Average Cost of Weddings in 2025: Vendor Price Guide

When you start researching wedding costs, you'll quickly discover that the numbers are all over the place. One source says couples spend $30,000, another claims it's closer to $50,000, and your friend swears she did everything for $15,000. The truth is that wedding costs vary dramatically based on where you live, how many people you invite, and what matters most to you as a couple.

Understanding real wedding spending helps you create a budget that actually works for your celebration. This guide breaks down what couples truly spend across different categories, reveals the hidden costs that catch many people off guard, and shares practical ways to save money without sacrificing your vision. You'll also learn how location and guest count affect your bottom line, so you can plan with confidence from day one.

What Does the Average Wedding Cost?

The average wedding cost is $36,000, according to Zola’s First Look Report. However, this number tells only part of the story. This figure represents what couples actually spend, not just vendor quotes or industry estimates that you might see online.

Wedding budgets vary wildly based on your location, guest count, and what matters most to you. Some couples spend $100,000 or more, while others create beautiful celebrations for $10,000 or less. The key is understanding that these averages include everything from intimate 50-person gatherings to elaborate 300-guest celebrations.

What's included in that $36,000 average? This average includes everything from your venue and catering to your dress, flowers, photography, and all the little details that make your day special. It's the total amount couples pay out of pocket after any contributions from family.

What Couples Actually Spend vs. Published Averages

There's often a big gap between what the wedding industry publishes and what couples really spend. Many published averages can be misleading because they use vendor marketing data rather than real spending patterns from actual couples.

Here's what makes real wedding costs different from published averages:

• “Hidden” expenses: Service charges, gratuities, and overtime fees add thousands to your final bill
• Last-minute additions: Weather contingencies, extra guests, and upgraded services
• Market variations: Published averages often don't account for local pricing differences
• Package inclusions: What's included in vendor pricing varies significantly

When we surveyed married couples, most went over their original budget. However, they also reported that the additional spending was worth it for their dream celebration.

Where Your Wedding Budget Really Goes

Understanding how couples actually allocate their wedding budget helps you plan more effectively. According to The Zola Wedding Cost Index, certain categories consistently consume the largest portions of wedding budgets.

Category	Average Cost	Typical Cost Range
Venue & Site Fees	$8,573	$6,900 - $10,300
Catering	$6,927	$5,500 - $8,300
Photography	$4,400	$3,500 - $5,300
Videography	$3,993	$3,200 - $4,800
Wedding Planning	$4,047	$3,200 - $4,900
Flowers & Décor	$6,345	$5,100 - $7,600
Bar Services	$5,542	$4,400 - $6,600
Music & Entertainment	$1,567	$1,300 - $1,900
Hair & Makeup	$982	$800 - $1,200
Wedding Cake & Desserts	$917	$700 - $1,100

Data based on The Zola Wedding Cost Index, with ranges provided to reflect typical price variations.

Your biggest expenses will likely be your venue and food. After that, you'll see significant costs for creative services like photography and flowers. The smaller line items, while important, represent a much smaller percentage of your total spending.

Venue and Catering Costs

The average wedding venue costs $8,573, according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index, typically ranging from $6,900 to $10,300.

What affects venue pricing:

• Location and exclusivity: Prime locations cost significantly more than suburban venues
• Day and time: Saturday evenings command the highest prices
• Included amenities: Some venues include tables, chairs, and linens while others charge separately
• Capacity requirements: Venues that are too large or small for your guest count can impact pricing

Catering adds another major expense at an average wedding catering cost of $6,927, typically ranging from $5,500 to $8,300. This cost depends heavily on your menu choices, service style, and guest count.

Bar services add an additional average of $5,542, ranging from $4,400 to $6,600. Whether you choose a full open bar or limit options to beer, wine, and signature cocktails dramatically affects this cost.

Wedding cakes and desserts represent one of the smaller expenses, averaging $917 with costs typically ranging from $700 to $1,100.

Photography, Videography, and Music Costs

Creative services represent your next tier of major expenses. Wedding photography averages $4,400 nationally, with typical costs ranging from $3,500 to $5,300, according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index.

Photography costs depend more on coverage hours and experience level than guest count. Most packages include 8 hours of coverage, digital image rights, and sometimes an engagement session.

Videography services cost an average of $3,993, typically ranging from $3,200 to $4,800. Like photography, the final deliverables and coverage hours affect pricing more than your guest count.

