How Much Should A Wedding Cost?

💵 Create Your Free Budget! Sign up for EveryDollar ⮕ ter.li/6h2c45
📱Download the Ramsey Network App ⮕ ter.li/ajeshj
🛒 Visit The Ramsey Store ⮕ ter.li/7vyom2
📞 Have a question for the show? Call 888-825-5225 weekdays from 2-5 pm ET or send us a message ter.li/n88ly5
Explore More Shows from Ramsey Network:
🎙️ The Ramsey Show ⮕ ter.li/ng9950
🍸 Smart Money Happy Hour ⮕ ter.li/9gcp3d
🧠 The Dr. John Delony Show ⮕ ter.li/2u3mc0
💰 George Kamel ⮕ ter.li/1elws8
💡 The Rachel Cruze Show ⮕ ter.li/n2u6jc
💼 The Ken Coleman Show - Highlights ⮕ ter.li/1rbjr2
📈 EntreLeadership ⮕ ter.li/ktxv2k
Ramsey Solutions Privacy Policy
www.ramseysolu...

[@tiffanyking3252]

The average wedding in America is about $27,000...that's insane!!! That much money should go toward a down payment on a house.

[@blackworldtraveler3711]

Tiffany King Pretty cheap compared to the divorce.

[@Goshawk-zh2pt]

The average is skewed up by very expensive weddings. The median is a better target number for the average middle class family: $15K.

[@atari7001]

There is some evidence that high expenditure on weddings correlates with high divorce rates

[@SuckerPunch92]

That’s crazy. Or their debt

[@Sean-me4fv]

Our wedding was $55k and the down payment on the house was $100k

[@SousChef77]

We got married on our lunch hour for $50.00. 42 years later we are more in love, more committed, and more one than ever. Our marriage is us and Jesus. That is all that is needed.

[@gagegreen5384]

Way I did it. Far better off than others that went all out. When you can spend

[@kaitlyne1870]

That is really awesome. 🙂 ... I probably would have waited until our day off, at least though. 😂

[@anitaknight3915]

@@kaitlyne1870 lol love it!!! I wouldn't want a lavish wedding. I'd rather do something small and intimate or elope than go into debt to impress ppl

[@ayecarumba4928]

That's beautiful

[@dang75790]

Hey we did same thing ! No need to spend more than that to get married!

[@Hubbs10]

My wife and I paid $5,000 for the wedding, honeymoon, rings, EVERYTHING. Paid for it in cash.

[@JessicaAhibo]

Hubbs10 That is a beautiful reasonable amount.

[@chrisbaker2669]

That is a reasonable budget congrads.

[@mountiescorner]

Hubbs10 we’re doing that too

[@redoingwhatsheloves5526]

Please tell me how

[@MoneyMan28]

Don't marry, marriage is the Cause of most problems

[@dominick253]

People gave me an attitude for having the wedding at my house. Sorry I'm not starting my marriage in debt. So glad I did a small wedding. So many people were mad that I only had 16 people but it's MY wedding not theirs so I did what I wanted to.

[@bsolutions525]

You just gave me a great idea:) Wedding at church in the morning then throw a party at home later in the day.

[@bobgunner3086]

Hey .. that's brilliant! Yeah, I love the idea of having it at my place. I got a big enough back yard and plenty of parking. I could throw some chicken on the grill, a few beers and we're good. Everyone out of the house by 10pm. That would be perfect!

[@kaitlyne1870]

I'd have told them, if you want to come, you have to cover the extra cost, because this is all the money I have for this. Lol

[@technical19d34]

They're just mad because you didn't turn it into an expensive party for the girls at a nice place where they can take selfies and use them to turn their life into a soap opera on social media.

[@valerielinares2068]

I'm super annoyed that people who weren't even putting up money for your wedding were getting mad because you opted for a cheap wedding... They don't have any right to tell you what you're wedding should be unless they're helping to pay for it.

[@Coffee4commonsense]

We had a courthouse wedding and a small dinner party afterwards at my parents house. My dress was $40, my husband wore the only suit he owned and we got our wedding bands at a small jewelry store at the mall for under $100. My parents got the wedding cake from a local bakery and my dad made a terrific dinner. We had about 15 people over. 30 years later we're still happily married.

[@KillAudioLove]

I love this 🥰

[@erica.3852]

So awesome

[@timidhamster2003]

I love this, in my opinion weddings make everyone headache

[@tray-j]

That’s what I want for mine!

[@cleodivine83]

Beautiful 😍

[@brucehaas1225]

We spent 5k on our wedding and it was awesome! Everyone loved it! You can do a lot with a little if you use your brain!

[@dang75790]

Way to much money!!

[@gardenjoy5223]

@@dang75790 Don't nag. 5K is real cheap. They worked hard to keep such a tight budget.

[@lh1053]

We spent that much too...in 1997. We had a Mariachi, it was awesome!

