What Are The Average Wedding Costs in Ireland?
Ever noticed how nobody wants to talk actual numbers when it comes to wedding costs? It's always "Oh, it depends" or "Every wedding is different." Well, we're done with the mystery - you want figures, we've got figures!
Let's cut through the fog of polite vagueness and look at what couples actually spent in 2024 - essential intel for your 2025 wedding plans.
The Average Cost
While you can absolutely plan a wedding on any budget (yes, really!), everyone needs a starting point, right? In 2024, the average Irish wedding came in at €33,083.
The Wedding Cost Breakdown
Time for the fun part - seeing exactly where those euros go! Here's the average of what couples are spending on everything from venues to videography - perfect for planning your own must-haves and nice-to-haves.
- Wedding Venue: €14,983, which includes the wedding catering and drinks. Check out our Wedding Venue Cost Guide for more inspiration.
- Wedding Dress: €2,452. Here is our List of Top Wedding Dress Styles in Ireland.
- Groom’s Wedding Suit: €694
- Bridal Jewellery & Wedding Headpiece: €500 - €700 - Explore our Bridal Jewellery and Wedding Headpiece Collections!
- Bridesmaids Dresses: €1,844 (in total)
- Bridesmaids Jewellery: €200 - €300 - Check out our Bridesmaids Jewellery & Bridesmaids Hair Accessories.
- Bridal Hair & Makeup: €456
- Engagement Ring: €3,173
- Wedding Rings: €1,668
- Wedding Gifts & Wedding Favours: €600. Look at our Best Gifts for Bridesmaids for some ideas!
- Wedding Stationery: €750
- Wedding Photography: €2,094
- Wedding Videography: €1,700
- Wedding Flowers: €1,025
- Wedding Cake: €618
- Wedding Entertainment or Wedding Band: €2,180
- Church/Ceremony Music: €669
- Wedding Stationery: €640
- Wedding Cars: €545. What kind of car should you choose?
- Ceremony Booklets: €241
- Wedding Contingency Fund: €3,300. Although this is completely optional, we would recommend having a contingency amount that is about 10% off your whole wedding budget, in case of any unexpected expenses such as bridal gown alterations.
Making Your Budget Work for You
Look, these numbers aren't meant to freak you out - they're just a roadmap! The real key to budget success? Figure out what you and your partner absolutely can't imagine your day without. (Fun fact: For 99% of Irish couples, that's live music, while 58% say an amazing venue and food topped their priority list.) Everything else? That's where you can get creative, cut corners, or compromise. Remember, the only 'right' way to spend your wedding budget is the way that feels right to you.
So sit down with your partner, decide what matters most to you both, and allocate your budget accordingly. After all, the best wedding isn't the most expensive one - it's the one that feels authentically you.
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