Cost of a wedding ceremony and average budget breakdown

• Americans spend between $12,083 to $45,400 on their wedding. Check your state below.

• 25% of the cost goes to the venue.

• Wedding dress makes up 7% of the total cost.

• 18% is spent on catering

• Average wedding photographer/videographer cost is 12% of the total budget

• Wedding dj and other entertainment cost is around 9%.

• Wedding flowers cost is around 8%.

 

 

Cost of wedding in each state

Costs of weddings are vastly different from state to state. The most expensive state is Washington, DC with $45,400 and Alaska is the least expensive state with the average of $12,083.

Alabama $20,208 Alaska $12,083 Arizona $22,845 Arkansas $14,545 California $32,369 Colorado $25,625 Connecticut $31,350 Delaware $19,643 Florida $28,121 Georgia $25,284 Hawaii $28,000 Idaho $15,769 Illinois $36,844 Indiana $24,531 Iowa $20,000 Kansas $18,690 Kentucky $24,565 Louisiana $31,100 Maine $22,750 Maryland $29,928 Massachusetts $40,097 Michigan $23,586 Minnesota $25,377 Mississippi $25,000 Missouri $24,293 Montana $28,214

Nebraska $19,643 Nevada $22,353 New Hampshire $22,667 New Jersey $44,219 New Mexico $13,500 New York $43,863 North Carolina $28,170 North Dakota $12,917 Ohio $24,157 Oklahoma $14,464 Oregon $20,955 Pennsylvania $32,562 Rhode Island $29,531 South Carolina $28,456 South Dakota $23,750 Tennessee $23,698 Texas $24,063 Utah $18,409 Vermont $15,000 Virginia $30,205 Washington, DC $45,400 Washington state $21,352 West Virginia $33,333 Wisconsin $25,242 Wyoming $16,111

how to save costs on a wedding?

While these are average costs, people use creative ways reduce their costs.

Venue

1. Choose a Non-Traditional Venue: Consider parks, community halls, or even a backyard to save on rental costs.
2. Off-Peak Season/Day: Opt for a wedding during the off-peak season or on a weekday when venues often offer discounts.

Catering

1. Limit the Guest List: Average size of a wedding is 140 guests and cost of catering per person is $60 in average. A smaller guest list means less food and drink.
2. Buffet Style: Buffets can be cheaper than plated meals.
3. Local Restaurants: Consider hiring a local restaurant to cater rather than a traditional wedding caterer.
4. BYOB: If your venue allows, buy your own alcohol to save on markup costs.

Attire

1. Buy Secondhand: Look for pre-owned dresses and suits.
2. Rent: Consider renting wedding attire instead of buying.
3. Simplify: Choose simpler designs and fabrics which can be less expensive.

Flowers and Decorations

1. Seasonal Flowers: Use flowers that are in season and locally sourced.
2. DIY Decorations: Make your own decorations or enlist the help of crafty friends and family.
3. Repurpose: Use ceremony decorations at the reception to save on costs.

Photography and Videography

1. Amateur Photographers: Hire a talented amateur or a student photographer.
2. Shorter Coverage: Limit the hours of professional photography to the most important parts of the day.

Invitations

1. DIY Invitations: Create and print your own invitations.
2. Digital Invites: Use online invitations to save on printing and postage.

Music and Entertainment

1. DIY Playlist: Create your own playlist and use a good sound system instead of hiring a DJ or band.
2. Local Talent: Hire local musicians or student bands which can be more affordable.

Miscellaneous

1. Minimalist Approach: Embrace a minimalist wedding style, focusing on what truly matters to you.
2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors for better prices or packages.
3. Eliminate Non-Essentials: Cut out wedding traditions or extras that aren’t important to you.

Implementing even a few of these suggestions can significantly reduce your wedding costs while still creating a beautiful and memorable event.

While the wedding is an expensive event, celebrating your anniversaries does not cost much. Gift for him and her wishes you a great celebration and we hope you to remember us when you are planning to buy your anniversary gifts!