[@neptronix]

We spent about $50 on ours because we were broke and wanted to just get it done. We only invited our parents and a family friend. Still together after 8 years. I'm glad we didn't start our marriage off with accruing debt.

[@Shezan1]

neptronix. Thats nice mate. Im 25 and planning to spent arpund 10k on a wedding outside US. Wish us luck.

[@mylifeisamememylifeispathe3140]

My respect to you sir!

[@regul8or71]

But, of course, you made up for the difference by spending at least two-months' salary on engagement and wedding rings, right?

[@BriLoveMusic]

regul8or Honestly my husband didn't. It's not the biggest deal. A woman should never make you feel obligated to do anything like that. If a man can, that's great, if even that is stretch, that's ok too. Love is priceless. 😊

[@GuitarsTheory]

Are you my wife? 🤣 I swear we have the same story from 8 years ago.

[@yamamancha]

Two of my best friends in college dated their respective gfs for 5 years, both had $40-50k weddings, both got divorced within three years.... My wife and I had a small dinner party for less than $2k and have been together 18 years, own a home, are debt free, and are starting to build wealth. Another friend had a beach wedding, live in a rented apt., are debt free, and have built significant wealth. Why spend $27k on a wedding when you can have a cool party for a few grand and put the rest towards property or investments?

[@oscararredondo9672]

yamamancha I don’t think they necessarily correlate. I mean if you are saying spending a lot on a wedding will lead to divorce that’s a little much. Every couples case is different

[@ianfitchett2768]

Sometimes I wonder if some people want the wedding more than the marriage

[@tinah6685]

There was an article published that said that if you spend over $20,000 on your wedding have a higher divorce rate study done by Emory university

[@coro.theman]

Appreciate your feedback! Adult mindset.

[@ominous450]

I would rather save that money for house down payment

[@SuckerPunch92]

ominous450 or pay off debt

[@jglobetrotter2830]

Some people already have a house. Some people have family traditions to honor. I sincerely doubt my parents would have given me cash for a wedding if I was going to turn around and say "sorry no wedding". Ours was a family event, with cousins and aunts and uncles who traveled across the country to celebrate with us. I wouldn't trade that experience for money.

[@AC-qo8oq]

Our combined income is $170k. I spent 5k on my wedding, 1k on photographers, 3k on my dress and had my wedding in Venice with 17 people and spent $5k on a honeymoon to Italy, France and Spain. People were livid they couldn’t attend and even wanted me to have a reception so they could attend.. no! A reception is one of the biggest costs! I was not going to waste my money so people can come and complain. Zero regrets.

[@oshkoshbegone]

Destination weddings are selfish... it was cheap because you made other people pay.

[@elizabethheiland5632]

If people can't go, they can't go. Sounds like a wonderful wedding. The people who could go I bet had a once in a lifetime experience

[@ThahnG413]

​@@oshkoshbegoneEvents like this are a selfish celebration in general, so who honestly cares? It's selfish to think you have to be able to attend every event of someone else's life you want to go to in the first place as well.

[@jvolstad]

Zero. Just go to the courthouse and sign the marriage license. 10 years later, if you are still married to the same person, have a big party and/or go on trip to Hawaii. Otherwise, no party.

[@debrawilliams7983]

I agree!!

[@AndreaLKL72]

Totally agree! Coming from someone who has been a bridesmaid 5 times and gone to several weddings. I'd MUCH rather just go to a reception/party after they hit the courthouse!

[@debrawilliams7983]

Andrea Lodden Me too! And after that, drive down to Key West!! Live in the Miami area!

[@jackiem1682]

ehh disagree. some of the guests may not be alive in 10 years.

[@miaa7097]

I been thinking about that idea for all my life.

[@juliannaku2381]

I love that story of his generosity towards his daughters. I’m currently planning my wedding and I’m on a bit of tight budget and said goodbye to my dream dress recently ( yes there were mourning tears ahaha) . So cool that I can change that for my daughters by changing my patterns and habits now and hopefully be able to be generous for their weddings.

[@KingJamesVL]

Only spent a couple hundred on everything for my wedding and we are happier than a tornado in a trailer park. Stop trying to keep up with the Kardashians.

[@warriorsiren2201]

I am appreciative of you saying "happier than a tornado in a trailer park", it gave me a laugh.

[@tinah6685]

Hahah same!!

[@Archer335]

Nice!

[@TheChamp1971]

One time this college student asked, "Dad, how much does it cost to get married?" His father replied, "Don't know yet son..... I'm still paying."

[@LittleHatori]

😂😂😂😂👏👏😭

[@jayrider2726]

LoL

[@iironhide6209]

😂😂😂🤣

[@fabiola13]

😂🤣 I can’t.

[@Archer335]

Good one! 😂

[@debrawilliams7983]

It boggles the mind what people spend on weddings they really can't afford and don't stay together 6 months!!!

[@debrawilliams7983]

***** I do too!!

[@bobbiclinger7500]

A wedding does not make a marriage. Spend as little as possible.

