Getting married requires more than just saying "I do" to your partner. After the initial phase of your engagement, you need to get right into planning the details of your wedding. From choosing your venue, to picking the food and even preparing the outfits, there is so much responsibility that comes into preparing for your dream ceremony.
To know how much money you'll need to set aside for your fantasy day and the associated costs, read on.
What Is a Wedding?
A wedding is a type of marriage ceremony that celebrates the union of two people who love and cherish one another. Some call this the joining of two families, though all ceremonies are performed differently. This day is dedicated to witnessing your love for one another in front of your friends and family. Often, this celebration takes careful consideration of the personality and religious beliefs of the couple, making each union unique.
Average Cost of a Wedding Worldwide
The national average cost of a wedding in the United States is $33,931. In the neighboring country of Canada, this cost comes up to $30,717 CAD. In Australia, an average wedding costs roughly $90,196 AUD, while the number rounds up to $35,000 for New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, the average wedding costs around £27,161. For India, a medium-scale wedding will incur expenses of 20-30 lac INR.
Wedding Cost Breakdown
The biggest cost of a wedding typically involves the venue, which can go up to $15,439. These wedding expenses also include the wedding dress, the groom’s attire, the ceremony site, the engagement ring, and the catering and cake for the event.
Apart from these components, the photographer, videographer, and media specialists handling the documentation also take a big chunk out of your budget. In total, the payment for these can add up to $4,700. The reception band also generally costs around $4,000, while DJ services will cost around $1,000.
Favors, hair and makeup, and event planner services are also factored into this breakdown of expenses.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Weddings
One of the main factors affecting the cost of weddings is the number of guests invited, as this directly impacts the venue and catering services being hired. The higher the number of people in attendance only multiplies the amount of food and accommodations you'll have to buy. The location of your ceremony and reception are also factors that affect wedding expenses, as well as transportation for the day.
The season, holiday, and preferred day of the week may also impact the overall price of the wedding, as demand for certain locations and seasons are priced higher.
Additional Costs Associated with a Wedding
It is easy to go overboard when it comes to planning a wedding. Some of the additional costs associated with a wedding include hidden fees, such as cake cutting, delivery fees, and overtime charges. Taxes and gratuities must also be taken into consideration, so a 10% buffer amount is often advised for couples intending to hire vendors and suppliers in the industry.
Conclusion
Hosting a wedding in front of your closest friends and family will surely be a day to remember. For an average cost of around $30,000, you can make your special day one for the books. By considering your guest list and other essential aspects, though, you can secure a celebration that fits your budget.
