Wedding Budget Breakdown: What Couples Really Spend (and Where to Save Smartly)

Weddings are deeply personal celebrations. But when it comes to budgeting, most couples find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. Whether you're envisioning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, understanding what you really need to invest in—and where you can scale back—helps you create a celebration that's both breathtaking and budget-conscious. This guide unpacks typical wedding expenses with smart, modern couples in mind, helping you make confident, thoughtful decisions at every step.

1. Venue and Catering: The Heart of the Budget

For most weddings, the venue and catering are the largest single investment. A well-chosen venue doesn’t just offer a stunning backdrop—it simplifies your planning by offering built-in value like experienced staff, seamless logistics, and curated menus. Exceptional venues, like Maritime Parc, elevate your entire event with sweeping views, refined design, and restaurant-caliber cuisine that guests remember long after the last toast.

Catering costs often depend on guest count, service style, and menu customization. At upscale venues, packages typically include passed hors d'oeuvres, seated dinners, and premium bar service. It’s worth investing here, as this is where guests engage, taste, and celebrate. To trim costs without losing elegance, consider weekday dates or a brunch reception.

2. Photography and Videography: Capturing the Legacy

Photography and videography are among the few elements that endure beyond the day itself. These professionals don’t just document events—they capture emotion, movement, and fleeting moments that couples revisit for years to come. Prices typically range from $3,000 to $7,000 for photography and $2,000 to $5,000 for videography, depending on experience and package details.

To get the most from your investment, seek professionals whose artistic style aligns with your vision. Choose a package that fits your timeline and includes rights to high-resolution images. While skipping video might seem like a cost-saving move, many couples later regret not having the added layer of motion and sound to relive their vows and toasts.

3. Floral Design and Décor: Atmosphere with Impact

Floral and event design infuses personality into your space, transforming any room into a reflection of your story. Full-service floral design can range from $3,000 to $8,000 depending on scale, season, and specific blooms. Statement pieces like arches, hanging installations, and custom centerpieces can elevate the entire experience.

To save smartly, focus on high-impact areas—think ceremony aisle, reception tables, or entrance displays. Repurposing florals from ceremony to reception is a clever and sustainable way to extend their life. Leaning into seasonal blooms and greenery can also keep costs in check without compromising visual richness.

4. Entertainment: The Energy of the Celebration

The entertainment you choose defines the rhythm and energy of your celebration. Live bands create a dynamic and immersive experience but come with a higher price tag, typically ranging from $6,000 to $12,000. DJs are a more budget-conscious option, usually between $1,500 and $3,000, and offer a wide range of music with a polished flow.

To strike a balance, some couples use live musicians during the ceremony or cocktail hour, then transition to a DJ for dancing. Lighting enhancements, custom playlists, and MC services can further personalize the experience. Whatever you choose, the goal is to create an atmosphere where your guests feel connected and celebratory.

5. Attire and Beauty: Your Style, Your Confidence

Your wedding attire is an outward expression of who you are on one of life’s most photographed days. Wedding dresses often cost between $1,500 and $10,000, with custom alterations and accessories adding to the final tally. Grooms’ attire ranges from rental packages at $150 to designer suits at $800 or more.

Hair and makeup services typically range from $500 to $1,500, especially if you’re covering services for bridesmaids or parents. Trials are a wise investment to make sure your chosen look holds up through photos, wind, and happy tears. Save by choosing simpler hairstyles or working with a beauty team that offers group discounts.

6. Stationery and Signage: From Save-the-Dates to Day-of Details

Printed wedding materials set the tone for your event and guide your guests through the day. Traditional paper suites, including save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and menus, often run between $500 and $2,000. Custom calligraphy, foiling, or handmade paper will increase your total.

For couples seeking both elegance and economy, consider using digital save-the-dates or invitations while investing in high-quality printed day-of materials. Acrylic signs, welcome boards, and seating charts offer guests helpful guidance and a touch of style, particularly when they reflect your wedding theme or palette.

7. Planning and Coordination: Expertise That Pays Off

Wedding planning takes time, strategy, and a steady hand. Hiring a professional planner—either full-service or day-of—can help manage logistics, vendor relationships, and timelines. Full planners typically charge between $4,000 and $10,000, while partial planning or coordination starts around $1,500.

If you're managing the planning yourself, a day-of coordinator is still a wise investment. They serve as the point person, ensuring your timeline stays intact and any issues are handled smoothly. Their behind-the-scenes guidance allows you to be fully present, soaking in each moment with peace of mind.

8. Guest Experience: Favors, Transportation, and Welcome Bags

Creating a thoughtful guest experience often includes optional touches like welcome bags, favors, or transportation. These gestures, while small, add up—often between $500 and $3,000 depending on the number of guests and your vision. That said, they can leave a lasting impression when done with intention.

Save creatively by offering something local, edible, or practical. Mini bottles of wine, artisanal snacks, or handwritten notes create warmth without overextending your budget. When deciding on transportation, consider proximity between venues and lodging before committing to buses or shuttles.

9. Marriage License and Officiant: The Legal Touch

Legalities might seem like a minor detail, but they carry emotional and symbolic weight. In most states, marriage licenses cost under $100, and officiants typically charge between $200 and $800. Some couples ask a loved one to get ordained online to personalize the experience and save a bit.

Whether you're working with a professional or a close friend, ensure they’re comfortable speaking publicly and understand the tone you want to convey. A heartfelt ceremony sets the emotional tone for your day, making this a key element to approach with care and clarity.

10. Hidden Costs and Smart Contingencies

Even the most carefully planned weddings can face unexpected expenses. Common overlooked costs include gratuities, vendor meals, overtime charges, and sales tax. These can add up to thousands of dollars if not planned for in advance.

It’s wise to set aside 5 to 10 percent of your total budget as a contingency fund. This financial cushion reduces stress if changes arise close to the event date. Couples who stay flexible and informed often feel more in control and satisfied throughout the planning process.

Common Questions About Wedding Budgets

1. How much does the average wedding cost in New Jersey? Weddings in New Jersey often range from $40,000 to $70,000. This includes venue, catering, attire, and vendors. Costs vary significantly by location, guest count, and priorities.

2. What should I budget for a wedding venue like Maritime Parc? Maritime Parc offers custom packages based on event size, menu preferences, and season. Most couples find the value exceptional given the level of cuisine, service, and scenic setting. Booking a tour will help you understand the tailored pricing options.

3. What are the easiest places to cut costs without affecting the guest experience? Favors, elaborate stationery, and extra décor are areas where you can save. Guests remember food, music, and ambiance most. Focus your budget where memories are made.

4. Should I hire a wedding planner if my venue has a coordinator? If your venue offers in-house coordination, a full-service planner may not be necessary. Venue coordinators typically manage logistics like layout, timing, and vendor access on the day of. Some couples still choose to hire planners to assist with design vision, vendor selection, or overall timeline management throughout the planning process.

5. Is a weekday or off-season wedding more affordable? Yes. Many venues offer preferred rates for weekdays or months like January, February, and March. These dates allow you to stretch your budget while enjoying the same exceptional service.