[@gardenjoy5223]

Male, I guess? Most girls dream about their special day. Let the bride be special for that one day of her life. Keep a budget, but don't make it ridiculously low. The wedding in heaven isn't going to be cheap either. Some things are worth celebrating.

[@ntmn8444]

@@gardenjoy5223 exactly. Wedding doesn’t make the marriage, but it’s still a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t go into debt, but create a budget and make it something special.

[@theanachronisticlife8574]

Ours was $100, friends helped make the cake, food, take photos, reused some decorations, had it at our church, bought a nice discounted dress that wasn't specifically bridal. I agree though if you have the money I don't care if you want to spend it.

[@ThePzrLdr]

It's all about being reasonable. Mine was about $500 total. My rings were just $125 and I have been married for 35 years now.

[@AnaBananaM28]

My hubby and I spent $1000-$1200 in our wedding, we got married at the court house, spent $25 on my dress (brand new got it in Macy’s by the way), his outfit was $70-90, we kept it simple at our favorite Mexican restaurant about 30 guests and had our honey moon in Atlanta for the weekend and I can honestly say it was one of the happiest days of my life and we had blast 💙

[@jazzpote4316]

Wonderful

[@calebhenderson6507]

They spend all this money to entertain people and yet cannot call on anyone of those people when they have issues...

[@jchris4090]

Right

[@merlkinap7609]

No ring. I got a courthouse wedding. Almost 6 years later, I love my husband more than anything. We are very happy

[@DeusVult98]

My wife and I spent less than $3500 on our wedding. We bought used decorations, borrowed lights, cooked the food ourselves, and played music from our phones instead of hiring a DJ. It was an incredible night.

[@jazzpote4316]

I love this

[@Leocomander]

Based

[@ThienNguyen24]

Asian weddings usually yield a nice sum for the couple after all expenses since we give cash as gifts.

[@mastersfan04]

In that case I need to get me an Asian girl

[@Tuya56]

Yeah. We had $6000 reception (small banquet room in restaurant) and got $2000 in cash that evening. 40 guests. Talk about budget wedding

[@rezaf2391]

unless your mother in law took that money

[@jessa4596]

Had a baby shower with maybe 25 people. Came out with $2100.

[@isaaclosh8606]

Same for Jewish weddings

[@xxxLilyLilacs]

After I got engaged my parents gifted my fiance and myself with a very nice chunk of change. We choose to put that gift into a down payment on a home and fund the wedding itself in cash with what we had left after closing costs. Our wedding budget nearly halved because of it, but I have no regrets.

[@juliestade5929]

We used my parents' church so the venue would be free, scheduled the wedding five days after Christmas so there would already be decorations (picked our green/silver colors to match), and used a loose diamond my grandmother had given me for my ring. I bought a dress from a small, local store off-the-rack for a few hundred dollars, and my mother-in-law sewed the bridesmaids' dresses. We had a really nice wedding and didn't have to go into debt to do it.

[@codeblue4675]

Exactly! We spent approximately $4,000. We asked for money instead of gifts and used that money to pay for a 2 week trip honeymoon in Japan! We did the whole wedding ourselves from the backyard, food, music, and lots of help from family!

[@dos14dos14]

I prefer to give money as a wedding gift, but ASKING for money is tacky.

[@82powpow]

My wife and I got married in Vegas. I've had other friends spend 10k or more in weddings to later regret it. Not only that, everyone criticizes your choices and quick to say they should have done this or that. So glad we opted to just go to Vegas. We didn't pay a cent

[@ntmn8444]

I’m sad to say I’m realizing this now. It’s not their business, they’re not paying for it, but I have to hear about how I should just get married in a courthouse. I don’t want that. I want to marry in a church. It’s important to me.

[@ijuuvvy4273]

My Husband makes well over 70,000 a year and we only spent less then $1000 that was on Gas, Hotel, Food and Rings with a lot of spending money because it wasn’t about material things at the time, it was about happiness

[@x00p3]

She was only staying in the hotel for her honeymoon, not living there. lol

[@michaelargenta3856]

tHATS NOT A REAL RING SILLY

[@anthonyanderson9303]

My wedding in total cost $8,000 total and it was amazing. Dave is right, you absolutely can have a fine wedding for 10K or less. Just depends on what you want. I will say it helped that we had the wedding itself at our church and we were not charged for the facility nor the pastor (tho we did give him a monetary gift and made a church donation).

[@ntmn8444]

That’s nice. My church charges $3k and you don’t have anywhere to do a reception. I’m so tired of all the criticism we’ve received. We are paying it out of our own pocket, and we are not in debt. I want to have something nice to remember. I’m just at a point where I want to tell my fiancé to just go and marry at the church, and then tell no one.

[@mando2.049]

@@ntmn8444 same here bro did you guys get married ?

