According to a recent report by Value Penguin, the average wedding costs $29,858; depending on where you live the cost of your wedding can vary significantly. Twenty five percent of marriages are destination weddings and the average budget for a destination wedding is $28,000.
In the northeast region of the country, in New York for example, wedding costs range from $45,000 to $88,000. The most reasonable wedding location is Mississippi at $12,769. The largest at home wedding expense, your reception venue. There are ways to help reduce wedding costs by being flexible, willing to compromise and selecting more affordable options.
Destination weddings have gained in popularity because they are more intimate with less guests and many couples view it as a way to see new places. A destination wedding does not have be on a beach or island, it could also be in another state where you don’t live as a way to help reduce the cost. If you are considering a destination wedding, the earlier that you start the planning process you will have more options and better prices available.
Budget for extras – the free wedding packages you see do not include everything that you will want to make your day extra special. Tiered wedding package inclusions are for a certain number of guests only and each additional guest will cost you more. Package enhancements such as larger wedding bouquets, upgraded photo services and special wedding decor will add to your cost.