How Much Does a Wedding Cost?

So, how a lot does a marriage value? The reply is $30,000 for the ceremony and reception—and bump that quantity to $40,900 in case you add within the engagement ring and the honeymoon.^1,2

What all precisely does that complete embody? Actually, the listing of doable marriage ceremony prices is so long as the practice on Princess Diana’s marriage ceremony costume. However let’s begin by saying your marriage ceremony does not should value $40,900. And even $4,090. Today is about you and about love—not a price ticket.

Now, let’s go over a few of the commonest prices that may assist make your marriage ceremony day probably the most magical day of your whole life.  

How A lot Does a Marriage ceremony Value: Fast Information

Listed below are a few of the high marriage ceremony prices, details and figures you may be itching to know pronto:^3,4

• Common value of a marriage (ceremony and reception): $30,000
• Common value of a marriage (ceremony and reception, engagement ring and honeymoon): $40,900 
• Share of {couples} who up their preliminary finances: 60%
• Costliest elements of a marriage: venue and reception
• Common distributors employed: 14
• Hottest venues: farms and barns or banquet halls
• Common visitor rely: 117
• Common value per visitor: $256
• Share of marriage ceremony prices the {couples} pay for themselves: 49%

How A lot Does a Marriage ceremony Value: Nationwide Averages

Earlier than we get actual detailed about issues, right here’s an outline of the numbers on some widespread marriage ceremony prices—in alphabetical order.

Engagement ring: $5,800

Flowers, lighting and décor: $3,900*

Items and favors: $400*

Groom’s apparel: $290

Hair and make-up: $250

Honeymoon: $5,100

Paperwork: $26–241*             

Pictures and videography: $4,400*

Reception: $13,085–15,285*

Rehearsal dinner: $1,900*

Stationery: $560*

Transportation: $800*

Venue: $11,200

Marriage ceremony bands: $2,200*

Marriage ceremony ceremony: $700*

Marriage ceremony costume: $1,900

Marriage ceremony planner: $1,500*

Many sources are taken from The Knot.^5,6 Any numbers with an asterisk are taken from WeddingWire, U.S. Marriage Legal guidelines, U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Division of Security and Homeland Safety, or a mix of WeddingWire and The Knot.^7,8,9,10

And the way do {couples} pay for all this? Most faucet into their checking account (57%) or pay money as they go (54%). That’s. Superior. Information. Others are dragging funds into the longer term by plopping prices onto their bank cards (39%), and almost a 3rd are fortunate sufficient to pay for some prices with marriage ceremony present cash (28%).¹¹

By the way in which, in case you added up all these doable marriage ceremony prices and thought, Why is that greater than $40,900? Effectively, the important thing phrase there’s doable. The $40,900 common is predicated on what {couples} say they did spend. And the averages we listed are based mostly on the {couples} who spent cash on these particular classes.

Each single couple in America doesn’t need each single merchandise on that listing. (Not everybody’s hiring a limo driver or adorning with fairy lights.)  And also you shouldn’t really feel pressured to pay for any of these belongings you don’t need or can’t afford! Ever.

Now it’s time to go deeper into these marriage ceremony prices, within the order that most individuals begin paying for issues.

Marriage ceremony Rings

Common Value: $8,000             

Engagement Ring

So the typical engagement ring costs $5,800.¹²

Is that far more or method lower than you thought? Both method, maintain two issues in thoughts earlier than you open that ring field to the phrases “Will you marry me?”

1. Do not go into debt to buy an engagement ring. Set a finances and save up money. You’re purported to be strolling right into a shared monetary future. Don’t begin out on the unsuitable . . . knee.
2. Bear in mind, the proposal is about marriage—a life collectively—not a hoop.

Marriage ceremony Bands

“With this ring, I thee wed” are basic phrases stated proper earlier than “it’s possible you’ll now kiss the bride.” And people rings are considered one of many marriage ceremony prices.

His and her marriage ceremony bands complete a median $2,200.¹³ Many individuals search for bands that coordinate with the bride’s engagement ring, however this doesn’t should be the case. Get one thing that fits your persona and matches the finances.

