New data: the average cost of a Boston wedding in 2026 is $68,000 according to Zola

News outlets are reporting that the nationwide average cost of a wedding in 2026 is $36,000, according to Zola. That assumes 150 guests and includes venue, catering, bar, photography, wedding planning and more - all the basics of a typical wedding.
 
That's a nationwide average. New York City tops the list with an average price of $99,000, and Boston comes in at #6, at $68,000.
 
Here at the Barn at Bradstreet Farm, we typically see couples spend $40,000-$60,000 all in - sometimes more if their guest count is high - so we are slightly below average in cost. Our guest count average is about 120.
 
How can you keep your costs down?
 
1. Cut down your guest list. This is the #1 way to reduce your wedding expenses, as it impacts almost every expense - catering, bar, floral, etc.
2. Consider not having a full bar. We are seeing many couples do beer and wine only, or choosing a consumption bar (the bar keeps a tab and you pay per drink - great for light-drinking crowds).
3. Choose an off-peak date for your wedding. In New England, many people want to get married in the fall. Going with an off-peak date - for instance a Sunday in August rather than a Saturday in October - can save you a significant amount of money (at the Barn at Bradstreet Farm, it will save you $7,000 on the venue rental fee!). 
 
TIP! What probably won't help reduce costs: going with a buffet or heavy apps instead of a seated dinner
Many couples believe that going with a buffet or heavy apps instead of a seated dinner will save them money, when the opposite is true. When a couple has a seated dinner, the caterer can accurately predict how much food to prepare. A buffet or heavy apps requires caterers to prepare a lot more food so they don't run out of any one item. This will result in higher costs, not lower costs.
 
Questions about the cost of a Bradstreet wedding? Reach out to [email protected] or text us at 877-272-3787.