How Much Does a Wedding cost? Wedding Costs Checklist 2024

To make sure your wedding becomes a dream day, detailed cost planning is essential. This way, you can ensure that all the important points are covered and the day doesn’t blow your budget.

What does a wedding cost? How much a wedding costs can vary greatly. In Switzerland, the range is estimated between CHF 20,000 and 50,000. Depending on the details of the celebration, the actual budget can be below or well above this range.

This large price range exists because a wedding has many different components with variable prices. Here are some of the main cost factors:

• Location
• Catering
• Decoration
• Flowers
• Rings and outfits for the bridal couple
• Stationery
• Other (including music/DJ, photographer, photo booth)

In this article, you’ll find out what a wedding costs on average.. We also offer you a checklist for budget planning and practical tips on how to save some money.

How much a wedding costs in Switzerlandcan vary greatly. A small wedding with just close family in your own garden will obviously cost less than an event with 200 people, a five-course meal, and fireworks.

The biggest influence on the actual costs is probably the number of guests. But the region and venue, the type of wedding, and factors such as the wedding date also affect the budget you need to plan for.

Most sources state that the average cost of a wedding in Switzerland is between CHF 20,000 and 50,000. But what does a typical wedding cost on average in other countries?

(Sources: Global Wedding Report, Statista, Herold.at)

The possible price ranges for wedding budgets are usually very large. This is because a wedding includes many elements that affect the budget. Here is a selection of the most important ones:

• Location: There are huge differences in venue costs. Renting a private castle or villa, for example, costs more than celebrating in a restaurant or your own garden.
• Number of guests: The more guests you have, the more expensive the wedding will be. This also affects other elements, such as the size of the venue, the number of service staff, and of course, the catering costs.
• Wedding date: On popular dates and during peak wedding season (in summer), venue rental is often more expensive than in the off-season. In addition, the prices for flowers or service providers can go up on certain holidays.

While traditional weddings pay a lot of attention to customs, with a modern wedding you have much more flexibility. Anything goes, and you can opt for unconventional choices, such as food trucks instead of a formal sit-down menu. This makes it easier to stick to a lower budget at modern weddings, as there are more opportunities to save.

Planning the wedding budget is a major part of preparing for your big day. Here’s the best way to go about it:

Step 1: How do you determine your financial means?

At the beginning, you and your partner should consider together how much you want to spend on the celebration at most. The following questions can help you:

• How much money do you have available?
• Is there still time to save a bit more and increase your budget?
• Can you borrow money from family members?
• Would taking out a loan for your wedding be an option for you?

Be sure to start planning your wedding budget without time pressure.. This way, if necessary, you have the option to postpone the wedding to save more money.

How much you as a couple want to spend on your wedding is entirely up to you. However, set a realistic budgetto avoid stress. With poor planning, you might end up saving in the wrong places or incurring extra costs you can’t afford.

Step 2: How do you create a guest list?

The number of guests has a big impact on the cost of a wedding. More people means you’ll need a larger venue and more food. Creating the guest list is often not easy—after all, you don’t want to leave anyone out. These points can help:

• Who absolutely has to be there? Create a priority list, ranking your invited guests by importance.
• How much does a wedding cost per person? Get quotes from caterers and venues. Once you know roughly how much your wedding will cost per person, you can decide how many guests you can invite.

The most important thing is that you as a couple enjoy your day. Don’t invite people you don’t want to have there just to be polite. Sometimes an open conversation with your partner or parents and other relatives is helpful: clearly communicate your wishes. Your loved ones will surely understand that you can’t invite everyone for budget reasons.

Step 3: How do you set priorities in wedding planning?

Which aspects of your event are most important depends entirely on your preferences. Here are some examples of significant wedding items:

• Catering and food: Good and plentiful food and drink are important to keep spirits high at your celebration.
• Music: The musical accompaniment has a strong influence on the overall mood of the event.
• Photography: Photos are the best keepsakes from your special day. With a photo booth, you also provide entertainment for your guests during the wedding celebration.
• Location: The venue sets the tone for the atmosphere. With atmospheric decorations, you can add your own touch.

What you want to save on is entirely up to you. For some, an expensive wedding dress and professional makeup are essential, while for others, these are dispensable. Make a list of your priorities and base your wedding budget planning on them.

Step 4: How do you get quotes?

To find the best deals, you should compare prices for service providers and venues. Most provide an overview of possible costs on online price lists.

Take advantage of packages, as these can save you money. Venues often offer packages or can give you contacts for good service providers.

