Wedding 2022 – How Much Will It Cost?

Congratulations!  You are officially engaged and are planning on a wedding in 2022 or 2023.  Now is the time for reality to catch up as you start to consider the cost.  Who pays for what?  Where can you cut costs?  Should you ask for help?  Take out a loan?  Let’s take some of the major costs for a traditional wedding within the next year.

Who Pays?

As you may be well aware - inflation is everywhere now. Weddings are topping the list for those things that can really break the bank. Food will cost more, travelling costs more, hotel prices are way more expensive this year that last year and still going higher.

The median cost for a wedding in 2019 was $29,000 - $32,900.  Of course, this number can go up or down considerably depending on your style, your date, your location and your actual budget.  Getting married in Hawaii for example is much more expensive than getting married locally perhaps even in your own state.

Traditionally the bride (and/or her family) pays for the wedding, the reception, the bridal attire, honeymoon attire, flowers, transportation (think Limos), photos, and lodging.  The groom’s family will traditionally pay for the entire honeymoon.  The family of the groom also is expected to host and pay for the engagement party, reception liquor, and DJ or entertainment.

Obviously, these expenses are the largest part of any wedding budget and can be a big burden on any one family.  

Fortunately, it is not unusual for families to share in these expenses or if the bride and groom can afford it – they can take on this entire expense themselves.  Since many couples are marrying later and may both have established careers, the future Mr. and Mrs. may indeed to be in the best position to plan and pay for their entire wedding as well as honeymoon.

The Knot has a great wedding budget tool to help get a handle on costs - https://www.theknot.com/wedding-budget

Where Can I Cut Costs?

Since the Reception is your largest cost you can consider trying to control costs here.  Where you plan to hold your reception is probably the biggest expense.  A high-end hotel or resort will be much more expensive that a beach, country or home wedding.  Add to this the cost of catered food, a live band, equipment rental and an open bar and you are writing a check for thousands – maybe even tens of thousand depending on your final choices and number of guests.

You can cut some costs here by going with a DJ ($500-1,000) instead of band ($2500-3500 or more.)  Having a cash bar or having less high-end liquor will also save you thousands of dollars.  High end venues may require you to use their caterer – expect to spend $50-100 per person or more.  It might be hard to cut costs here and food can be an average of $7500 or more (100 guests at $75 each.)  You might cut costs her by having more inexpensive dishes here like chicken and fish rather than steak and lobster. 

Another way to cut costs is by making some items yourself – things like wedding favors, table centerpieces, bouquets, and even invitations. You can enlist the help of family, friends, and bridesmaids to help you with these items.  Making an evening for a “favor party” can be lots of fun and save you hundreds of dollars.

Also consider having a Photo booth and providing guests with table cameras so they can do some of the photography for you during your reception.

Other Cost Cutting Ideas

Other ways to cut costs without giving up a dream wedding are –

1.       Have your actual wedding ceremony at a beach, state or national park, courthouse or even in your own home.  Save your money for your reception.

2.      Hold your wedding at a college or university – some offer magnificent backgrounds for weddings!  If you are alumni, you may be able to do this for free or for a nominal fee and your photography can be stunning.

3.      Cater your own reception, or ask family members to help

4.      Rent a beautiful Mansion, AirBnb home or like to hold your reception

5.      Have your reception and wedding at the same place.  You won’t have to pay twice.

6.      Trim your guest list

7.      Pick an off-peak month and time.  Winter is less expensive than Spring.

8.      Shop for wedding gowns that are being sold on-line, in vintage shops or are pre-owned.   You can even rent the gown of your dreams for 100’s to 1000’s less than buying new.