Here's how much weddings cost in 14 places around the world
A wedding is probably the biggest party you'll ever throw. It can also be one of the most expensive days of your life.
Although you might have an idea of how much you're willing to spend on your nuptials, the cost of a wedding varies wildly depending on where you live.
Here are the cost of a wedding in 15 countries, ranked from most to least expensive. It's worth noting that all of these stats came from different sources, and during different years, so averages may vary slightly.
1. Couples spend about $185,000 (Dhs. 680,000) to get married in the United Arab Emirates.
According to associate professor of Marketing at Zayed University Damien Arthur, "the average cost of hosting an Emirati wedding is now over 680,000 dirhams (US $185,000), of which 593,000 dirhams is [typically] paid for by the groom's family."
While many couples do choose to hold more modest affairs, Arthur states that the high average cost of a wedding in the United Arab Emirates is "driven largely by normative pressure to conform and avoid criticism that may impact family honor."
2. Saying "I do" in Australia costs roughly $67,032 ($90,196 AUD).
Getting married down under is surprisingly costly. According to Canstar data from 2017, a wedding in Australia will cost just under $70,000.
3. The average wedding in the UK comes in at $35,005 (£27,161).
That's according to a 2017 Hitched survey of about 4,000 brides. Couples in the UK are also likely to spend an average of $1,558 (£1,209) on the wedding dress and about $2,685. (£2,084) on a wedding ring.
4. The average price of a wedding in Kenya is $34,854 (Ksh 3,500,000).
According to a 2018 survey by Samantha Bridals, the current average cost of a wedding in Kenya is about $34,854. However, the report also reveals that many couples try to stick to a budget of $14,900 (Ksh 149,6209) or under.
5. Couples in the US spend an average of $33,391 on the big day.
According to The Knot’s 2017 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average amount spent per wedding guest has increased from $194 in 2009 to $268 in 2017. The most expensive place in the country to get married is Manhattan ($76,944 average spend) and the least expensive spot is New Mexico ($17,584 average spend).
American couples also look at an average of 26 engagement rings before deciding on "The One"and spend an average of $6,351 on the bride’s bling.
6. Canadians spend about $23,568 ($30,717 CAD) on their weddings.
According to Daily News Egypt, Canadians spend a little over $20,000 on their weddings on average. Interestingly, Canadians said that the realistic price of a wedding would be $8,937 CAD, or $6,857 USD.
7. The average cost of a wedding in Greece is around $19,337 (€16,654).
You’ll have to cough up just a hair under $20,00 for a wedding in Greece, according to the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners. With gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, ancient ruins, and turquoise seas, couples in Greece often stay in the country for their honeymoons.
8. Couples in Spain drop about $19,195 dollars (€16,500 euros) to get married.
According to Fashion United, the average cost of a wedding in Spain is about $19,195, based on data from 2014 collected in an IESE Business School report. Many Spanish weddings begin after 7 p.m. and don’t end until the next morning.
9. Couples in the Netherlands tie the knot for about $17,391 (€15,000).
As reported by Expatica, Dutch wedding usually run around €15,000.
As of January 2017, you can actually nab a free Dutch wedding ceremony every Tuesday in all of Amsterdam's city offices, according to the city's website. The waiting lists for these spots, however, can sometimes be up to six months long.
10. The average cost of a wedding in Russia is $15,000 (976,908₽).
The Astana Times reports that the average Russian wedding costs about $15,000. Russian brides shell out about $1,000 for a wedding dress, and the couples typically spend about $5,000 on a honeymoon.
11. The average Chinese wedding costs around $12,000 (¥76,141).
The BBC reports that the average cost of a wedding in China was around $12,000 in 2016. To put that in perspective, the national average annual wage for urban employees around the same time period was $8,900 (¥56,339). Wedding-related revenue in China has ballooned from $57 billion in 2011 to $80 billion in 2016.
12. Head to Sri Lanka for a wedding that will cost you around $1,128 (Rs. 180,310)
This island country off the coast of India is a scenic nuptial destination filled with rainforests and ancient ruins. As The Telegraph reports, it's a favorite location for Brits getting married abroad, which could have an impact on price.
13. A wedding in Mexico will run you about $9,329 ($172,000 MXN).
According to Statista, with info from Compareguru.com, the average Mexican wedding in 2016 cost about $9,329 USD. A typical wedding venue, including dinner for 100 guests, costs around $2,169 ($40,000 MXN), and brides spend about $813 USD ($15,000 MXN) on their wedding dress.
14. You can get married in Mauritius for about $533 (Rs.18,362).
The Telegraph reports that a wedding in Mauritius will run you a little more than half a grand, not including extras like a photographer or luxury wedding dress. This island off the coast of Madagascar is home to stunning nuptial spots like Black River Gorges National Park and the coastal city of Port Louis.
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