Times Have Changed . . . The Price Of Weddings These Days

"Times have changed . . . I have proof!"

That was the name of the email I received from my future mother-in-law a couple of week's ago.  She was sifting through some of her keepsakes for vintage dresses and items to donate to the county museum when she stumbled upon her wedding budget and list of expenses from 1970. She worked as a secretary and saved every penny to pay for her wedding.

Recently, TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com's revealed the average price tag for weddings.  According to the Real Weddings Study, the average amount spent on a wedding in 2012 was $28,427.  According to the report, couples dropped more green than they have in the previous four years IN ALL aspects of the big day.

The report also revealed that "the average wedding spend per guest increased to $204, as compared to $196 in 2011 and even $194 in 2009. In fact, about 1 in 8 brides (13%) are spending more than $40,000 on their nuptials, and nearly 1 in 4 (23%) didn't even have a budget."

Where is the green going? Venue, dress, ring and photog are the big expenses.  But with that surge in "per guest" spending, it's really in the tiny details such as favors, rehearsal dinners, shoes and invites.

So how does my budget, my mother-in-laws wedding day expenses and the average cost from the survey stack up against one another?  Below is a table -- please note that not all costs are represented.



As you can see -- it's a matter of choice as to wear you funnel your money.  Our budget for the rehearsal dinner pretty much doubles the going average.  In our case, it makes sense. Mike and I  live in Canada and getting down to the states is a bit difficult.  We wanted to maximize the time spent with friends and family during our brief stay in Idaho.  That being said, our entire wedding guest list was invited to attend both the reception and the rehearsal dinner.

I admire my future mother-in-law for paying her own way down the aisle.  I think it was partly due to that experience and the fact that this is her son that she offered to help with the reception dinner.  It is something I GREATLY appreciate.

Bottom line: Live within your budget, focus on the points that mean the most to you and appreciate the monetary gifts that family members give you for the special day. The important thing is that it is an event that you as the happy couple enjoys and reflects your personality and values.

The final price tag doesn't reflect the heart, connections and love you will share that day.


* Includes cake; nuts; mints; punch; disposable plates, forks and engraved napkins; and hall rent
**Includes all outfit elements
***Includes the bar budget

Resources:
Real Weddings Study