The average wedding in 2024 costs $33,000 USD in the United States, £23,420 in the United Kingdom, $38,252 AUD in Australia, and C$29,450 in Canada.1234 These figures represent full-service celebrations with reception venues, catering, photography, and traditional wedding services, though costs vary significantly by location, guest count, and couple preferences.
Wedding costs have fluctuated in recent years, with US prices declining slightly from 2023's $35,000 average while UK costs increased 13% to reach record highs.12 Australian couples consistently spend 23% more than their initial budgets, and Canadian weddings average 154 guests at approximately C$191 per person.34 Understanding these benchmarks helps couples set realistic expectations and plan accordingly.
Average Wedding Costs by Country
Wedding expenses vary substantially across English-speaking markets, reflecting regional vendor pricing, cultural traditions, and economic factors. The table below compares 2024 averages with typical guest counts and per-person costs.
| Country | Average Total Cost | Average Guest Count | Cost Per Guest | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $33,000 USD | 115 | $284 | 20241 |
| United Kingdom | £23,420 GBP | 80 | £293 | 20242 |
| Australia | $38,252 AUD | 130 | $294 | 20253 |
| Canada | C$29,450 CAD | 154 | C$191 | 20244 |
US couples saw costs decrease $2,000 from 2023, bucking the upward trend seen in other markets.1 UK weddings experienced a 13% year-over-year increase, with projections indicating £25,625 for 2025 celebrations.2 Australian weddings consistently exceed initial budgets by an average of $8,781, with venue costs alone averaging $17,518.3
The cost-per-guest metric reveals significant differences in regional pricing structures. US and Australian weddings cluster around $284-$294 per person, while Canadian celebrations average C$191 per guest despite higher overall costs due to larger guest lists.4 UK weddings fall in the middle at £293 per attendee, though this represents the highest year-over-year growth rate among surveyed markets.2
Where Your Money Goes
Wedding budgets divide across vendor categories with remarkably consistent patterns across markets. Venue and catering together consume 50-60% of total budgets, followed by photography, entertainment, and attire.13
Major expense categories and typical percentages:
- Venue rental: 35-40% of total budget ($12,200 US average, $17,518 AUD average)13
- Catering and bar: 20-25% ($80 per plate US average, £6,400 UK average)12
- Photography and videography: 10-12% ($3,567 AUD average)3
- Music and entertainment: 8-10%
- Flowers and decorations: 8-10%
- Wedding attire: 5-8%
- Stationery and invitations: 2-3%
- Transportation: 2-3%
- Wedding cake: 1-2%
Venue costs represent the single largest line item, with US couples spending an average $12,200 on reception spaces alone.1 Australian venue costs reach $17,518, accounting for 46% of total wedding budgets.3 UK catering averages £6,400, with additional venue hire fees varying by region and season.2
Photography remains a priority investment, with Australian couples allocating $3,567 on average and rarely compromising on this category despite budget pressures.3 Entertainment costs fluctuate based on live band versus DJ choices, with premium bands commanding $3,000-$5,000 while professional DJs typically charge $1,200-$2,500.1
Cost by Guest Count
Guest count directly impacts wedding costs, with per-person catering, beverage, and favor expenses scaling linearly while fixed costs remain constant. Smaller weddings under 50 guests average $15,000 in the US, while celebrations exceeding 100 guests reach $42,000.1
| Guest Count | United States | United Kingdom | Australia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | $15,000 | £12,000 | $19,000 | C$15,000 |
| 100 guests | $28,000 | £21,000 | $35,000 | C$27,000 |
| 150 guests | $42,000 | £31,500 | $52,500 | C$40,500 |
| 200 guests | $56,000 | £42,000 | $70,000 | C$54,000 |
Micro-weddings under 50 attendees achieve substantial savings by reducing catering costs and qualifying for smaller, less expensive venues.1 These intimate celebrations allocate a higher percentage to per-guest experiences, often upgrading food quality and entertainment while maintaining lower total costs.
