Getting hitched is getting pricier.
According to The Knot's latest survey, wedding spending has reached an all-time high — on average, couples are now dropping $35,329 to say "I do."
Not surprisingly, brides and grooms are shelling out the most in Manhattan, where weddings cost a whopping $78,464. Meanwhile, more than a thousand miles away in Arkansas, nuptials are the least pricey, averaging $19,522 per couple.
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Rocketing costs aren't due to bigger parties, but more elaborate celebrations as soon-to-be husbands and wives are dedicating more of their budget to custom details and entertainment.
"Couples are using their wedding day to make their first big statement as a couple," says Kellie Gould, editor-in-chief of The Knot. "From invitations to the reception band, couples are spending more to put their personal stamp on every detail."
As it turns out, throwing a Pinterest-worthy wedding doesn't come cheap. Elements like custom-designed Snapchat filters, photo booths and personalized stationery are all on the rise and quickly run up the wedding tab.
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As for how brides can save on their big day, Gould has a few helpful tips and trick.
Serve a signature cocktail
It's a happy medium between an open bar and a cash bar. Gould recommends serving unlimited beer and wine along with two or three signature drinks. You can even personalize them with fun names like the "John and Mary-tini."
Swap out expensive flowers
Instead of peonies, opt for large open roses, which have the same look and feel, but cost a whole $10 less per stem.
Order half the cake
Cakes are a beautiful and delicious way to add a touch of personal style, but chances are — after a cocktail hour and a three-course dinner — most of your guests are full. Don't feel guilty ordering half the size of a wedding cake you'd need (i.e. 150 guests = cake for 75 people) and actually serve half-servings, says Gould. Trust us, your guests won't even notice!
Add elements that pull double duty
Reuse flower arrangements by transporting them from the ceremony to the reception hall or using a cascading bridal bouquet as a centerpiece on a sweetheart table. This way, brides can get floral arrangements they adore and show them off even more.
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Check out the top 10 most and least expensive places to get married in the U.S. below:
Most Expensive
- New York – Manhattan: $78,464
- New York – Long Island: $67,831
- New Jersey – North/Central: $62,606
- Illinois – Chicago: $60,035
- New York – Outer Boroughs: $59,027
- Massachusetts – Cape Cod: $58,608
- New York – Westchester/Hudson Valley: $54,428
- Rhode Island: $52,328
- Florida – Southern: $48,596
- Pennsylvania – Philadelphia/Delaware: $48,093
Least Expensive
- Arkansas: $19,522
- Utah: $20,337
- Montana: $20,794
- Texas – West Texas: $21,688
- Oregon: $21,854
- Idaho: $22,018
- Arizona – Tucson: $22,175
- Iowa: $23,098
- Nevada: $23,239
- Oklahoma: $23,302