According to The Knot Real Weddings Survey, the average cost of a wedding in the United States in 2019 was $28,000. Even in 2020, when COVID-19 forced most couples to downsize their nuptial plans, the average cost was still $19,000.
But you don’t have to spend as much as it would take to buy a small car to enjoy an elegant wedding–and working together to budget for your wedding might be the first step you and your spouse make toward a financially stable future.
One of the biggest contributors to the cost of your wedding is how many people you invite. More people equals a bigger—and potentially pricier—venue. Large guest lists can also increase food costs.
According to The Knot, for example, the average price of catering is $70 per person. The difference in food costs between 20 guests and 100 guests could thus be more than $5,000.
Looking for how to plan a wedding for less than $5,000 with 200 guests? You don’t have to cut your guest list to the bare bones to pull off a budget wedding.
According to The Knot’s 2019 survey, the average cost for a live band was $3,700. Compare that to the average cost of a DJ, which was $1,200, and you can see the potential for savings.
Along with the venue, food and beverages can be the most expensive line items for any wedding. Here are a few tips for saving on catering and refreshments: