One of the first questions many couples ask themselves when they start planning their wedding is: how much does a wedding cost? There isn’t a single answer, but one thing is clear: knowing in advance which expenses are involved, what the current average prices are, and how the budget is usually distributed will help you make better decisions (and avoid last-minute surprises).
At UAUU, we organize real weddings in Barcelona and the surrounding area, and we know that every couple is unique. But we also know that there are useful reference figures. According to the latest report from Bodas.net, the average cost of a wedding in Spain is around €24,600 (source: bodas.net).
Today we’ll tell you clearly and directly what to keep in mind when crunching the numbers. From the banquet to the smallest details, including the extras that add up without us realizing it. If you’re just starting to do the math, this article is for you.
But first, check out this reel from our Instagram account — it’s a great starting summary.
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Average Wedding Spending in Spain and Catalonia
If you want a realistic idea of how much a wedding costs today, it’s essential to start with the national and regional averages. While every celebration is unique, these figures can serve as a useful starting point.
National Average: Between €20,000 and €25,000
According to the Bodas.net report, the average cost of a wedding in Spain in 2024 was €24,618 for around 116 guests, which comes to approximately €212 per guest. Other platforms such as AS.com and Cronoshare place the general range between €20,000 and €25,000, with some weddings even exceeding €40,000.
What About Catalonia and Nearby Areas?
In Catalonia (particularly in areas like Igualada or the province of Barcelona), prices can vary significantly depending on the season, the type of venue, and the number of guests. According to Un Mundo de Eventos, the average cost of a wedding in Catalonia is around €17,900, although many couples opt for more elaborate celebrations that can easily reach €25,000.
Intimate or Low-Cost Weddings: Tighter Budgets
Smaller weddings (between 20 and 50 guests) can significantly cut down the budget. In these cases, the price range is usually between €5,000 and €10,000, especially if it’s just a meal or dinner without a legal ceremony or added extras.
As you can see, the range is wide. That’s why the most important thing is not the final number, but being clear from the start about where you want to invest, what excites you… and what you can skip without a problem.
Practical Breakdown of Main Expenses
To really understand how much a wedding costs, it’s important to look at the main budget items. Some are unavoidable, while others depend on the type of celebration you have in mind. Here’s an approximate breakdown with reference figures based on current data.
Banquet: The Most Significant Expense
The banquet usually accounts for 50% to 60% of the total budget. The price per guest is around €120–180, including cocktail, menu, drinks, and late-night snacks. For a wedding with 100 guests, this adds up to about €13,000–18,000.
Venue: From Country Estates to Castles
The venue you choose sets the tone for the entire day. Some locations include catering and decoration, which can help simplify and optimize your budget. At UAUU, we work with unique estates in the province of Barcelona, all offering all-inclusive service so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
- Ca n’Alzina: surrounded by nature with spectacular views of the Rubió mountains, ideal for couples looking for a peaceful wedding with a natural backdrop.
- Can Macià: set among vineyards and almond trees, just 35 minutes from Barcelona, it combines nature, aesthetics, and comfort.
- Castell de Tous: with large gardens for civil ceremonies and its own church for religious weddings, it offers a versatile and historic setting.
- Mas Vivencs: surrounded by lush gardens, perfect for intimate celebrations with a natural and elegant touch.
All these venues are less than an hour from Barcelona and include all-in-one options: venue, catering, decoration, and coordination. Fewer worries, more celebration.
Photography, Video, and Music
A full professional photo and video package costs around €1,500–3,000. A DJ can cost between €600 and €1,000, while a live band for the cocktail or ceremony may exceed €1,200.
Attire and Beauty
The average wedding dress ranges from €1,200 to €2,500, although more affordable options exist. The groom’s suit can cost between €400 and €1,000. Hair, makeup, and trials usually add another €200–600.
Decoration, Flowers, and Extras
Floral arrangements (ceremony, centerpieces, bouquet) can cost between €600 and €1,500. If you add themed décor, personalized corners, or special lighting, it’s easy to add another €500–1,000.
Other Services: Transport, Accommodation, Coordinator…
Don’t forget the “silent” items that often slip through: guest buses (from €250), accommodation for special guests, personalized favors, insurance, or even a day-of coordinator (from €700).
The trick is to prioritize: you don’t need everything, just the elements that bring you the most value. With good planning, you can balance the numbers without giving up what’s truly important.
Examples by Number of Guests
One quick way to visualize how much a wedding costs is to calculate the total budget based on the number of guests. Below are three common scenarios to help you estimate from the very beginning.
Intimate Wedding (30 Guests)
- Catering: €3,600 (€120/person)
- Venue: €1,500
- Photo & Video: €1,800
- Decoration & Flowers: €800
- Attire & Beauty: €2,000
- Other: €1,000
Estimated Total: €10,700
Medium Wedding (80 Guests)
- Catering: €10,400 (€130/person)
- Venue: €2,500
- Photo & Video: €2,200
- Decoration & Flowers: €1,200
- Attire & Beauty: €2,500
- Other: €1,200
Estimated Total: €20,000
Large Wedding (150 Guests)
- Catering: €22,500 (€150/person)
- Venue: €4,000
- Photo & Video: €2,800
- Decoration & Flowers: €1,800
- Attire & Beauty: €3,000
Factors That Influence and How to Adjust the Budget
When figuring out how much a wedding costs, there are elements that can make the budget rise or fall significantly. Here we review the most important ones and give you some ideas to adapt them according to your priorities.
Time of Year: Low Season vs. High Season
Getting married between April and September — especially on a Saturday — is more expensive. Many venues and vendors apply higher rates during peak season. If you celebrate your wedding in autumn or winter, or choose a Friday or Sunday, you can save up to 20–30%.
Type of Vendors and Location
Working with local vendors (like the ones we collaborate with in Barcelona and surrounding areas) can mean savings on transport, meals, and logistics. Also, choosing a venue that already includes some furniture, lighting, or decoration will save you from having to hire everything separately.
Number of Guests: The Key Factor
Reducing the guest list has a direct impact on cost. Each person means a meal, a seat, a favor, and more space. A wedding with 80 guests can cost half as much as one with 150, while keeping the same quality in everything else.
One-Day Wedding or Full Weekend?
Some couples choose to extend the celebration with a pre-wedding dinner or a brunch the next day. It’s a beautiful option, but it also adds costs for catering, accommodation, or logistics. Decide from the beginning whether you want a one-day wedding or a “wedding weekend.”
In short, the budget doesn’t have to be a problem if it’s well aligned with your priorities. And if you don’t know where to start, getting professional help is always a good idea.
Conclusion: Plan With Data, Not Surprises
Now that you have a clear idea of how much a wedding costs, the most important thing is to adapt the budget to what truly matters to you. It’s not about spending more or less, but about investing wisely: in memories, in emotion, and in an experience that makes sense to you.
At UAUU, we can help you organize a wedding with style, emotion, and balance. We know the numbers, but we also know how to turn them into a celebration tailored to you. If you’d like our guidance, we’d be delighted to hear your story.