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Getting married is exciting, but it’s getting costlier. The average cost of a wedding in the United States rose about 14% in 2024 from 2023, according to a study from Zola, an online wedding registry and planner.
Although weddings can get expensive for many reasons, there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality or your desired style. Here’s what you need to know about the average cost of a wedding and how you can afford your own.
Key Wedding Statistics and Trends
- The average cost of a wedding is $33,000 in 2024.
- Most couples will hire an average of 10 wedding professionals, or vendors, for their big day, according to The Knot, a wedding planner and vendor site.
- The most expensive wedding feature is the venue. The average venue cost ranges from $6,000 to $12,000 but can set you back as much as $75,000 at luxury locations.
- October has been the most sought-after month for U.S. weddings six years in a row, according to The Knot. Meanwhile, a 2023 Zola survey found that September was another popular choice.
Wedding Costs Over the Years
Weddings are a significant event in a person’s life, but they can come with a hefty price tag. Wedding costs have steadily increased, with the average wedding in the United States totaling $33,000 in 2024, which is $4,000 higher than in 2023.
Despite this cost increase, couples also have greater flexibility and options for personalization, with a range of options and themes that can fit different budgets.
Below are the average wedding costs for nuptials held between 2022 and 2024.
- 2022: $30,000
- 2023: $29,000
- 2024: $33,000
The Average Cost of a Wedding by State
The average cost of a wedding varies between states, and those differences are a result of venue types and varying costs of living. For instance, California and states in the Northeast have high costs of living and that’s reflected in the price of a wedding.
Some of the biggest influences on the price of a wedding include the size, theme and number of guests. As you plan your wedding, keep these factors in mind.
Here’s the average cost of a wedding in each state in the continental U.S., according to Zola’s most recent wedding report for 2024.
The Average Cost of a Wedding in the Largest Metros
Out of 20 major metro areas that Zola looked at, it found that New York City has the highest average cost for a wedding in 2024. San Francisco and Boston, respectively, follow New York.
International Wedding Costs
Although weddings in the U.S. tend to be the most expensive on average worldwide, it’s not the only country where couples shell out money for their big day.
Like the U.S., living costs and guest counts have significant impacts on wedding costs internationally. The table below shows average 2023 wedding costs in select countries.
Most Expensive Wedding Features
Some wedding features are more expensive than others. Familiarizing yourself with the costlier aspects of wedding planning can help you make informed decisions about where to allocate your budget. These are some of the most expensive wedding features.
- Reception venue. The reception venue is one of the most expensive elements of a wedding. In 2024, the average wedding venue costs between $6,500 and $12,000 for 100 people. However, the cost of venue and catering can depend on the menu.
- Engagement ring. On average, couples will spend $6,000 on an engagement ring this year. While this is one of the most expensive items associated with a wedding, the price tag on a ring can be high or low based on the gem, cut and size you choose.
- Band or DJ. On average, couples pay $2,000 to $7,000 for a live band or DJ. Entertainment costs vary depending on the type of music and the performer.
- Photographer and videographer. The average cost of a wedding videographer in 2024 is $3,000 to $6,000, while a photographer costs $3,500 to $6,500. Although this can be a large part of a wedding budget, pictures last a lifetime. It’s important to get an experienced and high-quality photographer, videographer or both if you want your big day expertly documented.
- Florist and other decor. Floral arrangements can create a romantic setting for your wedding. However, these costs add up quickly—averaging $2,500 to $6,000 in 2024.
- Wedding dress. If you or your partner plans to wear a wedding dress, the cost will depend on your desired design, fabric and embellishments. The average wedding dress costs between $1,000 and $2,000, but it can be significantly more expensive.
Least Expensive Wedding Features
Some features of a wedding are cheaper than others, such as the wedding cake, invitations and favors. While these elements might seem small compared to larger expenses, accounting for the costs is the best way to create a realistic wedding budget breakdown.
- Transportation. From limos to guest shuttles, transportation costs for weddings in 2024 averaged $700 to $1,200. Consider simpler means of transportation and booking in advance to save costs—or have your guests arrange for their own rides.
- Favors. Favors are often inexpensive but can be a way to thank your guests for attending. Couples spent an average of $450 on favors in 2023.
- Wedding cake. Depending on the size and complexity of the cake, costs can vary significantly. On average, couples will spend $600 and $900 on their wedding cake in 2024.
