Budgeting for Your Bonnet House Wedding: Your Fast-Track Guide to Affordable Wedding Costs

Hosting your special day at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens offers couples a unique blend of historical elegance and tropical charm. Located in Fort Lauderdale, the venue is a favorite for weddings thanks to its romantic orchid houses, lush gardens, and picturesque waterfront views. But how much should you budget for a Bonnet House wedding, and what expenses should you keep in mind?

Venue rental fees at Bonnet House typically start around $3,500–$5,000 for evening events, with the cost varying based on the day of the week, time of year, and guest count. It’s important to note that these fees usually include exclusive use of the grounds, but additional costs for event insurance, security, and required staff may apply. You’ll also need to budget for catering—since the venue works with a select list of approved caterers—as well as rentals for tents, tables, chairs, and décor, as Bonnet House is largely an outdoor space.

Other typical expenses include photography, entertainment, floral design, and coordination services. On average, couples can expect total costs to range from $15,000–$35,000, depending on formality, guest count, and customization. Transportation and parking considerations may also require extra funds if you plan to shuttle guests or provide valet service.

As an interior designer, I recommend making the most of Bonnet House’s architectural beauty and lush gardens by planning your décor around the venue’s vibrant tropical palette and historic details. To visualize how your reception tables, ceremony backdrop, and event flow might work within the unique spaces, I suggest using a Room Planner tool. This enables you to carefully allocate your budget towards rental items and layout decisions that highlight the venue’s features, ensuring an impactful and cost-effective design.

Tips 1:

Visit the venue at the same time of day as your planned wedding to see natural lighting and check for any additional lighting needs; this prevents surprise expenses on the day. Also, request a detailed list of all mandatory fees and preferred vendor requirements before signing any contracts.

FAQ

Q: What is the base rental cost for a Bonnet House wedding?

A: The base rental typically starts at $3,500–$5,000, depending on date and guest count.

Q: Are there preferred or required vendors for catering and rentals?

A: Yes, Bonnet House works with a list of approved caterers, and additional guidelines may apply for rentals and decor professionals.

Q: Does Bonnet House provide tables, chairs, and linens?

A: Usually, you will need to rent tables, chairs, linens, and tents separately as the venue is largely an outdoor site.

Q: What other costs should I budget for besides the venue?

A: Factor in catering, rentals, photography, entertainment, florals, coordination, and potential transportation or valet services.

Q: How can I maximize my décor budget at Bonnet House?

A: Focus your budget on areas with the most guest impact, and use design tools to plan your layout, making the most of the venue's natural beauty and historic charm.