Planning a wedding in Europe, especially for couples coming from abroad, is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming task. While it’s true that there are options for budget-friendly weddings, a luxurious European wedding can easily start at €100,000 and go up from there, depending on the location and style. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create a wedding budget that suits your dreams, while comparing wedding costs in Europe, the US, and Australia to help you understand the different price ranges.
Wedding costs across the globe: what you should know
Before diving into your budget, it’s important to understand the price range of weddings in different parts of the world.
In Europe, wedding costs can vary greatly depending on the country, the location, and the level of luxury.
• Affordable European weddings: in general, for a budget-friendly wedding in Europe, you might expect to spend anywhere from €10,000 to €25,000, with smaller weddings in rural areas or off-season weddings costing even less. However, if you’re looking to host a truly luxurious wedding in popular destinations like Paris, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast, you’re looking at a starting point of €100,000 or more, especially for a wedding that includes upscale venues, catering, high-end florals, and premium photographers.
• Luxury weddings in Europe: for a high-end wedding, especially in cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, the cost can easily exceed €150,000 for 100-150 guests. The cost breakdown typically includes a prestigious venue, gourmet catering, a world-class photographer and videographer, luxury decor, entertainment, and often bespoke services (like a designer gown or custom-made stationery).
In the US, wedding costs tend to be higher on average, especially in major cities.
• Average U.S. wedding: according to recent data, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. in 2025 is around $36,000. However, if you are looking to host a luxury wedding in places like New York City, California, or Miami, costs can skyrocket, with many couples spending upwards of $75,000 to $100,000 just to cover essential costs like venue rental, catering, and photography. For a lavish wedding, the costs can rise beyond $200,000.
• Luxury weddings in the U.S.: top-tier wedding venues, premium catering, designer dresses, and exclusive photographer packages can easily push the budget past $200,000, especially for weddings in major metropolitan areas or highly sought-after venues like those in Napa Valley, or luxury resorts in Hawaii or the Caribbean.
Wedding budget breakdown: how to allocate your funds
Once you understand the general cost of a wedding in the region you want, it’s time to allocate your budget. Here’s a suggested breakdown based on the total wedding budget:
• Venue: 30-35% of the budget
This is often the biggest expense, and in luxury weddings, venues with views, historical significance, or famous locations can significantly increase costs. A high-end venue in Europe or the US could cost anywhere from €15,000-€50,000 (or more) for 100-150 guests.
• Catering: 15-20% of the budget
The quality and style of your catering can greatly impact your budget. Luxury catering, especially with multiple courses, gourmet meals, and premium beverages, can push your budget further. Expect to spend €150-€300 per person at high-end weddings.
• Photography & videography: 10-12% of the budget
Wedding photography and videography are crucial investments in your memories. Professional photographers for luxury weddings charge anywhere from €5,000 to €15,000 in Europe and the US.
• Floral & Decor: 8-10% of the budget
Floral arrangements, centrepieces, and ceremony decorations are essential in creating the ambiance for your wedding. For a luxurious experience, expect to allocate between €8,000-€20,000 for premium flowers and custom décor.
• Wedding attire (bride and groom): 5-10% of the budget
High-end wedding attire can be a significant portion of your budget. Expect to spend between €3,000-€10,000 for designer bridal gowns and custom suits for the groom.
• Wedding planner: 5-10% of the budget
A wedding planner can make all the difference in executing your vision and reducing stress. Depending on the level of service, wedding planners typically charge between 5-10% of the total wedding budget. They’ll help with vendor coordination, logistics, and day-of coordination.
• Entertainment (DJ or band): 5-7% of the budget
Entertainment is key to keeping your guests entertained. Whether you opt for a live band, DJ, or even a full performance, allocate between €2,000 and €10,000 depending on the scale of the performance.
• Miscellaneous (invitations, gifts, favours, etc.): 3-5% of the budget
This includes expenses for stationery, wedding favours, gifts for your bridal party, and any miscellaneous costs like emergency kits and tips for vendors.
• Contingency fund: 5-10% of the budget
A good rule of thumb is to reserve 5-10% of your overall budget for unexpected expenses. Weddings are known for last-minute costs, so it’s important to have a buffer.
While weddings in Europe can range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious, one thing is clear: a luxurious European wedding typically starts at €100,000. Whether you’re dreaming of a glamorous wedding in Paris or an intimate ceremony in Tuscany, setting a realistic budget and understanding what’s important to you will help you create the wedding of your dreams. By comparing the costs of weddings in Europe, the US, and Australia, you’ll better understand the expectations for your dream celebration and be able to allocate your funds wisely.
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