How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in the USA?
Have you just got engaged and are about to start planning your wedding? Or perhaps you and your partner are thinking about getting married but are concerned about how much it is going to cost.
While there is no denying that a wedding can be an expensive occasion, there are ways to ensure you have the perfect day without breaking the bank.
So, how much does the average wedding cost in the United States and how can you save money on yours? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the average cost of a wedding in the United States?
The average cost of a wedding in the United States is currently $35,000. This is a 5% increase from last year’s national average and has predominantly been caused by nationwide inflation and an increased cost of the goods and services associated with a wedding.
In terms of how this increase has affected couples planning to get married, there has been a significant increase in people hiring wedding planners to help prioritize their funds and maximize their overall spending.
What affects the cost of a wedding?
There are lots of factors that affect how much a wedding will cost, such as the location of the wedding, the number of guests, the time of year, and the chosen venue. For example, the average cost of a wedding in New York is $49,000, whereas in South Dakota it is $23,000.
When looking at wedding ceremony locations, make sure you consider how much you can realistically afford to spend and if you are willing to be married somewhere a little bit cheaper so that you have more money to spend on other aspects of your big day such as your wedding dress.
How has the average cost of a wedding changed over the years?
As mentioned briefly above, the cost of a planning a wedding has increased dramatically over the years, in most part due to inflation. In 2019, the average cost of a wedding was $28,000 and by 2022, this had increased to $30,000.
That being said, just because this is what the average wedding costs, that doesn’t mean you have to spend this amount when you say, “I do.”
How to save money on your wedding day
There are lots of ways that you can save money on your wedding such as:
- List your priorities
- Hire a wedding planner W
- Be flexible with your date
- Rent a wedding dress rather than buy one
- Opt for a buffet rather than a sit-down meal
- Make a playlist rather than hire a band or a DJ
- Invite fewer people
- Use a wedding budgeting tool
Final thoughts
Although you may not want to have to think about setting a budget for your wedding day, this is the best course of action for most couples. Yes, your wedding day is important and you want to be able to share this momentous occasion with all your family and friends, but you don’t want to start your married life in debt.
Be realistic with what you can afford and remember that people are there to show their love for you and to celebrate your nuptials, not for a free meal and a disco!
