💍 How Much Does a Wedding Cost? (Spoiler: It Depends 😉)

Planning your wedding and wondering how much this whole dreamy affair is going to set you back? You're not alone. One of the first (and most overwhelming) questions couples ask is: “How much is this going to cost us?” And like any great wedding planner will tell you…

It depends.

Yes, really. It always depends — on your location, your guest count, your priorities, your Pinterest board (don’t lie, we know you’ve got one), and your love of all things custom, curated, and candlelit. ✨

But don’t worry. We’re breaking down the real numbers, so you can understand what’s typical and what’s possible, especially if you’re dreaming of a wedding with style, intention, and a bit of luxury sparkle.

🏷️ The Average Cost of a Wedding in the U.S.

According to The Knot’s 2024 data, the average wedding in the U.S. costs about $35,000.
But let’s be honest — averages can be misleading. You could have a courthouse elopement for under $1,000 or a full-blown luxury weekend for $300,000+. Most of our Emerald Grace couples spend anywhere from $60,000 to $200,000+, depending on their vision and guest count.

💡 So… What Affects the Cost?

Let’s break it down like a bouquet toss playlist:

1. Location, location, location

A wedding in Wyoming won’t cost the same as one at a resort in Scottsdale or a villa in Italy. (We do all three 😉) Venue fees alone can range from $5,000 to $25,000+, depending on exclusivity and amenities.

2. Guest count

More people = more food, drinks, rentals, chairs, linens, stationery… You get it. A wedding of 50 guests vs 250 guests? Very different budgets.

3. Vendor team

If you're bringing in the best of the best—like a sought-after floral designer, full-service planning team (hi!), custom signage artists, and live musicians—you’re looking at a luxury-tier budget.

4. Style + Priorities

Do you want a chic garden affair with hand-tied florals and signature cocktails, or an editorial-style city wedding with a seven-tier cake and a champagne tower? Your priorities guide your budget.

Inquire Here

💸 A Quick Cost Breakdown (Luxury Wedding Range)

Categories and what to expect:

Venue + Catering

$30,000–$100,000+

Photography/Videography

$8,000–$20,000

Florals + Decor

$10,000–$50,000+

Planning & Design

15–20% of your total budget

Entertainment

$5,000–$25,000

Hair, Makeup, Fashion

$5,000–$15,000

Paper Goods

$1,500–$5,000

Rentals & Lighting

$5,000–$30,000+

You can keep things elegant and impactful at the lower end or go all-out luxury at the higher end.

✨ The Emerald Grace Take

At Emerald Grace, we believe your wedding should reflect your story, your style, and your values — not just a one-size-fits-all spreadsheet. We work with couples who want a refined, elevated, and intentional experience, not just a party with pretty details. We help you set a budget that matches your vision — then design and manage it every step of the way.

📝 TL;DR (Because Wedding Planning Is a Lot)

The average U.S. wedding costs ~$35k, but luxury weddings typically range $100k–$200k+
Your budget depends on location, guest count, style, and priorities
A full-service wedding planner helps you spend smartly and stylishly
Your wedding should be an experience — not just an event

💌 Need Help Navigating the Budget World?

If you’re feeling the budget overwhelm already — we get it. Let’s chat about what’s possible for your wedding. We’ll help you understand your options, avoid hidden costs, and build a celebration you’ll never forget (without surprise fees and mystery math).

After all… as always, it depends.