[@drunclecookie216]

I spent $1500 on the ring my wife picked out... my parents paid for the wedding which cost $2000 because they bribed us to get married since we were going on a Carnival Cruise and they wanted us to get married on the cruise ship so we'd be the first passengers on the ship, have an open bar, and so they could show off to their friends... my wife and I were already living together at this time so we figured why not

[@paigeresch9338]

According to some sites, there is a negative correlation between money spent on the wedding and success of the marriage. But there's also a positive correlation between the number of people in attendance and the success of the marriage. Combine the two and the advice is to have a "big" wedding but not too expensive; keep the cost per head low. But of course, correlation does not equal causation.

[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

Paige Resch wow! We spent about $1000 and had probably 500 people in attendance. $1000 was simply all the cash we had aside from what we spent on the honeymoon. I didn't even know that people could put it on a credit card and I'm thankful for my ignorance!

[@staceyk2274]

@@NikkiSchumacherOfficial $2 per person isn't achievable in the slightest lol

[@telecasterbear]

I cannot understand spending big money on six hours of festivities. We went to the town hall after work on a Friday. One friend came to witness, then we went out to eat supper.

[@oliviaseed1199]

telecasterbear lolll

[@QuanNguyen-og6pq]

How beautiful it was. Mine's the same.

[@doreenplatt3873]

now that sounds like my kind of a wedding. I would love to not spend more than $25 on the whole thing but realistically, I know that by the time, we pay for the license and the justice of the peace and do something for the witnesses, we will probably have to spend at least $100.

[@Night_Owlette_30]

Oh you westerners are very lucky. Our weddings are 5 days affairs and if I only want to invite the family on my mother's side that I know personaly and that I was invited to their weddings I am looking at 140 people. Just my aunts uncles and cousins that I talk with about every week and spend at least 2 weeks of my summer with are 58.

[@JewelBlueIbanez]

Penelope Guzman it used to be in church communities that the parish community pulled together and supplied the reception. Everyone brought food, people with musical talent played for the dance, you paid your stipend for the priest and servers, choir and organist, you had the reception at the church hall/basement. It has become very commercialized and turned into a big “impress your friends” type of party. Though, if you have a large family, that can really drive up your reception costs.

[@sydney45]

There actually is an inverse correlation between the cost of the wedding and the length of the marriage.

[@1955stefanie]

I have a question. Shouldn’t the couple cover the wedding expenses? It seems to me that if parents already gave you an education, and supported you all through adulthood. One should get a job and pay for one’s wedding.

[@Jhanson-kx6qx]

Or.... They are grown ups! I paid for my own degrees and *never* expected that because I did that, my parents owed me anything. High School, then done.

[@jdouce6074]

Amen

[@fs9324]

Sometimes it's tradition but I agree with you

[@lindavel43]

@@Jhanson-kx6qx Agree! If the parent wants to help than that's nice. But, they shouldn't expect their parents to pay for it...

[@emerybayblues]

@@lindavel43 Nor should they expect friends to pay. I've heard stories of brides expecting the bridesmaids to help chip in for the gown, or expecting guest to chip in for food. Then there are bachelorette destination parties, pre-moons, etc.

[@kawkawmccarvs7802]

1 week after a wedding how many couples would say " wow, we are glad we spent that much on our wedding" I spent 5% of my annual income on my wedding and we regret nothing. We and our 8 guests had a great time. I've been to $50k-$100k weddings and couldn't get out of there fast enough.

[@yashthakar9441]

in India people spend 4 years salary on a wedding.. extended families is a problem and there are around 500-4000 people in a wedding.

[@LittleHatori]

Wow... sounds so extravagant

[@khushvirchhina1278]

Why spend so much??????

[@gardenjoy5223]

Horrible. Feel so sorry for you.

[@GuitarsTheory]

At 19 and 20yo, we paid under $1000 for our wedding for just about 30 friends and family. Still married 8 years later, so happy we didn't over spend or go into debt!

[@MrGoldenChariot]

We are 22 years old getting married in 2 weeks. We will combined make 80k this year but we’re doing a budget wedding of 2k and honeymoon of 2k

[@littleripper312]

Yea I'd rather go on a big trip for 4k and skip the wedding party all together!

[@jillharling]

We have Thanksgiving here at my place back in woods overlooking river. We surprised everyone by getting married on that day. Food was here in abundance! All we did was buy 20 bottles of champagne. Brother got ordained online. It was a beautiful day, out on the deck by river. A bald eagle flew down river as we were getting married. ❤🎉

[@ErA-el1je]

We got a lot of help. A lot of free services...that is how Hispanic churches do. We family!!

[@christinav2771]

Same as Slavic churches!

[@invisibleinkling1474]

We had a few close friends, made the food and paid only for the church, rings, and clothing. The marriage is the best part, not the ceremony or reception! There's a reason that monster brides exist. Too much self-induced stress.

