Planning a wedding in 2025 can be overwhelming, but don’t fret about the costs. Get insights on average expenses by state, guest count, vendor services, and discover money-saving strategies.
Written by Jane Chertoff and Georgie Darling
Last updated on July 12, 2025
Don’t let the high prices of weddings stress you out. Save money when planning your 2025 wedding with detailed breakdowns of costs by state.
Organize your wedding expenses using our free tool designed for payment reminders and budget-friendly tips.
In addition to the overall average cost of a wedding, it’s interesting to note that certain factors can greatly impact the total expenses. For example, the number of guests, the location of the wedding, and the type of venue chosen can all play a significant role in the final cost.
Furthermore, other expenses to consider include the cost of the wedding dress, catering, floral arrangements, photography, entertainment, and more. These additional costs can quickly add up, so it’s essential for couples to carefully budget and plan ahead to ensure a memorable and affordable wedding day.
Factors Influencing Wedding Costs
Wedding expenses vary based on factors like guest count, location, day of the week, and season. Prioritize what matters most to you and align it with your budget.
When planning your wedding, consider the following factors that can influence your costs:
- Guest Count: The number of guests you invite will significantly impact your expenses, as you will need to budget for catering, seating, and favors for each guest.
- Location: The venue you choose can have a big impact on your overall costs. Popular wedding destinations or upscale venues may come with a higher price tag.
- Day of the Week: Getting married on a weekday or Sunday can sometimes be more cost-effective than a Saturday wedding, as venues may offer discounts for off-peak days.
- Season: The time of year you choose to get married can also affect your costs. Peak wedding season (typically spring and summer) may come with higher prices for vendors and venues.
By considering these factors and prioritizing what is most important to you, you can plan a beautiful wedding that fits within your budget.
Costliest Wedding Expenses
Typically, the most expensive wedding elements include the venue, catering, entertainment, and photography. Consider more budget-friendly alternatives for items like the cake and ceremony music.
Vendor Negotiation Strategies
Communicate your needs with vendors to make cost-effective decisions, such as choosing seasonal food and flowers. Focus on essentials that strengthen your bond and future together.
- Wedding venue: $6,500-$12,000
- Catering: $6,500-$10,000
- Band or DJ: $2,000-$7000
- Wedding planner: $1,500–$4,750
- Photographer: $3,500–$6,500
- Videographer: $3,000–$6,000
- Flowers: $2,500–$6,000
- Transportation: $700–$1,200
- Cake: $600–$900
- Ceremony music: $500–$800
- Hair and makeup: $550–$850
State-by-State Wedding Spending Breakdown
Explore detailed analysis of average wedding expenditures by state for the year 2025.
Guest Count Planning
Decide your expected guest count early to better understand venue size requirements and catering needs. Consult vendors on how guest count factors into service pricing.
Impact of Guest Count on Costs
- 500+ guests: $106,250
- 200-300 guests: $43,231
- 150–200 guests: $45,693
- 100–150 guests: $33,957
- 75–100 guests: $27,361
- 50–75 guests: $21,572
- 30-50 guests: $18,054
- 10-30 guests: $14,912
- Fewer than 10 guests: $15,667
When estimating your guest count, consider factors such as whether you will be inviting children, elderly guests, or out-of-town guests who may or may not attend. Additionally, keep in mind that smaller guest counts may allow for more intimate and personalized experiences, while larger guest counts can create a more lively and celebratory atmosphere. Remember to also factor in additional costs for things like extra seating, food, and beverages based on your final guest count. Planning ahead will help you stay within budget and ensure a memorable event for all attendees.
Big-City Wedding Considerations
Metropolitan wedding settings may come with higher expenses but offer metropolitan elegance and convenience. Strike a balance between your desires and financial limits.
Affordable Wedding Planning with Zola
When planning a wedding in a big city, it’s important to consider ways to save money without sacrificing style. Zola offers affordable wedding planning services that can help you stay within your budget while still creating the wedding of your dreams. From customizable wedding websites to a wide selection of vendors and registry options, Zola has everything you need to plan a beautiful and budget-friendly wedding in the city. Don’t let high expenses deter you from having the wedding you’ve always wanted – let Zola help you plan the perfect big-city wedding without breaking the bank.
Wedding Budget Financing Options
Discover various financing approaches when planning your wedding day amidst substantial average costs. Zola provides guidance on wedding planning and financial management.
- 31% use credit cards
- 49% saved for years
- 32% include cash funds on registries
Explore different strategies to finance your wedding celebration, even when costs are high.
Effective Money-Saving Strategies
Start by breaking down your wedding budget and implement smart saving tips for your special day.
- Utilize Zola’s budgeting tool
Identify key priorities and search for vendors and venues based on costs and other criteria.
- Benefit from Zola’s wedding planning resources
Consider digital save-the-dates and thrifted wedding attire to cut costs.
- Include cash funds in your registry
Let Zola guide you through wedding planning and budgeting for a stress-free and memorable day.
Uncover practical ways to host an affordable wedding, including choosing off-peak seasons, secondhand stores, and trimming your guest list.
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Learn about effective ways to save money on your wedding without compromising quality.
Consider selecting less popular wedding dates, venues, and attire options to cut expenses.
Manage your wedding budget wisely by understanding all related fees and additional costs.
Opt for digital invites, DIY invitation designs, and affordable dress choices to save on stationery and attire expenses.
Hunt for discounted flower selections and budget-friendly decor items at craft and dollar stores.
Choose beer and wine offerings instead of a full bar to reduce catering costs.
Limit the size of your wedding cake and consider grocery store bakeries for economical options.
Keep your guest list intimate to save on food, drinks, and rentals.
Instead of individual favors, consider making a charitable donation on behalf of your guests. Pick a cause you care about, possibly benefiting by deducting the contribution on your taxes.
Optimizing Photography and Videography Costs
Save money by minimizing the presence of your photographer and videographer. While essential during the ceremony, footage of late-night dancing may be less critical.
Focus on what’s most crucial in your budget and be open to compromises elsewhere. Regardless of budget size, everyone has financial constraints, notes Cain.
Courtney is a savings expert at NerdWallet, featured in prominent publications like USA Today and The New York Times. Find her full bio on our website.
Kelsey Sheehy is a senior writer at NerdWallet specializing in small businesses, with appearances on top news outlets. Her full bio is available on our site.
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