The Wedding Budget Breakdown: What's The Cost?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive affair. The average cost of a wedding in the United States in 2024 was $33,000, although this can vary wildly depending on location, guest count, and other factors. The biggest chunk of the budget typically goes towards the venue, catering, and rentals, accounting for around 35-45% of the overall budget. Other significant expenses include wedding planning (5-15%), photography and videography (8-12%), music and entertainment (5-10%), flowers and decor (6-10%), wedding attire and beauty (5-9%), stationery (2-5%), transportation (2-5%), and cake (2-3%). It's important to prioritize and allocate funds accordingly, and be prepared for hidden costs and unexpected expenses.

Venue and Catering

The venue and catering are two of the most important aspects of a wedding and will likely make up a large part of your budget. The average cost of a wedding venue in the US is $13,500, while the average cost of catering is $4,000, with most couples spending between $1,800 and $7,000.

Venue

The venue you choose will depend on the style of your wedding, the number of guests, and your overall budget. The cost of a venue can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It is important to consider not only the rental fee but also any additional costs such as tables, chairs, linens, plateware, silverware, glassware, and extra hours.

When choosing a venue, be sure to ask about all the services provided and get clear on what is and isn't included in the price. Some venues offer packages that include catering, rentals, and other services, which can help save money. It is also important to lock in the fees in a contract to protect yourself from possible rate increases later on.

Catering

Catering costs are usually calculated on a per-person basis and can vary widely depending on the number of guests, the type of food, and the style of service. The average catering cost per person is $85, but this can range from $27 for a buffet to $40 for a plated meal.

When budgeting for catering, consider the following:

• Food: The cost of food for cocktail hour and the main meal.
• Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages should be included.
• Staffing: Event manager, cooks, servers, bartenders, etc.
• Rentals: Tables, chairs, dishes, glassware, utensils, etc.
• Additional fees: Cake-cutting fees, corkage fees, etc.

You may also want to consider the style of service for your meal. Options include plated, buffet, family-style, and cocktail-style. Plated meals are the most formal and traditional, while buffet and family-style are more casual. Cocktail-style service allows guests to walk around and mingle during the reception.

Tips for Saving Money on Venue and Catering

• Choose a less expensive venue or a venue that offers packages with catering and rentals included.
• Be mindful of the number of guests you invite, as catering costs are usually calculated on a per-person basis.
• Opt for a buffet-style meal instead of a plated dinner, as this can be more cost-effective.
• Limit the amount of alcohol served, or offer a limited bar with beer, wine, and a single type of hard alcohol.
• Skip the champagne toast, as not everyone may drink champagne.
• Have a daytime wedding and serve brunch instead of a dinner reception, as brunch food tends to be less expensive.
• Get an accurate guest count to avoid overestimating and wasting food.

Wedding Planning

Determine Your Wedding Budget:

Firstly, it is crucial to establish who will be contributing financially to the wedding. Traditionally, the bride's family bore most of the expenses, but nowadays, both families often chip in, and the couple may also want to contribute. It is essential to have open and honest conversations about how much each party is willing and able to spend.

Create a Wedding Budget Breakdown:

Once you have a clear idea of your total budget, you can start allocating funds to different categories. The distribution may vary depending on your priorities and preferences, but here is a general percentage breakdown to use as a starting point:

• Venue and Catering: 35%-45%
• Wedding Planning: 5%-15%
• Photography, Videography, and Content Creation: 10%-12%
• Stationery: 2%-5%
• Wedding Attire and Beauty: 5%-9%
• Music and Entertainment: 5%-10%
• Flowers and Décor: 6%-10%
• Transportation: 2%-5%
• Cake: 2%-3%
• Favors and Gifts: 1%-2%
• Tips: 2%
• Emergency/Miscellaneous Fund: 5%

Tips for Allocating Your Wedding Budget:

• Start with a guest list: The number of guests will significantly impact costs, especially for food, beverages, rentals, and décor.
• Prioritize food, beverages, and entertainment: These are often the most memorable aspects of a wedding, so it's worth allocating a more substantial portion of your budget to these areas.
• Be flexible: You can save money by opting for a suburban venue, trimming the guest list, choosing an off-peak season, or moving the wedding day to a weekday.
• Compare and negotiate: Shop around for quotes from multiple vendors, and don't be afraid to negotiate or customize packages to fit your budget.
• Anticipate hidden costs: Allow for a buffer in your budget (around 5%-15%) to cover unexpected expenses, taxes, gratuities, and overtime charges.
• Track your expenses: Use a spreadsheet or budgeting app to diligently track all wedding-related expenses and stay within your allocated budget for each category.