- Invitations. The cost of materials, design and printing options all impact the price of invitations. Typical invitations average around $400 to $600, while premium invitations could set you back up to $6,000.
- Hair and makeup. Hair and makeup are among the smallest costs associated with a wedding, with services ranging between $550 and $850 on average.
Average Wedding Costs by Guest Count in 2024
Bigger parties cost significantly more than intimate affairs. Below is the average wedding cost by guest count in the U.S.
Inflations Impact on Wedding Costs
As inflation rose in 2022, many couples around the world felt financial strain while planning for their big day. According to data from The Knot, couples in Latin American countries faced the toughest financial struggles.
Many couples in their survey said they went over their wedding budget, including 68% of couples in Peru, 62% in Brazil, 61% in Colombia and 59% in Mexico.
Couples in Argentina (68%) faced the largest budget challenges due to the economy. Meanwhile, couples in Europe reported their budget was least affected.
Who Typically Pays for the Wedding?
A 2023 Zola survey found that it’s common for couples to pay for their wedding with the help of parents or in-laws. Although more rare, sometimes friends and other relatives pitch in to help pay for the big day as well.
How Do Couples Pay for Their Wedding?
In 2024, half of couples are paying for their big day with wedding savings accumulated over several years, according to Zola. Another 32% are using credit cards and 16.7% are using cash from wedding registries to cover costs.
How Much Was the Most Expensive Wedding?
Although there are a couple of different accounts, Guinness World Records indicates that the wedding of Vanisha Mittal to investment banker Amit Bhatia was the most expensive wedding in the world to date.
Held in Versailles in 2004, the six-day event included multiple ceremonies and activities at the Palace of Versailles. It cost an astounding $55 million in total (at the time, over £28 million).
Weddings By The Numbers
Although data suggests that the U.S. marriage rate has fallen—decreasing from 16.3 marriages per 1,000 women in 2011 to 14.9 marriages per 1,000 women in 2021—couples are still tying the knot.
The wedding industry (worth $70.3 billion as of 2023) is continuing to grow.
Average Age of People Getting Married
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average age of women getting married (for the first time) is 28.4, while the average age for men is 30.2 in 2023.
How To Save Money on a Wedding
Expenses can add up as you plan a wedding, but with careful planning and preparation, you can save money on your big day. These are some parts of your wedding where you can trim costs.
1. Choose the Right Time
One of the easiest ways to save money on a wedding is by adjusting the event’s timing. Choosing a date during the off-season—typically late fall, winter and early spring—can save you a substantial amount of money. You could also schedule the wedding on a weekday and lower the cost since venues often offer discounts during the week.
If you’re set on a spring wedding, consider hosting the event earlier in the day. A brunch or lunch reception can be as elegant as an evening affair but significantly less expensive.
2. Try an Alternative Location
Weddings in popular locations, such as big cities or destination venues, can come with steep price tags. Instead of opting for a swanky hotel ballroom or a high-end wedding venue, consider alternative locations such as a park, community center, backyard, library or a beach. A more affordable site can significantly reduce overall costs while still being romantic.
3. Cut Down the Guest List
By being strategic with your guest list, you can reduce the cost of catering, rentals and more without sacrificing the overall experience. Smaller weddings can create a more intimate atmosphere, allowing you to spend more quality time with your loved ones.
Wedding Loans
Wedding loans are personal loans that allow you to borrow money to pay for a wedding, including everything from the venue to the flowers and catering.
You can find the best wedding loans by shopping with various lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders. Even if a lender doesn’t advertise wedding loans, you can use any type of personal loan from a neighborhood bank or online lender to finance your big day.
Interest rates and repayment terms on wedding loans vary by lender. Rates often range from 6% to 36% and repayment terms between one and seven years. Credit score, income and the amount borrowed will all determine the rates and terms lenders offer to you.
Wedding loans are best if you have a solid financial plan, including a budget for the wedding and a clear understanding of how much you can afford to borrow. This type of financing may also be helpful if you have less time to save and want to avoid using emergency funds.
However, if you’re in debt or have a poor credit score, avoid taking out a wedding loan since it’s better to start out a new life together without the burden of wedding debt.
Before financing your big day with a loan, compare offers. Many lenders offer a prequalification option for personal loans and fast funding so you can compare rate quotes with multiple lenders and get quick money when you’re ready to borrow.
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