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How Much Does a Wedding Cost?

If you are planning on getting married, you may be wondering, how much does a wedding cost? Well, the answer will depend on a few factors. Let’s delve into the true costs associated with a wedding.

1. Your Guest List

The average couple, as of 2014, invites around 136 guests to their wedding. This means you must choose a large enough venue and make sure you have enough catering to supply everyone with a great dinner. Typically, couples will spend about $70 per person on catering alone, so 50 guests can cost as much as $3,500. While weddings have gotten slightly smaller in the last year, how many guests you invite is something to consider when thinking about the cost.

2. Your Location

A wedding in New York City is going to cost more than in a smaller town. This is because large cities tend to be hot spots for destination weddings, and more people will be trying to book venues there, making prices more competitive for couples. The average cost of a hometown wedding is about $27,000, while a destination wedding can cost — at minimum — $32,000. If you’re trying to keep costs down, it’s worth booking a venue well in advance to avoid competition. This way, you can compare the costs of multiple venues before making a choice.

3. Bride and Bridesmaid Dresses

How much does a wedding cost? Well, let’s look at the average cost of a wedding dress in 2021: $1,251 — and that doesn’t include accessories. This cost is due largely to customization and tailoring. While this may seem like a lot, the cost can be justified due to its significance.

Along with this, many brides also purchase dresses for their bridesmaids, which average around $208. This price doesn’t include alterations, however, which are often needed to ensure that the dresses fit everyone correctly. While the groom and groomsmen can often get away with renting their tuxedos, it’s worth leaving room in the budget for the ladies’ outfits.

4. Flowers

Lastly, the flowers involved in the wedding also take up a large amount of the budget, costing on average $2,000. This includes the bride’s bouquet and all of the flowers involved in the ceremony and reception. Working with your florist to explore all potential options can help lower costs; although, when it comes to your special day, no one can blame you for wanting to go all out.

So, how much does a wedding cost? Truly, the answer will depend on what you want, where you are, and how many people you will be inviting. Although weddings can get expensive, ultimately they are worth the cost for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.