Understanding where your wedding budget goes is the first step to planning a celebration you can afford without financial stress. This guide breaks down typical wedding costs and helps you allocate your budget wisely.
The Average Wedding Budget
According to recent data, the average U.S. wedding costs between $28,000-$35,000. However, this number varies dramatically based on:
- Location (NYC weddings cost 2-3x more than rural celebrations)
- Guest count (more guests = higher costs across all categories)
- Season (peak season commands premium prices)
- Your personal priorities and style
Remember: there's no "right" amount to spend. The best wedding budget is one you can afford without starting your marriage in debt.
Recommended Budget Allocation
Venue & Catering: 40-50%
This is typically your largest expense and includes:
- Venue rental fee
- Catering (food and beverages)
- Tables, chairs, linens
- Service staff
- Sometimes cake and bar service
Money-Saving Tips:
- Choose an off-peak day (Friday or Sunday)
- Opt for brunch or lunch instead of dinner
- Limit the open bar hours
- Consider all-inclusive venues
Photography & Videography: 10-15%
Your photos and videos are the lasting memory of your day.
What's Included:
- Engagement session
- Full-day wedding coverage
- Edited digital images
- Photo album (often extra)
- Highlight video and full ceremony/reception footage
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book a newer photographer building their portfolio
- Skip the printed album and create your own
- Limit coverage hours
- Choose photo OR video if budget is tight
Music & Entertainment: 8-10%
Keep your guests dancing all night.
Options:
- DJ: $1,000-$3,000
- Live band: $3,000-$10,000+
- Ceremony musicians: $300-$800
Money-Saving Tips:
- Book a DJ instead of a live band
- Use a playlist for cocktail hour
- Skip the photo booth
Flowers & Décor: 8-10%
Set the mood and style of your celebration.
Typical Items:
- Bridal bouquet
- Bridesmaid bouquets
- Boutonnieres and corsages
- Ceremony arrangements
- Centerpieces
- Other décor elements
Money-Saving Tips:
- Choose in-season flowers
- Use greenery instead of all flowers
- Repurpose ceremony flowers at the reception
- DIY simple elements like candles and table numbers
Attire & Beauty: 8-10%
Looking your best on the big day.
Bride:
- Wedding dress: $1,000-$3,000 average
- Alterations: $200-$800
- Accessories (veil, jewelry, shoes)
- Hair and makeup
Groom:
- Suit or tux purchase/rental
- Accessories
- Grooming
Money-Saving Tips:
- Shop sample sales and trunk shows
- Consider pre-owned dresses
- Rent the groom's attire
- Do your own makeup or hair
Stationery: 2-3%
Your paper goods set the tone.
Includes:
- Save-the-dates
- Invitations and RSVP cards
- Programs
- Menus and place cards
- Thank you notes
Money-Saving Tips:
- Use a wedding website instead of paper save-the-dates
- Order online from template services
- Skip programs or make simple DIY versions
Favors & Gifts: 2-3%
Thank your guests and wedding party.
Budget For:
- Guest favors
- Wedding party gifts
- Parent gifts
- Vendor tips
Money-Saving Tips:
- Make edible favors (cookies, candy)
- Skip favors entirely (many guests leave them behind)
- Give experiences instead of things to your wedding party
Rings: 2-3%
The symbols of your commitment.
Consider:
- Metal type (platinum vs. gold vs. alternative)
- Diamond or gemstone options
- Simple bands vs. detailed designs
Money-Saving Tips:
- Choose lab-grown diamonds
- Consider alternative stones
- Shop vintage or estate jewelry
Transportation: 1-2%
Getting everyone where they need to be.
May Include:
- Limousine or car for the couple
- Shuttle for guests
- Parking arrangements
Money-Saving Tips:
- Use a nice personal car decorated with ribbons
- Only provide shuttle if venue is hard to access
- Uber/Lyft vouchers for guests
Contingency Fund: 10-15%
The most important line item many couples forget.
Why You Need It:
- Unexpected vendor fees
- Last-minute additions
- Weather-related expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Items you forgot to budget for
Hidden Costs to Watch For
Venue Add-Ons
- Overtime fees
- Corkage fees for outside alcohol
- Cake cutting fees
- Setup and cleanup charges
Vendor Extras
- Travel fees for destination weddings
- Rush fees for last-minute changes
- Additional hours beyond contracted time
- Prints and albums (often not included)
Guest-Related Costs
- Welcome bags for hotel guests
- Rehearsal dinner
- Day-after brunch
- Guest transportation
Administrative
- Marriage license
- Name change documents
- Wedding insurance
How to Track Your Budget
Step 1: Set Your Total Budget
Be honest about what you can spend without going into debt.
Step 2: Prioritize Categories
Decide what matters most to you. If photography is important, allocate more there and cut elsewhere.
Step 3: Get Real Quotes
Contact vendors early to understand actual costs in your area.
Step 4: Track Every Expense
Use OurVows' budget tracker to monitor spending in real-time and catch overages early.
Step 5: Review Regularly
Check your budget weekly during heavy planning periods.
Sample Budgets
$15,000 Budget
- Venue/Catering: $6,000-$7,500
- Photography: $1,500-$2,000
- Music: $800-$1,200
- Flowers/Décor: $1,000-$1,500
- Attire: $1,200-$1,500
- Other: $2,000-$3,000
$30,000 Budget
- Venue/Catering: $12,000-$15,000
- Photography/Video: $3,000-$4,500
- Music: $2,000-$3,000
- Flowers/Décor: $2,500-$3,000
- Attire: $2,500-$3,000
- Other: $4,000-$5,500
$50,000+ Budget
- Venue/Catering: $20,000-$25,000
- Photography/Video: $5,000-$7,500
- Music: $3,500-$5,000
- Flowers/Décor: $5,000-$7,000
- Attire: $4,000-$5,000
- Other: $7,500-$10,500
Final Thoughts
Your wedding budget should reflect your values and priorities, not anyone else's expectations. Spend more on what matters to you, cut ruthlessly on what doesn't, and always keep that contingency fund intact.
Start tracking your wedding budget today with OurVows—we'll help you stay on track and avoid financial surprises.