Photography, Videography and Content Creation

Photography, videography, and content creation are essential components of modern weddings, allowing couples to capture and relive their special day through visual media. Here is a detailed breakdown of this aspect of wedding expenses:

Photography and Videography:

Photography and videography are considered essential investments in a wedding budget, typically accounting for around 12% of the overall budget. Couples usually allocate about 8% for a photographer, who will capture precious moments and provide lasting memories. Videography, which makes up the remaining 4%, is becoming increasingly popular as couples recognise the value of having a video memento of their wedding.

The Role of Wedding Content Creators:

Wedding content creators are relatively new to the scene and offer a distinct service from traditional photographers and videographers. They specialise in capturing and creating content related to weddings, including photography, videography, and social media management. Content creators focus on storytelling, aiming to showcase the emotions and memories of the event through their work. They are also skilled in editing and curating content, ensuring the final product reflects the couple's vision. Additionally, they are adept at creating shareable and engaging content for social media platforms, helping couples gain wider attention for their special day.

Benefits of Hiring a Content Creator:

One of the main advantages of hiring a content creator is the quick turnaround time. They can provide content during the wedding and typically deliver the final product within a week or two, allowing couples to relive their wedding and share it with their social media followers promptly. Content creators are also skilled at producing high-quality, engaging content that can increase the reach and impact of the wedding visuals.

Drawbacks of Hiring a Content Creator:

The main disadvantage of hiring a content creator is the additional expense, especially when couples are already stretched financially by other wedding costs. Another potential issue is the challenge of finding an experienced content creator who understands wedding dynamics and can work collaboratively with other vendors, such as photographers and videographers, without interfering with their work.

Cost Considerations:

The cost of hiring a wedding content creator can vary significantly, ranging from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on factors such as experience, location, and the scope of the project. Couples should carefully consider their budget and the specific services they require when making this decision.

While not essential for every wedding, content creators can provide a valuable service by quickly delivering high-quality, shareable content. However, couples should weigh this against the potential drawbacks, including cost and the risk of interfering with other vendors' work. Ultimately, the decision to hire a content creator depends on the couple's priorities and their desire for extensive visual documentation of their wedding.

Stationery

The cost of stationery can vary depending on the design, materials, and any add-ons you choose. The average cost of wedding invitations is $5 to $8 per guest, which equates to $500 to $800 for a wedding stationery suite for 100 guests. However, the cost can fluctuate depending on your preferences and can range from $200 to $6000 or more.

• The number of invitations needed: Ordering in bulk can often bring down the per-unit cost, making it more cost-effective for larger guest lists.
• The type and quality of paper: The choice of paper contributes to the overall aesthetic and cost of your stationery. Standard matte or glossy paper is more affordable, while premium options like cotton fiber paper or parchment paper will be more expensive.
• Printing method: Different printing methods carry different price tags. Digital printing is usually the most affordable option, while letterpress, engraving, or foil stamping can be more costly.
• Design elements: Intricate design elements such as calligraphy, embossing, or die-cutting can elevate the aesthetics but may also increase costs.
• Postage: Heavier or bulkier invitations may incur higher postage costs.
• Envelopes: Matching envelopes may not be included in your stationery suite, so you may need to set aside a portion of your budget for them.

To save money on your wedding stationery, consider the following:

• DIY options: You can design your own invitations or use downloadable templates and print them at home or at a local print shop.
• Online retailers: Websites like Minted offer affordable wedding invitation suites with customisation options.
• Digital invitations: Opting for digital invitations and save-the-date cards can help reduce costs and are environmentally friendly.

Wedding Attire and Beauty

The average cost of wedding attire and beauty in 2023 was 7% of the total wedding budget, which equates to $2,000. However, this can range from $500 to $4,000 or more. The cost of the wedding dress alone was $1,800 to $2,400 in 2023, and $2,000 in 2024.

The cost of the wedding dress depends on the designer, fabric, craftsmanship, style, construction, and any individual customizations. For example, a dress with lots of beading, appliqués, crystals, or embroidery will be more expensive due to the time and labor required to make it.

Other costs to consider include hair and makeup trials, blow-dries, airbrush makeup, elaborate hairstyles, false lash application, and extra hours for larger bridal parties or on-site touch-ups.

Frequently asked questions