The average US wedding costs around $29,000–$35,000, but costs vary dramatically by state — a New York or California wedding can easily run $50,000–$80,000, while a similar event in the Midwest or South may come in under $20,000. This template models a 100-person wedding in a mid-market American city, using typical US vendor pricing for the venue, catering, photography, and entertainment. The service charge line is a US-specific consideration — most caterers and venues add 20–22% on top of food and bar pricing.
$32,300
Budgeted income
$38,400
Budgeted expenditure
-$6,100
Budgeted surplus / (deficit)
Revenue Item | Budgeted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| Couple's Savings & Budget | $28,000 | $28,000 |
| Family Contributions | $3,500 | $4,000 |
| Cash Gift Fund | $800 | $1,100 |
| Total Revenue | $32,300 | $33,100 |
Expense Item | Budgeted | Actual | % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue Hire & Ceremony Space | $7,500 | $7,800 | 20% |
| Catering (food, $85/head × 100) | $8,500 | $8,900 | 22% |
| Bar Package & Service Charge (22%) | $4,200 | $4,400 | 11% |
| Photography (8-hour coverage) | $3,500 | $3,500 | 9% |
| Videography | $2,200 | $2,200 | 6% |
| Flowers & Floral Design | $2,500 | $2,300 | 7% |
| Attire, Alterations & Beauty | $3,000 | $3,200 | 8% |
| DJ or Live Band | $2,500 | $2,500 | 7% |
| Wedding Officiant Fee | $500 | $500 | 1% |
| Invitations, Paper & Postage | $600 | $550 | 2% |
| Wedding Cake & Dessert | $700 | $680 | 2% |
| Transportation (limo, shuttle bus) | $700 | $650 | 2% |
| Rehearsal Dinner (host contribution) | $1,200 | $1,100 | 3% |
| Contingency (5%) | $800 | $300 | 2% |
| Total Expenditure | $38,400 | $38,580 | 100% |
* "Budgeted" = original estimate. "Actual" = realistic outcome based on typical events of this type. Colour coding: green = on or under budget, red/orange = over budget.
US caterers and venues almost always add a service charge (typically 20–22%) and sales tax on top of per-head pricing — factor this into your catering estimate from day one.
Venue fees vary enormously by state: a comparable venue in Tennessee may cost $3,000 while the same calibre venue in Manhattan could cost $20,000+.
Wedding photographer pricing in the US typically ranges from $2,500–$6,000 for full-day coverage. Videography is often priced separately at $2,000–$5,000.
Alcohol is commonly handled via a consumption bar or per-head package. Open bars at US weddings are the norm — budget $40–$80/head for a 4–5 hour open bar.
The rehearsal dinner is typically hosted by the groom's family in US tradition, but cost responsibility varies. Plan $1,000–$3,000 for a 20–30 person sit-down dinner.
Wedding planners (day-of coordinator vs. full-service) can add $1,500–$8,000 to the budget but often pay for themselves in vendor discounts and stress reduction.
Gratuities are expected in the US event industry — budget $20–$50 per vendor for day-of tips for caterers, bartenders, drivers, and day-of coordinators.
Save the Dates and formal invitations with outer/inner envelopes, RSVP cards, and directions inserts can run $400–$1,000 with postage.
The national average US wedding cost is approximately $29,000–$33,000. Costs vary dramatically by state: the average wedding in New York is $46,000+, while in Utah or Arkansas it may be under $18,000. Major cost drivers are guest count, venue location, and catering format (plated vs. buffet vs. cocktail).
A service charge (typically 20–22% of the food and beverage total) is added by most US caterers and venues to cover staff costs. It is separate from tips and gratuities. For example, if your food and bar total is $10,000, a 22% service charge adds $2,200 before tax. Always clarify whether gratuities are included in the service charge.
The biggest savings come from choosing a less expensive venue market (suburbs vs. downtown), limiting the guest list (each additional guest adds $150–$300 to catering costs), choosing a Friday evening or Sunday instead of Saturday, and selecting a buffet or stations format instead of plated service.
Popular wedding venues and photographers book 12–18 months in advance for peak season (May–October) Saturdays. For a Saturday wedding in peak season, start venue and photographer outreach as soon as you have a year and general location in mind. Off-season (November–April) gives you more flexibility at 6–9 months.
A realistic, line-by-line breakdown of a $35,000 wedding — from venue hire and catering to photography and flowers.
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