How much does the average wedding cost?
How much does the average wedding cost?
$25,000 – $35,000 average wedding cost (100 guests)
$250 – $350 average cost per guest
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.
| 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.
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.
| 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.
Book your venue 9 to 14 months in advance, or longer for more popular venues or during peak wedding season from May through October.
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.
Dessert bars are a fun and popular option, with costs ranging from $5 to $11 per guest. The bar includes a variety of desserts for guests to choose from, often with vegan options available.
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.
Plan to hire one bartender for every 50 guests for full liquor service, or one bartender for every 75 guests for beer and wine receptions.
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:
Bridal portrait photography costs $100 to $400 per hour.
Engagement photos cost $100 to $300 per hour.
Rehearsal dinner photography costs $500 to $1,500, depending on the length.
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.
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.
Remember to budget for the cost of wedding dress alterations, which range from $150 to $700.
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.
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+.
Each state has its own marriage and family laws that dictate who can perform the marriage ceremony, so be sure to research the requirements for wedding officiants in your state.
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.
Don't forget to budget for postage, which currently costs $0.63 per envelope for domestic postage from the US Post Office.
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.
The rehearsal dinner is a great time for wedding couples to distribute gifts to the wedding party and parents to thank them for participating in the wedding.
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.
Sparklers and firework fountains are an inexpensive way to create a fun light display or as a walkway for the bride and groom as they enter or leave the reception.
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.
Book your destination wedding a year in advance to have time to book accommodations, vendors, and travel arrangements.
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.
| 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:
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?