Rely on the experiences and reviews of past clients when making your choice. Especially personal recommendations from friends are valuable. When reading online reviews, pay attention to their authenticity.

Step 5: How do you clarify the financing?

A wedding is often a major financial undertaking. There are various ways to finance it:

• Ideally, you and your partner can pay for the wedding yourselves. You cover the costs from your regular accounts or a separate wedding savings account.
• Sometimes the family is happy to cover part of the wedding expenses. You can also ask family members and friends to lend you money and pay it back in monthly installments.
• Loans or credit from the bank are also an option for financing the wedding. Compare different offers and choose the option with the best terms and interest rates.

A detailed cost plan in advance is important so that you don’t exceed your means. Take enough time for cost planning and also consider expenses you might have forgotten at first.

Stay within your set budget. If one item ends up being more expensive, you’ll need to adjust other costs—this way, you make sure you don’t go over your wedding budget.

Step 6: How do you create a detailed budget plan?

A detailed budget plan includes every single expense, no matter how small. Here is an overview of the most important categories and items:

Ceremony

• Wedding ceremony
• Officiant
• Music

Location

• Rent
• Catering possibly included
• Decoration

Catering

• Food
• Aperitif
• Drinks
• Wedding cake
• Snacks

Outfits

• Wedding dress and suit
• Shoes, jewelry
• Makeup, hair
• Wedding rings and ring pillow

Flowers

• Bridal bouquet
• Flower arrangements for tables, church

Stationery

• Save-the-date cards and invitations
• Place cards
• Day program
• Menu

Other service providers

• Service staff (often included with catering or the venue)
• Photographer
• Music (band and/or DJ)
• Wedding planner

Other and unforeseen costs

• Guest gifts
• Entertainment for guests (e.g., photo booth, guest book, games)
• Meals for service providers on site
• Tips
• Honeymoon
• Transport to the venue

Create a personal wedding cost checklist with every expense item. Keep this list up to date at all times. Always note when something has been paid, and add new items or remove ones that are no longer needed.

For your checklist, you can either use a handwritten notebook or download an app.

A wedding includes many cost items that can vary greatly. Below you’ll find an overview of the most important ones.

1. What do the different types of wedding ceremonies cost?

Not all ceremonies are the same: besides the standard civil ceremony at the registry office, you can also choose between a church wedding or a symbolic (free) ceremony.

• Civil ceremony: A civil ceremony at the registry office is often a rather simple affair, and depending on the office, there may not be room for many guests. The cost of a civil wedding depends on your place of residence and the day of the week (starting from CHF 300).
• Church wedding: You can only have a church wedding in combination with a civil marriage. You also need to be a member of the respective church. The cost of a church wedding can vary depending on the location and denomination—but often, church weddings are free of charge.
• Free ceremony: Free ceremonies are conducted by celebrants and usually take place directly at the wedding location. Many people find this option more personal and generally more beautiful. You should plan for costs of over CHF 1,000. It gets more expensive if you have special requests, such as live music.

The clear advantage of a free ceremony is that there’s no need to change locations. The celebrant can come directly to the venue and conduct the ceremony there.

2. What does the wedding venue cost?

There is a huge range in prices for wedding venues: anything from a few hundred francs to five-figure amounts is possible.

Of course, there are other options, such as a destination wedding on the beach or a romantic wedding in the mountains. Consider with your partner what best suits you and your wedding theme. Also keep the following points in mind:

• Date: Depending on the date, venue prices can vary. Wedding venues often charge more in the summer, and restaurants can be more expensive on holidays.
• Planning effort: Many places offer all-inclusive packages that include catering, decoration, and other services. This can save you time, stress, and money, but you’ll have fewer options for customization.
• Number of guests: The venue should match the number of guests—either you adjust the guest list or look for a venue that’s the right size for your guest count.

Try to find a venue that is the perfect place for your dream wedding but still doesn’t blow your wedding budget. With loving decoration, you can enhance even a simple venue and give it a special atmosphere.

3. What do wedding catering and drinks cost?

Catering is one of the most important aspects of a wedding, as it keeps everyone in good spirits. Restaurants and many other venues offer all-inclusive packages with integrated catering options.

To calculate the cost of catering for your wedding per-person prices are the most practical. According to My Switzerland, you should plan for CHF 120 to 300 per person for food and drinks.

The most expensive are usually multi-course menus, while buffets are a bit more affordable. There are also more unconventional options, like food trucks.

