Average wedding cost?

$30,000-35,000 in the US (2024-2025). But ranges from $5,000 to $100,000+ depending on location, guest count, and style. Set YOUR budget first, not the average.

Wedding budget breakdown?

Venue 30-40%, Catering 25-30%, Photography 10-15%, Music 5-8%, Flowers 5-8%, Dress/Attire 5-8%, Stationery 2-3%, Favors 1-2%, Miscellaneous 5-10%.

How to save on wedding?

Off-season (Nov-Mar), Friday or Sunday, smaller guest list, DIY flowers, brunch reception, county park venue, Spotify playlist, thrift decorations. Guest count is biggest lever.

Wedding budget for 100 guests?

$15,000-40,000 depending on location and style. Budget-friendly: $150/person. Mid-range: $250/person. Upscale: $400+/person. Per-person cost is the key metric.

Hidden wedding costs?

Service charges (18-22%), overtime fees, cake cutting fee, corkage fee, alterations, tips (vendors), marriage license, guest transportation, emergency fund (5-10%).

Who pays for wedding?

Modern: couple pays 50%+, families contribute what they can. No traditional rules anymore. Have the money conversation early. Don't assume family will pay.

Wedding on $10,000 budget?

Absolutely possible. Smaller guest list (50), public park venue, potluck or food truck catering, DIY decorations, Spotify music, friend photographer, off-season date.

When to pay wedding vendors?

Deposit: 25-50% at booking. Second payment: 30 days before. Final: day-of or within 2 weeks. Get everything in writing. Never pay 100% upfront.

Wedding emergency fund?

Set aside 5-10% of total budget for surprises. Last-minute rentals, weather backup plans, forgotten items. You WILL need it.

Track wedding spending?

Spreadsheet with categories, estimated vs actual cost, deposits paid, balance due, due dates. Update weekly. This checklist format works perfectly.

Wedding Budget Checklist — Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)

💡 Pro Tips

Guest count is the biggest lever. 20 fewer guests = $3,000-5,000 saved. Cut ruthlessly.
Off-season = 20-40% savings. November-March, Friday or Sunday vs Saturday. Same venue, fraction of the price.
Hidden fees are real. Service charges, overtime, cake cutting — always ask "what's NOT included?"
Emergency fund is mandatory. 5-10% set aside. You WILL have unexpected costs.
DIY the low-impact items. Invitations, centerpieces, favors. Don't DIY photography or food.
Pay deposits, not full amounts. 25-50% to book. Final payment day-of or after. Get everything in writing.

🚫 Common Mistakes

Not setting a total budget first. "We'll figure it out" = overspending. Set the number before planning anything.
Forgetting hidden costs. Alterations, tips, taxes, service charges — budget 15-20% above vendor quotes.
Inviting too many people. Each guest costs $150-400. Every "obligation invite" adds up fast.
Paying vendors 100% upfront. Split into deposits and final payments. Protects you if something goes wrong.
No emergency fund. Last-minute rentals, weather backup, forgotten items — surprises are guaranteed.

FAQ

$30-35K US average. Range: $5K-$100K+. Set YOUR budget, not the average.

Venue 30-40%, Food 25-30%, Photo 10-15%, Music 5-8%, Flowers 5-8%, Attire 5-8%.

Off-season, Friday/Sunday, fewer guests, DIY flowers, brunch reception.

$15K-40K. Budget: $150/person. Mid: $250. Upscale: $400+.

Service charges, overtime, cake cutting, alterations, tips, license, transportation.

Modern: couple pays 50%+, families contribute. Have the money conversation early.

Possible. 50 guests, park venue, food trucks, DIY decor, Spotify, friend photographer.

Deposit 25-50% at booking. Final: day-of. Never 100% upfront. Everything in writing.

5-10% of total. Last-minute rentals, weather plans, forgotten items. You'll need it.

Estimated vs actual per category. Update weekly. This checklist format works.

Wedding Budget Checklist — Every Cost, Every Category

🏛️ Venue & Ceremony (30-40%)

🍽️ Catering & Bar (25-30%)

📸 Photography & Video (10-15%)

🎵 Music & Entertainment (5-8%)

💐 Flowers & Decor (5-8%)

👗 Attire & Beauty (5-8%)

💌 Stationery & Extras

📥 Download Budget Tracker

💡 Pro Tips

🚫 Common Mistakes

FAQ

Wedding Budget Checklist — Every Cost, Every Category

🏛️ Venue & Ceremony (30-40%)

🍽️ Catering & Bar (25-30%)

📸 Photography & Video (10-15%)

🎵 Music & Entertainment (5-8%)

💐 Flowers & Decor (5-8%)

👗 Attire & Beauty (5-8%)

💌 Stationery & Extras

📥 Download Budget Tracker

💡 Pro Tips

🚫 Common Mistakes

Related

FAQ