How much does a wedding cost?

Budget and Priorities

One of the most frequently asked questions from brides and grooms is “How much does the average wedding cost?” and “How do we go about setting a wedding budget?” The national average wedding last year was $26,658 but no one wants an average wedding! Every wedding is a unique, one of a kind event and so is every wedding budget. First of all, brainstorm on where your wedding money will come from – family resources (parents and grandparents), bride and groom resources (savings, upcoming work bonuses, taken from monthly budget in the coming planning months), credit cards and loans. Once you have amounts from all of your income avenues, then you can come up with a plan for how to maximize that budget. The biggest factor in determining what your wedding will cost is your guest list. Remember that for each guest you will not only have costs associated with food and drink but also the size of the venue needed, how many chairs and tables, décor and favors, etc. So the larger the guest list the more money you will need to pull it off. So decide if you will have an intimate celebration with under 50 guests who are the most special to each of you or will you invite all the neighbors and acquaintances and have a big party blowout. Talk to both sets of parents about your goals for the guest lists. If their ideas are larger than yours, talk to them about footing more of the bills. But make sure that everyone is on the same page for the guest list so that no one feels left out.

After the guest list size is set, then list all parts of putting on a wedding and set priorities.. Every couple has parts of the wedding that are the most important to them. Decide on three or four categories that mean the most. Maybe the décor and the look of the wedding is something you have always dreamed of. Other couples want a party atmosphere and the entertainment will be paramount. Still others want food and drink that guests will drool over or a photographer that is edgy and unique. So list the top 3 or 4 categories that mean the most and use more budget on those important elements and then look how you can save money in other places. This is a step where a good wedding planner/producer can be very helpful and actually save you enough money to pay for their fee. In finding quality vendors while maximizing your wedding dollar, experience is very important so talk to other brides, look at reviews on line and/or get an experienced wedding planner to help you.

Do it yourself (DIY) projects are another way to stretch your budget. But be careful not to overbook yourself as there will be stress and details involved in planning that you can’t even imagine right now. If there are projects that you can take care of ahead of time – personalized favors, decorations, save the date or handmade invitations – you can enjoy the process and save money. As the wedding gets closer you will have less time, energy and resources so plan to have professionals take over the last minute details so you can enjoy your wedding weekend and not be overwhelmed. Try to free up your schedule the week of the wedding so you have time for relaxation and time to spend time with family and friends.

Another way to stretch budget is to have friends and family help with parts of your wedding. Again, a word of caution – make sure that your priority elements are covered by professionals – music, photography, décor, etc. Remember that if Aunt Susie offers to do your flowers and you don’t like the bridal bouquet that she makes for you, you either have to carry something that you hate and will be in all your pictures or hurt Aunt Susie’s feelings by telling her that you don’t like it. So maybe give her a part of the décor that is not as important to you - like altar flowers or pew decorations. That way she can feel good about helping and you can carry the perfect bouquet for your gown and personality.