Waveny House Wedding Cost: What You Need to Know: 1 Minute to Understanding Your Wedding Budget at Waveny House

Waveny House, located in New Canaan, Connecticut, is a top choice for couples dreaming of a romantic, historic mansion wedding. As a designer, I’m often asked about the practicalities—particularly, Waveny House wedding cost. Here’s a transparent breakdown for couples considering this elegant venue for their special day.

Venue Rental Fees: Waveny House offers indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. As of 2024, rental fees typically range from $3,500 to $8,000 per event, depending on the day of the week and the season. Peak summer and fall weekends command the higher end of the spectrum. These fees grant you usage of the house, terrace, gardens, and surrounding parkland for up to eight hours.

Catering & Additional Services: The rental fee usually does not include catering, furniture rentals, or vendor costs. Catering at Waveny House must be selected from their approved vendor list, averaging $125–$250 per guest depending on menu and service style. Alcohol is frequently managed as a separate per-person fee or consumption package, which can be negotiated directly with the caterer.

Other Expenses: Factor in décor, florals, photography, entertainment, event insurance, and required police/security presence for large gatherings. On average, a Waveny House wedding for 100–150 guests can cost between $35,000–$60,000 all-inclusive, but this range varies with design, customization, and local vendor choices.

From my perspective as a designer, the venue's architectural details—like carved woodwork, grand staircases, and large windows overlooking lush gardens—offer a canvas that minimizes the need for elaborate decoration. By focusing your budget on lighting and lending personal touches in areas with the most visual impact, you can create a memorable, seamless aesthetic.

If you want to visualize the best way to lay out the ceremony and reception areas in this historic mansion, I always recommend leveraging a room planner. This tool allows you to map out floor plans, furniture arrangements, and guest flows digitally before the big day—making every dollar count in your design and planning process.

Tips 1:

Begin touring Waveny House at least 12 months in advance to secure your preferred date, especially during high-demand seasons. Ask detailed questions about included amenities, setup/breakdown timing, and any limitations on music or décor (historic properties often have specific restrictions).

FAQ

Q: What is included in the Waveny House wedding rental fee?

A: Generally, access to the historic mansion, terrace, gardens, bridal suite, tables, and chairs are included. Additional décor, rentals, and catering costs are typically separate.

Q: How far in advance should I book Waveny House for my wedding?

A: Prime months (May–October) book up 12–18 months in advance. Off-season dates might be available closer to your desired date.

Q: Can I use any caterer at Waveny House?

A: No, you must select from their list of approved caterers to ensure quality and compliance with venue standards.

Q: Are there guest capacity limits at Waveny House?

A: Yes. The mansion comfortably accommodates up to 160 guests seated; outdoor tents can increase capacity, but check with the venue for updated allowances.

Q: Is there a rain plan for outdoor weddings at Waveny House?

A: Absolutely. The interior rooms can be quickly adapted for ceremonies and receptions in case of inclement weather.

Q: Do I need to hire a planner for a Waveny House wedding?

A: While not required, having a planner with experience at this venue is recommended to navigate logistics and vendor coordination.

Q: What spaces can be used for ceremonies versus receptions?

A: Ceremonies are often held on the terrace or in the gardens, while receptions are usually in the main ballroom or lawn under a tent.