2025 Wedding Budget Trends

It’s no secret that weddings can be expensive in 2025. A wedding is the biggest moment of the bride and groom’s life so far, and even the parents are often excited to see the elaborate wedding event. According to Fidelity Investments, “the average wedding costs $33,000 in 2025,” (source). If you’ve ever planned or participated in a wedding, this figure is not a surprise. Where does all the money go? Let’s look at where couples can expect to spend the most money on their wedding.

• Venue

• Catering & Alcohol

• Photography & video

• Entertainment

• Flowers & decorations

• Wedding attire

• Wedding/event planning

• Cake

• Officiant

• Gratuities

• Gifts for the wedding party

• Transportation

Venue - 25%

Brides and grooms need a place to host the wedding and reception, and this is why the largest expense is the venue taking up about 25% or more of the budget. Keep in mind that if a couple marries at a separate venue, there will be two expenses adding up to the total amount. If marrying in a church, there is usually a fee for the use of the sanctuary, and the fee can be higher for non-members versus members. Marrying in the couple’s church is a way to save money. Learn more about average church wedding costs here.

Tip: Search for venues with package pricing.

Catering & alcohol - 25%

Food and beverage are the second highest expense when planning a wedding. Coming in second, couples can expect to spend another 25% of the budget in this category. Finding the right caterer is essential in this category as there are ways to host a lovely dinner that everyone enjoys while also spending carefully. Other ways to save include offering a selection of beer and wine that allows for the budget to be managed more closely as opposed to a more liberal and expensive open bar. 

Tip: Select the beverages that will be offered and the budgeted amount to spend. Buy enough of those items to be served at your wedding. 

Photography & video - 10%

Our professional recommendation is to find the best photographer and book them early. The wedding and reception will be beautiful and fun no matter the budget, and the couple will want to remember the events of the day from start to finish. Don’t skimp on the photographer. Find the one that fits your budget, and also produces the best images that match your tastes. Great photographers are often booked years in advance.

Tip: Book early!

Entertainment - 8%

Musicians or other entertainers will take up a smaller portion of your budget. Prioritizing the bride and groom's wishes is necessary. If the couple wants a great dance party, a DJ is the best option. If the event is a little less disco and a little more ballroom, a small 3-piece band might be the answer. 

Tip: A DJ will keep the party going and stretch your entertainment budget further.

Flowers & decorations - 8%

Flowers are an important part of the wedding. Even if you’re going for something simple like bouquets, boutonnieres, and a few table centerpieces, flowers are essential. Ask the venue about lighting to transform the space without a lot of need for decorations. Additionally, some venues will keep items for use like centerpieces, candles, and other decorations so that couples can spend less and use what’s available and included in the venue package. Be sure to ask about these options when interviewing the venue. 

Tip: Request less expensive flowers for your arrangements. Here’s a great list of options that won’t break the budget. Baby’s breath is beautiful and it smells great!

With just around 24% left to spend in the budget, couples still need to consider their attire, any event planners, the cake, the officiant, gratuities, and gifts for the wedding party. Some of these items are necessary and others are optional. When working within a budget, the couple may have to compromise on the most important things to each other for the wedding and reception. It’s possible to have a trusted friend act as the wedding planner and ensure that all the details are carried out throughout the day rather than hiring an event planner. Or it might be a priority to have an expert wedding planner who handles every detail. Gifts for the wedding party can be extravagant or heartfelt. 

Some venues, like Royal Affairs Ballroom, offer package pricing which simplifies the budget and planning process for couples with ease. Our deluxe package for 125 guests includes on-site facility management, set up and breakdown of items from the venue, a large dance floor, DJ with sound system and microphone, 60-inch tables, Chiavari chairs with cushions, passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, carving station, wedding cake, groom’s cake, cake cutting service, all china including silverware and stemware, waitstaff, standard centerpieces, table linens, bridal suite, and groom’s suite. With so much already included in the package pricing, it is easy to accommodate a budget and still have the wedding of your dreams. 

You can learn more about our package pricing here.

Our packages are robust and affordable. Our staff prioritizes the elimination of stress and worry from our brides and grooms so they can thoroughly enjoy their wedding and reception. Call us today at 972-221-6565 to set up a private consultation and to experience the Royal Affairs difference.