Inside the Zola Wedding Cost Index: Our Data Methodology & Breakdown

When it comes to your wedding budget, you want numbers you can actually trust. At Zola, we believe in transparency, which is why we built the Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI). This guide breaks down the data behind our Cost Index to help you plan with confidence.

How we get our wedding cost numbers

The Zola Wedding Cost Index (ZWCI) gives you a real look at what couples are actually spending on their weddings across the United States. We don’t guess—we use a mix of real data to give you numbers you can trust.

Our information comes from three main places:

• Real couple budgets: We look at how couples use the Zola budget tool to plan their spending.
• Vendor-reported prices: We gather pricing information directly from the thousands of vendors who you can inquire and reach on Zola.
• Actual Budget Tool data: We analyze final budgets from our Budget Tool data using proprietary algorithms to see what couples truly pay for services.

To give you the most accurate numbers, the Zola Wedding Cost Index looks at real prices from over 1,000 locations. We include costs from 10+ vendor categories and for weddings of all sizes, from 50 to 300 guests.

A complete wedding cost breakdown

So, where does the money go? While your priorities will be unique, most wedding budgets follow a similar pattern. Here’s a sample breakdown of national averages to help you think about how you might divide your funds.

Vendor Category	Percentage of Budget (Approx.)	Notes
Venue & Catering	30% - 50%	This is typically the largest expense. On average, wedding venues account for 17%, while wedding catering is about 14%.
Photography & Videography	10% - 20%	Capturing memories is a top priority for most. With photography accounting for 9% & videography being 8%.
Attire	8% - 10%	This includes outfits, accessories & undergarments. The average wedding dress typically costs more than the average tux rental.
Beauty	1-2%	Hair & makeup averages 1-2% often including the trials and travel fees, as well.
Music & Entertainment	35% - 810%	A great band or DJ sets the mood. Live bands typically cost more than DJs, representing 5-8% vs. 3%
Flowers & Decor	105% -15 8%	From bouquets to centerpieces, couples spend about 13% of their total budget on florals.
Wedding Planner	5% - 8%	Varies based on full vs. day-of coordination, a wedding planner costs about 8%, though can often save a couple money in other areas.
Other (Cake, Officiant, etc.)	5% - 10%	The finishing touches that complete the day, like average cake or officiant costs add up to 5-10%.

Disclaimer: These percentages are national averages and can change based on your location, guest count, and personal style.

How we keep our data up to date

The wedding industry changes, and so do costs. We update the Zola Wedding Cost Index every year to make sure you have the most current information. We also look at economic factors, like the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to provide a cost analysis that reflects what’s happening in the market right now.

A trusted source for wedding costs

When you're planning your budget, you want numbers you can rely on. That’s why we’re proud that the Zola Wedding Cost Index has become a go-to source for journalists and researchers, too.

You'll often see our data mentioned in top news sites, leading financial publications, and popular lifestyle magazines when they talk about wedding trends and spending. It means you can feel confident that you’re using the same high-quality data as the experts to plan your special day.

Ready for the next step?

Now that you have a better understanding of the costs, you can start making a plan that’s perfect for you. The next step is to put these numbers to work and build your own budget.

Track your spending with our free Budget Tracker, and when you’re ready, find incredible local vendors to bring your wedding to life.

Frequently asked questions about wedding costs

What is the most expensive part of a wedding?

The largest expenses for a wedding are the venue and catering. This combined category can easily account for nearly half of the total wedding budget, as it's directly tied to your guest count.

How much should you budget for a wedding photographer?

It’s a good idea to set aside between 10% and 20% of your total budget for a photographer and videographer. Remember that experienced professionals in high-demand areas may cost more.

Does wedding cost vary by state?

Absolutely. Large, metropolitan cities often cost more than smaller towns. For example, the average wedding in NYC for 150 guests is $99,400 whereas the same size wedding in Salt Lake City is $36,550.

How does guest count affect my wedding budget?

Your guest count is a huge driver of your total cost. Some costs are fixed (like your photographer or band, which cost the same whether you have 50 or 300 guests), while others are variable (like catering, which is priced per person). Our model understands these differences to give you accurate estimates for any size celebration.