When you start planning a wedding in 2025, the first thing you will notice is the price tag. With costs rising post-pandemic, a wedding now comes with a hefty price. On average, couples are spending between $33,000 and $36,000.

However, depending on your location and guest list, you could end up paying even more, with some estimates going as high as $38,000.

Venue is the Biggest Wedding Expense

The venue is often the largest chunk of your wedding budget. In 2025, expect to spend around $12,200 on renting a space. The type of venue you choose will directly affect this cost. While some venues include catering, others charge separately for that as well. The venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. So, it is important to pick one that matches your style and can accommodate your guest list comfortably.

Emma / Pexels / To make the most of your venue budget, consider hosting your wedding during off-peak months, like late fall or early winter.

These months tend to have lower venue rental rates because they’re outside the traditional wedding season. If you are open to a nontraditional venue, you could also explore parks, barns, or even family-owned properties. This can offer more affordable options while still delivering a stunning experience.

Catering is a Major Cost to Consider

Catering is another key expense that can take up a significant portion of your wedding budget. On average, couples are spending about $80 per person on food. This can vary depending on your guest count, the type of food you choose (buffet, plated, or food stations), and any special dietary requirements your guests might have.

If you are planning for 100 guests, this could quickly add up to $8,000 or more just for food.

To keep catering costs down, consider options like buffet-style meals or a family-style dinner, which can be more affordable than plated meals. You could also skip the fancy appetizers and focus on a well-curated main course with fewer courses.

Make it Beautiful Without Breaking the Bank

Flowers are a classic wedding expense that can add beauty and elegance to your event. However, they can also be expensive. On average, flowers cost around $2,700. This includes bouquets, centerpieces, and any floral decorations.

The price will vary depending on the types of flowers you choose and the complexity of the arrangements.

Nguy / Pexels / If you are looking to cut costs without sacrificing beauty, consider using more affordable flowers like roses or carnations.

You can also scale back on the number of floral arrangements or mix in greenery, which is often cheaper. Another great idea is to go for silk flowers or dried flowers, which can be reused or kept as mementos after the wedding.

Remember, where you live or where you plan to get married can significantly impact your wedding costs. Some areas have a much higher cost of living, which translates to higher wedding prices. For example, New Jersey has one of the highest average wedding costs at around $57,000, while New York and Washington, D.C., also top the charts, with weddings averaging around $53,873 and $70,625, respectively.

On the other hand, if you are looking to save, you might want to consider getting married in a more affordable state like Alaska, where weddings average $12,500, or Utah and Iowa, where the cost of weddings ranges between $17,000 and $19,000. This can be a great way to cut costs if you are flexible about your wedding location.

Trim the Guest List

Your guest list is another factor that can dramatically affect your wedding budget. If you are planning a smaller wedding with just 50 guests, you could spend around $18,000. But as you increase your guest list, the costs will rise quickly. A 100-person wedding will likely cost around $34,000, and a larger wedding with over 200 guests can easily exceed $43,000.

To keep costs in check, carefully consider your guest list. While it might be tempting to invite everyone, every extra person adds to the overall expense. Trim your list to close family and friends, and you will not only save money but also create a more intimate atmosphere for your big day.