[@rebeccaellison9999]

My dad had gotten my moms life insurance and inheritance a few years ago, 2 paid off homes (about to sell one) gets disability and earns $150k plus. Gave me a budget of $32k which was what he saw was an avg listed at the time... I spent 12k total and honestly $4k was the photographer... and my ring is moissanite and was less than $1500. It was beautiful and my dad was so sweet to pay for everything but I think he was super happy I didn’t spend it all! He didn’t give us the remainder but he did buy us a couch for our house and he gifts us here and there and always pays for dinners out and I know he’ll get us one of the most expensive baby items for our little one coming in August. I figure that all he’s done for me in my lifetime, I don’t want that money.

[@vegemitegirl1971]

Our wedding and honeymoon 22 years ago was 3.1k.

[@KingJamesVL]

Lee Golder $3100?

[@vegemitegirl1971]

Yes. We had friends help out with things such as the cars, cake and dress making in lieu of presents

[@anitaknight3915]

@@vegemitegirl1971 God bless your union and many blessings!!! 22 years is a beautiful accomplishment

[@joycewright5386]

I remember we went to a florist the day before the wedding and picked out flowers for church and reception. Cost about $200. Much cheaper than telling florist you are planning a wedding.

[@bethanyboothe4817]

We spent $15k total on our wedding (of which $10k my parents contributed), went to an incredible resort in Tahiti for our honeymoon and my husband bought me a $20k engagement ring. We were extravagant in that small time period of our lives not because we’re superficial but because we knew it was a once in a lifetime event that was sacred to us and we wanted to celebrate it. But I was 29 and he was 38 when we got married so we had had a long time to prepare for it. We live debt free and conservatively in our daily lives, but it sure was fun to throw a big party for our wedding. Because we were prepared, it was a blessing. Three years later we have a little daughter and I look forward to being extremely generous with her when she meets and marries the one God has for her.

[@LNSMITH-iq6ye]

Not married yet but it will be a family affair. Im a baker/decorator, my aunt and cousin are hair stylists, my niece does make-up, my sister is a masseuse/estitician, my daughter is in fashion school, my uncle does photography and his wife helps with floral arrangements. Cant wait!👍

[@achigurh88]

I bought my wife a decent wedding/engagement ring with cash and we just did the courthouse deal with a few family members and friends in attendance. Total cost was under $5,000 including photographer session afterwards downtown.

[@afsaneh08324]

Thank you so much for posting this. You have No Clue how much you just helped me 🙏🏻

[@MegaThunder70]

I’m gonna do like my grandfather did get married at my house with very few guest no entertainment the preacher is your cousin and your mother his daughter is the photographer and the reception is a few snacks on the kitchen table didn’t cost anything not even a dime that’s the way to have a wedding

[@Frissdas1207]

My wife and I got married for the price of the license and a cheesecake. We got married in my parents backyard next to the cherry tree that I made her ring box out of. We have no debt and couldn't have been happier.

[@Undergroundexpedition]

Holy cow. I was gonna do a week long cruise ship wedding. For an estimated 3k including tickets and shore excursions. Everyone has a phone/camera. Everyone does what they want and we do a couple dinners as a party.

[@saramoore2827]

I got married when I was 18 yrs old. After the fact my mama told me that it cost $1,500! Our family helped with the food (we had smoked salmon etc...) it was amazing. We are more in love 18 yrs later than we were when we said our vows.

[@maryjambor3677]

Husband and I spent around $1k out of pocket (not including my ring, which was a dual-use engagement and wedding ring), plus our parents contributed around $500 (they covered food; his mom made the cakes). We make ~$120k/year. Got married last week, actually, so this is pretty fresh. Our workplace is very large and decorated, and allows employees to host weddings here for free as long as there is no alcohol and under 35 guests. One of my coworkers does photography as a hobby and offered to do it for free (we paid him a couple hundred because I didn't want to feel like I was taking advantage of him, but it was much cheaper than using a professional). I found a nice dress under $200, as did husband with his suit. We made our own invitations and had very basic "favors". His best friend officiated. The honeymoon will be much more extravagant, but his parents are paying for that and insist that we spend the money they gave us on "making memories". We have no debt but the house, which we are on pace to pay off in 5 years.

[@Jhanson-kx6qx]

Why is there an EXPECTATION of the parents these days? If you aren't able to pay for your own wedding, perhaps you aren't ready for marriage (in many ways).

[@amandanicole7449]

Because some people are traditional. And some traditional parents would rather see their children commit in marriage than to shack up and they're willing to invest in that concept.

[@amandanicole7449]

Also, should the parents not be able to afford it, I'm sure it wouldn't be EXPECTED. They decide to do it.

[@TheEric1203]

I'm going to guess it's because it used to be the norm for people to marry young, so they weren't expected to have a lot saved up just several years out of high school

[@hothotheat3000]

I’m not married, but I’m shy and the thought of a massive wedding where everyone is staring at me really churns my stomach. I’d rather just go to the courthouse with a couple of close people and let that be that.

[@marlena.]

Same here🤭 I alway make jokes that if I get married I'll elope

[@Marilynefc]

It sounds so sweet hearing Dave talk about his daughters and how he took care of them.

[@icecream4depression]

im getting married in a park for about $8,000.

