How Much Does a Wedding Really Cost?
Key Takeaways
Weddings Are Expensive
The average U.S. wedding costs over $30,000, with city-specific averages like $35,000 in Denver, $39,000 in Miami-Fort Lauderdale, and $63,000 in New York City. Despite budgeting, 54% of couples still overspend because weddings cost more than couples might anticipate.
Understand the Costs
Venues and catering often eat up over 50% of the budget. On average, couples hire 14 vendors, with significant expenses including wedding dresses ($2,000), venues ($12,800), photographers ($2,900), and catering ($85 per guest).
Prioritize Your Spending
Decide on your top three priorities as a couple and focus your budget there. Be creative in finding savings for items that matter less to you.
Prepare for Surprises
Unexpected costs like vendor overtime and additional décor can quickly add up. Set aside 10-15% of your budget as a contingency fund to cover last-minute needs.
Online Tools Are Key
Use platforms like Zola, The Knot, or Wedding Wire for built-in budget calculators and spending recommendations. These tools help allocate your funds effectively and prevent overspending in one category.
Invest in Photography
Allocate 7-10% of your budget to photography, as it preserves the day’s memories forever. At Valr Studios, we offer customizable packages tailored to fit a variety of budgets, ensuring your moments are beautifully captured.
Weddings are magical, but let’s be real, they’re also expensive. According to recent studies by The Knot, in 2023, over 80% of couples set a wedding budget before reaching out to vendors, but more than 54% of couples still go over their planned amount. Why? Because weddings often cost more than expected.
If you’re getting married for the first time (like 91% of couples), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In 2023, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. was over $30,000. However, this number varies depending on where you’re tying the knot. For example, in Denver, couples spend an average of $35,000, while in Miami-Fort Lauderdale, the average climbs to $39,000, and in New York City, it’s a staggering $63,000.
So how do you create a realistic budget without sacrificing your dream day? Let’s break down the essentials to help you set a realistic wedding budget and stick to it (well, mostly).
Before I continue I want to mention that all the sources are available at the bottom and none of these numbers are pulled from some random blog off the internet.
Understand the Real Costs of a Wedding
The average U.S. wedding costs anywhere from $17,000 to $55,000 depending on location, size, and other factors. Before you start dreaming of custom neon signs and dessert walls, it’s crucial to understand what drives those costs. Major expenses like the venue and catering are typically the biggest ticket items. Your Venue and Catering alone can eat up more than 50% of your total budget alone. This is only 2 vendors, which doesn’t take into account that on average couples are hiring or purchasing from 14 vendors in preparation for the big day. Here is a list of the top booked vendors according to The Knot and how much people are spending on them.
Wedding Dress ($2,000)
Venue ($12,800)
Photographer ($2,900)
Groom’s Attire ($330)
Caterer ($85 per guest)
Prioritize What Matters Most
Not every couple values the same aspects of a wedding. For some, a dream venue is non-negotiable; for others, it’s about the perfect photos to look back on. Start by sitting down with your partner to decide your top three priorities, whether it’s food, music, or florals. This article from The Knot has plenty of information to help you understand some of these costs.
Once you know what matters most, allocate more of your budget to those items and find creative ways to save on the rest.
Expect the Unexpected
A wedding budget is like assembling IKEA furniture: something unexpected always comes up. From last-minute décor purchases to vendor overtime fees, surprise costs can quickly add up. Industry experts recommend setting aside at least 10-15% of your total budget for these unplanned expenses.
Pro Tip: Ask vendors about hidden fees during your consultations. Travel costs, additional hours, and service charges can sneak up on you.
It’s Okay to Go Over Budget (a Little)
In case you forgot the numbers from earlier: 54% of couples go over budget on their wedding. That doesn’t mean you failed; it just means you’re human.
Weddings are emotional, and it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. Many couples start with a conservative budget, only to realize a few months in that their vision requires more flexibility.
This is normal and manageable. Starting early gives you time to adjust your budget as needed. The key is to be flexible. Adjust where you can and know when it’s okay to spend a little more for something meaningful.
Utilize Online Budget Tools
Couples are leaning heavily on online platforms like The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Zola to plan their weddings. These platforms offer built-in budget calculators that break down spending by category, helping you allocate funds more effectively.
Many of these tools also provide guidance on recommended spending caps for vendors, ensuring you don’t overspend in one area at the expense of another. Use these resources to stay organized and informed.
We prefer Zola but here’s a link all of them.
Photography: A Worthy Investment
Photography is one of the most important parts of your wedding budget. Not only does it preserve memories of your big day, but it’s also an investment that lasts forever. Besides, if you’re going to spend all this money on a beautiful day, you better believe there should be some beautiful photos to capture the day.
Photography Budget Tip: Experts recommend allocating 7-10% of your total wedding budget to photography. 10-12% according to Zola.
What Couples are Spending: The Knot shows that on average couples spend 8% of their total wedding budget.
At Valr Studios, we offer customizable packages across three collections. Our goal isn’t to sell you anything you don’t need. Our 2025 pricing guide which you can download here provides you with all our options as our goal is to provide you the photography service that fits your budget.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding is a balancing act between dreams and dollars. By understanding the true costs, setting realistic priorities, and staying flexible, you’ll be able to create a day that’s as magical as you’ve always imagined.
Need help budgeting for wedding photography? Check out our pricing guide for all the details on what to expect—and why great photos are one of the best investments you’ll make for your big day!
Sources:
This Is the Average Wedding Photographer Cost, Based on Data
https://www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-wedding-photographer
A Complete Guide to Wedding Photography Prices
https://www.brides.com/wedding-photographer-cost-4846266
The Know 2023 Real Weddings Study
https://www.theknot.com/content/wedding-data-insights/real-weddings-study
2024 Wedding Trends: Zola’s First Look Report
https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/the-first-look-report-2024
How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in 2023?
https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/how-much-does-a-wedding-photographer-cost
How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in 2024?
https://www.zola.com/expert-advice/whats-the-average-cost-of-a-wedding
