Average Wedding Cost - $28,400??? SAY WHAT????

It also depends on cost of living of where you are as well. The same job in NYC isn't going to pay the same as one in lets say Montana. I'm sure wedding vendors charge similarly to that rule as well.

Our budget was $8K but FI's parents graciously offered to help and will be contributing $4K which knocked us up to the overall budget of $12K.

Our venue, which includes the food, alcohol and staff for the five hour reception is coming in at a little under $6,300 for the 65 guests that we guaranteed them (paying $96.30pp).

My parents are helping to contribute what they can, but can't give us an exact amount, however they have paid a big chunk toward my $1800 wedding gown.

Our wedding will be about $35k not including the honeymoon. We're paying for half of it and our parents are all contributing together for the other half. The venue we chose is about $100 per person (we could have gotten this for less... but not much less for the type of food that we want- served, not buffet, and delicious) and we're inviting over 200 people. We live in CT

How can we afford it? You ask...

FH and I don't spend money. On anything. Ever. (FH does a little more than I do... but I mean I NEVER spend money- I hate shopping and I never want anything except for food, I like going out to eat!)

So... what am I going to do on the one day where it's completely socially acceptable to go over-the-top? Splurge! I never, ever, ever treat myself and I have never in my life actually been excited to spend money (except for when we bought our house... that was also awesome).

Judge away. I'm friggen pumped.

If that is the wedding budget, then we are WAY over. Fh and I weren't given a budget at all. His parents are deceased, so my parents are paying for everything (I think they are just happy they like the guy HAHA). We are at about $64,000.00 right now. I think we are basically done with planning, so our final amount will most likely be about $65,000.00. And we didn't have to spend money on a venue since it's at my parent's place...but we are having about 200-250 people

We're in the same boat at 65k but I'm seeing it easily go to 75k I work hard and started my business from the ground up. I'm very excited to have such a nice party and entertain our guests luxuriously on our special day

I think some are okay spending that much on one day, while others do it because they want to celebrate with their families and friends and things may be expensive. I hate the idea of spending that much on the wedding, but we are right around that price - and I"m not even having a dj or bartender and we've only invited a handful of friends (like 10). I also got my dress at a sample sale and will not be having floral centerpieces. I'm only having 3 bridesmaids (so not too expensive there).

However, we have large families which makes costs go up quickly. There are also very few places that can hold over 100 guests is my area and those that can are expensive. I shopped around a ton, but in the end had to have the reception almost an hour from the church because we didn't feel we could exclude some cousins and not others - I had no idea it would be so hard to find a venue and I never expected to pay so much for a wedding, but sometimes its the way it goes.

We were aiming for 10k and I've lost track, but I think it will come out somewhere between 8k and 12k, not including rings or honeymoon. His ring is 2k!

I was looking through that list again and realized I'm below their budget in every category (I don't know about the engagement ring though - I have no idea what that cost). But, I'm still close to that budget - they left out a lot of extra costs - like gifts to the bridesmaids/groomsmen, the actual wedding rings, and hair/make-up/manicure (okay, not necessary, but common). Also, are they including things like alterations and gown preservation in that budget?

Thats crazy, mine will be under 4000

I live in Richmond VA and it really all depends on where you go. A budget of $5000 to $30,000 can work here. My budget is $10,000 including the honeymoon, and we can make it work. A lot of DIY, limit on the alcohol, and small guest list... our actual ceremony is open but the recpetion is invite only. I told people no hard feelings but if you were not with me and my FH from the beginning then you do not need to be there.... Point Blank Period

You don't have to be surgeons to afford a $28K wedding. That's almost exactly what ours will cost, not including the honeymoon. How are we paying for it? FH and I are paying about half, and our parents are covering the rest. We already own our home and don't have kids, so pretty much all of our disposable income goes to the wedding fund. We cut things like cable, shopping, and eating out as often as we used to.

I guess im floored by this because including honeymoon and rings our wedding even including my dress will be about $2300!

I guess it depends on the area and also what all you're wanting. I've seen really nice weddings for wayyyyy less than that...like the $7k - $10k range.

The average American wedding is $18,000 to $30,000. That is average based on 75 to 100 guests. So, yes, you are in the correct financial ball park. However, most couples are doing a lot of their own planning and that estimate can go as low as $8-15,00; some even less. So, it's all on how you spend your money, where you are splurging and where you are cutting back and saving. For example, my wedding venue with dinner and ceremony is costing me $12,000 including flowers and decor which I am doing myself. So you see, it depends on your style, and how you can save and make something look grand without spending a fortune.

That's about right for my area - but we are spending over that. And that's not even me, FH wanted the big wedding! I was okay eloping to Hawaii and spending a couple weeks there.

Seriously when I think about the fact that we are spending $45k on an 8 hour party it gives me heart palpatations. LOL