The average wedding currently costs $36,000, which is certainly a significant investment. Whether you plan to spend that much, less, or more, a wedding cost calculator can help you manage the price tag and stay on budget.
Read on for a breakdown of the costs you can expect as you prepare for your big day.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• A wedding cost calculator helps estimate the total cost of a wedding based on various factors.
• It takes into account factors such as location, guest count, venue, catering, attire, and other expenses.
• The calculator provides an itemized breakdown of costs and allows for customization based on personal preferences.
• A calculator can help couples create a realistic budget and make informed decisions about their wedding expenses.
• Using the wedding cost calculator can help reduce stress and ensure financial preparedness for the big day, which can typically cost an average of $36,000.
What Does the Average Wedding Cost?
As of 2025, the average wedding cost is $36,000 according to Zola, the wedding registry site. However, according to SoFi’s latest research, the median wedding cost, which may give a more accurate figure, was $10,000.
Of course, each wedding and its costs will vary. For instance, one couple might go all-in on a destination wedding with all the trimmings, held at a five-star tropical resort, while another might hold a backyard ceremony with cake and a friend’s band providing the music. Prices will vary with location, the number of guests, and many other factors. Currently, the typical cost per person of a wedding is $284, according to The Knot, a wedding website.
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How the Calculator Estimates Wedding Costs
A wedding cost calculator uses average wedding costs to help couples break down the expenses they can expect to encounter as they plan their wedding. This budgeting tool can assist couples and their families in prioritizing how they want to spend their money. (Is a designer dress a must? Is a buffet or sit-down dinner a better choice? How many guests can you really afford?)
You also can use a wedding calculator/budget as a checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the details, so there aren’t any surprises (or unexpected wedding expenses) as you close in on the big day.
Recommended: Is It Smart to Finance a Wedding?
Wedding Cost Estimate Example
Until you start making calls and getting price quotes, it will be challenging to get even a rough estimate of how much your wedding will cost in total. But the sooner you start filling in some of the blanks on your budget, the sooner you’ll be able to prioritize where you want your money to go — and get a better idea of what the final bill will be.
Here’s an example of what a couple trying to determine a budget between about $14,000 and $24,000 and a guest list of 50 might come up with.
Depending on your situation, you might have saved enough to pay for the wedding yourselves, have received funds from family and friends, or be looking into a personal loan that can be used to finance a wedding.
| Cost | Percent of Budget | |
|---|---|---|
| Invitations | $420 | 3% |
| Ceremony: | $560 | 4% |
| Ceremony Venue | $310 | |
| Officiant Fee | $250 | |
| Reception: | $6,020 | 43% |
| Venue with Wine Bar | $3,000 | |
| Buffet Dinner | $2,220 | |
| DJ with Equipment | $800 | |
| Bride’s Costs: | $1,820 | 13% |
| Dress | $1,070 | |
| Alterations | $100 | |
| Shoes | $200 | |
| Jewelry | $200 | |
| Hair & Makeup | $250 | |
| Groom’s Tuxedo Rental with Shoes & Tie | $420 | 3% |
| Cake | $560 | 4% |
| Flowers: | $2,100 | 15% |
| Bride’s Bouquet | $300 | |
| Bridesmaids’ Bouquets (2) | $200 | |
| Boutonnieres for Wedding Party (5) | $100 | |
| Corsages for Family (6) | $200 | |
| Flowers for Ceremony & Reception | $1,300 | |
| Photos | $1,540 | 11% |
| Limo Rental | $560 | 4% |
The Takeaway
A wedding is a cause for celebration, but the costs can be significant. As of 2025, the average cost has been tallied as $36,000 and the median at $10,000. You can estimate and then set your budget, using a wedding cost calculator to make the math part a snap. Depending on your specific situation, you might then decide to finance the cost, perhaps with a personal loan.
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FAQ
What is a realistic budget for a wedding?
A realistic wedding budget will be different for every couple. A wedding might cost $10,000 or several multiples of that, depending on the size of the wedding, the location, and other factors.
Is $10,000 a reasonable wedding budget?
Currently, $10,000 is the median price of a wedding in the U.S. You may have to be pickier about splurges than a couple with more to spend, but by setting your priorities early, you can succeed in sticking to your $10,000 wedding goal.
How do I pay for a wedding I can’t afford?
There are a few different ways you can pay for a wedding if you don’t have enough cash in the bank. One popular option is to take out a personal loan to pay for wedding expenses. Another is to apply for a credit card with a 0% introductory interest rate, which will allow you to pay off the balance interest-free for up to 18 months. Or you might consider waiting until you’ve saved enough to pay all your costs without borrowing.
What is the average cost of a wedding in 2025?
The average cost of a wedding as of 2025 is $36,000, according to the wedding registry site Zola, while SoFi research found the median price to be $10,000, which may be a more accurate estimate.
How much does a 100-person wedding cost?
According to the wedding site The Knot, a typical wedding will cost $284 per person in 2025. If you multiply that by 100, you’ll find that a 100-person wedding could cost $28,400.
What uncontrollable factors affect the total cost of a wedding?
There are several uncontrollable factors that can affect the total cost of your wedding. The cost of living in the area where you will marry can be a key contributor. For instance, the price tag in a major city will likely exceed that in a small town. Also, venue rentals, catering, and flowers can vary with location and season and the style of wedding you have. You may not be able to get these for a super-cheap price.
Photo credit: iStock/Arisara_Tongdonnoi
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