[daverichey]

Hello. What is a respectable amount to spend on a wedding? My girl & I make about 55k combined a year. I don't want to be paying for our wedding for the next 3 years because, like most Americans, we already have debt. I want to have a nice wedding and reception, something that will stick in our minds (as well as our guests) for the rest of our lives. So it's important to us that the final bill doesn't break the bank as we would like to have a nice honeymoon as well. Thanks for your time! Dave

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 10 March 2026 - 12:41 PM

[Etiquette Now]

Deaf Daverichey,

There is no expected or "respectable" amount one spends on a wedding. The amount depends on what you can afford and what you spend. And, it is like everything else in our lives. What we want isn't always what we get or can afford. You could marry in the court house and pay a few dollars or rent a hall, hire wedding professionals and spend thousands. There are always choices.

If you invite guests, you are then host. So, the biggest way to save on your wedding is not to invite many guests. If you do, you have to provide for them.

Time of day and venue is very important. We have many posts about how to trim your budget with these two elements. Scheduling your wedding during a time when guests won't expect a meal is key.

Best wishes,

[Nancy Tucker]

Rebecca is absolutely right. The average wedding in the US is $28,000. According to your location, it could be higher or lower. Set an amount that you are comfortable with spending and go from there. It is far too dangerous to select items that you cannot afford and will end up resenting when you are still paying for them long after the wedding. Follow the guidelines and recommendations you'll find within this forum but keep in mind, if you compromise, anything can be accomplished. Cheers.

[Ohio Wedding Planner]

The previous advice is right on so I'll only add a little side note. The guests that you do invite deserve to be hosted so don't go overboard on your guest count. If you want to be budget friendly, do the most you can with the right number, don't have the most people you can and then skimp on all the things that go into the wedding.

Happy Planning!

[Wedding Queen and MOG]

Here's a great way to save money on your wedding - wedding coupons! There's also some great information and suggestions for ways to save there too.