WASHINGTON — Newlyweds now spend an average of about $29,000 on their weddings, according to a survey conducted by Chevy Chase, Maryland-based WeddingWire Inc., and that’s just the ceremony and reception.
Couples spend an average of $250 per guest to attend their wedding, with the average number of wedding guests 120.
“Couples tell us that determining a budget is their top challenge and they are increasingly looking to mobile tools to help with overall planning,” says Andy Whittaker, WeddingWire’s director of market insights.
“With an average of 13 months from engagement to wedding day, brides and grooms should start planning as early as possible to ensure they secure their desired dates and preferred vendors.”
This year’s survey of 6,000 couples included same-sex weddings and couples on their second (or more) weddings.
Other findings from WeddingWire’s survey:
- Average spent on engagement ring: $4,758;
- Average spent on honeymoon: $3,882;
- Average spent on venue: $8,798;
- Average spent on catering: $6,877;
- Average spent on a band: $3,848;
- Average spent on photography: $2,435;
- Average spent on rehearsal dinner: $1,935;
- Most popular months for weddings: June, May, September.
Washington also ranks as one of the most expensive cities for weddings, but New York City is by far the most expensive, with couples spending an average of $47,000 on a Big Apple wedding.