If you want to save as much as possible, you can take care of the catering yourself. However, this is only feasible up to a certain number of guests and can be quite stressful.

Don’t underestimate the cost of drinks. Depending on your calculations, choose a drinks package or select an appropriate option. It’s perfectly fine to provide only some drink options for free—the rest can be paid for by the guests themselves.

4. What does the wedding cake cost?

A wedding needs a cake—choose an option that stands out but doesn’t exceed your budget. These criteria affect the price of the cake:

• Number of tiers
• Decoration
• Fillings

Compare prices from different bakeries and look at different types and sizes of cakes.

A budget-friendly option is to have a talented friend bake the cake themselves. It doesn’t always have to be a four-tier wedding cake: how about a smaller cake and some additional cakes brought by family members?

5. What do the bride’s dress and groom’s outfit cost?

Wedding outfit expenses include not only the wedding dress and suit, but also shoes, accessories, styling, and any alterations.

• Two-piece suit: about CHF 1,500
• Wedding dress: CHF 1,000–3,000
• Shoes, accessories, styling: highly variable

You can significantly reduce the cost of outfits by renting the suit and wedding dress. Another option is to buy second-hand items or clothing from sales.

6. What do wedding rings cost?

Wedding rings should not only be beautiful but ideally last a lifetime. When choosing, consider the following criteria:

• Material: The higher the quality of the material, the more expensive the rings. Gemstone and titanium, for example, are affordable and robust alternatives.
• Stones: Rings set with diamonds are more expensive than simple ones. Cubic zirconia stones are cheaper but sparkle just as beautifully.
• Engraving: Engravings and custom designs usually increase the price.

Make the process of choosing rings a special event. Go to the jeweler together and get advice there. This way, you’ll find the ring option that best suits you and your wedding budget.

7. What does a wedding photographer cost?

A wedding photographer can capture all the emotional moments of your special day. You should budget several thousand francs for this—the following factors influence the price:

• Duration: An all-day wedding reportage costs more than a two-hour photo session.
• Number of photos: The more edited photos you want in the end, the higher the price.
• Experience: Experienced wedding photographers usually charge more than beginners.

To choose the right photographer you should look at various portfolios. You should also make sure in a personal conversation that the chemistry is right. Clear communication is essential so your wishes are fulfilled.

An exciting addition to wedding photography is a photo booth. This not only creates authentic memory photos but also serves your guests as an entertaining feature during the wedding.. Depending on your budget, you can decide which type of photobooth you want to rent for your wedding. At Fotichaschte.ch, we offer you different options: from standard photo booths starting at CHF 399 to eye-catching photo mirrors.

8. What do flowers for the wedding cost?

The cost of flowers and decorations can vary greatly. According to MySwitzerland, you should budget at least CHF 2,000 for this:

• Bridal bouquet
• Boutonniere
• Table decorations
• Decorations for the venue (possibly also for the church)

Among other things, the venue also affects the choice of floral decorations: the larger the venue, the more money you’ll need to budget for it. An empty multipurpose hall will probably require more flowers than, for example, a restaurant.

By choosing seasonal flowers, you can often reduce costs. Ask your florist what packages are available. Also keep in mind that on certain holidays, flower prices increase.

9. What do printed materials for the wedding cost?

There are quite a few printed materials at weddings that you should include in your budget planning:

• Save-the-date cards
• Invitations
• Menus
• Programs
• Thank you cards
• Postage for mailing

How much you need to spend on this varies greatly depending on factors like design, paper quality, and quantity.. Apps like Canva make it easy to design all your stationery yourself.

You can also save on printing: instead of a program and menu card for every single guest, two or three per table are often enough.

10. What does a wedding DJ cost?

A wedding DJ creates the right atmosphere and influences the mood at your event.. Experienced DJs know what matters and which songs will get the wedding guests dancing.

When choosing a DJ for your wedding, it’s best to rely on personal recommendations. Also, check out their website and definitely arrange a personal meeting.

What does a DJ cost for a wedding…also depends on the duration of the celebration and the technical equipment required. On average, you should budget up to CHF 2,000.

11. What are the other costs of a wedding?

In addition to all the costs already mentioned, there are a number of other expenses you shouldn’t forget in your wedding budget planning, including:

• Wedding vehicle and guest transport
• Guest entertainment, e.g., photo booth
• Decoration
• Tips
• Guest gifts

Write down every single expense, no matter how small. A list sorted by priorities will help you cut unnecessary items and save money. Is it important to you to arrive at the church in a wedding limo? Then research how much a limousine for a wedding costs and put this high on your priority list.

