What are Real Couples Spending on Weddings?
Planning a wedding comes with one of the biggest questions couples ask right away: “How much will it cost?” The answer isn’t as simple as a single number, but understanding national and local averages can give you a clearer picture. Reports form The Knot, The Wedding Report, and other trusted sources show that while the average wedding runs over $30,000, many couples spend far less. The key lies in knowing which vendors typically cost the most and how budgets shift by location. Let’s dive into the latest 2024-2025 data to help you plan smarter!
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.
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 Lincoln Weddings
In 2024, Lincoln hosted over 1,000 weddings. The average cost landed at $35,621, while the median was a more approachable $14,402. Guest lists typically sat right around 155 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.
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 and tricks blog for a full list of the best ways to save money on your wedding.
Complete Weddings + Events – Lincoln 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. When you book Complete Weddings + Events Lincoln 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!
Contact us now to get started.
