Guides

Wedding planning guides

Practical advice for planning a wedding in the United States: what things cost, how marriage licenses and officiants work, and how to keep the day on track.

PlanningWedding Planning Checklist: When to Book WhatA realistic wedding planning timeline for US couples: when to book the venue, officiant, photographer and everything else, plus when to apply for your marriage license.BudgetHow Much Does a Wedding Cost in the US?What US weddings really cost: why The Knot, Zola and The Wedding Report give different averages, where the money goes, how states compare, and what to budget for tips and hidden costs.CeremonyMarriage Licenses and Officiants in the US, State by StateHow to get a US marriage license from your county clerk, how waiting periods and expiry dates differ by state, who can officiate (including a friend), and the main ceremony options.GuestsHow to Plan Your Wedding Seating ChartA practical approach to the wedding seating chart: when to start, how many tables you need, how to handle plus-ones, family splits and the head table, and when to lock it in.GuestsWedding Guest Etiquette: Gifts, Plus-Ones and Dress CodesWhat US wedding guests and couples should know: how much to give, plus-ones and children, dress codes, the rehearsal dinner guest list, showers and thank-you notes.InsightsUS Wedding Statistics and TrendsThe latest US marriage statistics from the CDC and Census Bureau, plus what couples are choosing: guest counts, vows, AI tools, lab-grown diamonds and the effect of the economy.