Important: Don’t forget to include a buffer in your budget. This way, you’ll have money left over for unexpected costs.

To make sure your wedding doesn’t go over budget, we’ve put together some money-saving tips for you.

1. How do you choose an off-peak season for your wedding?

If you stay flexible with your wedding date, you can save quite a bit of money. Summer is peak wedding season: many venues and service providers charge more. In contrast, you can benefit from lower prices at other times of the year. Also consider planning your celebration during the week.

This can also be less stressful. Venues are less likely to be fully booked and you have more options.

2. How do you stay flexible with the venue?

If you don’t absolutely need a private villa or castle, you can save a lot on wedding venue costs.

Restaurants often charge little or no rental fees. Your event will be even cheaper in your parents’ garden. With fairy lights, garlands, and atmospheric decorations, you can create a romantic atmosphere for your wedding even in simple locations.

3. How do you implement DIY projects for the wedding?

Get creative with do-it-yourself projects! This not only saves you money but also gives your wedding a personal touch. Here are our top three DIY tips:

• Atmospheric table decorations: Put battery-powered fairy lights in mason jars and bottles. At the end of the evening, your guests can even take them home!
• Candy bar: Buy all kinds of colorful sweets and set up a candy bar as a dessert station. Both kids and adults will love cake pops, gummy bears, marshmallows, and delicious chocolates.
• Homemade stationery: With Canva, you can design beautiful invitations, programs, and menus yourself.

Of course, you don’t have to do all the wedding DIYs alone: ask friends and family to help you.

4. How do you set priorities for wedding costs?

To use your budget as effectively as possible, you should think about your wedding priorities . think about your wedding priorities. Discuss with your partner which aspects are most important to you. It’s best to divide the list into must-haves and nice-to-haves. Compromise where it doesn’t matter too much to either of you.

While some people dream of an expensive wedding dress, others care most about the perfect venue. Always remember: the most important thing is that you can enjoy this unique day with your loved ones.

5. How do you use secondhand and rentals for the wedding?

Buying secondhand items and borrowing or renting clothing and accessories are great ways to save.

• Ask friends who have just gotten married if they want to sell any of their decorations.
• Look for a wedding dress on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or in a secondhand shop.
• Rent a suit from online platforms like Rentscout or a tailor near you.

Both rented and secondhand clothing often cost a fraction of what you’d pay for a new outfit. At the same time, it’s more sustainable and practical — after all, when will you wear your wedding dress again after the wedding?

6. What creative solutions are there for wedding costs?

For many wedding elements, there are creative alternativesthat can help you save money. Here are some ideas:

• Make use of as many offers from your circle of friends as possible. Hobby bakers can bake a delicious wedding cake, and musician friends might be happy to put together a short performance.
• Plan only a short photo session with the professional photographer. For the rest of the event, you can provide a photo booth and get authentic memories from your celebration. Our Fotichäschte is available from CHF 399 for events with up to 150 people.
• Create a wedding website instead of printed save-the-date cards and invitations. This way, you save on printing and postage costs.

Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for help. Your loved ones will surely be happy to help you both with preparations and during your celebration.

The Wedding cost planning is an important part of preparing for your big day. Start planning early enough—these questions can help you:

• What does a wedding cost? What does a wedding cost? On average, a wedding costs between CHF 20,000 and 50,000.
• How much money do you have available? Set a maximum budget for your event together.
• What are your priorities? Be clear about what is most important to you and where you are willing to save.

Stay flexible when planning your wedding and be prepared to compromise if necessary. It’s also essential to have a buffer to cover unexpected costs.

For even more support, we’ve put together a detailed guide to wedding planning for you: “Is wedding planning really that complicated?” This way, nothing will go wrong as you prepare for your big day, and you can look forward to your personal dream wedding.

How much does a typical wedding cost?

A typical wedding in Switzerland costs between CHF 20,000 and 50,000. The actual costs can vary greatly depending on the venue, number of guests, and many other factors. In the end, you decide what a budget wedding costs: there are many ways to save money.

How much should you budget per person for a wedding?

For catering, you should budget between CHF 120 and 300 per person for your wedding. A buffet is usually cheaper than a multi-course menu.

How much should you save for a wedding?

Ideally, you have saved enough money so you don’t have to go into debt for your wedding—so, depending on your wedding budget, at least CHF 20,000. However, you can also finance your wedding with a loan or borrow money from family or friends.