How much does the average wedding cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does the average wedding cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does the average wedding cost?

$25,000 – $35,000average wedding cost (100 guests)
$250 – $350average cost per guest

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$25,000 – $35,000 average wedding cost (100 guests)

$250 – $350 average cost per guest


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Tamatha Hazen
Written by
Tamatha Hazen
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

Average cost of a wedding

The average wedding cost in the U.S. is $25,000 to $35,000 for a 100-guest wedding. The cost for a ceremony and reception averages $250 to $350 per guest. The venue makes up the bulk of the budget for most weddings, while the catering and bar costs are also big expenses.

Average wedding cost by number of guests - chart
Average wedding cost by number of guests - chart
Average wedding cost by number of guests
Number of guests Average cost
30 $7,500 – $10,500
50 $12,500 – $17,500
75 $18,750 – $26,250
100 $25,000 – $35,000
150 $37,500 – $52,500
200 $50,000 – $70,000
250 $62,500 – $87,500
300 $75,000 – $105,000

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.

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Wedding cost breakdown

Setting a wedding budget is one of the first decisions you'll make when planning your wedding. Once you know how much you can spend, you can decide what is most important to you and where you can save money. The following table lists common wedding expenses.

Wedding expenses list
Expense Average cost (100 guest wedding)
Wedding planner $1,200 – $3,500
Venue $2,000 – $9,000
Catering $1,000 – $15,000
Wedding cake $300 – $800
Alcohol / open bar $1,500 – $4,000
Photographer $1,600 – $3,600
Videographer $500 – $2,300
Wedding DJ $800 – $1,600
Live band $2,500 – $6,500
Flowers & decor $500 – $3,500
Wedding dress $1,500 – $2,500
Wedding dress alterations $150 – $700
Hair & makeup $180 – $600
Groom's tux rental $90 – $180
Limo / transportation $500 – $1,100
Officiant $200 – $1,000
Invitations $80 – $275
Wedding favors $100 – $500
Fireworks $3,000 – $6,000
Rehearsal dinner $500 – $2,000

Wedding planner or coordinator cost

A wedding planner costs $1,200 to $3,500 and will help you organize the entire wedding from the start, including choosing a venue and vendors to fit your budget and timeline. The planner helps relieve much of the stress involved in planning a wedding.

Another more affordable option is to wait until closer to the wedding date and hire a wedding coordinator that costs $700 to $2,200. While they aren't there for the entire planning process, they will help you coordinate vendors, manage the guest list, and make sure the wedding day runs smoothly.

Wedding reception venue cost

A wedding reception venue costs $2,000 to $9,000 and is the first service you should book after setting a date. The venue is one of the most expensive costs for your wedding and determines the wedding style. A country club or hotel reception is more formal, while a barn or outdoor venue is more casual.

A romantic outdoor wedding venue by the water.
A romantic outdoor wedding venue by the water.

Wedding catering cost

Wedding catering costs $30 to $150 per guest for a buffet, family-style, or a plated sit-down meal and makes up another big chunk of the wedding budget. For smaller budgets and casual receptions, a food truck or drop-off catering costs $10 to $35 per guest, depending on the menu selections.

Wedding cake, cupcakes, or dessert bar cost

No wedding reception is complete without dessert, and most traditional couples choose cake. A wedding cake costs $3 to $8 per guest or $300 to $800 for a 3-tier cake that serves 100 guests. Couples wanting something a bit more fun may serve wedding cupcakes costing $2 to $6 per guest.

High-end designer wedding cake and dessert bar
High-end designer wedding cake and dessert bar

Wedding open bar & bartender cost

Most weddings have an open bar or cash bar, though cash bars result in longer lines at the bar due to payment transactions and may prompt guests to leave early. An open bar costs $10 to $40 per guest, depending on the alcohol served:

  • Beer and wine cost $10 to $20 per guest.

  • A full-liquor bar costs $15 to $40 per guest.

  • A soft bar costs $13 to $30 per guest for beer, wine, and two signature cocktails.

A wedding bartender costs $30 to $50 per hour or $240 to $400 per bartender for the entire reception. Some venues include bar packages with bartenders and barback assistants in their pricing.

Wedding photographer cost

Hiring a wedding photographer costs $1,600 to $3,600 for professional photos to capture your important wedding day moments. For more casual guest photos, a photo booth rental costs $400 to $1,000 for a freestanding kiosk or curtained area where wedding guests can take fun photos against a backdrop.

