Average Wedding Costs by Category (2026 Data)
Published Apr 13, 2026 · 6 min read
The average US wedding in 2026 costs $33,000-$38,000. But costs vary enormously by location, guest count, and choices.
Cost Breakdown (National Average)
| Category | % of Budget | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Venue | 25-30% | $10,000 |
| Catering (& bar) | 25-30% | $9,000 |
| Photography/Video | 10-12% | $4,000 |
| Music/DJ | 5-7% | $2,000 |
| Flowers | 5-7% | $2,500 |
| Attire/Beauty | 5-7% | $2,500 |
| Everything else | 15-20% | $6,000 |
Biggest Savings Levers
- Guest count — Each guest costs $100-$200. Cut 30 guests = save $3,000-$6,000.
- Day and season — Friday or Sunday weddings save 20-40% on venue.
- Venue type — Restaurant, park, or family property vs. traditional wedding venue.
- Off-peak months — November-March (excluding holidays) are cheapest.
Try it: Use our Wedding Budget Calculator to allocate your budget across all categories.