Love doesn’t come with a price tag—but weddings do. According to Forbes, the average wedding in Connecticut is expected to cost around $40,300 in 2025. The venue is often the biggest expense, but don’t forget about catering, flowers, photography, videography, attire, invitations, wedding favors, and so much more!
And that’s not to mention how expensive it can be just to be a guest! Being a wedding guest can really strain your personal budget. Gifts, travel, lodging, and attire add up quickly, especially when it feels like everyone you know is getting married during the same summer!
Luckily, with some thoughtful planning, you can keep wedding costs manageable. Whether hosting, contributing, or attending, I’ve put together some tips to help everyone enjoy the celebration without breaking the bank.
Planning a Wedding? Budget-Friendly Tips for Couples
Common Wedding Costs That Sneak Up on You
Before signing any contracts, make sure to look out for potential hidden fees:
- Outside Vendors: If you're bringing in your preferred florist or baker, check if your venue has additional fees for using outside vendors or requires you to choose from a preferred list.
- Cake-Cutting and Corkage Fees: Some venues charge per guest for cake cutting and per opened bottle. These fees are often only mentioned in the contract, so be sure to read it carefully.
- Overtime Charges: Parties can easily extend beyond the scheduled time, racking up overtime costs for wait staff, musicians, and photographers. Confirm rates and negotiate these in advance.
- Taxes and Gratuities: Budget for these costs separately. It's safer to assume they aren't included and plan accordingly to avoid last-minute budget stress.
How to Save on Wedding Hotels and Guest Perks
Reserving hotel blocks early is not only thoughtful—it’s a smart budget move. Try to secure a mix of accommodations at different price points so your guests have options. When booking, don’t be afraid to ask for extras like complimentary Wi-Fi, shuttle service to the venue, airport transportation, or even a morning-after brunch. These perks can add value for your guests without adding much to your bottom line.
Budget Tips for Wedding Guests
The average wedding guest usually spends over $600 per wedding, with those in the wedding party spending even more. Here are some ways to manage your expenses:
- Travel: Turn your trip into a mini-vacation and book flights for midweek departures to save on airfare.
- Lodging: Book your hotel early to take advantage of any reserved room rates or risk paying higher prices if rooms fill up.
- Attire: Plan ahead and shop during sales or consider renting formal wear through online services to cut costs. One option I’ve used myself is Rent the Runway, which offers a wide range of designer dresses and accessories for women. You can rent high-end outfits for a few days at a significantly lower cost than purchasing them outright.
Financial Planning for Parents Contributing to a Wedding
If you plan to contribute financially, consider avoiding giving large checks directly to the couple, as this may trigger the federal gift tax. For 2025, the annual gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per recipient.
💡 Tip: Consider paying vendors directly to sidestep potential tax issues.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Wedding!
Weddings should be filled with joy, not financial stress! A little planning can go a long way in making sure the day remains about love and celebration, not budget woes.
Your wedding is an exciting time, but it's just one part of your financial story. If you’d like to talk about planning for the big day—and everything that comes after—feel free to reach out to schedule an introductory meeting.
Kelsey Conklin is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional who helps individuals and families plan for their financial future. Based in Glastonbury and Wilton, CT, she also specializes in financial planning for women, guiding her clients through divorce, widowhood, career transitions, caregiving responsibilities, retirement planning, investing, and managing longevity risks. As a female financial advisor, Kelsey is passionate about financial empowerment for women and provides personalized financial strategies designed to help women take control of their wealth with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re navigating major life changes or planning for retirement, she is committed to providing guidance tailored to your unique goals. Schedule a complimentary Women and Wealth introductory meeting with Kelsey and start building a financial plan designed for you.
This information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and it does not constitute a recommendation.
Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. Any opinions are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.
Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.