Is Getting Married Worth the Cost? Here’s What You Need to Know

Tips and ideas to lower the cost of your wedding

Fact checked by Suzanne Kvilhaug

The average wedding cost in 2025 is expected to reach $36,000, according to Zola, a wedding registry that surveyed close to 6,000 couples planning weddings. Bigger guest lists, pricey destination weddings, and splurging on professional planners and entertainers are a few of the many reasons for the rising price tag.

Given the climbing price, some people may wonder if getting married is worth the cost.

Key Takeaways

• There’s no need to spend so much on a wedding and there are several ways to trim costs, including keeping the guest list small, choosing brunch over a full dinner, and skipping fancy invitations and floral arrangements.
• Talk over wedding priorities with your partner and stick to a budget.
• Don’t let social media influence you into spending more on a wedding than you can afford.

“Marriage itself? Absolutely. A lifelong commitment to a partner is priceless. But a wedding doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be beautiful, memorable, or meaningful,” says Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride.

“The idea that a wedding has to cost tens of thousands of dollars is largely fueled by industry marketing and societal expectations. The reality? You can have an amazing wedding on any budget. I’ve helped couples plan stunning celebrations for $10,000, $5,000, and even $1,500! The key is prioritizing what truly matters and getting creative with spending.”

How Much Should You Spend on a Wedding?

How much should a couple spend on their wedding day? Is it worth it to splurge on a big amount? It depends on your specific situation.

“Weddings are deeply personal, and whether it’s “worth it” to spend $36,000 or any amount depends on a couple’s priorities, financial situation, and long-term goals,” Bishop said. She went on to say that the most important input in your decision should be making the day meaningful to you, not spending a specific dollar figure.

“Some couples feel that a lavish wedding is worth the expense, while others would rather invest in a home, travel, or savings,” said Bishop.

Important

“A wedding should be a celebration of love, not a financial burden,” said Jessica Bishop, founder of The Budget Savvy Bride.

How to Control Wedding Costs

If you are looking for ways to lower the cost of your wedding day, consider these tips.

Trim the Guest List

It might be hard, but holding a small wedding and reducing the guests to your closest friends and family members will greatly impact the final cost. Keep in mind that the more guests, the more food expenses, chair rentals, and the higher the cost of the venue. It may be better to keep things small.

Use a Nontraditional Venue

There’s no rule that your special day needs to be held in a lavish setting or sizable event space. “Consider parks, backyards, or nontraditional venues that don’t require a hefty rental fee,” Bishop says. “Some restaurants even offer free event spaces if you meet a food and beverage minimum.”

Consider the “Off Season”

Consider getting married in January, February, July, or November. These are generally not considered popular wedding months, and thus, you might get a good deal. Also, skip the Saturday ceremony.

“Venues and vendors charge a premium for Saturdays in peak months. A Friday or Sunday wedding or even a brunch reception can save thousands!” Bishop says.

Rent or Buy Pre-owned Items

Everything you wear or use during the ceremony doesn’t have to be brand new. In fact, the traditional saying about what to wear includes the word “borrowed.” Wedding dresses, tuxedos, and even your decor, can be rented or bought secondhand, and often for a fraction of the price.

And don’t get swayed by social media trends. It’s not up to Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook to dictate your wedding expenses.

“I have personal experience with many young couples getting inspired from Insta reels and going to any cost to replicate them,” Carissa Kruse of Carissa Kruse Weddings. “It’s good to take inspiration, but don’t let social media pressure you to overspend and regret later.”

Limit the Open Bar and Full Dinner

An open bar is going to be pricey. By skipping a full bar option, you’ll save some serious cash. “Opt for beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar to keep things budget-friendly,” Bishop said.

Then consider hosting a brunch or cocktail-style reception instead of a formal rubber chicken dinner, which can drive up the costs.

“A more casual, interactive meal experience can save money while still feeling special,” Bishop says.

Ask for Help

Your friends and loved ones would probably love to get involved. Bishop recommends tapping talented people in your life to help with specific tasks such as photography, DJ duties, baking desserts, or even decorating help.

Go the Simple Route

It’s always a wise choice to keep things simple and skip the extras, when you’re looking to save money. Bishop points out that fancy invitations, elaborate favors or floral arrangements aren’t must-haves. What’s more important is to focus on making the day and experience of getting married meaningful to you.

Start Planning Early

You should start making plans well before your wedding date. This can impact the final cost.

“Discuss your budget and priorities with your partner early in the planning process,” says Kruse. “Do not let the pressure of a perfect wedding day push you into overspending.”

Use as many cost-saving strategies as you can to make the wedding you want more affordable and in line with your budget.

“At the end of the day, a wedding should reflect your love story and financial reality. You don’t have to go into debt for a dream wedding, because the real dream is the life you’re building together after the big day!” Bishop says.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to spend a tremendous amount of money on your wedding day. There are plenty of ways to keep costs down, and still have a meaningful wedding celebration.

Take the time to plan your wedding well in advance. Stick to a small guest list. Get married in the offseason. Have friends and family volunteer their services. Have a limited bar. Go nontraditional with your venue, and avoid a big rental fee. Having your wedding in a park or backyard will save you money. Don’t let social media convince you to spend more on your wedding than you can afford.