According to planning site Zola, the national average cost of a wedding in 2025 is estimated at around $36,000, and many couples end up spending more than they initially budgeted.
Weddings in high-cost states like New Jersey can average upwards of $50,000 or more, while even modest celebrations often cost tens of thousands.
Summer is one of the most popular seasons to tie the knot — but that popularity comes with a price tag. In the United States, couples are spending well over $30,000 on their weddings, and summer dates often fall right in peak pricing for venues, vendors, and services. What’s more, nearly 50% of couples exceed their original budget, and vendor costs such as venues, catering, photography, and décor have all climbed significantly in recent years.¹⁴ With inflation and high summer demand still pushing prices up, thoughtful planning — especially on ways to save — can mean the difference between a beautiful day and a financial headache.
Below, we break down smart strategies to help you plan your summer wedding without overspending — from budgeting tips to cost-cutting ideas that still make your big day memorable.
Read More:
Helping Pay for a Wedding? Read This Before Spending a Dollar
💍 Why Summer Weddings Cost More
Summer is peak wedding season, which means:
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⛅ High demand for venues and vendors
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📅 Fewer off-peak booking discounts
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✈️ Guests often travel, increasing overall costs
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☀️ Outdoor-friendly extras like tenting & cooling
Here’s how typical expenses stack up:
| 💵 Expense Category | 🏖️ Average Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| 🌸 Venue Rental | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
| 🍽️ Catering (per guest) | $75+ |
| 📸 Photography | $3,500 – $6,500 |
| 🎵 DJ/Band | $1,500 – $7,000 |
| 💐 Flowers & Décor | $2,400+ |
These figures are representative of averages and can vary widely by location and vendor.
📅 Set Your Wedding Budget First — and Stick To It
Before you consider dates or décor, set a realistic budget. Knowing how much you can spend will help you make smarter choices and avoid emotional overspending.
| 🧾 Budgeting Step | 🛠️ Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 🖊️ Determine total budget | Keeps spending in check |
| 📊 Break down costs | Helps prioritize what matters |
| 🧮 Assign maximums for each category | Prevents overspending |
| 📆 Review progress regularly | Keeps your plan on track |
A clear budget also makes vendor negotiations easier.
💡 Smart Timing Saves Big
Choosing a less-popular day or off-peak time can knock thousands off your total cost:
| 📅 Date Choice | 💰 Savings Potential |
|---|---|
| 🌙 Weekday Wedding | 10–30% less |
| 🍁 Off-Peak Season | 15–40% less |
| 🌅 Early Summer (June) | Lower than late summer on average |
| 🕒 Morning or Brunch Ceremony | Often cheaper than evening receptions |
Even a small scheduling shift can translate into big savings.
🌿 Cut Costs Without Cutting Memories
Here are simple ways to trim your spending while keeping the magic:
✨ 1. Consider a Nontraditional Venue
Public parks, backyards, community halls, or even rental houses can cost a fraction of banquet halls and country clubs.
🍽 2. DIY Where It Counts
Handmade centerpieces, DIY invitations, or a friend as officiant can reduce vendor fees without cheapening the experience.
🍰 3. Simplify Catering
Food is often one of the biggest budget line items. A buffet or family-style meal often costs less than plated service.
🎉 4. Skip the Extras
Ask yourself what truly matters — and skip what doesn’t. A stunning dress and dessert can take priority over extravagant favors or over-the-top décor.
🛍️ Choose Vendors Wisely
Finding reliable vendors at good prices is key:
| 👩💼 Vendor | 📉 Cost-Cutting Tip |
|---|---|
| 📸 Photographer | Book early & negotiate packages |
| 🍽️ Caterer | Ask about buffet or family-style pricing |
| 🎵 DJ / Music | DJs are usually cheaper than bands |
| 💐 Florist | Use seasonal flowers to reduce cost |
| 🍹 Bar | Limit to beer/wine instead of full bar |
Negotiation and early booking can save hundreds or even thousands.
👰 DIY vs Professional: What’s Worth It?
Not all DIY ideas save money when done wrong. Here’s a quick view:
| 🛠️ Task | 👌 Good Idea? | 💡 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Invitations | ⭐ | Save ~50% vs custom printing |
| Personal Floral Arrangements | ⚖️ | Saves money but time-intensive |
| Officiant Friend | ⭐ | Free and meaningful |
| DIY Catering | ⚠️ | Potential stress & quality issues |
DIY is best for elements where time and quality trade off in your favor.
🌞 Cost-Saving Tips Specifically for Summer Weddings
🌿 Outdoor Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive
Use natural settings like parks or gardens — just check permit costs first.
🧊 Rent Smart
Instead of full hospitality rentals, consider partial rentals (chairs only + linens you already own).
🚗 Think About Guest Costs
Suggest nearby accommodations and group rates — guests appreciate convenience, and it can reduce travel stress.
🍹 Bar Choices Matter
A beer + wine bar typically costs far less than a full open bar.
📈 How Much You Can Actually Save
Here’s a quick savings comparison based on common decisions:
| 💡 Change | 💵 Avg. Saved |
|---|---|
| Weekday vs Weekend | 10–30% |
| Brunch vs Dinner Reception | 10–20% |
| DIY Décor | $200–$1,000+ |
| Beer/Wine Bar Only | $1,000–$3,000+ |
Even small reductions add up fast!
💒 Guest List Size & Expenses
Your wedding size directly affects your budget:
| 👥 Guest Count | 💵 Estimated Avg. Total |
|---|---|
| 🌸 50 Guests | ~$20,000+ |
| 🍽 100 Guests | ~$33,000+ |
| 🎉 150 Guests | $40,000+ |
| 🎈 200+ Guests | $45,000+ |
These ballpark figures illustrate why trimming guest lists is often one of the biggest budget decisions. Larger weddings increase food, seating, rentals, and sometimes venue size.
🎉 Real Wedding Budget Case Study
Imagine your wedding budget starts at $30,000. Here’s how smart choices make a difference. This case study shows how small, strategic changes can dramatically reduce wedding costs without sacrificing the overall experience. Starting with a $30,000 budget, typical expenses could easily rise to $32,000 if you choose premium options across the board. However, by selecting a community hall instead of a high-end venue, opting for a buffet rather than plated catering, negotiating a photography package, hiring a DJ instead of a live band, and handling some décor yourself, the total drops to around $20,000. That’s a potential savings of $12,000 — proving that thoughtful decisions can create a beautiful, memorable wedding while keeping your finances intact.
| Budget Item | Typical Cost | Cost-Savvy Upgrade | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | $10,000 | Community hall | $6,000 |
| Catering | $12,000 | Buffet | $3,000 |
| Photography | $5,000 | Package discount | $1,000 |
| Music | $3,000 | DJ | $1,000 |
| Décor | $2,000 | DIY | $1,000 |
| Total | $32,000 | $20,000 | $12,000 |
You still get a beautiful wedding — and thousands saved.
🎯 Celebrate Big Without Spending Big
Planning a summer wedding doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. By understanding where costs are highest and where you can be flexible, you can architect a celebration that feels special and stays within budget. Even adjusting your date, simplifying catering, negotiating with vendors, or choosing a smaller guest list can push your total costs down dramatically.
Remember — your wedding is about celebration and connection, not just spending. With a thoughtful approach, your summer nuptials can be both unforgettable and affordable.