You said ‘yes,’ so now it’s time to address one of the biggest necessities when it comes to planning a wedding: setting your wedding budget! There are many things to consider when determining how much you spend; for instance, having a large reception vs. a small wedding, or hiring multiple venues vs. just the one for pre-and-post nuptials.
Before we go into heavy detail about wedding costs, we’re going to share popular, budget-friendly wedding trends as well as some traditions engaged couples are taking a pass on. Let’s make some economic and practical choices together!
Trending Wedding Ideas – What’s “In” & What’s “Out”
In: Guest Experiences – Focus on fun in a non-formal environment.
In: Content Creators – Record your ceremony and reception in a more personal way.
In: Microweddings – Curate a small guest list to prioritize food choices and entertainment.
In: Food Deliveries – Leverage DoorDash or Uber Eats for late-night snacks. It’s significantly cheaper than paying your venue’s late-night service fees and staffing overtime.
In: Comfort on the Dancefloor – Prioritize comfort for the after-party by switching into a second outfit.
Out: Stressing Over Formal Traditions – If sitting down to the usual 3-course meal is making you feel time-trapped, try a buffet-style spread.
Out: Worrying About Obligations – Invite people who bring you joy!
Out: OTT Cake Tiers – Choose the size and shape of a wedding cake that suits you.
Out: Ceremony Footage – Don’t spend thousands on a 10-minute video that doesn’t truly capture the essence of your wedding.
Out: Flower Arrangements – Skip ordering flowers for the sake of it; there are so many alternative options when it comes to wedding decorations.
How Much Does a Wedding Cost?
Now that we’ve shared what’s trending at the moment, let’s discuss the lowdown on the average cost of a wedding. We’ll try and tread lightly here, as we know discussing big figures can feel overwhelming. These are estimates from across the country to anchor your expectations. We’ve added them purely to give you an idea on how much certain things cost, not so much amounts you need to spend!
FYI: These are just benchmark prices. Your wedding can be as high-end or as low-key as you choose – you’re the one holding the pen!
- Location: According to CNBC.com, hometown weddings are working out at $32,000 while destination weddings are coming in more expensive at $41,000.
- Catering: Typically you’d be looking at $100 – 150 per guest depending on menu and venue costs.
- Hiring Professionals: Wedding photographers typically cost around $3,500-$4,000 for standard packages. Combined photo and video packages often run from $5,000 to over $10,000, heavily influenced by location, coverage hours, and experience!
- Outfits: Wedding dresses can range depending on the bride, from buying designer-made to shopping for a vintage dress at your local Dollar Tree. Custom-made suits are almost up there with the wedding dress purchases, with a bespoke design setting you back $4,000 plus.
Important Factors
The ‘Guest Count’ Multiplier
In 2026, the average cost per head for a high-vibe wedding (catering, drinks, and rentals) is between $150 and $250.
- The Reality: Every person you add isn’t just a plate of food; it’s another chair rental, invitation, and potentially an extra shuttle bus.
The ‘Hidden’ Percentages
Many married couples panic when the final bill arrives because of the “plus-plus” (tax and service charges).
- The Math: If a catering company quotes you $10,000, you should budget $13,500 to be safe.
Are You in Favor of Quality or Quantity?
Vendors are charging more because their own costs (labor, transport, and high-quality ingredients) have risen.
- Paying for high-quality decorations comes at cost, e.g. paying for the flowers; this includes a 4-person crew behind the scenes making sure they don’t wilt before your ‘I Dos.’ Have you thought about fake flowers that can stand proud on their own?
- Entertainment comes at a price! As we discussed earlier, guest experiences are becoming increasingly popular, so the question is, do you hire a DJ to play a setlist or opt for a live band with a sax player who comes with their own lighting equipment?
How to Budget for a Wedding
As we’ve discussed how much things cost, here’s a list of mandatory things and optional extras to fit into your budget. We’ve separated the non-negotiable essentials from the aesthetic optional extras, giving you the clarity to decide exactly where your dollars will make the biggest impact.
Essentials:
- Save the Dates
- Wedding Invitations
- Reception Decorations
- Wedding Programs
- Signage
- Celebrant
- Venue
- Food and Drink
- Sound System
- Wedding Rings
- Photographer
Optional Extras:
- Guest Transportation
- Reserving Rooms for Guests
- Pre-Wedding “Getting Ready” Suites
- Champagne/Prosecco Towers
- Live Guest Portraits
- Rehearsal Dinners
- Expensive Bridal Party Gifts
- Children’s Entertainment
Wedding Budget Spreadsheets to the Rescue
Free wedding spreadsheets can give you a clear indication on what’s costing you the most money. And since they’re free, you can even just use them as a base line and create your own masterpiece!
For instance, we’ve gone onto YouTube to give you a demonstration of how you can make your own wedding seating chart in the same Excel spreadsheet. Before you know it, you’ll have so many things covered, you’ll end up being your very own wedding planner! Saving money from every angle here – it’s a win win.
Prioritize Your Peace
While the list of considerations is long, the most important factor is simple: what do you and your partner actually want? Decades from now, you won’t remember the stress of the guest list. You’ll remember the candid, funny moments with the people you actually love, the magic of your favorite location, and the electric atmosphere on the dance floor. Your parents and colleagues will have endless opinions, and they might even pressure you to follow a script that isn’t yours. We’re here to remind you: it’s your day, your budget, and your vibe. You’ve got this!
Hazel is a content specialist that reigns from the amazing land of Cork, Ireland. If her natural red hair doesn’t showcase her Irish roots, her love of humor and spontaneous outbursts would be a clear indicator. When she’s not looking out for her amazing team mates, she’s usually re-writing song lyrics – tirelessly trying to incorporate them into her writing pieces. She has a quirky, lively, and caring personality and her little dog Eddie makes her the happiest overall.