Venue

Common Value: $11,200

The venue tends to be the very first thing {couples} seek for. It’s, in any case, the place the magic occurs! Additionally, the nice spots are likely to get snatched up tremendous quick. Possibly that’s why 57% of {couples} discuss venue kind earlier than they even get engaged.¹⁴

How a lot do {couples} often spend right here? Effectively, it’s a fairly big-ticket merchandise. The placement of the ceremony and reception runs a median of $11,200.¹⁵

Marriage ceremony Gown

Common Value: $1,900

What’s a marriage and not using a marriage ceremony costume? Nonetheless a marriage, technically, however anyway . . . looking for this robe is a big second in a girl’s life. Actually, 54% of brides strive on about six attire earlier than they discover the one they are saying sure to.¹⁶ And the way a lot does that sure value? A mean of $1,900.¹⁷

A few of you nodded your head at how affordable that quantity appears. A few of you probably did a literal spit take with no matter you’re sipping on as you learn this.

The costume is vital. Severely. However that doesn’t imply you must hand over greater than a month’s hire on the typical one-bedroom house to really feel lovely and make lovely recollections.

Notice: The costume isn’t all of the bride wants to consider in relation to marriage ceremony day apparel. Veil or no veil? Converse or couture heels? Pearls or diamonds? (Jewellery is a few $200 expense, by the way in which.)¹⁸ Don’t neglect to plan for these in the budget too.

Apparel for the Groom

Common Value: $290             

It’s time to swimsuit up. Or tux up. That’s one of many first choices for the groom (or his bride): What’s going to he put on?

The typical spent right here is about $290—and bear in mind, the advantage of going the swimsuit route is shopping for one thing you should utilize once more.¹⁹ However a tux . . . you’re in all probability not going to want that factor once more, until you wish to costume up as Mr. Peanut for Halloween.

Stationery

Common Value: $560          

Save the Dates

Stationery for a marriage involves a median of $560.²⁰  And that every one begins with save-the-date bulletins. These really feel like a should nowadays (both due to everybody’s extremely busy existence or the extremely intelligent advertising and marketing from paper corporations).

You’ll be able to skip the paper model and ship an e-mail with the hyperlink to your marriage ceremony web site—in case you’re one of many 79% of {couples} who create an internet site to share particulars about your massive day along with your company.²¹ Or you may have your mother name everybody. You already know she needs to anyway.

Marriage ceremony Invites

Invites, with RSVP playing cards included, are the following stationery expense. And don’t neglect the stamps, each for what you ship out and what comes again. It’s fairly widespread for the RSVP envelopes to be labeled along with your tackle and a stamp for comfort. (However you might skip the RSVP playing cards and ask for textual content or on-line responses.)

Thank-You Playing cards

The ultimate paper objects you want to fear about are the thank-you playing cards—which name for extra stamps. After all, you may share a verbal thanks, ship an e-mail, or give a social media shout-out. However nothing compares to sending bodily, handwritten thank-you playing cards to individuals who spent their money and time to congratulate you and rejoice your love.

Paperwork

Common Value: $26–241

Marriage License

Right here’s a price many neglect to finances in: the wedding license. This formal piece of paper is what makes your marriage legally binding. You want one.

The price can vary from $10–115, relying in your state and generally even your county.²² In Tennessee, you will get a reduction in case you full premarital counseling, even when it’s a free service supplied by your minister!

Earlier than the precise marriage ceremony, you’ll want to enter the county clerk’s workplace collectively (with legitimate identification) to use in your license. They’ll provide the paperwork you want to signal (and get signed by witnesses!) in your precise marriage ceremony day. Ship that away by mail, and also you’ll obtain an official license within the mail. However you don’t need only one copy. Order extras! Why? Learn on.

Title Change

Should you’re one of many 77% who resolve to vary their final names after getting married, your (paper)work has simply begun.²³

You’ll want to use for a brand new Social Safety card (which is free in case you undergo the Social Safety Administration) and passport (round $110). Professional tip on that final one: In case your passport is lower than a 12 months previous, you will get an up to date one along with your new identify for gratis!²⁴

And don’t neglect your driver’s license, which has a unique price relying on what state you’re in. Right here in Tennessee, the associated fee is about $16.²⁵

You’ll additionally want to vary your identify along with your financial institution and job. Oh, and also you’ll want an up to date library card and fitness center membership ID—and with all these modifications, individuals wish to see a duplicate of your marriage license. Because you’ll be mailing it off for a few of these, it’s simpler to have multiple copy (like we stated earlier). 