[@righand]

LiveLikeBrittney down by the river?

[@Lulu-ql6mm]

Food dresses ect

[@bigdaddy1422]

And now he is cheating on u

[@maurice2014]

that's a lot for a park wedding. (I work in a famous park)

[@dang75790]

Are you still married lol

[@saucyonePR]

I convinced my wife to have a $6k wedding and a $10k honeymoon. my wife and I (the most important people of the wedding) had a blast. when we see expensive weddings we cringe

[@EmilyPetersenHomemaking]

Nelson Diaz 10,000 on a honeymoon?!?! Wow, I’m just curious, where did you go/how long?

[@SuperDanny1016]

10k on a honeymoon and you consider that inexpensive 🤔

[@saul3965]

I think he's referring to wedding+honeymoon

[@nocigar7730]

We are 85k gross household income, we are paying 5k cash. No chance we dip into savings for a party. No way.

[@Goshawk-zh2pt]

The median is a more important/accurate value in this situation: $15K. I've known people who have spent $1K and others who have probably spent $20-$30K. The important thing is to, one, lay out a general budget and, two, prioritize based on what's important to you and your future spouse.

[@showtime2399]

Even more outrageous is that most Americans who are adults and still expect their parents to pay for their wedding, even more outrageous is that most Americans charge their wedding on credit cards which is money they don't even have and end up stuck with a $30,000 loans with high interest that they can never pay off. It is called irresponsible. If you are a responsible adult you would have a wedding at the cost that you can afford without borrowing from credit card or have your parents pay for it.

[@davidjoel111]

I love the whaaaambulance lol!

[@msstacey777]

It doesn’t have to cost hardly anything to say “ I DO”!

[@thegirlwiththecontroller1164]

My fiance and I are budgeting about $2000 for our wedding. While we are skipping some traditional elements (fake flowers vs real, a snack bar instead of a full meal), we still have a lot of nice things, and we can afford to invite more people who mean a lot to us (it will be about 100 people).

[@judynguyen1579]

I love his term "call the wahmbulance".

[@thereelaccountant9246]

Pretty sure ours was no more than 5k and it was a big wedding with 150 people, great food and everything. The venue was cheap, but we made it look very nice (paid a decorator). I don't see how you spend 27k.

[@justinkroeker1464]

Me and my wife spent about $5,000 with 100 plus people, food, open bar, and a all inclusive honeymoon in mexico. My wife did the whole thing, it’s was an amazing wedding not lacking anything. I’m still amazed she pulled that off. I have a wonderful 2 year old little girl now :) I just realized that will be my bill lol

[@holliwood972lilh]

I will hire your wife to get my wedding like that!

[@MohammadAlshahrani]

Great footage. I agree with you More spend = less probability to be successful marriage. Thanks

[@30minforasn]

Ouch. Wedding planing for next year. 6500 for a decorator so far. 20k for restaurant and food. I think im going to stop here. My head hurting just to think about it. So much more to have done.

[@oc6884]

Too much girl!

[@crowtservo]

Wife and I spent a little under $12,000. One person said that it was the coolest wedding ever. My parents paid for the drinks. My MiL bought the wedding dress and bought dresses for my wife’s nieces. Two of the nieces ended up reusing the dresses for their mothers wedding six months later.

[@RamaSivamani]

I know many people on here have stated that they have had flowers, cakes, photography, DJ services that have been gifted to them from close family members or close friends. I think that's great and awesome that your loved ones are able to gift that to you. This just a general reminder to take that respectfully especially if this is something they do professionally. What I mean by this is if those things were gifted to you and then later on another friend or acquiantance down the road asks for recommendations for vendors don't present the fact that it was free or deeply discounted in a way that makes the acquiantance now thinks they can ask for and expect free services or deep discounts as well. From the comments on here it sounds like people are gratefuly and appreciative of these services and would not treat it disrespectfully so this is not an attack on any of the comments here but just a general reminder to keep this in mind when you are gifted services.

[@doihavetohaveachannel8289]

We divided up the costs between the bride and groom , her parents (us) and his parents. We paid the basics to get the job done, the beautiful local hall for 120, a local caterer, the pastor ( uncle of couple), and decorations that we grew ( flowers) or made and put up ourselves. The couple paid for or organized wine , clothing, music. Grooms family paid for other alcohol. We had a wonderful wedding in a beautiful place and everyone had a lot of fun. Way under the average price, and way more fun. Couple still together , with kids and great in-laws.

[@choreomaniac]

The wedding is for friends and family and the community. The couple just hosts. We didn’t have to pay for the reception hall so our biggest cost for the reception was catering and photographer. We spent about 8k for the whole wedding and honeymoon to Europe.

[@KailaAerial]

My bf and I have talked about marriage. And agreed to have a longer engagement so we can save up and pay cash. I WILL NOT GO INTO DEBT TO HAVE A WEDDING!

[@StasiaAleen]

As long as your not living together, then that works fine.

