The very cool website Wedding Cost Estimator shares the cost of the average wedding at various places in the country, including Memphis. So what is the cost of a wedding in Memphis? Let’s look at the numbers.
For this survey the average cost will include the cost of a wedding in Shelby County, TN. This includes:
- Arlington, TN
- Collierville, TN
- Cordova, TN
- Eads, TN
- Germantown, TN
- Memphis, TN
- Millington, TN
So it’s a rough idea the cost of a wedding in the Mid-South!
Average Memphis Wedding Cost
Couples in Shelby County spend between $20,000 and $30,000 on average for their wedding. When you run a cost estimator on the Cost of Wedding website you will most likely get an estimate in this range.
This example shows what it is estimated to cost for a wedding where you prioritize the venue and photographer and get married in the fall. For this estimate it shows a $23,811 cost!
This is very typical of many couples but it also depends on the wedding venue you choose and your wedding date. As an example, Annesdale Mansion would have a venue cost of minimum $9,500 for a Friday or Sunday wedding.
However, many couples still spend less than $20,000 and even less than $10,000. For these budget ranges you just have to get creative and do some DIY!
These prices are based on the spending of actual couples getting married in the Mid-South rather than wedding vendor prices.
This chart from Cost of Wedding shows the percent of couples that spent in those different ranges:
This chart was from the period before 2020 and shows that most couples spent under $10,000 for their Memphis wedding. A quarter of couples then spent from $10,000-20,000.
The average wedding cost in this survey was calculated based on the number of wedding guests estimated between 130 and 150.
A single guest could add between $150 and $200 to the cost of the wedding overall. If you plan to cut or add guests you can reduce or increase the budget per person.
Memphis Wedding Spending Breakdown By Category
Below the chart shows the spending breakdown by category, such as attire, beauty, entertainment, flowers, gifts, invitations, jewelry, photography, planners, venue and more.
As you can see, the main expense at all weddings is the venue and catering. It’s a number that can vary widely but the average for this is $10,260.
Further examples of this breakdown are below with the item and the average cost spent. Remember that designer labels and most popular versions of each thing will cost more money.
How Can You Reduce Wedding Costs?
There are many ways to spend less on your wedding. Most couples have to make cuts and find ways to fit within the budget.
Here are a few ways to reduce wedding costs:
- Cut your guest list by eliminating people you aren’t very close to
- Choose a Friday evening or Sunday instead of a Saturday (venues cost less those days)
- Hire a day of wedding coordinator instead of a full scale planner
- Choose to do some DIY projects instead of paying for vendors
Attire & Accessories Average Costs
- Dress Accessories – $159-$265
- Tuxedo/Suits – $71-$239
- Wedding Dress – $853 – $1,421
Wedding Beauty & Spa Average Costs
- Hair Service – $49-$81
- Makeup Service – $38-$64
- Manicure & Pedicure – $32 – $53
Memphis Wedding Entertainment Average Costs
- DJ – $506-$844
- Live Band – $1,114 – $1,856
- Musician/Soloist – $389 – $648
Wedding Flowers Average Costs
- Boutonnieres, Corsages – $94 – $156
- Bridal Bouquet – $101 – $168
- Bridesmaid Bouquets – $123 – $205
- Event Decorations – $329 – $549
- Event Flower Arrangements – $357 – $595
- Event Table Centerpieces – $245 – $409
- Flower Girl Flowers – $59 – $99
- Flower Petals – $64 – $106
Memphis Wedding Gifts & Favors Average Costs
- Gifts for Attendants – $76 – $126
- Gifts for Parents – $78 – $130
- Tips (for all services) – $275 – $458
- Wedding Favors – $157 – $261
Wedding Invitations Average Costs
- Ceremony Programs – $80 – $134
- Engagement Announcements – $77 – $129
- Guest Book – $44 – $74
- Invitations & Reply Cards – $186 – $310
- Postage – $81 – $135
- Reception Menus – $83 – $139
- Save the Date Cards – $85 – $141
- Table Name & Escort Cards – $56 – $94
- Thank You Cards – $68 – $114
Jewelry Average Costs
- Engagement Ring – $2,332 – $3,886
- Wedding Bands – $854 – $1,424
Wedding Photography & Video Average Costs
- Digital or Photo CD/DVD – $241 – $401
- Engagement Session – $308 – $513
- Prints and/or Enlargements – $166 – $276
- Traditional Leather Bound Album – $341 – $569
- Wedding Photographer – $1,202 – $2,003
- Wedding Videographer – $760 – $1,266
Memphis Wedding Planner Average Costs
- A La Carte Services – $728 – $1,214
- Day of Coordinator – $634 – $1,056
- For Getting Started – $624 – $1,040
- Full Service – $2,567 – $4,278
- Month of Direction – $908 – $1,513
Memphis Wedding Venue, Catering & Rentals Average Costs
- Ceremony Officiator – $145 – $241
- Event Accessories – $240 – $400
- Event Bar Service – $1,814 – $3,024
- Event Food Service – $3,515 – $5,858
- Event Location $2,591 – $4,318
- Event Rentals – $1,259 – $2,098
- Hotel Room for After Reception – $222 – $370
- Limo Rental – $348 – $580
- Other Transportation – $346 – $576
- Rehearsal Dinner – $405 – $675
- Wedding Cake/Dessert – $311 – $519
Notes About The Average Cost Of Memphis Weddings
As noted above, this survey was based on the spending of actual brides in the Shelby County area that completed the survey. Spending and prices for Memphis area weddings can actually vary widely. If you want to save money on your wedding then do your research and make sure you are choosing the best products and vendors for the right price to meet your needs.
Remember that choosing the most popular venue or the best wedding planner will add 50-100% more to your cost. Choosing vendors will help keep your costs under control as well as editing your guest list and keeping it to essential people only.
We will be sharing more budget wedding tips throughout the year to help those of you who want and need to save money on your wedding.
Remember that just because the average cost of a wedding is $20,000+, that doesn’t mean you have to spend that. You can spend less or more and have the wedding of your dreams!
Source: Cost of Wedding