Music and entertainment, including bands and DJs, average $1,567, ranging from $1,300 to $1,900. Live bands with multiple members often cost more than a single DJ, but both can create amazing dance parties.

Flowers, Beauty, and Additional Services Costs

Wedding flowers and floral design average $6,345, typically ranging from $5,100 to $7,600, according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index. Seasonal flower choices and arrangement complexity significantly impact your final costs.

Factors that affect floral pricing:

• Seasonality: Out-of-season flowers require importing and cost more
• Arrangement complexity: Elaborate installations require more labor and materials
• Number of pieces: Bouquets, centerpieces, and ceremony arrangements add up quickly

Wedding planning services average $4,047, ranging from $3,200 to $4,900. Full-service planning costs more than day-of coordination, but both can save you stress and often money through vendor relationships.

Hair and makeup services are more budget-friendly, averaging $982 with typical costs between $800 and $1,200. 

How Wedding Costs Vary by Location

Location dramatically affects wedding costs, with some cities costing more than double others. In San Francisco, California, couples spend around $84,649 for a 150-guest wedding, while the same celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin costs approximately $42,571.

Several factors drive these regional differences beyond basic cost of living. Urban areas typically have higher venue rental costs and more expensive vendor services due to demand.

Here is the average wedding cost range by state:

State	Budget Range
Alabama	$25,000 - $37,600
Alaska	$29,600 - $44,300
Arizona	$28,800 - $43,300
Arkansas	$21,600 - $32,400
California	$34,500 - $51,700
Colorado	$27,000 - $40,400
Connecticut	$31,500 - $47,300
Delaware	$21,900 - $32,900
Florida	$25,200 - $37,800
Georgia	$25,500 - $38,300
Hawaii	$31,800 - $47,700
Idaho	$20,700 - $31,000
Illinois	$32,000 - $48,000
Indiana	$21,500 - $32,300
Iowa	$23,800 - $35,700
Kansas	$18,100 - $27,100
Kentucky	$24,000 - $36,000
Louisiana	$23,800 - $35,700
Maine	$30,600 - $45,900
Maryland	$29,700 - $44,500
Massachusetts	$34,100 - $51,100
Michigan	$25,500 - $38,300
Minnesota	$24,100 - $36,100
Mississippi	$20,700 - $31,100
Missouri	$23,100 - $34,700
Montana	$29,900 - $44,800
Nebraska	$22,500 - $33,800
Nevada	$36,600 - $54,800
New Hampshire	$33,300 - $49,900
New Jersey	$32,800 - $49,200
New Mexico	$20,800 - $31,300
New York	$43,400 - $65,100
North Carolina	$25,700 - $38,500
Ohio	$22,700 - $34,000
Oklahoma	$18,900 - $28,300
Oregon	$24,800 - $37,300
Pennsylvania	$25,800 - $38,700
Rhode Island	$28,600 - $42,900
South Carolina	$25,900 - $38,800
South Dakota	$20,100 - $30,100
Tennessee	$24,300 - $36,500
Texas	$25,400 - $38,100
Utah	$19,700 - $29,600
Vermont	$29,300 - $43,900
Virginia	$29,000 - $43,400
Washington	$26,100 - $39,100
West Virginia	$25,400 - $38,100
Wisconsin	$23,500 - $35,300
Wyoming	$41,000 - $61,500

Data based on The Zola Wedding Cost Index, with ranges provided to reflect typical price variations.

What affects regional pricing:

• Venue availability: Popular wedding destinations command premium pricing
• Vendor competition: Areas with more vendors often offer competitive rates
• Transportation costs: Remote locations may require additional travel fees
• Local regulations: Some cities require special permits or insurance

When researching costs in your area, get quotes from multiple vendors in your specific location. National averages provide a starting point, but local pricing gives you the real picture for your planning.

How Guest Count Impacts Your Total Cost

Your guest count directly affects most wedding expenses, making it one of your biggest budget decisions. Many wedding costs are calculated on a per-person basis, meaning every additional guest multiplies your expenses across multiple categories.

Guest count affects these major cost areas:

• Catering and bar service: Direct per-person costs that scale exactly with headcount
• Venue size requirements: More guests often mean larger, more expensive venues
• Rental needs: More tables, chairs, linens, and place settings
• Invitation quantities: Save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you cards

Some expenses remain relatively fixed regardless of guest count. Photography, videography, and music costs depend more on hours of coverage and service level than the number of people attending.

