The average US wedding costs $35,000-45,000, but beautiful weddings can happen at any budget. This guide breaks down where the money goes and how to save without sacrificing the things that matter most to you.
Average Wedding Costs 2025
- National average: $35,000-45,000
- Median (more realistic): $20,000-25,000
- Budget wedding: $5,000-15,000
- Luxury wedding: $75,000+
- Most expensive: Venue, catering, photography
Wedding Budget Breakdown
| Category | % of Budget | Average Cost | Budget Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | 30-40% | $10,000-15,000 | $1,000-5,000 |
| Catering | 25-35% | $75-150/person | $25-50/person |
| Photography | 10-12% | $3,000-6,000 | $1,000-2,500 |
| Flowers | 5-8% | $2,000-4,000 | $500-1,500 |
| Music/DJ | 5-8% | $1,000-3,000 | $500-1,000 |
| Dress/Attire | 5-7% | $1,500-3,000 | $200-800 |
| Invitations | 2-3% | $400-800 | $100-300 |
Biggest Money-Saving Tips
SAVE 30-50%
Choose the Right Day
- Off-season: November-April (except holidays) saves 20-40%
- Friday or Sunday: 10-30% less than Saturday
- Morning/brunch: Cheaper catering than dinner
- Avoid holidays: Valentine's, Mother's Day cost more
SAVE 40-60%
Smart Venue Choices
- Public parks: $100-500 permit fee
- Restaurants: No venue fee, just food minimum
- Backyards: Free (budget for rentals)
- Non-wedding venues: Museums, art galleries, estates
- All-inclusive: Often better value than à la carte
Category-by-Category Savings
Catering & Drinks
- Brunch/lunch wedding: 30-40% less than dinner
- Buffet vs. plated: Saves $10-30/person
- Beer/wine only: Saves vs. open bar
- Signature cocktails: Cheaper than full bar
- Smaller guest list: $150+ per person saved
Photography
- Hire newer photographer: Quality work, lower prices
- Shorter coverage: 6 hours vs. 10 hours
- Digital only: Skip expensive albums
- One photographer: Instead of team
- Art school students: For engagement photos
Flowers
- In-season flowers: 30-50% less
- Greenery-focused: Eucalyptus, ferns are cheap
- Wholesale (Costco, Sam's): DIY arrangements
- Repurpose: Ceremony flowers → reception
- Non-floral: Lanterns, candles, succulents
Dress & Attire
- Sample sales: 50-80% off designer gowns
- Pre-owned: Nearly new at fraction of cost
- Non-bridal white dress: Department stores, BHLDN
- Rent the suit: $150-300 vs. buying
- Skip alterations: Buy size that fits well
Free & Almost Free Ideas
Practically Free Elements
- DIY invitations: Canva, Minted budget options ($50-100)
- Spotify playlist: Instead of DJ for cocktail hour
- Friend officiant: $50 online ordination
- Potluck desserts: Cupcakes from guests
- Family heirloom jewelry: "Something borrowed"
- Digital RSVP: Free with website builders
Budget Tiers Example
| Budget | Guest Count | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 30-50 | Backyard, DIY, potluck, casual |
| $10,000 | 50-75 | Restaurant venue, limited bar |
| $20,000 | 75-100 | Nice venue, photographer, DJ |
| $35,000 | 100-150 | Full service, all vendors |
| $50,000+ | 150+ | Premium everything, upgrades |
What's Worth Splurging On
- Photography: Only thing you keep forever
- Good food: Guests remember bad food
- Comfortable shoes: You'll be on feet all day
- Day-of coordinator: Reduces stress dramatically
- What matters to YOU: Prioritize your non-negotiables
Wedding Budget Mistakes
- Not tracking spending: Use spreadsheet or app
- Forgetting tips: Budget 15-20% for vendor tips
- Last-minute additions: Stick to the plan
- Overestimating DIY: Costs time and sometimes more money
- Guest list creep: Each person = $100-200+
- Emotional decisions: Sleep on big purchases