How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost?
How Much Will a Wedding Cost in 2024 and 2025?
Throughout history, weddings have been a major financial commitment, and in recent years, their costs have continued to rise.
In early 2024 a national survey of nearly 10,000 couples gave a general picture of current wedding costs. The findings include the average cost for weddings across America, what is behind these costs and how couples are preparing their special day.
The Average Cost of a Wedding in the U.S.
In 2024, the average wedding will have hooversized at around $37,000, up from 35900 euros ald oma Arterzo 2025 average of $35.000. This increase is in large measure attributable to inflation and the rising costs of labor and materials long associated with weddings.
Hometown wedding average cost: $35,500
Domestic destination average cost: $45,000
International destination wedding average cost: $43,700
What's Behind The Rising Cost of Weddings?
Inflation has affected the wedding plans budgets of many couples, with an estimated 88% of those surveyed saying that bad economic times have made it hard for them to do what they want. The place comprehensive increases in rental costs at wedding venues, food aand plants dances are responsible for the overall price increase. In addition, couples are investing ever increasing amounts in customized guest experiences leading to a higher cost per guest.
The Impact of Location on Wedding Costs
Whereabouts are crucial now million given the total price of weddings. Weddings in major metropolitan areas are even more expensive because of higher demand and higher cost of living, while small town weddings can be much lower priced in comparison to their big city counterpart.
Regional Averages for 2024 Wedding Costs
New England: $45,000
Mid-Atlantic: $46,500
Midwest: $30,000
Southeast: $34,000
Southwest: $31,200
West Coast: $35,500
Average Wedding Costs in Major U.S. Cities
Comparative to suburban or rural locations, hosting a wedding in a major city tends to get more costly.
Here is the estimated wedding fee in some of the biggest cities in America:
- New York City: $65,000
- Los Angeles: $50,000
- Chicago: $58,000
- San Francisco: $53,000
- Boston: $52,000
- Miami: $41,000
- Seattle: $34,500
- Dallas: $37,500
- Denver: $36,000
Average Wedding Cost by Vendor The number the videographers you employ plays an important role in how much your total bill will end up.
- Compare with 2023, 2024 wedding couples will hire about 13 to 15 vendors on average in order to bring everything together. Here is a summary of the typical price per vendor: -
- Reception Venue: $13,500
- Photographer: $3,000
- Videographer: $2,500
- Florist: $3,100
- Live Band: $4,500
- DJ: $1,800
- Catering (per person): $90
- Wedding Dress: $2,200
- Wedding Cake: $600
- Transportation: $1,200
- Hair & Makeup (per person): $320
- Lighting & Décor: $2,100
- Alcohol & Bar Services: $3,000
Wedding Cost by Guest Count The size of your guest list is one of the main factors affecting how much total expense will be.
The average number of guests in 2024 is 110 people, a bit fewer than in 2023, but with each one being more expensive.
For example: If you have 150 guests at your wedding and each guest brings a gift worth $200 then you’ll be looking to recover a cost of $48,000 in cash before you make any profit.
Wedding Cost by Guest Count The size of your guest list is one of the main factors affecting how much total expense will be.
The average number of guests in 2024 is 110 people, a bit fewer than in 2023, but with each one being more expensive. Hence people who had a somewhat smaller wedding in 2024 than they did in 2023 spent even more than they had before.
That said...So as not to seem entirely overt about it and frighten off any prospective customers, we might have to fudge the figures slightly.
Mmmmm... same thing but different percentagesVery largely. Finally, the cost of a wedding reached $30,000 in 2022${mark}from its starting point of $5,973 in 1969. And in 2024 an average wedding in the US cost around $37,000 per couple.
2019: $28,000
Some Tips for Planning a Budget Wedding in 2024-2025
If you plan your wedding a year from now, here are a few ways to keep costs under control:
Start early: Booking venues and vendors long in advance can mean getting better prices.
Draw up a realistic budget: Work out how much you can afford and apportion funds accordingly, allowing for any unexpected costs.
Decide your must-spend dollars: Focus expending money on the elements of your wedding that mean most to you, whether it's food catering, photography, or entertainment.
Pick off-peak seasons: Weddings in January-March and mid-week weddings can mean saving thousands of dollars.
Cut the guest list: Smaller numbers of guests means cheaper catering costs, venue charges and rental fees.
Use cost-effective alternatives: There are many ways to cut costs- such as using seasonal flowers rather than highly-priced exotics and choosing digital invitations rather than ink-print ones.
DIY where you can: Personalized decorations, handmade favors and written signs can add a special
Wedding Trends in 2025
Looking further ahead wedding costs are forecast to continue their upward trajectory, with an expected average of $39,000 in 2025.
Demand for high-quality, unique experiences is pushing up costs. Inflation is also expected to play a role in how much vendors and venues charge. But with careful planning and budgeting, it is still possible to have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Whether you are planning a small or grand celebration, understanding these key cost factors can help you make an informed decision and ensure your wedding stays memorable and financially solvent.