[@AndreaLKL72]

I knew someone who spent 10k alone on the open bar! 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@Mika20]

Wow, that's insane.

[@kimsy520]

Good gracious. That’s ridiculous.

[@pepper70788]

I wish I'd been invited to that wedding ;)

[@punjab1captain]

Indian weddings cost 100k

[@pesmerga182]

Indian weddings costs will depend on your caste

[@proma9x]

Dave, for my wedding I thought of it this way...with it being a first and last wedding (I’m christian) I will be liberal on my spending, IF justified by being a quality wedding, I wanted great pictures and videos as well because let’s face it, we will never remember all the details about our weddings, it will be awesome to have great material for the kids to see, many years down the road. So I hired professionals in all details of my wedding and it was a pure joy and blessing of a wedding, this said I payed for my wedding in full and in cash, told my parents to enjoy our wedding:) took 4 years to comfortably collect the funds, I didn’t even know her yet but was saving for wedding. And was more surprised when she showed me her own savings of $11k, anyways we payed a total of $23k for a 300 people wedding. I was 24 and she was 22 at the time, last year.

[@iaJENKA]

That's how everyone in my church does it too, divorces are pretty much not allowed (and are very rare) unless there is abuse or the other spouse leaves you and is living with someone else. So everyone has a beautiful once in a lifetime wedding, and the amounts of the wedding gifts usually cover all the wedding expenses and then some.

[@hannahmayhorn5466]

My husband and I spent less than $3500 including church, flowers, engagement ring, wedding bands, suit rental, dress & accessories, 2 tiered cake plus 144 cupcakes, flowers & decor, photography, and catering. I would have been fine with a small immediate family wedding at our pastor's house, but my husband wanted a bigger wedding and it was his money, so we did it, and for cheap. It was beautiful! Then we got over $2000 back in wedding gift funds from family, too. It can be done! Only 15 months later we became homeowners. (at the time his income was 22,100, mine was 16,800 and neither of us had been to college; I had no savings, because of a car payment, but he had savings because he didn't have a car payment and lived with his parents until 2 months before the wedding; we were both really young and hadn't been to college yet)

[@corrao.4643]

Our wedding was 5k and we had 80 guests, ceremony and reception with leftover food and drink. Everyone had an amazing time, I wouldn’t change a thing :) it’s possible folks!

[@FreckleFinance]

We didn't buy an engagement ring, but we did have a $15K wedding, but we paid for it all in cash and we really assessed whether we thought the money was worth what we got for it.

[@apope06]

Freckle Finance perhaps not. Imagine what you could have done with 15k...imagine investments at 8% interest with 15k...

[@direinfluence3603]

I eloped. And spent $5,000 on a awesome honey moon. Seems smarter to me personally.

[@FuturePsychNurse]

Dire Influence Love this idea!

[@anitaknight3915]

love this idea and u read my mind!!! this is something I could see myself doing and it's incredibly romantic. you're right it's all about you two

[@bucketrance]

Lame

[@gardenjoy5223]

Selfish in most cases.

[@jumpiam8477]

We save up cash and spent 10k for our wedding. $4000 went to my parents for a dowry (It's my tradition and husband was ok with it). Spent less on diamond wedding ring and spent more on gold because gold hold up thier value well. Here we are 10 years later and counting on many more years to come.

[@sarahburggraf861]

I spent 5k and had a BEAUTIFUL wedding w memories that will last a lifetime❤

[@EuniceCChina]

❤

[@bluelovely1374]

My husband and I didn't want to have a wedding. Our family and friends wanted us to but we simply did not want to spend thousands on one day. In fact, I told my husband not to buy me a wedding ring. I don't wear jewelry and would feel awful if he would've purchased an expensive ring and I didn't wear it... I would rather put all that money towards our future and our goals.

[@bluetexastrucking5232]

Why????? Parents must pay for daughters weddings??? The guy is talking your baby girl and you already invested so much money raising her.

[@carultch]

There's no rule that parents must pay for their daughters' weddings. It just became a common arrangement, because it dates back to the days when it was primarily men who worked, and a lifelong spinster would be the financial liability of her father. It was an investment in passing that buck to another man. As a parent, you can tell your daughter no. You can refuse to pay because you disapprove of the spouse she is marrying, and you can refuse to pay because you believe she should take responsibility for her own love life.

[@Thatmormonchica]

Total we spent 10k on our wedding. We saved and paid in cash. We had it at his co-workers house/property. The video is on my channel if you’re curious on how it looked. Our combined is 110k (before taxes). I think 10% of Your income or combined is a safe way to not get in debt.

[@BeautifulDreamerK]

The guy I'm with expects my family to pay for everything. I disagree with this. We're grown adults and I would rather we save up and split it ourselves and if we need help, my mom offered to pay for some things. My family is not rich, we are middle class. I don't want my parents being responsible for all of this. I feel like he's taking advantage of the old saying, "wife's family pays for the wedding because groom takes care of her for life." I work and will contribute financially and we will take care of each other. Also, my family and I may be resentful in the end because 85% of his guests would be all his family members (they have a biiiifgff close extended family). My friend (who had been married for 30 + years) said I still have time to change his mind. Don't know how though :(

[@nickclayton1935]

BeautifulDreamerK don't have an extravagant wedding then? That was the point of the video..

