Why Weddings Are Getting More Expensive — And How to Plan One Without Breaking the Bank

Weddings today are far more elaborate—and expensive—than they were decades ago. From lavish gowns to destination venues, the modern wedding industry reflects broader cultural and economic trends. But how did we get here, and what does it cost to say "I do" in today’s world?

From Community Celebrations to Consumer Displays

Historically, weddings were simpler, community-centered events. According to Karen Dunak, a history professor at Muskingum University and author of As Long as We Both Shall Love: The White Wedding in Postwar America, early 20th-century weddings relied on local resources and immediate family.

“It was very much a community kind of thing, even sometimes just your immediate family,” Dunak told Vox. “People would have traditional celebrations relying on the local landscape or flowers available in the yard or the community.”

The shift toward the modern wedding began after World War II, as consumer culture took hold. Dunak explains that weddings became a way for Americans to display prosperity and abundance.

“There was a leaning into consumer expenditure, consumer display, and being part of an America that’s very much about prosperity and plenty, and the wedding is a location where Americans are able to display that.”

The Rise of the High-Profile Wedding

Today, weddings are often showcased as aspirational events, particularly in media like Vogue’s online wedding photo essays. These features typically include 40 to 80 photos, along with stories about the couple’s love journey and wedding planning process.

“They’re a big feature with an edit of maybe about 40 to 80 photos from the wedding,” said Shelby Wax, a contributing weddings editor at Vogue. “Then we also have a wonderful feature where we talk about your love story, the entire process of planning the wedding, your experience, and how you felt on the day.”

What Does a Modern Wedding Cost?

Weddings today come with a hefty price tag. While costs vary widely, the average expense for a wedding in the U.S. has risen significantly. For example, a wedding with 100 guests can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars.

However, Wax notes that extravagant spending isn’t always the key to a memorable wedding. She shared insights on what makes a wedding worth featuring—and what doesn’t.

“Some of the favorite weddings I’ve written up have been under $50,000. I just got one up this week where it was just a couple and they went to New York City Hall and they did a lunch along the way with their families, and it’s so cute and emotional and great. Sometimes the ones I see that spend a lot of money are really not of the certain caliber I want to feature because it seems like they’re just throwing money at something and it doesn’t feel intentional.”

Wax’s advice for couples? Focus on intentionality over extravagance.

“My biggest thing I always think is, ‘When I look at these photos, do I want to be a guest at this wedding?’”

Planning a Wedding That Fits Your Budget

While the average cost of a wedding continues to climb, there are ways to celebrate without overspending. Whether it’s a courthouse ceremony, a small gathering with close friends, or a destination elopement, the key is to prioritize what matters most to you as a couple.

For more insights on wedding planning, listen to Vox’s podcast, Explain It to Me, where experts and industry insiders break down the latest trends and costs. You can tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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