Weddings Are Quickly Becoming More Expensive, Here Is How to Save on Them

While everybody may know that weddings can quickly become costly, a lot of people don’t realize how expensive they can be until they’re the ones getting married. Then, they realize just how much they’ll have to put down for the wedding of their dreams.

In 2023, the average cost of a wedding was $35,000 — a $5,000 increase from 2022’s stat. As many people want to have a wedding they will always remember, they’re willing to pay this amount.

For the most part, paying for a venue is where the bulk of the wedding money goes. On average, $11,200 is dedicated to people’s venues, alone.

Once you have the venue secured, you might want to invest in ensuring you have some music for the actual ceremony. Some prefer hiring a live band, while others may be fine with a disc jockey to play music. Regardless, both options cost a pretty penny.

A photographer is essential, as you’re going to want pictures of your big day. However, hiring a qualified photographer can quickly become pricey. The median cost of a wedding photographer in 2023 was $2,600.

Of course, one of the first things many brides-to-be do after getting engaged is begin their search for the perfect wedding dress. This quest can take weeks, if not months. One’s ideal dress can also be quite expensive.

An engagement ring is the second most expensive purchase in a wedding, behind the venue. Some don’t include the price of a ring in wedding costs. However, it’s important to be aware of this extra price — as it can be costly.

As no wedding is complete without a good amount of flowers, hiring a florist is also necessary. The total price of a florist may vary, depending on how many flowers you order. On average, hiring a florist costs about $2,400.

Before the big day, the families who are part of the wedding traditionally hold a rehearsal dinner. Everybody gathers around and eats a nice meal as they prepare for the union of these two families.

While all of these little factors and payments go into the total cost of a wedding, you still have one major thing to think about if you’re getting married: location.

When you’re planning your wedding and looking at all these costs, it can feel difficult to understand where to save money. However, it can be done. Many people get married in cheap or free venues — such as their own backyard — to save money. If you don’t want to cut costs at your venue, find other areas to do so.

As you organize your wedding, take the time to think about your financial situation. If you’re thinking about taking out a loan to cover this wedding, consider whether this is the best option.