[@RepuBlicOfChaD]

So you expect the man to do more financially before you are even married. Hope he runs from you!!!

[@anndennis7163]

Your friend is wrong, you can not go into a marriage expecting to change him. What you can do is change your mind.

[@KS-cl8br]

BeautifulDreamerK What happened. Did he contribute. Did you make him cut down the guest list.

[@eagleeye8307]

Drop him girl.

[@mariebrooks5955]

We have hosted two weddings in our back yard that have cost very little (under $500). We borrowed tables and chairs and keyboard from the church. The music was all volunteered and the dinner was potluck. A fabulous time was had - no one minded bringing a dish to the dinner - we all wanted to support and bless these two low income couples.

[@WhiteLionWolf100]

My husband and I had a wedding and honeymoon combined that was about $10,000 (I think a little under), and the wedding and honeymoon were wonderful.

[@DemiChiLucious]

We spent 7k total on a 10 day wedding trip. 20 guests. Best decision ever

[@RosaX305]

I’m planning a backyard wedding at our new home. The most expensive thing will be my dress. It’s BYOB with finger sandwiches& sushi from Publix- my local grocer and an omelet station.. our guests are doing karaoke to take care of the music (I curated a song for every guest and told them their song could be our wedding gift). And the guest list is family only. No bridesmaids or groomsman. Very excited and extremely economical. In fact, I chose our new home because I wanted to get married there and live there with him the rest of my life. That’s all that matters.

[@shaldana]

Did my wedding for less than $2,000. Paid cash. We had a BLAST. ...and that includes the honeymoon, for a week. It can be done if you get your head out of the clouds and don't let your mother/mother-in-law/sister/whatever try to tell you what to do.

[@ScottOctober]

People make the terrible mistake of inviting people who don't care at all about the wedding. Waste of money.

[@terrykrall]

Just elope… TRUST ME…. Very few relatives or friends actually want to attend your wedding…. And would rather just give you some cash to start your life than watch you rack up 30-grand of debt to start your lives together. I’ve been married 40 years and we spend 10 percent of our income (cash) when married and invited about 60. And neither of our parents paid a cent.

[@paulastrachan4053]

Some of these amounts spent astonish me. We were married in 1973. I was still living at home, but had a job. He was in an apartment and working. We were 20 and 24, and having the wedding the parents could afford was just how it was done. Groom's parents hosted the rehearsal dinner. But we didn't expect anything outrageous. In 1973 dollars, my parents probably spent several hundred dollars. We hired a dressmaker to make the gowns for myself and my matron of honor. Small wedding party, one attendant each, plus two ushers, and two candle lighters, in my home church, with the reception in the church hall. Music by fellow church members. We hired a cateress who worked out of her home to do a simple punch, coffee, cake, mints, and nuts reception. A few flowers from the church were moved for use in the reception hall. His parents reserved a room at a steak house for the rehearsal dinner, but my SIL's to be did the decorating. The gifts for the attendants were small keepsakes on sale at a good jeweler. We economized as much as possible. It was nice, correct, but not overly expensive. We didn't spend a lot on rings. Mine were on sale for $100 and called the lovebug special.. Forty seven years later, they were wearing thin on the palm side and the prongs were worn down. We had them build back up, repronged, and a larger diamond put in. Not huge, but enough to require no illusion carving. I've seen some lavish weddings where the marriages were short. I always think what a waste.

[@aylex1974]

Speak with your girl about the budget if she is a supportive person she will be able to help out. Good luck

[@stephyechavarria6659]

There is a correlation between wedding expenses and the expected success of a marriage. In fact, in a study, couples who spent more on their wedding were more likely to divorce in the long run.

[@SubTranslationJack]

My ring was a $99 eBay purchase, hers was my mom’s old band from her marriage to my dad. Our wedding was ~$1,700 altogether (outfits, courthouse fees, reception, flowers, food, etc.). Best day of my life because we had 22 of our closest family and friends present. It was beautiful and full of love and delicious food/drinks.

[@farmersdaughter8493]

We had our wedding at the civil registry (UK) 13 years ago and went to restaurant after and that's about it. I just want a very simple one.

[@bradypierron8736]

My wife and I got married 8 months ago today. We spent $15k on our rings, wedding, honeymoon. Prior we saved our $1k emergency fund and 6 months of bills. Our only regret was “upgrading” our honeymoon package by $1k.

[@Ben-kb2vs]

We went to Vegas did it on the cheap, came home and had a party at most spent 2500. Been married 13 years and counting.

[@shellbell2272]

We had a $1,000 wedding. It was sweet and I am SO glad I didn’t start my marriage off in debt. We are going on 15yrs.