It takes time, effort and cash to get your identify up to date on the whole lot, so perhaps put your marriage ceremony video on within the background to set the temper when you’re sorting by way of web sites and signing checks to 1 authorities company after the opposite. (Hey. You’re signing your new identify. That’s enjoyable!)

Rehearsal Dinner

Common Value: $1,900             

The evening earlier than the marriage, the couple, their household and the marriage celebration typically do a run-through of the ceremony adopted by a rehearsal dinner. The price of this prewedding occasion is about $1,900.²⁶ That may cowl the meals, venue and drinks.

Transportation

Common Value: $800             

Generally, this transportation finances line (which is a median of $800) is used for renting a limo or massive car to get the couple, the bridal celebration or the household from one location to the following.²⁷ After all, if slowly floating down from heaven in a hot-air balloon is the place you wish to spend the majority of your wedding budget, you may simply decrease your spending some place else to afford all of it.

However severely: Folks in all probability gained’t bear in mind the way you arrive. Until it’s in a hot-air balloon. Nobody’s forgetting that.

Marriage ceremony Ceremony Prices

Common Value: $700

Officiant 

Whereas some officiants cost and a few don’t (the typical value being $250), giving them money or a small thank-you present is at all times a good suggestion.²⁸ In any case, their signature will sit in your marriage license all the time. 

Music

Ceremonial tunes common $450.²⁹ If having a string quartet is vital to creating your marriage ceremony goals come true, you may pay much more for that.

Hair and Make-up

Common Value: $250

Magnificence providers can vary from having hair, nails and make-up accomplished to much more advanced magnificence rituals. Brides spend a median of $250 on their hair and make-up for the massive day.³⁰

Flowers, Lighting and Décor Prices

Common Value: $3,900

Flowers, lighting and different décor for the marriage day run a median of $3,900 (ceremony and reception mixed).^31,32 That’s a variety of petals, twinkle lights, garland arches and tulle.

Oh, and most weddings embody bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres—and a few actually have a flower lady sprinkling freshly-plucked rose petals down the aisle. (The flower lady isn’t a part of the $3,900—however her pre-plucked petals are.)

Pictures and Videography Prices

Common Value: $4,400             

Engagement Pictures

He stated, “Will you?” She stated, “Sure!” Now it’s time to make the announcement. What higher method than with engagement pictures? (Heck, some guys rent somebody to movie or {photograph} the second they pop the query!)

Once you’re trying to find the right marriage ceremony photographer, think about one who consists of engagement pictures of their marriage ceremony packages. It’s a good way for the photographer to get to know you as a pair, in addition to to study what you need from pictures earlier than the massive day.

Ceremony and Reception Pictures

You clearly need the precise ceremony photographed. From the stroll down the aisle to the groom’s face as he sees his bride to the primary kiss as husband and spouse—all of those moments have to be captured.

Many {couples} pay to have the reception photographed as properly, or a minimum of parts of it. It usually relies on whether or not the photographer’s working by the hour or by the gig. And since these pictures final a lifetime, the photographer is often the fourth-highest expense at $2,600.³³

Videography

Not solely would you like nonetheless pictures of your marriage ceremony moments, however you in all probability need your ceremony (and perhaps the reception) filmed too. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a primary recording of the occasion or an elaborate movie-like expertise, videography is a hot-ticket merchandise nowadays, averaging $1,800.³⁴

Photograph Cubicles

We didn’t add these within the complete common value of this part since they aren’t as widespread as hiring a photographer and videographer, however photograph cubicles at weddings have gotten extremely common, so we’ll give them a point out. These create leisure in your company and supply a free (to them) reminiscence for family and friends.

We did some looking on-line for photograph sales space prices within the Ramsey hometown of Nashville and noticed costs starting from about $200–450, relying on whether or not you’re giving company printed footage or simply emailed photographs.

Marriage ceremony Planner or Coordinator

Common Value: $1,500             

A marriage planner or coordinator handles all the small print: from answering Uncle Rosco’s texts about parking to cueing the sound individual to play “I Really feel Good” by James Brown on the actual second you’re pronounced husband and spouse.

Having somebody plan, coordinate or be the purpose individual in your marriage ceremony might be properly well worth the cash. {Couples} spend a median of $1,500 hiring somebody to just do that, whether or not it’s an individual who directs on simply the day of or walks with you from day one.³⁵ 

Reception

Common Value: $13,085–15,285             

Catering

We talked about earlier than that the venue is the highest costly merchandise in most marriage ceremony budgets. And coming in second place is . . . drumroll please . . . oh, you in all probability guessed it: meals. Catering prices come as much as about $75 a visitor—and the typical visitor listing consists of 117 individuals.³⁶ Math that out and also you get $8,775.

