The Zola Money Report: How Engaged Couples Spend, Save and Splurge

Love might be priceless, but weddings can come with big price tags. Wedding planning is half about “I do” and half about “How do we afford this?”

In 2025, couples are saying "I do" with an average wedding cost of $36,000, a number that's been steadily climbing. This is partly because of inflation (have you been to the grocery store lately?!) – which makes the cost of goods like ingredients for catering and the cake more expensive – and it’s partly because couples are spending a long time saving up for the big day. And of course, things get pricey when inspiration is coming from social media, and people are finding things that are expensive to create. But engaged couples are more invested than ever in creating the wedding experience they’ve always wanted.

Here’s even a hot take from Amy Shack Egan, Founder + CEO of Modern Rebel, one of our favorite event planning companies, on the challenges of supporting couples during the golden age of social media a: “I loathe social media wedding trends because someone will see something and then the reality of pulling it off might make zero sense at their venue or within their budget or feel totally disconnected from who they are as people. My suggestion is to stop trying to make your wedding interesting by going on social media. Make your relationship interesting! Use who you are as people as your jumping off point. Have the details of your day connect back to who you are. We have a couple doing a first ping pong match in lieu of a first dance next year because they love to play.”

With that being said, gone are the days of parents writing a check to foot the entire bill for the wedding weekend. Today's couples are taking unprecedented financial ownership of the celebration with approximately 29% fully funding their own wedding and 58% chipping in partially. Family is still a big support system, though, with 71% of couples receiving financial assistance from their families.

The Splurge Strategy

Forget the days of obsessing over perfectly arranged napkin rings and elaborate crystal centerpieces. Today's couples are changing the wedding playbook, and it's all about creating epic memories that will keep their friends talking about their wedding for years.

Photography has become the splurging superstar: 57% of couples are ready to drop serious cash to make sure every laugh, tear, cheers and dance move is perfectly captured. And right behind the camera magic is venue selection with 47% of couples prioritizing their wedding location, understanding that the right setting can transform "I do" into an unforgettable experience. After all, venues are more than backdrops.

And the ultimate wedding crowd-pleaser is amazing food, which might be why 32% of couples are willing to splurge on catering for the big day. It keeps guests happy, and everybody knows that happy guests = epic wedding memories.

Cash Funds: More Than Just Wedding Money

87% of couples who are getting married in 2025 are planning to include cash funds in their registries.

Here’s how that money is being spent: Relaxing after the wedding is a priority, with 88% of couples using the cash fund from their registry to fuel their dream honeymoon or travel.

But cash funds are about more than wanderlust — they’ve become a practical solution, especially as more couples take on the cost of their own weddings while juggling other major financial commitments at the same time. 41% of couples are using cash funds to strategically save money for home ownership, playing the long game. Another 32% are using registry funds to directly offset their wedding expenses, showing that financial practicality is its own version of romance. Home renovations are a priority, too. 19% of couples are investing in home renovations. Goodbye, old wall paper. Hello, freshly-painted walls.

Some practical couples – 32% of them – are using cash funds to pay off wedding expenses, proving that financial wisdom can start right at the altar. And some are looking to keep the spark alive with date nights after saying “I do.” 12% of couples are using the money from their cash funds for special date nights.

The New Wedding Financial Etiquette

But here's the kicker – 95% of couples wish asking for cash felt more socially acceptable. While 70% of couples would love to receive cash gifts, only 54% actually feel comfortable giving cash themselves. We’re here to say that asking for cash totally is acceptable!

Clearly, couples who are getting married in 2025 are saying "I do" to each other and to smart money management, shared dreams, and a future that's thoughtfully planned. And a wedding registry is no longer just a list. It's a mission statement, a financial strategy, and a ticket to your next great adventure as a couple.

P.S. We cannot say this enough: Cash funds are 100% acceptable, totally normal, and frankly, kind of genius. Your future selves will thank you.

The Money Conversations

Financial planning for weddings can be tricky. 48% percent of couples say their biggest wedding planning struggle is managing expectations versus actual affordability. And 31% of couples said managing a budget for their wedding has been a significant stressor. But when it comes to having a blowout versus budgeting, 25% of couples would prefer to have an extravagant $50,000 wedding over locking in future financial security.

In 2025, weddings will represent far more than a single day of celebration. Couples are crafting celebrations that balance spectacular memories with financial stability, challenging norms while creating new traditions.

And whether you're planning to spend $5,000 or $50,000, the most valuable asset is the commitment you're making to each other.