The bad news: The average cost of a wedding has increased in the last few years.
The worse news: That price hike is expected to continue.
In 2016, the latest year for which data is available, The Knot reported that the average cost of a wedding was $35,329. This is a increase of $2,688 from 2015’s cost of $32,641 and $4,116 from 2014’s cost of $31,213.
The Knot reported that the average cost of a wedding was $35,329. This is a increase of $2,688 from 2015’s cost of $32,641 and $4,116 from 2014’s cost of $31,213.
Remember, however, that this is that national average. The average in Columbus, Ohio, for example, is $27,059, while the average in New York City is $82,299.
The hefty price tag is attributed to couples’ desires for increasingly unique and personalized weddings that reflect their personal interests. This includes decor themed for a couple’s favorite movie, food truck rentals and even ballet performances.
However, if you find these figures alarming, you need not worry. There are ways to host an inexpensive wedding (Check out our blog on the Dos and Don’ts of Decorating Your Wedding Venue for some ideas). Once you’ve determined your budget, here is the breakdown for how much you should spend at various vendors (based on the national averages for wedding and vendor costs):
- Average cost of venue: 45 percent of your budget
- Average cost of photographer/videographer: 15 percent of your budget
- Average cost of DJ: 10 percent of your budget
- Average cost of florist: 8 percent
- Average cost of dress: 4.5 percent of your budget
- Average cost of limousine: 2.5 percent
- Average cost of cake: 1.5 percent of your budget
The other 9 percent of your budget includes items such as invitations, favors, hair, makeup, tuxedo and other miscellaneous expenses.
Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank with Sound Precision Entertainment. SPE is offering a fantastic end-of-the-year bundle deal. Save up to $1,200 with our four brands: Sound Precision Entertainment; Capture Cleveland Photography, LLC; Red Frame Videography; and Monocle Photo Booth. For more information, contact SPE at (216) 870-4513 or scott@spedj.com.