Tying the knot doesn’t come cheap — especially for New Yorkers.
And the beloved local birds better have it long money if they hope to fix themselves on this lush island.
“Long Island takes the cake (and probably eats it, too) as the most expensive place to exchange vows,” wedding researchers warn in a new study.
The coastal country is ranked as No. 1 most expensive wedding destination in the US, according to a recent report from GroomsDay, a virtual gift center for the groom.Â
Their big day data revealed that, on average, girlfriends shell out a staggering $58,245 to exchange “I do’s” in the picturesque paradise – located just outside the Big Apple.
“These numbers really show how your wedding ZIP code can zip up your wallet,” said GroomsDay founder Chris Bajda, noting that the cost of a Long Island wedding is nearly 70% above the national average of $34,679.
“But here’s the thing,” the pro continued, “a $60,000 wedding doesn’t guarantee 60,000 magical moments.”
And he is right on the money.
As wedding costs continue to rise due to inflation, money-conscious couples are getting more creative to keep costs down.Â
Maria Cortese of Poughkeepsie, New York, avoided hefty price tags by tapping ChatGPT to coordinate her August 2024 wedding.Â
“I’m saving so much money,” she told The Post before walking down the aisle. “I don’t need a wedding planner. HE does it all.”
Bride-to-be Caroline Spain, 27, of the East Village also previously told The Post that she and groom Stephen refuse to pay upwards of $100,000 to host their Saturday night wedding in NYC.Â
Instead, the frugal fiancés are throwing a weekday bash at a castle in Dublin, Ireland, this month. Taking the plunge beyond the city limits will save the two about $70,000.
Other local sweethearts — at least those hoping to save some dough — would be wise to consider a ceremony away from home, too.
Reduction of no. Second on the list of America’s most expensive wedding spots is Westchester, New York, where newlyweds spend an estimated $48,100 on the lavish festivities.
Cities as stylish as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Boston, Massachusetts; and Hartford, Connecticut, respectively followed Long Island and Westchester on the GroomsDay beauty list.
Experts analyzed wedding cost data — which included the prices of engagement rings, venues, clothing and transportation — from various cities and states across the country.
For state-level data, average wedding expenses in 2024 were calculated based on surveys of more than 4,000 couples, assuming a guest list of 100 people. City-level costs are derived from thousands of recent reviews by couples on WeddingWire, reflecting current prices for various wedding services.
Newlyweds in Salt Lake City, Utah, can breathe easy as the snowy scene has been crowned America’s cheapest wedding destination. According to the findings, the exchange of rings in the cold paradise costs only $27,210.
Couples in Kansas City, Missouri; Charleston South Carolina; Jacksonville, Florida; and Portland, Oregon, might as well let out a “Phew!” as the rural towns rank behind SLC in the top five least expensive areas for holy matrimony.
But regardless of where the significant others make it, Bajda says the special occasion is more about love than luxury.
“It’s all about creating those ‘wow’ moments without the ‘ow’ in your bank account,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it’s about celebrating your love story, not emptying your savings.”
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Image Source : nypost.com