What are Real Couples Spending on Weddings in Burlington

2025 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. The 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 Weddings in Burlington

In 2024, the Burlington area hosted over 1,300 weddings. The average cost landed at $44,816, while the median was a more approachable $25,344. Guest lists typically sat right around 175 people. That lines up well with the national trends and proves you can still throw a beautiful event without going overboard.

How Burlington Compares to Other Cities

The Burlington wedding market presents a compelling mix of natural beauty and affordability compared to other New England destinations. For smaller weddings in Burlington the range is around $26K-$33K, which remains more budget-friendly than  nearby cities like Boston or Montreal.

Scenic Venues and Local Charm

Couples are drawn to the area’s stunning Lake Champlain waterfront venues, rustic barns, and mountain views, all at a fraction of the price of coastal destinations. Burlington’s scenery gives couples Instagram-worthy backdrops year-round.

A Destination Feel Close to Home

Beyond the landscapes, Burlington’s craft brewery scene, farm-to-table dining, and outdoor recreation make it a favorite for couples wanting an authentic Vermont wedding. Plus, its proximity to ski resorts and the Adirondacks offers a destination wedding vibe that’s still accessible for local couples.

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

Reducing your guest count is one of the most effective ways to cut wedding costs. Fewer guests mean lower catering, rental, and invitation expenses, and often allow you to book smaller, more intimate venues.

Choose an Off-Season or Weekday Date

Consider planning your Burlington wedding in the off-season (like winter or early spring) or on a weekday. Many venues and vendors offer discounted rates outside of peak summer and fall weekends, helping you stretch your budget further.

Bundle Services with One Vendor

One of the smartest ways to save is by bundling key wedding services through a single vendor. For example, Complete Weddings + Events Burlington offers photography, videography, DJ services, photo booth rentals, and day-of coordination as a package. Bundling saves time, simplifies planning, and often comes with discounted rates compared to booking each service individually.

Focus on What Matters Most

Identify the parts of your wedding that are most meaningful to you as a couple, whether it’s stunning wedding photos, a great DJ, or a gourmet meal, and allocate more of your budget there. Scale back in areas that matter less, like favors or elaborate decorations, to stay on track financially.

Plan Your Dream Day with Complete Weddings + Events Burlington

At Complete Weddings + Events Burlington, we help couples create their perfect day while staying on budget. Our team offers affordable wedding services in Burlington, all tailored to your unique style and needs.

When you book multiple services with us, you’ll save time, simplify communication, and enjoy exclusive bundled pricing. Whether you’re planning a small lakeside ceremony or a grand ballroom celebration, our professionals make it easy to bring your wedding vision to life.

Contact us now to explore our customizable packages and discover how Complete Weddings + Events Burlington can help you plan your dream wedding with confidence.