Affordable Wedding Destinations for 2025: WalletHub’s Top Picks
With Valentine’s Day approaching, many couples may be considering tying the knot in the near future. However, the rising cost of weddings can make it a daunting task. To help couples plan their special day without breaking the bank, WalletHub has analyzed 180 U.S. cities across 26 key indicators to determine the best and most budget-friendly wedding destinations for 2025.
Methodology
WalletHub’s analysis considered factors such as the average cost of weddings, the number of available venues, and accommodations for guests. They also took into account the cost of food, flowers, and attire.
Top 10 Cities to Get Married
Based on their analysis, WalletHub has ranked the following cities as the top 10 places to get married in 2025:
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Knoxville, TN
- Dayton, OH
- Wichita, KS
- Lincoln, NE
- Columbus, OH
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Green Bay, WI
- Des Moines, IA
- Madison, WI
Affordability Considerations
According to Chip Lupo, an analyst at WalletHub, choosing an affordable wedding destination can save couples thousands of dollars. "When weddings can cost tens of thousands of dollars and prices have only become even more outrageously inflated in recent years, it pays to hold your wedding in a city that’s affordable, both for those paying for the wedding and for guests who will need to make accommodations."
Valentine’s Day and the Origins of Romance
Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a time for expressing love and affection. The origins of the holiday are somewhat mysterious, with some theories tracing it back to Catholic saints or an ancient Roman fertility festival.
Regardless of its origins, Valentine’s Day has become a global celebration, observed not only in the United States but also in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia. It has also become highly commercialized, with the National Retail Federation projecting that Americans will spend $25.8 billion on Valentine’s Day this year.
Tips for Planning an Affordable Wedding
For couples looking to tie the knot on a budget, here are a few tips:
- Consider having your wedding on a weekday or off-season.
- Choose a venue that offers packages or discounts.
- Keep your guest list small.
- Make your own invitations and decorations.
- Opt for a buffet-style meal instead of a formal sit-down dinner.
- Borrow or rent attire instead of purchasing new.
Conclusion
Getting married can be an overwhelming and expensive undertaking. By choosing an affordable wedding destination and planning wisely, couples can save money without sacrificing the magic of their special day. WalletHub’s analysis provides valuable insights for couples planning their dream weddings in 2025.