Mid-sized weddings of 100-150 guests represent the sweet spot for many couples, balancing intimate atmosphere with sufficient guests to create lively celebrations.2 UK couples hosting 80-guest weddings spend £23,420 on average, translating to £293 per person including all vendor services.2
Large weddings exceeding 200 guests require premium venues, extensive catering operations, and proportionally higher staffing costs.3 Canadian couples hosting 154 guests spend C$29,450 on average, though larger Alberta weddings can reach C$33,000 with expanded guest lists.4
Regional Price Variations
Wedding costs fluctuate dramatically within countries based on metropolitan versus rural locations, regional cost of living, and local vendor competition. State-level and provincial differences can double or halve average expenses.
United States
Geographic location creates the largest single variable in US wedding costs, with coastal and metropolitan markets commanding premium prices. New Jersey tops national averages at $57,000, nearly triple Utah's $18,000 average.1
Most expensive states:
- New Jersey: $57,000
- Rhode Island: $51,000
- Illinois: $39,000
- New York: $38,000
- Massachusetts: $37,000
Most affordable states:
- Utah: $18,000
- Iowa: $19,000
- Alaska: $19,500
- Montana: $20,000
- New Mexico: $20,500
Metropolitan areas within states show additional variation, with Manhattan weddings averaging $75,000-$100,000 compared to $30,000-$40,000 in upstate New York communities.1 Venue scarcity, vendor demand, and higher operational costs drive premium pricing in major cities.
United Kingdom
UK wedding costs vary by season and region, with June commanding highest prices at £23,989 average while January weddings drop to £15,712.2 London and Southeast England weddings exceed national averages by 30-40%, while Northern England, Wales, and Scotland offer 20-30% savings.
Seasonal pricing creates opportunities for significant savings, with winter weddings (December-February) costing £7,000-£8,000 less than peak summer months.2 Saturday premiums add £2,000-£4,000 compared to Friday or Sunday celebrations, pushing many couples toward off-peak dates.
Scottish weddings average £19,000-£21,000, offering dramatic castle venues and highland settings at lower costs than comparable English estates.2 Welsh venues similarly provide 15-20% savings while maintaining high-quality service and picturesque locations.
Australia
Australian wedding costs concentrate in major metropolitan areas, with Sydney and Melbourne weddings averaging $42,000-$45,000 compared to regional Queensland and South Australia celebrations at $32,000-$35,000.3 Venue costs alone reach $20,000+ in Sydney harbourside locations versus $12,000-$15,000 in regional wine country settings.
The $38,252 national average masks substantial regional variation, with couples in major cities facing limited venue availability and premium vendor pricing.3 Photography costs range from $2,500 in regional areas to $5,000+ for Sydney-based photographers with competitive portfolios.
Destination weddings in tropical Queensland or Margaret River wine regions attract couples seeking unique settings at 10-15% below capital city prices.3 These locations combine venue and honeymoon elements while offering better value than metropolitan alternatives.
Canada
Canadian wedding costs vary by province and city, with Vancouver reaching $35,000-$45,000 while Alberta averages $28,000-$33,000 for comparable celebrations.4 Toronto weddings cluster around $32,000-$38,000, with GTA suburbs offering 15-20% savings over downtown venues.
Western provinces show higher costs due to limited venue competition and higher operational expenses, while Ontario and Quebec benefit from established wedding industries and vendor density.4 Montreal couples find excellent value with $25,000-$30,000 averages for bilingual celebrations with premium catering.
Rural and small-town weddings across all provinces achieve 30-40% savings compared to metropolitan areas, with farm venues, community halls, and estate properties offering characterful settings at reduced costs.4
Factors That Increase Wedding Costs
Specific choices and upgrade decisions push wedding budgets above national averages, with premium vendors, peak timing, and luxury details creating compounding effects. Understanding these factors helps couples prioritize spending strategically.
