- A wedding budget is essential when planning for your big day.
- On average, Americans spend $33,391 on their weddings, with the venue and engagement ring being the most expensive.
- Seemingly small details can drive up a wedding budget, including the floral arrangements, transportation, and party favors.
Deciding how to break down your wedding budget can be overwhelming.
Americans spend $33,391 on average for their weddings, according to the The Knot’s 2017 Real Weddings Study. Much of the average wedding budget is spent on the venue itself.
However, other factors – including the floral arrangments, catering, and party favors – can drive up a wedding budget if you aren’t careful.
The amount of guests is also a contributing factor to the overall wedding budget. While there’s a current trend toward hosting fewer guests, the average cost per guest is increasing. That’s because couples want to create a unique and memorable experience for all those involved, The Knot found.
Below, see how couples across the US spend their wedding budget for their big day. Prices listed first represent the average spender, according to The Knot's survey, while prices listed second represent the highest spender.
Venue (reception hall): $15,163 - $42,801
Engagement ring: $5,764 - $13,933
Reception band: $4,019 - $7,145
Photographer: $2,630 - $5,130
Florist/decor: $2,379 - $6,050
Ceremony site: $2,311 - $2,966
Wedding/event planner: $1,988 - $3,775
Videographer: $1,912 - $3,214
Wedding dress: $1,509 - $3,158
Rehearsal dinner: $1,285 - $3,197
Reception DJ: $1,231 - $2,300
Transportation: $830 - $1,388
Ceremony musicians: $761 - $1,249
Wedding cake: $540 - $1,097
Invitations: $408 - $1,098
Groom's attire: $284 - $463
Officiant: $284 - $491
Favors: $252 - $488
Catering (per person): $70 - $154
