Plan a Decent Wedding on a Tight Budget

Weddings are special celebrations to share joy with loved ones. In 2023, the average cost is around $35,000 in the US. We analyzed the marriage rates, average expenses by state, cost breakdowns and the most popular wedding month to find ways for having a decent budget-friendly wedding. Key findings:

• In 2023, the US saw a 25% increase in the average wedding costs compared to 2018, reaching $35,000 due to inflation.

• Wedding costs vary by state. In Maine, residents spend 9 months' income on their weddings. New Jersey residents hosting their weddings in Pennsylvania can potentially save up to $17,000.

• Wedding venue costs make up one third of the budget, and reducing the guest numbers can save up to half of the budget.

• October is the most popular wedding month, accounting for 16% of the year with a peak season from May to October.

• Nevada has the highest marriage rates due to its unique marriage policies and well-established wedding industry.

The Average Wedding Cost in 2023 Is 25% Higher than 2018

Analyzing the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) as an inflation indicator, we discovered a 21% CPI rise from 2018 to 2023. Inflation influences various wedding expenses like flowers, cakes, and venue rentals, along with the labor costs for bands and photographers. The average cost in 2023 excluding inflation remains similar to that of 2017, showing no significant change.

In addition to the inflation, there are other factors driving the rise in prices. In 2023, the popularity of traditional religious venues for weddings saw a decrease of 7% in the past five years. The cost of hosting a wedding in these venues, like churches, is typically low. The decrease in church weddings might contribute to the recent increase in average wedding expenses.

Wedding Costs Vary Greatly by State

Analyzing average income across states, we found that holding a wedding in Maine is the least economical choice. This is because residents there spend about 9 months' worth of average income on weddings due to the state's lower average annual income of $59,000 and the popularity of expensive seaside venues, costing over $11,000. Therefore, it is a lavish option to hold a wedding in Maine.

Meanwhile, New Jersey tops the list with a wedding cost of $55,000, largely due to expensive rings and ceremonies. To save money, some choose to hold weddings in nearby Pennsylvania, where the cost can save up to $17,000. By looking at the cost map of each state, you can consider hosting a wedding in neighboring states to cut costs. Don't forget to check state laws and prepare the required documents in advance.

Venues Are the Biggest Cost for Weddings. Reducing the Guest Numbers Can Save More than Half of the Expenses

Venue expenses make up one-third of the total cost, with reception catering coming next at 19%. Choosing a church for the wedding can help cut the venue expenses. Saving on flowers is possible by purchasing them at Trader Joe's or online flower delivery sites using coupon codes with 10%-30% discount.

By inviting fewer guests, you can save on various aspects like venue, catering, flowers, cake, transportation, which make up 65% of the total expenses. A survey in 2024 found that 56% of newlyweds took on debt to pay for their weddings, with 65% using the money for larger events. To save money, the trend has shifted toward smaller weddings, like micro weddings with fewer than 50 guests, which can save 1/3 or 1/2 compared to traditional weddings. In 2022, the average cost of a micro wedding in the US was $10,778. Some even opt for elopement, a ceremony with just a couple or a few intimate family members.

October Is the Most Popular Wedding Month with Peak Season from May to October

You can save money by choosing a less popular wedding month instead of a popular one. According to Gitnux Market Report 2024, 16% of couples have weddings in October, which is the most popular month for weddings. During the warmer months from May to September, around 10% of couples get married each month.

Having a wedding in the off-season can lower venue and photographer costs. Avoiding February and December is advisable due to the high venue demand on Valentine's Day and Christmas. November and January may have higher floral costs due to fewer seasonal flowers, while March and April are considered more ideal months for weddings.

Nevada Has the Highest Marriage Rates Due to Its Unique Marriage Policies and Well-Established Wedding Industry

In 2022, Nevada had the highest marriage rate in the US at 25.9 per 1000 people. Nevada is known for its fast marriage process, taking only 10–15 minutes to apply for a legal marriage license.

In 2023, the average wedding cost in Nevada is $21,000, 35% below the national average. Thanks to Nevada's marriage policies, Las Vegas is known as the wedding capital of the world. The city offers affordable all-inclusive wedding packages starting at just a few hundred dollars. Couples getting married there can easily turn their wedding trip into a vacation. According to Clark County, those coming to marry in Las Vegas contribute over $2.5 billion annually to the economy through various activities like lodging, entertainment, dining and more.

Methodology

We obtained the Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to explore the potential correlation between rising expenses and inflation.

Then, We gathered information on average wedding costs and incomes from The Knot and the World Population Review in each state, respectively, to calculate how many months of income on average are needed for a wedding in each state.

We collected expenses for various wedding items from Zola and calculated the percentage of each expense compared to the total cost to analyze how the wedding budget is distributed.

Next, we used data from Gitnux to determine the percentage of weddings held each month in 2023 and explore potential money-saving opportunities.

Finally, using marriage rate data of each state from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we identified the states with the highest marriage rate and explored the potential reasons behind.

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