Which means the typical couple, together with their closest 117 family and friends, eat a few third of the full common marriage ceremony value. Actually.

That additionally means meals is a incredible place to save on wedding costs.

The Cake

Allow them to eat cake! In any case, in response to Julia Little one, a celebration and not using a cake is only a assembly. Seems, 83% of {couples} have a cake-cutting ceremony with the typical spent right here being $510.^37,38

Music

Peace and quiet is a aim of retirement, not your marriage ceremony reception. You want music. And in case you’re the kind of couple whose relationship began on a shared love of music, the jams at your reception may be considered one of your high three spending priorities.

A stay band can value $3,700.³⁹ You possibly can additionally rent a DJ in order for you basic and fashionable hits to get individuals dancing. That prices far much less at $1,500.⁴⁰

After all, some {couples} simply create their very own playlist and plug into the venue’s sound system. Then they gained’t have to fret about “YMCA” taking part in (until they need it to). 

Drinks

Drinks are a should. However that would imply providing simply water, soda and iced tea—and perhaps having champagne for a toast. A excessive variety of {couples} (78%) supply an open bar, and $2,300 is the typical spent on alcohol and liquor.⁴¹

You don’t wish to go away your company thirsty, however what you supply needs to be much more in regards to the vibe you need and the finances you’ve bought.

Items and Favors

Common Value: $400             

Marriage ceremony Celebration Items

A very good marriage ceremony celebration does greater than stand beside you as you promise one another ceaselessly. A thank-you current for his or her involvement isn’t required, however it’s thoughtful.

Marriage ceremony celebration presents often mirror your relationship with the individual. Or they are often one thing to make use of through the marriage ceremony, similar to jewellery or a wedding-themed bow tie. This goes for any bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower ladies, ring bearers and such.

{Couples} spend a median of $400 for these presents plus favors.⁴² Talking of which . . .

Marriage ceremony Favors

Although this custom has dropped 21% in reputation over the previous 5 years, handing out marriage ceremony favors remains to be fairly widespread.⁴³

Now, don’t break your financial institution or make all of it about displaying off to company or strangers on social media. Should you supply favors, consider it like this: They need to function a token of thanks, a remembrance of the day, and an emblem of you as a pair.

Honeymoon

Common Value: $5,100      

A honeymoon can vary from the extremely luxurious to the extremely chill, and the typical value right here is $5,100.⁴⁴ Once you’re planning, take into consideration these three issues: your couple persona, your day without work allowed, and your finances.

And hey, in case you don’t have some huge cash to benefit from the vacation of your dreams proper after the marriage, it doesn’t imply that day won’t ever come. Actually, we consider it should, so long as you’re keen to get your self into a great place with cash first.  

Miscellaneous

Go forward and plan some further within the finances for something you may neglect! Should you don’t find yourself spending this, put it in financial savings or deal with your self to one thing further on the honeymoon.

Talk About Marriage ceremony Prices as a Couple

Earlier than we put a large white bow on all this information, listed below are some final belongings you may wish to take into consideration including to your budget:

• Some {couples} cowl the price of lodging for out-of-town company.
• You may wish to ebook a spot to remain the evening earlier than and the evening after your marriage ceremony—for you and perhaps even your marriage ceremony celebration.
• Though you in all probability gained’t pay in your bachelor or bachelorette celebration, you might need to pay for journey.

Actually, the perfect factor you are able to do when you’re determining how a lot you must spend in your marriage ceremony is to make a finances. It won’t appear romantic, however it may be. Make a playlist of your favourite love songs to set the temper. Construct a charcuterie board. And begin speaking by way of what you may afford and what you don’t even care about!

Should you don’t have a finances, download EveryDollar. This free app will aid you begin budgeting in your marriage ceremony—and the whole lot else in your lives—when you’re prepping to show two incomes into one.

In the long run, the perfect recommendation we can provide, past making and preserving your marriage ceremony finances, is to recollect the marriage is about you—and never about impressing or entertaining others.

Talk clearly and always collectively about what’s vital and what’s not, and also you’ll be in your method to the marriage of your goals.