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The average cost of a wedding these days? About $34,000 in 2025, according to wedding website The Knot. And no, that doesn't include the engagement ring.
If you're Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, that number will probably reach the millions. Even if you're not working with a million-dollar budget, weddings have the potential to cost you a pretty penny for a ceremony and reception.
To get the numbers, The Knot surveyed about 10,000 couples who got married in 2025 and some who planned 2026 nuptials .
How much does a wedding cost?
Here are the average price tags for some common wedding expenses, according to The Knot's latest data:
- Wedding dress: $2,100
- Groom's attire: $330
- Cake: $530
- Hair and makeup: $300
- Event rentals: $2,000
- DJ: $1,800
- Food: $80 per person
- Venue: $12,900
- Flowers: $2,800
- Photographer: $3,000
The expenses can keep coming. For example, if you purchase gifts for your wedding attendants, add themed “save the date” cards and thank-yous, hire a wedding planner or order lots of photos and video copies, your total will probably be higher. And this doesn't even include tips for all the vendors.
Wedding budget stress is common —Here's why
A 2023 survey conducted online by The Harris Poll, commissioned by NerdWallet and wedding site Zola.com, found that 70% of engaged Americans said they faced money challenges during the wedding planning process.
Among the most common difficulties: juggling multiple financial priorities while paying for a wedding (30% of engaged Americans) and going over budget (22%).
Some engaged Americans (19%) said their families planned to contribute less than they had expected, adding to the pressure. Financial stress can also highlight differences in priorities — 14% of engaged couples said they don’t agree on which wedding expenses matter most.
These decisions have lasting consequences. Some 13% of engaged Americans said they had to take on debt to pay for their wedding. At the same time, 15% said they don't know how to create a budget, which can make an already expensive event harder to manage.
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What is a reasonable wedding budget?
A reasonable wedding budget looks different for every couple. Averages can be skewed by a small number of very large, luxury weddings (👀 we’re looking at you, Taylor and Travis).
Instead of focusing on what others spend, build a budget based on your income, savings and priorities. Think of traditional wedding checklists as starting points — not requirements.
You might decide to skip wedding favors, scale back on decor or play music through a speaker instead of hiring a band or DJ.
Aim for a celebration that feels true to you and supports a strong financial start to your life together.
How to plan a wedding on a budget
Even if you want all the bells and whistles, you can have a cheaper wedding by being flexible about certain factors:
Consider replacing pros
Asking a talented friend to style your hair and making decorations yourself are probably cheaper than paying for professional services and premium packages. If your friend is also invited to your wedding, you might be able to negotiate services in lieu of a wedding gift to save even more.
Look beyond city limits
Where you get married matters, and not just for the venue. If you plan to tie the knot in a major metropolitan area, expect higher prices and increased competition for venues and other services, such as hotels and catering.
In smaller towns or less popular destinations, you may find lower costs and more availability. Comparing a few locations — even those only a short drive away — could help stretch your budget further.
Trim the guest list
Your guest count affects almost every part of your budget. Many venues price packages based on headcount, and caterers charge per person for food and drinks. More guests also mean higher costs for rentals, centerpieces, invitations and favors.
Cutting even 10 people can lower your total in a meaningful way. That could mean one less table, fewer meals to pay for and a smaller bar bill. You may also spend less on postage and printed materials.
If narrowing the list feels hard, set a few clear rules. For example, limit plus-ones, focus on close family and friends or agree on how many coworkers to invite.
Pick an off-peak season or day of the week
That sunny summer wedding probably comes with a trade-off: price. Ceremony sites, reception halls and photographers are known to offer lower rates during off-peak months, such as December or January.
Even choosing a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday — the most popular day for weddings — could lower your costs without changing your overall plans.
Compare prices and services
Once you've picked the services you want, the best way to identify fair prices and approximate the total bill is to ask around. Talk to friends and family who’ve recently gone through the process, or consult a wedding planner. Get quotes from multiple vendors. Then choose the options you think are the best value.
As you shop around, pay attention to what’s included in the fees. Some venues provide tables, chairs, linens and audio equipment at no additional cost. Others charge extra or require you to rent these items from outside sources.
Negotiate if necessary
If you decide to negotiate, do it respectfully. Vendors set their prices for a reason, and pushing too hard can strain the relationship.
“You don’t want to nickel-and-dime a professional person who has set their rates the way that they’ve set them for a reason,” says Jessica Bishop, wedding expert and founder of the Budget Savvy Bride. She adds that newer vendors may charge less than more established professions — but that doesn't mean couples should take advantage of them.
Instead of asking for a lower price outright, consider adjusting what’s included. You might book the photographer for fewer hours or ask the caterer about limiting drink options instead of offering an open bar. Small changes can lead to meaningful savings.
Anticipate extra costs
Even with careful planning, surprises are bound to pop up. Consider allowing at least a 10% buffer in your wedding budget to cover hidden fees, overages and add-ons, such as cake cutting and delivery fees, taxes and gratuities.
Add it all up
Don’t blow your budget because you're bowing to pressure from relatives, friends or social media. Your wedding budget should align with your income, regular expenses and other financial goals.
Once you establish a budget, decide the kind of wedding you want and begin to compare costs, plug in the numbers. And remember: The best wedding budget is one that celebrates your relationship without compromising your long-term financial well-being.
Try our wedding budget calculator
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- 1. TheKnot.com. The Knot 2026 Real Weddings Study. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