In addition to the ceremony and reception, lots of couples choose to capture other moments, including:

Wedding videographer cost

Wedding videography costs $1,400 to $3,600 to record and edit a video of the wedding and reception. Professional wedding videographers charge $125 to $350 per hour for the first cameraperson plus $100 to $200 per hour for a second videographer to capture moments from more than one viewpoint.

Wedding DJ or live band cost

A wedding DJ costs $800 to $1,600 to provide music and entertainment for your wedding. A professional DJ helps couples create a custom playlist that reflects their taste, announces events, and keeps the party energy going. They also handle the technical aspects of sound and lighting.

A live wedding band costs $200 to $900 for the ceremony and $2,000 to $8,000 for the reception. Hiring a band costs more than a DJ but offers a more exciting atmosphere. If you hire a wedding band, you will likely need an MC to make introductions and announcements.

A newlywed couple enjoying their first dance at the wedding reception.
A newlywed couple enjoying their first dance at the wedding reception.

Wedding flowers cost

Wedding flowers cost $500 to $3,500 or around 8% to 10% of the total wedding budget. Most wedding floral packages include bride and bridesmaid bouquets, groom and groomsmen boutonnieres, floral arrangements for the ceremony, and centerpieces for the reception tables.

A wedding decorator costs $550 to $800 on average.Wedding decorators usually have a background in interior design and floristry. They source all of the materials and vendors to create custom designs for flowers, furniture, linens, lighting, and more.

Wedding dress & alterations cost

One of the most important purchases a bride makes is her gown. A wedding gown costs $1,500 to $2,500 on average. Large retailers like David's Bridal sell more affordable gowns starting as low as $100 on sale. Couture wedding dresses cost $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the designer.

Wedding hair & makeup cost

Bridal hair and makeup costs $180 to $600 for stylists to work on-site and ensure you look and feel your best on the big day. Schedule a bridal hair and makeup trial for $100 to $200 to share your vision and try out different hairstyles and makeup looks before the wedding.

A wedding makeup artist applying makeup to a bride.
A wedding makeup artist applying makeup to a bride.

Groom's tux rental

The groom also needs to look his best, so you'll need to budget $90 to $180 on average for tux rental costs. More modern and stylish tuxedos cost $250 or more to rent. Most rentals include pants, a coat, a vest, neckwear or tie, and a dress shirt. Matching shoes cost extra.

Wedding limo cost

To arrive in style, couples spend $500 to $1,100 to rent a limo for their wedding. Wedding limo packages often include a white stretch limousine with champagne. Couples pay around $1,200 for a wedding shuttle-bus package to transport the entire wedding party from the ceremony to the reception.

Wedding officiant cost

Whether you say "I do" in a church, at a resort, or in your own backyard, you will need someone to officiate the wedding. A religious wedding officiant costs $200 to $1,000 for a minister, rabbi, priest, or imam to perform the wedding ceremony. Professional wedding celebrants charge $250 to $1,000+.

Wedding invitations cost

Wedding invitations cost $5 to $8 per person for an entire suite of products that includes invitations, reply cards, save the dates, reception cards, place cards, and thank you cards. Custom graphics, engraved techniques, hand calligraphy, and optional inserts increase costs.

Rehearsal dinner cost

Traditionally, the groom's family hosts a rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, but either set of parents or the couple themselves can host. A rehearsal dinner costs $20 to $70 per person. The event for close family and friends includes a practice of the ceremony, a meal, and wedding toasts.

Wedding fireworks cost

Wedding fireworks cost $1,000 to $1,200 per minute and are a popular way to end the wedding evening with a bang. A professional wedding fireworks display lasts 3 to 5 minutes on average and includes professional pyrotechnicians that conduct a site safety survey, obtain permits, launch the custom display, and clean up.

Destination wedding cost

Destination weddings cost $10,000 to $35,000, depending on the location, and offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate your special day. These intimate weddings are held in beautiful locations or all-inclusive resorts and often include a weekend full of activities for the small group of invited friends and family.

A wedding arch in a beautiful coastal mountain setting.
A wedding arch in a beautiful coastal mountain setting.

