Wedding Costs - Compare Costs & Get Free Quotes

The average wedding in the United States costs $30,000-$35,000, with costs varying dramatically by location, guest count, and vendor selections. Venue and catering typically consume 40-50% of the total budget. Understanding average costs by category and money-saving strategies helps you plan a beautiful wedding within your budget.

Wedding Cost Breakdown

Venue and catering costs $12,000-$18,000 for 100 guests. Photography runs $2,000-$4,000. Videography costs $1,500-$3,500. Flowers and decor run $2,000-$4,000. Music and entertainment costs $1,000-$3,000. Wedding dress averages $1,500-$3,000. Wedding rings cost $1,000-$3,000 combined. Invitations and stationery run $500-$1,000. Wedding cake costs $500-$1,000. Transportation runs $500-$1,500.

Costs by Location

Average wedding costs in Manhattan exceed $80,000. Los Angeles weddings average $45,000. Chicago weddings cost $35,000. Dallas weddings average $30,000. Rural weddings cost $15,000-$25,000. Destination weddings in Mexico average $10,000-$20,000 for the couple plus guest travel costs. Backyard weddings cost $5,000-$15,000. Venue costs represent the largest geographic variation in wedding budgets.

Money-Saving Strategies

Off-season weddings (November-April) save 20-40% on venue costs. Friday and Sunday weddings cost 20-30% less than Saturday. Reducing the guest list from 150 to 100 saves $5,000-$10,000 in catering. Digital invitations save $300-$700. DIY decorations save $1,000-$3,000. Buffet or family-style service costs 20-30% less than plated dinner. Limiting the open bar to beer and wine saves $1,000-$2,000.

Average Wedding Costs Costs by State

Pricing for wedding costs varies significantly by location. Below you can explore costs in your state or find local providers in your city.

View all states for Wedding Costs →

Frequently Asked Questions