Weddings average cost are between $20,000 - $40,000
Planning a wedding in 2024? You’re likely wondering just how much this special day is going to cost. Weddings are often one of the most significant financial commitments couples make, and understanding where your money will go is crucial for effective budgeting. Let’s dive into the details of what you can expect based on recent trends.
The Average Wedding Cost in 2023 In 2023, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was around $29,000, according to data from wedding planning and registry site Zola. However, it's important to note that this figure can vary significantly based on where the wedding takes place. For instance, states like New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts, where average incomes are higher, typically see much higher wedding costs.
For example, in Los Gatos, California, where tech companies abound, couples often spend nearly twice the national average, with weddings frequently falling into the $50,000 range. In contrast, states like New Mexico, Vermont, and Alaska have wedding costs that can be as low as $15,000 or less.
Breaking Down the Costs To better understand where your money might go, let’s break down the major expenses:
Venue The venue is usually the largest wedding expense, consuming nearly 25% of the budget. For a 2023 wedding, that meant about $7,000 on average. However, in high-cost areas like the Bay Area, venue costs alone can soar to $25,000. If you’re looking to save, consider choosing an off-season date or a less popular day of the week. These choices can sometimes lead to significant discounts.
Catering The second biggest expense is typically food and drink, which makes up about 18% of the budget. For an average wedding, that’s roughly $5,220. If your venue doesn’t include rentals like tables, chairs, and linens, you may need to hire a separate rental company, adding another 5% to your overall budget.
Photography/Videography Capturing your special day is important to most couples, which is why photography and videography often consume about 12% of the budget, or $3,480. If costs become a concern, consider hiring a photographer for a shorter time period or skipping extra items like prints or albums.
Entertainment Entertainment, including a DJ or band, typically accounts for about 9% of the budget, which is approximately $2,610. Additional entertainment options, such as photo booths or live performers, can add to this cost.
Flowers Bouquets, centerpieces, and other floral arrangements usually take up about 8% of the wedding budget, or $2,320. Opting for in-season and locally grown flowers can help keep these costs down.
Additional Costs to Consider Other significant expenses include wedding attire (7% of the budget, or $2,030), a wedding planner (6%, or $1,740), and smaller items like invitations, cake, and favors. Don’t forget to budget for hidden costs, such as extra décor or gratuities for vendors. Experts recommend setting aside an extra 10% of your total budget to cover these unexpected expenses.
Final Thoughts Weddings are a significant investment, and understanding the costs involved can help you plan a memorable day without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a grand event in a high-cost state or planning a more modest celebration, careful budgeting and prioritizing your expenses can ensure your big day is everything you’ve dreamed of.