provide: Everything (catering, furniture, decor)
Examples: Warehouses, lofts, ballrooms
Minimum: Most start at $25,000/day
You Provide: Everything (catering, furniture, decor)
Examples: Warehouses, lofts, ballrooms
Minimum: Most start at $25,000/day
Restaurant Buyouts
$25,000 - $40,000
What's Included: Food, alcohol, basic rentals
You Provide: Minimal additional items
Great For: 80-150 guests
Note: Most cost-effective full-service option
You Provide: Minimal additional items
Great For: 80-150 guests
Note: Most cost-effective full-service option
Full-Service Venues
$50,000 - $90,000
What's Included: Everything (venue, catering, bar, staff)
You Provide: Just show up!
Examples: Hotels, event halls
Best For: Stress-free planning
You Provide: Just show up!
Examples: Hotels, event halls
Best For: Stress-free planning
Rooftop/Outdoor
$20,000 - $60,000
What's Included: Varies by venue
Weather Risk: Need backup plan
Examples: Brooklyn Grange, hotel rooftops
Peak Season: Premium pricing May-Oct
Weather Risk: Need backup plan
Examples: Brooklyn Grange, hotel rooftops
Peak Season: Premium pricing May-Oct
Iconic NYC Venues
$100,000 - $300,000+
Examples: Rainbow Room, Plaza Hotel
What You Get: Prestige, full service, prime location
Guest Count: Usually 100-300+
Booking: 12-18 months in advance
What You Get: Prestige, full service, prime location
Guest Count: Usually 100-300+
Booking: 12-18 months in advance
Brooklyn Venues
$20,000 - $45,000
Value Play: 30-40% less than Manhattan
Examples: Dumbo Loft ($4,000), 99 Scott ($30,000)
Bonus: Many offer Manhattan skyline views
Transportation: Factor in guest accessibility
Examples: Dumbo Loft ($4,000), 99 Scott ($30,000)
Bonus: Many offer Manhattan skyline views
Transportation: Factor in guest accessibility
💡 Money-Saving Tips from NYC Event Pros
Time It Right
Save 20-30% by choosing Friday/Sunday over Saturday, or off-season months (Nov-Apr). Weekday events can save even more.
Consider Other Boroughs
Brooklyn, Queens venues offer 30-40% savings with skyline views. Many guests enjoy exploring different neighborhoods.
Restaurant Buyouts
Most cost-effective full-service option. Built-in kitchen, established staff, typically $200-250/person all-inclusive.
Smart Guest List
Reducing from 150 to 100 guests can save $15,000-25,000. Smaller venues have more availability and better per-person rates.
Venue Packages
Many venues offer better deals when you book multiple services. Compare itemized vs. package pricing carefully.
Hidden Costs to Watch
Ask about setup fees, overtime charges, service charges (often 20-25%), and NYC-specific permits or licensing fees.