Wedding budget guides
What things really cost, where the money goes, and how to spend less without it showing. Every figure sourced and dated.
How Much Does a Wedding Cost in 2026?
The average US wedding costs about $34,200 in 2026. Here’s what drives that number, what couples really spend by guest count, and how to set your own figure.
Budget guideWedding Budget Breakdown: Where the Money Actually Goes
A category-by-category wedding budget breakdown with percentages, dollar examples for $15k, $30k and $50k budgets, and where couples overspend.
Cost dataAverage Wedding Cost by State (2026)
Estimated average wedding cost for all 50 states plus DC, based on the national average adjusted for regional vendor pricing.
Budget guideHow to Plan a Wedding Under $15,000
A realistic $15,000 wedding budget with a full category split, guest-count math, and the trade-offs that actually save money.
Free downloadFree Wedding Budget Spreadsheet (Google Sheets & Excel)
Download a free wedding budget spreadsheet with every category, estimated vs. actual columns, deposit tracking and payment due dates.
PlanningWhen to Book Each Wedding Vendor (Month-by-Month)
The order and timing for booking every wedding vendor, from venue at 12–15 months to hair and makeup at 6 months.
Venues14 Cheap Wedding Venue Ideas That Don’t Look Cheap
Affordable wedding venue ideas — from restaurant buyouts to state parks — with typical prices and the hidden costs to check before you book.
Budget guideBackyard Wedding Budget Guide: The Real Costs
What a backyard wedding actually costs: tent, rentals, restrooms, power, catering and permits — with a sample budget for 100 guests.
Shopping guideBest Wedding Invitations Under $200
Where to get beautiful wedding invitations for under $200 — print shops compared on price, paper and turnaround, plus how to cut postage.
VendorsHow to Find an Affordable Wedding Photographer
How to find a great wedding photographer on a budget: what to look for in a portfolio, which package items to cut, and what never to compromise on.