If you’re recently engaged, congratulations! Planning a wedding is a beautiful time in your life, but one that is sure to come with some stressors and tough choices. However, by exploring all your options and alternatives, you can ensure that you and your loved ones still have a beautiful day without breaking the bank.
In this blog, we'll review the average cost of a wedding in 2026, how to budget for a wedding, and all the most common expenses that come with this occasion. We'll also look at ways you can scale back your budget and find more cost-effective options to save on your big day.
According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in 2026 is around $34,200. As every wedding is unique, there are certainly some that would exceed this average, and others that come in below it. Some of the most common factors to consider when developing your wedding budget and expenses include:
Photographers, videographers, and other vendors
While there are a lot of expenses to consider with a wedding, there are cost-effective options you can explore to maintain a manageable budget.
When you begin looking for ways to scale back your cost, start by looking at your guest list. In most instances, you should expect to spend between $150 and $300 on each guest, per Honeyfund. The overall guest cost could also shift, depending on how many wedding guests you invite with a plus one. Here are some questions to ask when planning for your guests:
How likely is this person to play a role in my/our life moving forward?
When it comes to plus ones, don’t feel the need to offer every single guest a plus one. Instead, only offer plus one invitations to guests who are in serious relationships. Your friends and family should respect your wishes and understand. After all, it is your special day!
Not every wedding needs to be in a huge, extravagant ballroom. The true beauty of a wedding is how unique and special each is. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can manage your venue cost while still having the big day you’ve always dreamed of.
To start, if you aren’t sold on a particular time of year to have your wedding, consider an “off season” time, like January or February. Venues may be more flexible as these times of year tend to be less crowded than the spring, summer, and fall months. You can also save money and limit other expenses (like transportation) by having your wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue.
A venue can also help you limit what you spend on décor. If your location has beautiful, natural architecture and intricate spaces, you may feel less inclined to spend extra to give the space a boost. Beauty can also come in different forms, like a family member’s or your own backyard! Backyard weddings have become more popular over the years, offering you a more affordable option without sacrificing beauty.
You’ve probably received tons of solicited (and unsolicited) advice when it comes to your wedding. One tip you’ve maybe heard is to consider doing your own décor. And while this may sound intimidating at first, it’s probably more manageable than you think! From flowers to place settings and a seating chart, your options are wide open when it comes to decoration.
Here are some relatively inexpensive options you can look into when it comes to decorating for your big day:
Photos of you and your partner throughout the space or on tables
Thrift stores and online tools like Facebook Marketplace can be your friend when it comes to DIY décor. These outlets can often have items like vases, picture frames, mirrors, and more. There are also online tools with free tiers, such as Canva, that can allow you to create simple designs using templates and pre-set features. With these kinds of avenues, you’re not only limiting your spending, but also stress!
Pre-owned and discounted items can be your friend when it comes to the attire cost for your celebration. Before heading to a bridal shop to try on different dresses, call and ask if the store sells any floor samples or offers any other discounts. These options can often be just as beautiful and may help you save, especially when a dress can come with additional fees, like alterations.
It’s incredibly common for suits or tuxedos to be rented for a wedding. There are a lot of different stores you can choose from, so be sure to weigh your options and compare the different quotes. Many outlets will also offer a group discount, so be sure to factor this in when making your decision.
The expenses don’t stop with the wedding itself—you also probably have your honeymoon to consider! Just like your wedding day, it can often be advantageous to travel for your honeymoon during an off-peak season. Do some research to identify when this time is for your desired destination.
Don’t forget about any rewards and benefits that your credit cards may offer. You may have earned points over the years for your transactions that can be used for travel, brand-name merchandise, and other items. If you’re an American Heritage member and have used our debit card products or Platinum Preferred Mastercard, you may have ScoreCard® Rewards points saved up!
Also, don’t be afraid to include your honeymoon fund in your registry! Guests may be more excited to contribute to your post-wedding getaway as opposed to buying a kitchen gadget or other requested item. It’s a simple way for them to provide a gift and help you go on the honeymoon of your dreams!
Even with these cost-saving measures, a wedding still amounts to be a big expense. You may even be asking yourself how you can afford everything while still having the day you’ve always imagined. If you find yourself asking this question, it may be a good idea to turn to a Personal Loan.
Here at American Heritage Credit Union, we’re proud to offer our members access to Personal Loans which can be used for a variety of expenses, including weddings. With a Personal Loan, you can expect a fixed rate with terms ranging from 24 to 120 months. Once approved, you’ll receive the money you need up front and maintain peace of mind as you pay it off at a fixed rate over the course of its term.