Consider your guest count carefully early in planning. Reducing your list by 20 people could save you thousands of dollars that you can allocate to other priorities like better photography or upgraded catering.

The venue is often the first big decision that makes the wedding feel real. That's why more than 40% of couples say it's one the areas they're most willing to splurge on. - Emily Forrest, Head of Communications for Zola

Hidden Costs That Can Bust Your Budget

Most couples encounter unexpected expenses that weren't in their original planning. Understanding these potential costs helps you budget more accurately from the start and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Common overlooked wedding expenses:

• Service charges and gratuities: Often 18-22% of vendor costs
• Delivery and setup fees: Can add $200-500 per specific vendors
• Overtime charges: When your celebration runs longer than contracted time
• Weather contingencies: Tents, heaters, or backup plans for outdoor events
• Alteration and preservation: For wedding attire after purchase
• Trial sessions: Hair, makeup, and cake tasting appointments

Tax and insurance requirements also surprise many couples. Most venues require additional liability insurance, and sales tax applies to most wedding services. These expenses typically add 10-15% to your overall budget.

Marriage license fees and officiant costs are legal requirements that couples sometimes forget when budgeting. While these aren't huge expenses, they're necessary for making your marriage official.

Smart Ways to Save Without Sacrificing Your Vision

Strategic planning can significantly reduce your wedding costs without compromising the celebration you envision. The key is making informed choices about where to spend and where to save based on your personal priorities.

Timing offers some of the biggest savings opportunities. Weekend dates in winter or weekday celebrations can save 20-30% on most vendor costs. Many venues and vendors offer significant discounts for off-peak dates.

Money-saving strategies that work:

• Guest list management: Each guest typically costs $150-300 in combined expenses
• Venue selection: Choose locations with built-in ambiance to reduce decoration needs
• Seasonal choices: In-season flowers and foods cost significantly less
• Package deals: Many vendors offer discounts for bundled services
• Payment timing: Some vendors offer early booking discounts

DIY opportunities work best for items that don't require professional expertise. Consider handling your own wedding favors, welcome bags, or simple centerpieces. However, avoid DIY for complex items like wedding cakes or technical services where mistakes could be costly.

Vendor negotiations can yield surprising savings when approached professionally. Ask about payment plan options, off-season discounts, or package upgrades. 

Your Wedding Budget Roadmap

Creating a realistic wedding budget starts with understanding what couples actually spend, not just industry estimates. Use the cost breakdowns provided as your starting point, then adjust based on your specific priorities and local market conditions.

Your next step is to track your spending with our budget tool to monitor expenses throughout the planning process. This prevents surprises and helps you make informed decisions when unexpected costs arise.

Start by getting quotes from vendors in your area to understand your local market. Focus first on your biggest expenses like venue and catering, which will consume the largest portion of your budget. Once you lock in these major costs, you can allocate the remaining budget to other categories.

Remember that going slightly over budget is normal and often worth it for your dream celebration. The key is making intentional choices about where those extra dollars go.

Ready to start planning? Explore wedding venues in your area to get accurate pricing for your specific location and guest count.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do most couples actually spend on their wedding venue?

Wedding venues cost an average of $8,573, typically ranging from $6,900 to $10,300, according to The Zola Wedding Cost Index. This represents about 17% of your total wedding budget and is usually your single largest expense.

What percentage of couples go over their original wedding budget?

Most couples (69%) exceed their initial wedding budget, with the majority reporting the additional spending was worthwhile for their celebration. Budget overruns typically occur due to hidden costs like service charges, gratuities, and last-minute additions.

How much should I expect to spend per wedding guest?

Budget approximately $200-300 per guest for a typical wedding, though this varies by location and service level. This estimate includes food, beverages, rentals, and other guest-dependent costs but doesn't cover fixed expenses like photography or music.

Which wedding vendors typically cost the most?

Your venue, catering, and bar services represent the largest expenses, often accounting for 40-45% of your total budget. Photography, videography, flowers, and wedding planning services make up the next tier of major costs, while items like cakes and hair/makeup represent smaller budget percentages.

How much more expensive are weddings in major cities?

Wedding costs vary significantly by location, with major metropolitan areas often costing double smaller cities. For example, a 150-guest wedding in San Francisco costs around $84,649 compared to $42,571 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, representing a difference of over $42,000 for identical guest counts.