How to Plan a Wedding Budget: Complete Cost Breakdown
The average American wedding costs $33,000–$35,000 in 2025. The biggest expenses are the venue and catering (40–50% of budget), photography (8–12%), music and entertainment (6–10%), flowers and decor (8–10%), and attire (5–8%). You can have an elegant wedding for $10,000–$15,000 by choosing off-peak dates, limiting guest count, and prioritizing what matters most to you and your partner.
Average Wedding Costs by Category
Here is where the money typically goes for a mid-range US wedding with 120–150 guests:
| Category | % of Budget | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Venue & catering | 40–50% | $13,000–$17,000 |
| Photography & video | 8–12% | $2,800–$4,000 |
| Flowers & decor | 8–10% | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Music & entertainment | 6–10% | $2,000–$3,500 |
| Attire & beauty | 5–8% | $1,500–$2,800 |
| Stationery & invitations | 2–3% | $500–$1,000 |
| Transportation | 2–3% | $500–$1,000 |
| Officiant & ceremony | 1–2% | $300–$700 |
| Wedding rings | 3–5% | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Tips & contingency | 5–8% | $1,500–$2,500 |
Who Pays? Traditional vs. Modern Splits
Traditional etiquette had rigid rules about which family pays for what. Modern couples are increasingly splitting costs based on ability, not tradition.
Traditional Split
- Bride's family: Ceremony, reception, flowers, photography, invitations, bride's dress
- Groom's family: Rehearsal dinner, officiant, marriage license, honeymoon, bride's bouquet
- Groom: Wedding rings, groomsmen gifts
- Bride: Groom's ring, bridesmaids' gifts
Modern Approaches
- 50/50: Both families contribute equally
- Proportional: Each family contributes based on financial ability
- Couple pays: The couple funds the wedding themselves, families contribute as gifts
- Three-way split: Bride's family, groom's family, and couple each pay one-third
Use our Wedding Cost Calculator to model different payment splits and see who contributes what.
Budget Benchmarks by Guest Count
Guest count is the single biggest cost driver. Use these benchmarks to set realistic expectations:
| Guests | Budget Range | Style |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 | $5,000–$12,000 | Intimate — backyard, restaurant, elopement |
| 30–75 | $10,000–$20,000 | Small — boutique venue, garden, brewery |
| 75–150 | $20,000–$40,000 | Standard — banquet hall, hotel, estate |
| 150–250 | $35,000–$70,000 | Large — ballroom, destination resort |
| 250+ | $60,000+ | Grand — luxury venue, full production |
10 Ways to Save Thousands on Your Wedding
- Choose an off-peak date. Friday and Sunday weddings cost 20–40% less than Saturday. November through March (excluding holidays) saves even more. Some venues discount up to 50% for weekday events.
- Limit the guest list ruthlessly. Each additional guest costs $100–$250 (food, drinks, favors, seating). Cutting 20 guests saves $2,000–$5,000 and opens up smaller, cheaper venue options.
- Book an all-inclusive venue. Venues that include catering, tables, chairs, linens, and bar service in one price are almost always cheaper than renting each separately from different vendors.
- Use in-season flowers. Out-of-season blooms are imported and cost 2–3x more. Work with your florist to pick gorgeous local, seasonal options. Mix real flowers with quality greenery to reduce volume.
- Skip the open bar. A beer-and-wine bar costs 40–60% less than full open bar. Or do a hybrid: open bar for the first 2 hours, then switch to beer and wine. Signature cocktails are cheaper than a full liquor selection.
- Hire a DJ over a live band. A quality DJ runs $800–$1,500 vs. $3,000–$8,000+ for a band. Modern DJs create incredible energy and can play any genre.
- DIY invitations and stationery. Tools like Canva and Minted offer professional-quality templates. Digital save-the-dates are free and eco-friendly.
- Choose buffet over plated service. Plated dinners require more servers ($35–$50/hour per server). Buffet or family-style serving cuts staffing costs and food waste.
- Buy a pre-owned dress. Sites like Stillwhite and Nearly Newlywed sell once-worn designer dresses at 40–70% off. Sample sales at bridal shops offer similar savings.
- Negotiate everything. Every vendor expects negotiation. Ask about package deals, off-peak discounts, and payment plans. Get at least 3 quotes for each vendor category.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start budgeting?
Start 12–18 months before the wedding date. Book high-demand vendors (venue, photographer, caterer, music) 9–12 months out. Having a clear budget before you start booking prevents overspending.
Should I set aside a contingency fund?
Yes — always budget 5–10% for unexpected costs. Last-minute changes, weather contingencies, additional rentals, or vendor price increases are common. It is much better to have this money set aside than to be scrambling a week before the wedding.
How much should we tip wedding vendors?
Standard tip amounts: 15–20% for catering staff, $50–$200 for the DJ or band leader, $50–$200 for the photographer, $50–$150 for the officiant, $20–$50 for each delivery driver. Check your contracts — some include a service charge that covers tips.
Can we have a beautiful wedding for under $10,000?
Absolutely. Keep the guest list under 50, choose a public park or family property as the venue, DIY decorations and invitations, hire a solo musician or DJ, order a small cake and supplement with cupcakes, and shop secondhand for attire. Many couples create stunning celebrations for $5,000–$10,000.
Plan Your Wedding Budget
Enter your guest count, location, and priorities to get a personalized wedding budget breakdown with category-by-category estimates.