2023 Average Wedding Cost in the U.S. Increased by 3% to $30,119

As we delve into the data from the past year, it's evident that the wedding industry is experiencing an upward trend. The average wedding cost has increased from $29,195 in 2022 to $30,119 in 2023. This rise is not confined to a single aspect but is widespread across various categories. For instance, the attire and accessories segment is witnessing a notable increase, with wedding dresses now averaging $1,633, up from $1,571, and tuxedo rentals climbing from $278 to $295.

The melody of matrimony is costing more as entertainment expenses increase significantly. The price tag for a live band has gone from $2,435 to a striking $2,713. Similarly, DJ services have hit a new note, rising to $1,000 from $957. Meanwhile, venue costs are humming a slightly different tune with minor increases in food and bar services. Although there's a slight dip in venue location costs, bar services pour out an increase of $2,673 to $2,785.

In the realm of event planning, the figures are more conservative. Wedding planner services have only modestly increased from $3,239 to $3,277. Yet, through the lens of photography and video services, we see a clear picture of the rising costs, with wedding videographers now charging $1,700 compared to last year's $1,536.

However, the plot thickens when considering the demand percentages for products and services. The winners in this narrative are the venue and beauty services, which have seen a jump in demand, indicative of a shift towards a more glorious celebration atmosphere. The bakery department is also tasting success, with more couples opting for sweet endings. On the flip side, the traditional staples of the wedding industry are declining. There's a noticeable wane in the demand for jewelry, such as engagement and wedding rings, as also indicated by Tenoris in their 2023 numbers for bridal jewelry sales: US Jewelry Market 2023: Sales Down 6%, Average Sale Up 3%. A downturn in the interest in printed materials like ceremony programs and engagement announcements. This shift signals a transformation in priorities among couples, possibly steering towards experience over material goods.

The average guest list has grown to 134 in 2023, substantially growing from the previous average of 127 in 2022. This isn't just a matter of numbers but a testament to modern weddings' increasing scale and inclusivity. Alongside the burgeoning guest lists, there's also a shift in the geographic dynamics of these events. Couples are stretching their horizons, with the average travel distance for a wedding now reaching 57 miles from home, a slight yet telling increase from the 56-mile range recorded in 2022.

The latest data is based on 30,498 data samples from people getting married. This includes behavioral and survey data collected in 2023. Demographic distribution includes multiple ethnicities, education levels, occupation types, income levels, first, second, and third plus marriages, and ages 16 plus.

NOTE: Products; The final numbers are based on spending of couples getting married, not prices. This includes purchases of both new and used items. Services: The final numbers are based on spending of couples getting married, not vendor prices. This includes purchases of services from professionals, someone that simply provides the service, or a hired family member or friend.

All markets have been updated to include the latest 2023 spending updates, and 2024 and 2025 spending estimates have also been updated.

Market Summary		2022	2023	% Chg
	Total Average Wedding Cost	$29,195	$30,119	3.1%
Attire & Accessories
	Dress Accessories	$262	$274	4.4%
	Tuxedo/suit/other Accessories	$117	$124	5.6%
	Tuxedo/suit/other Rent/purchase	$278	$295	5.8%
	Wedding Dress	$1,571	$1,633	3.8%
Bakery
	Wedding Cake/dessert	$507	$516	1.7%
Beauty & Spa
	Hair Service	$86	$93	7.5%
	Makeup Service	$71	$77	7.8%
	Manicure & Pedicure	$55	$58	5.2%
Entertainment
	DJ/MC	$957	$1,000	4.3%
	Entertainment lighting	$409	$438	6.6%
	Live Band	$2,435	$2,713	10.2%
	Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble	$846	$897	5.7%
Event Venue
	Wedding Venue Bar Service	$2,673	$2,785	4.0%
	Wedding Venue Food Service	$5,195	$5,391	3.6%
	Wedding Venue Location	$5,767	$5,761	-0.1%
	Wedding Venue Rentals	$1,912	$1,979	3.4%
Flowers & Decorations
	Bouquets	$427	$448	4.7%
	Boutonnieres, Corsages	$191	$202	5.4%
	Wedding Venue Accessories	$349	$349	0.0%
	Wedding Venue Decorations	$554	$582	4.8%
	Wedding Venue Flowers & Arrangements	$638	$649	1.7%
	Wedding Venue Table Centerpieces	$391	$409	4.4%
Gifts & Favors
	Gift/s for Attendants	$111	$117	5.1%
	Gift/s for Parents	$141	$159	11.3%
	Tips (for all services)	$439	$452	2.9%
	Wedding Favors	$222	$231	3.9%
Invitations
	Ceremony Programs	$125	$141	11.3%
	Engagement Announcements	$109	$125	12.8%
	Guest Book	$59	$65	9.2%
	Invitations & Reply Cards	$206	$215	4.2%
	Postage	$98	$104	5.8%
	Reception Menus	$122	$138	11.6%
	Save the Date Cards	$111	$126	11.9%
	Table Name and Escort/place Cards	$84	$95	11.6%
	Thank You Cards	$89	$99	10.1%
Jewelry
	Bracelet	$196	$204	3.9%
	Earrings	$184	$201	8.5%
	Engagement Ring	$3,970	$4,025	1.4%
	Necklace	$243	$259	6.2%
	Wedding ring/band for Partner 1	$902	$921	2.1%
	Wedding ring/band for Partner 2	$537	$555	3.2%
Officiant
	Officiant	$263	$264	0.4%
Other Events
	Rehearsal Dinner	$750	$754	0.5%
Other Items
	Hotel Room for After Reception	$424	$424	0.0%
Photography & Video
	Digital or Photo cd/dvd	$294	$297	1.0%
	Engagement Session	$392	$391	-0.3%
	Photo Booth	$419	$430	2.6%
	Prints and/or Enlargements	$312	$322	3.1%
	Wedding album/s or photo book/s	$544	$563	3.4%
	Wedding Photographer	$2,150	$2,264	5.0%
	Wedding Videographer	$1,536	$1,700	9.6%
Planner/Coordinator
	Hourly Services	$1,822	$1,799	-1.3%
	Wedding Coordinator	$1,625	$1,607	-1.1%
	Wedding Planner	$3,239	$3,277	1.2%
Transportation
	Limo Rental	$522	$532	1.9%
	Other Transportation	$874	$873	-0.1%