Premium venue selection adds 40-60% to base costs, with historic estates, luxury hotels, and exclusive private properties commanding $15,000-$25,000 rental fees versus $5,000-$8,000 for standard banquet halls.13 Waterfront locations, mountain resorts, and urban lofts similarly carry location premiums.
Peak season timing increases costs 25-35%, with May through October bookings requiring early deposits and premium pricing across all vendor categories.2 Saturday weddings cost 20-30% more than Friday or Sunday alternatives due to demand concentration.
Open bar upgrades add $3,000-$8,000 to catering costs, with premium liquor selections, craft cocktail programs, and extended service hours driving incremental expenses.1 Beer and wine only options reduce bar costs by 40-50% compared to full open bars.
Live band entertainment costs $3,000-$5,000 versus $1,200-$2,500 for professional DJs, though bands create distinctive energy and personalized performances.1 String quartets, ceremony musicians, and additional entertainment add $500-$1,500 per element.
Floral design upgrades increase decoration budgets 50-100%, with luxury centerpieces, ceremony installations, and bridal party flowers reaching $8,000-$12,000 for high-end florists versus $3,000-$4,000 for standard arrangements.3
Videography addition costs $2,500-$5,000 beyond photography packages, though couples increasingly prioritize video documentation for social sharing and family archives.3
Designer wedding attire elevates clothing budgets from $1,500-$2,000 to $5,000-$8,000+ for custom gowns and tailored suits from premium brands.1
How to Reduce Your Wedding Budget
Strategic decisions and timing choices enable significant savings without compromising celebration quality. Couples who prioritize expenditures and embrace creative alternatives save $10,000-$15,000 on average.23
Choose off-peak timing to reduce costs 25-35%, with January through March and November weekday weddings offering best vendor rates and availability.2 Friday evening or Sunday afternoon celebrations save $2,000-$4,000 compared to Saturday premiums.
Reduce guest count to achieve linear savings on catering and proportional reductions in venue requirements. Cutting 50 guests saves $12,000-$15,000 at US average per-person costs, while enabling access to smaller, less expensive venues.1
Select non-traditional venues like restaurants, breweries, parks, or private properties to save 40-60% on rental fees while creating distinctive atmospheres.3 Restaurant buyouts typically include catering and reduce coordination complexity.
Prioritize photography over videography to allocate full budget toward high-quality still images while eliminating $2,500-$5,000 video costs.3 Many couples later regret missing video but rarely regret investing in photography.
DIY decorations and favors save $1,500-$3,000 through personally crafted centerpieces, welcome signs, and guest gifts that add sentimental value.2 Focus DIY efforts on high-impact, low-complexity elements rather than time-intensive projects.
Choose beer and wine only bars to reduce beverage costs 40-50% while maintaining open bar hospitality.1 Signature cocktails for cocktail hour only provide premium touch at minimal incremental cost.
Book early or last-minute to capture discounts, with 18-month advance bookings securing lower rates while 3-6 month timeline bookings access vendor gaps and discount pricing.2 Avoid 12-month booking window when demand peaks.
Leverage family contributions strategically by accepting the 63% of UK couples and 69% of Australian couples who receive family financial help, directing those funds toward highest-priority elements.23
Combine wedding and honeymoon locations through destination weddings that double as honeymoon trips, eliminating separate travel costs and often reducing total expenses through all-inclusive resort packages.4
Sources and References
Footnotes
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The Knot, 2024 Real Weddings Study, 2024. https://www.theknot.com/content/average-wedding-cost ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19
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Hitched / Starling Bank, National Wedding Survey 2024 - Average UK Wedding Costs, 2024. https://www.starlingbank.com/blog/average-wedding-cost-in-the-uk/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18
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Easy Weddings, Australian Wedding Cost Guide 2025, 2025. https://www.easyweddings.com.au/articles/wedding-cost/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20
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WeddingWire Canada, How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in Canada?, 2024. https://www.weddingwire.ca/wedding-ideas/how-much-does-the-average-wedding-cost-in-canada--c1677 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9