Modern Couples Pare Down Wedding Budgets Amid Rising Costs

The average wedding may soon become more modest as engaged couples across the U.S. increasingly prioritize financial realism over fairytale extravagance.

A new survey of 2,000 engaged Americans reveals a shift away from lavish spending as inflation and long-term financial goals reshape the modern wedding. Just 5% of those surveyed said they were planning an extravagant event, while 22% described their wedding budget as modest and 16% said they were working with the bare minimum. 

The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of JJs House, found that on average, couples expect to spend about one-third of their combined annual income on their wedding, which translates to roughly $21,058.

According to the survey, 85% of couples are paying for the wedding themselves. Only 14% reported receiving help from both sets of parents, while just 10% are relying on one side of the family.

Rising costs have caught many by surprise. Venue rentals topped the list of sticker shock items at 39%, followed by photography and catering (both at 34%), and attire (32%). The average budget for a wedding dress alone hit $7,497.

“Were seeing a clear shift toward weddings that reflect both budget constraints and personal values,” said a spokesperson for JJs House. “Couples are being more intentional with their spending, not because the day matters less, but because theyre investing even more in the life that comes after it.”

To manage rising costs, 25% of couples have postponed their weddings to save more money. Others are embracing alternative strategies, like DIY décor (27%), choosing more affordable venues (24%), or opting for secondhand attire (19%) instead of designer brands. Forty-six percent of brides said their bridesmaids will pay for their own dresses, while 27% plan to cover the cost, and another 27% arent having bridesmaids at all.

Cost is the leading factor in selecting attire, cited by 43% of respondents, followed by comfort (37%) and style (29%). While sustainability and ethical sourcing were less common priorities at 6%, 51% of couples believe younger generations will place increasing importance on those values in future wedding planning.

That mindset is already shaping decisions around rings, with 77% open to lab-grown diamonds for financial reasons, and 67% motivated by ethics. A majority — 76% — said its important that their wedding reflect their values.

Guest lists remain relatively lean, with an average of 107 invitees, and only 13% planning additional events like welcome parties or post-wedding brunches. Meanwhile, 19% have postponed their honeymoon due to finances, and 11% are skipping it altogether.

Despite the pressure, most couples are navigating wedding planning as a team. Eighty-one percent said both partners are actively involved, while 33% said most of the responsibility falls on them. Just 7% said their partner is taking the lead.

Family dynamics still pose challenges. Thirty-one percent of respondents reported feeling pressure to incorporate traditions or customs that dont align with their personal values or budget.

“Couples today are walking a tightrope between tradition and reality,” the JJs House spokesperson added. “They still want a meaningful celebration, but theres a growing awareness that starting married life in debt or under pressure to impress isnt worth the cost.”