9 Facts About Weddings

and How Much Money They Can Cost

Please see important information at the end of this program.

1. Did you know that couples spend $33,931, on average, for their big day?1

2. The typical guest list has 136 names, which translates to $249 per guest. Of course, prices depend on where you get married...1 

3. Idaho weddings tend to be the cheapest, at an average of $16,366. New York hosts the most expensive nuptials, averaging $96,910 in Manhattan.1

4. 91% of couples now contribute to the overall wedding budget with only 5.5% of those under 24 believing their parents will pay for their weddings.1 Meanwhile, 74% of same-sex couples foot the bill themselves.2

5. The typical reception venue costs $15,439, making it the single biggest expense. Ceremony venues are much less expensive, averaging $2,382.1

6. For added drama, some couples release doves (from $150),3 butterflies (from $34 a dozen)4 or ladybugs (from $500 for a 100-guest wedding).5 And they’re good for the environment, too!

7. No skimping on fashion: Brides spend $1,631, on average, on their wedding dresses.1

8. And dessert doesn’t have to be wedding cake, the average cost of which is $528.1 Many weddings choose cupcakes or a dessert bar instead.

9. All of this may explain why many couples prefer receiving cash instead of gifts. On average, gifts range from $88 from guests to $107 from family members and the wedding party.6

Sources:

1 The Knot 2018 Real Weddings Study, February 14, 2019. https://www.theknotww.com/pressreleases/theknot2018realweddingsstud/

2 Gay Wedding Institute, 2016. https://gayweddinginstitute.com/gay-wedding-data.htm

3 A Touch Above, “White Dove Releases for Wedding Ceremonies,” 2019. http://www.atouchabovedoves.com/weddings.htm

4 Swallow Tail Farms, 2019. https://butterflyrelease.biz/

5 Cost Helper, “Releasing Ladybugs Cost,” 2017. http://weddings.costhelper.com/ladybugs-releasecost.html

6 The Knot 2018 Wedding Guest Study, August 18, 2018. https://xogroupinc.com/press-releases/weddingguest-study-2018-most-popular-wedding-day/

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