Average wedding cost by state

The average cost of a wedding in America is $25,000 to $35,000, but costs vary by state depending on the cost of living and the popularity of weddings in the area. New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts have the highest average costs, while Kansas, Oklahoma, and Utah are the least expensive.

Average wedding cost by state
State Average wedding cost
Alabama $18,300 – $22,000
Alaska $25,000 – $30,000
Arizona $19,200 – $23,000
Arkansas $17,500 – $21,000
California $30,800 – $37,000
Colorado $25,000 – $30,000
Connecticut $32,500 – $39,000
Delaware $32,500 – $39,000
Florida $25,000 – $30,000
Georgia $21,700 – $26,000
Idaho $15,800 – $19,000
Illinois $30,800 – $37,000
Indiana $19,200 – $23,000
Iowa $15,800 – $19,000
Kansas $13,300 – $16,000
Kentucky $16,700 – $20,000
Louisiana $25,800 – $31,000
Maine $25,800 – $31,000
Maryland $32,500 – $39,000
Massachusetts $38,300 – $46,000
Michigan $22,500 – $27,000
Minnesota $20,800 – $25,000
Mississippi $23,300 – $28,000
Missouri $19,200 – $23,000
Montana $15,000 – $18,000
Nebraska $17,500 – $21,000
Nevada $17,500 – $21,000
New Hampshire $25,000 – $30,000
New Jersey $42,500 – $51,000
New Mexico $15,000 – $18,000
New York $38,300 – $46,000
North Carolina $24,200 – $29,000
North Dakota $23,300 – $20,000
Ohio $21,700 – $26,000
Oklahoma $13,300 – $16,000
Oregon $15,800 – $19,000
Pennsylvania $27,500 – $33,000
Rhode Island $35,800 – $43,000
South Carolina $26,700 – $32,000
South Dakota $16,700 – $20,000
Tennessee $18,300 – $22,000
Texas $22,500 – $27,000
Utah $13,300 – $16,000
Vermont $35,800 – $43,000
Virginia $25,800 – $31,000
Washington $19,200 – $23,000
Washington, D.C. $33,300 – $40,000
West Virginia $25,800 – $31,000
Wisconsin $21,700 – $26,000
Wyoming $15,000 – $18,000

How to save money on a wedding

Wedding expenses can add up quickly, so setting and sticking to your budget is important. Here are some ways to save money while planning the wedding of your dreams:

Get free estimates from wedding services near you.
  • Limit the guest list to close friends and family.

  • Host a casual rather than a formal wedding.

  • Plan an off-season or weekday wedding to save on the venue and catering.

  • Serve less expensive beer and wine or have a cash bar where guests pay for their alcohol.

  • Hire a friend or family member to take photos and videos.

  • Purchase flowers from a local farmer's market and arrange them yourself.

  • Keep the décor simple.

Wedding budget FAQs

Who pays for the wedding?

Traditionally, the bride's family pays for the wedding while the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner and the honeymoon. This tradition has changed in recent years as more and more couples are paying some or all of their wedding expenses.

How much should you tip wedding vendors?

When planning your wedding budget, remember to budget for gratuities for the staff. It is standard practice to tip 10% to 20% for wedding vendors, especially if you are happy with the work the vendor has done.

What is wedding insurance, and is it worth it?

Wedding insurance helps to cover your financial costs in case of an unexpected event that forces you to cancel, postpone, or relocate your wedding. Wedding insurance is a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides.

Wedding planning & budgeting tips

A wedding planner can help you organize the wedding of your dreams while helping you stick to your budget for all wedding services. Here are some tips for choosing from wedding planners near you:

  • Ask for referrals from recently wedded couples.

  • Look for licensed or certified wedding planners that have an active membership in a professional wedding planning organization.

  • Ask for references and read their reviews on Fash and Google.

  • Review their portfolio to ensure their style matches your vision.

  • Look for planners who specialize in the type of wedding event you have in mind.

  • Review and understand all contract terms before signing.

Questions to ask wedding planners

Hiring a wedding planner is a great way to relieve stress and ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. Be sure to ask these important questions when interviewing potential planners:

  • How long have you been a wedding planner?

  • How many weddings have you planned?

  • Are you available on my wedding date?

  • What do you charge for your services?

  • What is included in your pricing?

  • Can you provide references from previous wedding couples?

  • Do you have a portfolio of your past wedding events?

  • How often do you meet with me?

  • What is your role on the day of the wedding?