Every couple pictures their dream wedding differently, but almost everyone discovers the same thing once planning begins: costs add up fast. Venue, dress, cake, photography, entertainment and the honeymoon can quickly push couples into debt, which is not how anyone wants to start married life. To find out how to keep things under control, we spoke with Canadian wedding planner Imtazur Rahman.
How Much Do Weddings Usually Cost?
According to Rahman, budget weddings have become far more common. Figures reported by outlets such as Business Insider showed the average wedding budget in the United States falling from around $34,000 a few years earlier to about $28,000 in 2019, and lower still in 2020, when many weddings were scaled back during the pandemic.
What Costs the Most?
“The venue is usually the biggest expense,” Rahman says. Many venues cost around $10,000, and closer to $12,000 to $14,000 if food, drinks, cake, furniture and linens are included. Prices also depend on the day of the week and the size of your guest list, since more guests need more space.
Other Big Expenses to Watch
- The engagement ring: prices vary widely by style and stone, but many couples spend several thousand dollars.
- Music and entertainment: a live band can cost around $3,000, while a DJ is usually a little cheaper.
- Photography and video: expect roughly $2,000 for a photographer and around $1,000 for a videographer.
Rahman’s Most Important Advice
The biggest challenge, Rahman says, is setting a realistic budget. He has worked with couples whose total budgets were between $8,000 and $15,000, and a lovely wedding is possible at that level. The key is making sure your expectations match your budget. “Trying to force your dream wedding under any kind of restriction will never work,” he explains. “You’ll only end up spending more that way.”
Smart Ways to Cut Costs
- Pick a weekday date: venues often charge less outside Saturdays and Sundays.
- Use one location: holding the ceremony and reception in the same place avoids paying for two venues.
- Trim the guest list: fewer guests mean a smaller venue, less catering and lower costs overall.
- DIY the favours: handmade favours are cheaper and often more personal.
His general rule is to keep what truly matters to you and cut what will not make the day more special.
Final Advice
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Rahman says, not only from a planner but from friends and family. Involving loved ones can save money and turn the preparations into shared memories.
Couples who want professional help can contact Imtazur Rahman through his website.
