What are Real Couples Spending on Weddings?
Wondering what real couples are spending on weddings these days? You’re not alone. It might be one of the big first questions after the proposal. Before you set a budget, it’s smart to know what kinds of costs go into a wedding.
Let’s break it down using fresh data from trusted sources like The Wedding Report, The Knot, Zola, and more.
2024 Wedding Costs
Every year, The Knot releases a real wedding vendor report to dive deep into the weddings and experience of real couples. It’s one of the best resources for getting a true sense of what people spend. According to The Knot’s 2025 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding is around $33,000. That might sound like a shock at first glance but keep reading and you’ll see why these numbers vary so much.
Why Budgets Vary So Much
Average numbers include expensive, luxury weddings. That inflates averages above what many couples actually spend. That median vs average gap shows how big budgets from a few couples skew the national average. SoFi suggests that the median wedding cost is about $10,000, showing many couples spend far less than average.
Top Wedding Vendors Hired
It’s no surprise that some vendors make nearly every couple’s must-hire list. These are the people who bring your day to life and make it all run smoothly. According to The Knot’s Wedding Report, here’s what couples typically spend on the most popular vendors:
- Wedding Dress: $2,100
- Venue: $12,200
- Photographer: $2,900
- Caterer: about $80 per guest
- Groom’s Attire: $320
- Cake: $540
- Hair & Makeup: $290
- DJ: $1,700
- Event Rentals: $2,000
- Florist: $2,700
What Couples are Spending on Ohio Weddings
In 2024, Ohio hosted over 60,000 weddings. The average cost landed at $29,058, while the median was a more approachable $11,066. Guest lists typically sat right around 119-129 people. That lines up well with the national trends and proves you can still throw a beautiful event without going overboard.
Best Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding
If these numbers have your head spinning, take a deep breath. You have plenty of options to keep costs down.
- Trim the Guest List
Fewer guests reduce catering, rentals, and venue costs. This allows you to reallocate your budget toward essentials like photography and videography. A more intimate guest list also makes your celebration feel personal, giving your wedding photographer more opportunities to capture meaningful couple portraits. Smaller weddings often allow for more candid, relaxed moments that translate beautifully into your wedding albums.
- Choose Off-Peak Dates
Opting for a weekday or less popular season can cut venue and vendor costs significantly, giving you more flexibility for photo sessions or engagement photos. Photographers and DJs often have more availability during these times, which means you may get better package deals. Plus, many local wedding vendors in Akron offer special rates for off-peak weddings, giving you additional budget room for must-haves like décor or catering.
- Prioritize Photography & Videography
Your wedding memories live on through images and video. Book professional photographers in Akron who know local venues and can provide candid shots and bridal portraits within affordable wedding packages. Investing here ensures your story is preserved for years to come, from the ceremony to the reception. Many couples regret cutting corners on photography, so this is one area worth prioritizing to guarantee stunning keepsakes of your day.
- Simplify Décor & Rentals
Use natural beauty from wedding venues like gardens or historic spaces. This reduces the need for expensive décor and still provides stunning backdrops for ceremony photography. By focusing on timeless settings, you allow your photographer to highlight the scenery and emotions rather than competing with too many props. Renting multipurpose décor pieces or borrowing items from friends can also keep costs down while still creating a polished look.
- Streamline the Wedding Day Timeline
Careful planning of your wedding day timeline avoids overtime charges from vendors and keeps the event running smoothly without additional costs. A clear schedule also ensures your photography team has enough time to capture the important details without feeling rushed. Building in buffer time between events helps prevent delays and keeps everyone relaxed, resulting in better photos and a more enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
By trimming your guest list, picking less busy months, and spending strategically on what matters most, you can plan a gorgeous day without blowing your budget. Check out our tips & tricks blog for a full list of the best ways to save money on your wedding.
Complete Weddings + Events Akron – Wedding Professionals
At the end of the day, we’re here to help make sure your wedding is everything you hope for and still stays within budget. Our team brings experience, creativity, and a personalized touch to every celebration. When you book Complete Weddings + Events Akron for photo, video, DJ, photo booth, and coordination, we save you time and money and give you peace of mind so your big day can be stress-free!
From bridal portraits to full-day coverage, our wedding packages are designed to fit different styles and budgets, so you’ll never have to compromise on quality. We know Akron, its venues, and the best spots for unforgettable photo sessions, which means your memories will be captured in the most meaningful way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our photography team and start planning the coverage that’s perfect for your wedding day. Let us show you how local expertise and professional service can make your wedding truly stress-free.
