It’s not as easy as just saying, “I do.” And it can cost a lot more.
The Wedding Report, a research site, combined data from product and service prices in the U.S. with surveys of couples before and after their weddings. The average wedding cost in 2022 will be $29,195.
What is the average cost of a wedding?
‘s Wedding Report 2022 data shows that the average cost of a wedding is $ 29,195.
- Wedding dress and accessories – $1,833
- Rent a tuxedo, suit, or accessories for $117
- Cake: $507
- Hair, makeup, mani-pedi: $212
- Officiant: $263
- DJ: $957
- Live Band: $2,435
- Food and Drink: $7,868
- Venue: $5,767
- Flowers and decor: 2,550 dollars
- Invitations: $206
- Engagement ring – $3,970
- Wedding bands starting at $1,439
- Photographer: $2,150
- Videographer: $1,536
- Tip for service providers: 439 dollars
You can incur additional costs if, for instance, you order a lot of copies and photos, send themed thank-you cards, and purchase “save date” cards. The breakdown of your wedding budget may be different — higher or lower.
Financial stress can be a part of wedding planning. In a survey conducted by NerdWallet in 2023 and the wedding website Zola.com, 70% of Americans who were engaged said they faced financial challenges during their planning process. The challenges included juggling financial priorities and paying for a marriage (cited as a challenge by 30% of Americans engaged) and going over the budget for the wedding by 22%.
You only need a few basic things to get married. A marriage license is the first. If you want to keep costs low, opt for a simple courthouse wedding. The application fees are different depending on the state, county, and city. Standard license fees in New Orleans are $27.50, in Boston, $50, and in Santa Barbara, $100.
What is a realistic wedding budget?
Everyone’s idea of a reasonable budget for a wedding will be different. The average wedding budget is $29,195. Remember that averages do not tell the entire story. They can be easily skewed, say experts.
Jessica Bishop, founder of Budget Savvy Bride and wedding expert, says that a $1 million wedding could result in thousands of weddings costing $10,000.
Treat wedding planning lists only as suggestions. You don’t need to spend every penny on a traditional wedding. You can customize your wedding and fit it to a lower budget. You might choose to hire a DJ or band instead of a band, or you could opt not to give guests favors.
How to plan your wedding on a tight budget
You can lower your costs even if you have a lavish wedding.
1. Consider replacing pros
You can save money by asking a talented friend to do your hair or make decorations for you. This is cheaper than paying professional services and premium package prices. You don’t need to spend as much gratuity on friends as you would on a hairdresser.
2. Look into suburban venues
Not just the location is important. If you are planning to get married in a large metropolitan area, be prepared for higher prices and more competition when it comes to venues and other wedding services.
3. Trim the guest list
The venue may charge based on the number of guests, while vendors might charge a per-head fee for food and drinks. Deborah Moody is the executive director of the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants. She says that headcount impacts expenses in all areas. Moody says that if you have ten fewer guests, you can eliminate at least one table. That’s ten seats, ten place settings, and ten favors, plus one centerpiece. Moody explains that by reducing your guest list to 10 or 20 guests, you could save up to $1,000.
4. Look for a low-peak season
The sunny summer wedding comes at a price. During off-peak seasons, like January or February, many venues, photographers, and reception halls offer discounted rates.
5. The special day is moving
The most popular wedding day is Saturday, but the high demand can also mean higher prices. If you can, schedule your wedding on a weekday or Sunday — unless the date coincides with a holiday.
Before building a budget
NerdWallet analyzes your spending to show you how much money you can save.
Compare services and prices.
Asking around is the best way of determining fair prices and estimating the total cost. Speak to family and friends who have recently been through the process or hire a wedding planner. Compare quotes from different vendors. Choose the option you believe is the best value.
When you compare prices, be sure to check what is included. Some venues include linens, audio equipment, tables, chairs, and other items in their fees. Some venues charge an additional fee or require that you rent these items. Comparing apples to apples is a good way to compare costs.
Negotiate if necessary
Negotiate with respect and care if you feel it is necessary. Bishop says that you don’t want a professional to be nickeled and dimed because they have set their prices the way they have for a good reason. She also says that new vendors usually charge less than more experienced ones.
Moody advises that a wedding planner should be able to tell you what is reasonable and where there’s room for wiggle. If you find a venue that can handle both the wedding and reception, they may be willing to offer you a discount.
You can also reduce rates by yourself. Ask vendors to reduce the amount of services they include in their packages. Ask the photographer to only work for a few hours rather than the entire day. Or ask the caterer to limit the guests to just one or two drinks instead of an open bar.
Anticipate extra costs
Surprises are inevitable, even with the best planning. Bishop recommends allowing 10% of your budget for hidden costs, overages, and extras such as taxes, gratuities, cake delivery, and cutting fees.
Add up the total.
Do not give in to the pressure of relatives, friends, social networks, or reports on spending. The budget for your wedding should be based on your income, expenses, and financial goals.
Plug in the numbers once you’ve established a wedding budget and decided the type of wedding you desire. You can use our calculator to estimate your total wedding costs.
