Sweden is the Third Most Costly Place for Weddings: 2024 Study

A new study analyzes the countries spending the most on weddings, revealing the costs for wedding rings, attire, venues, food and beverage per person, wedding planners, florals, photography, and videography.
Switzerland is the most expensive place for couples to tie the knot, with total wedding costs averaging $44,050, including the highest venue costs at $23,300.
Sweden ranks third, with venue costs averaging $22,500 and wedding rings costing around $2,750.
Wedding rings are a major expense in the US, averaging $6,000 per couple and contributing to a total wedding cost of $35,540.

JJ’s House recently researched over 30 countries to examine how wedding costs vary based on location and to identify which countries spend the most on weddings. The study evaluated seven key metrics of wedding costs, including rings, venue, food and drink, wedding planning, flowers, photography, and videography. The total spending in each country determined the final ranking.

: Sweden is the Third Most Costly Place for Weddings

Switzerland tops the list of countries spending the most on weddings, with couples paying a total of $44,050. Venue costs can be as high as $23,300, making up over half the wedding expenditure. For Swiss couples planning their big day, the next major expense is the wedding ring, which can cost up to $5,000 on average.

Luxembourg ranks second among countries spending the most on weddings, with costs totaling $39,245. Venue spendings average around $21,680 which is cheaper than in Switzerland but countries match when it comes to wedding planners and flower arrangements. While pairs in Luxembourg prefer cheaper ring options, no expenses are spared for wedding gowns, amounting to $5,500.

Sweden follows closely behind with the third place and wedding costs of $38,290. Money spent on venues sums up to $22,500, the second-highest in the list. While rings in Sweden cost twice as much as in Luxembourg, they are still considered an affordable option in the ranking with a cost of $2,750.

The United States ranks fourth worldwide in wedding costs, with couples spending an average of $35,540. American brides receive the most expensive engagement rings, averaging $6,000. Photography is another significant cost, exceeding $5,500.

Australia holds the fifth spot for wedding expenses, with couples spending approximately $35,030—slightly less than Americans. Out of all the countries in the top ten, Australia spends the least on flowers but couples here do their best, capturing the wedding memories and spending over $6000 on photography and videography.

Belgium takes sixth place, with couples spending nearly $34,480 on their weddings. The cost of wedding rings here is higher than in Sweden and Luxembourg, at $3,500. Although Belgium, along with the United Kingdom and Ireland (listed below), has the most affordable food and beverage costs per person at around $80, overall wedding expenses remain high.

The average wedding in the UK costs $32,816, placing the country seventh. Capturing wedding memories on video is the most expensive in the UK, with couples paying around $6,500. Additionally, UK couples are likely to spend an average of $5,250 on a wedding dress and about $1,950 on a wedding ring.

Weddings in Ireland usually run around $31,416, securing the eighth position on the list of countries spending the most on weddings. Irish brides pay about $4,500 for a wedding dress, similar to brides in Sweden, and the couples typically spend about $16,700 on the wedding venue.

Following closely in ninth place on the list of countries spending the most on weddings is France, where couples spend about $31,053. A big part of the budget goes towards the venue, costing around $12,100, with an average of $165 spent per wedding guest. However, French couples have the most affordable option for wedding rings, with prices starting from $1,100.

Rounding off the top ten is Norway, where the average price of a wedding is $30,755. Norwegian couples spend $5,500 on wedding attire and $12,000 on the wedding venue, similar to France, but the cost of wedding planners and flower arrangements here are more affordable.

A spokesperson from JJ’s House recently commented on the study: “Wedding costs can vary widely from country to country, but the goal is always to make the big day special and enjoyable. Couples should plan their budgets carefully and leave some extra room for unexpected expenses, as there are always additional costs that can come up. By planning ahead and staying flexible, couples can focus on enjoying their celebration without the stress of surprise expenses.”