2018 Newlywed Report - Wedwordy
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2018
2018 Newlywed Report
Lenaig Delisle Photo 1
4 ENGAGEMENT
Planning the Proposal
INTRODUCTION
Purchasing the Ring
No two weddings are alike, which is what keeps the wedding industry so fascinating Popular Dates to Pop the Question
year after year. From celebratory hashtags and social media announcements (86
percent of couples do this), to mixed-gender wedding parties and the inclusion of Sharing the News
local food, it’s no surprise that personalization is the one constant theme. In this Average Engagement Length
year’s Newlywed Report, you’ll notice a continued shift in the traditional wedding
season (hint: it’s moved from summer to fall!) and how couples are relying on Most Popular Wedding Dates
technology from the engagement through their wedding day. Planning is also
starting earlier than ever before, as you’ll see three-in-four Millennials are starting
to do so before they even get engaged. 8 PLANNING
With nearly 18,000 respondents, WeddingWire gives you the truest look into modern Importance of Online Resources
day engagements and wedding planning – along with other interesting nuances Role of Technology
like financial habits (one-in-four Millennials don’t pay a dime for their wedding) and
more prominent celebrations for LGBTQ couples (with an increase in guest size and Finding the Vendor Team
parents’ financial contributions) since the Supreme Court ruled in favor of
same-sex marriage nationwide. Find out all this and more in WeddingWire’s 2018
Newlywed Report!
10 COUPLES
Lauren Goodson Kirsten Francis Who They Are
Director of Insights Manager of Insights Who's Included in the Wedding Party
WeddingWire WeddingWire
Differences Among Couples
12 WEDDING TIMELINE
Timeline
METHODOLOGY
Wedding Day Traditions
The 2018 Newlywed Report is primarily based on WeddingWire's Newlywed Adding a Personal Touch
Survey – the largest survey of 2017 weddings in the industry (N=17,862). The data
is collected from WeddingWire’s annual Newlywed Survey distributed to
WeddingWire.com couples married between January 1st and December 31st, 2017.
Respondents represent couples from all over the country with various ethnicities, 14 COST
income levels, race, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. To provide the
most comprehensive view of research collected, WeddingWire has also included Average Wedding Cost
findings from ad hoc studies conducted in 2017, as well as behavioral data Who's Paying for the Wedding
analyzed by the company’s own team of data scientists. In a typical year,
WeddingWire conducts research with more than 150,000 US brides, grooms, Evolution of LGBTQ Weddings
guests and wedding professionals. Average Wedding Cost by Category
Average Wedding Cost in 25 Largest Metro Area Markets
2 34 ENGAGEMENT
Planning the Proposal
INTRODUCTION
Purchasing the Ring
No two weddings are alike, which is what keeps the wedding industry so fascinating Popular Dates to Pop the Question
year after year. From celebratory hashtags and social media announcements (86
percent of couples do this), to mixed-gender wedding parties and the inclusion of Sharing the News
local food, it’s no surprise that personalization is the one constant theme. In this Average Engagement Length
year’s Newlywed Report, you’ll notice a continued shift in the traditional wedding
season (hint: it’s moved from summer to fall!) and how couples are relying on Most Popular Wedding Dates
technology from the engagement through their wedding day. Planning is also
starting earlier than ever before, as you’ll see three-in-four Millennials are starting
to do so before they even get engaged. 8 PLANNING
With nearly 18,000 respondents, WeddingWire gives you the truest look into modern Importance of Online Resources
day engagements and wedding planning – along with other interesting nuances Role of Technology
like financial habits (one-in-four Millennials don’t pay a dime for their wedding) and
more prominent celebrations for LGBTQ couples (with an increase in guest size and Finding the Vendor Team
parents’ financial contributions) since the Supreme Court ruled in favor of
same-sex marriage nationwide. Find out all this and more in WeddingWire’s 2018
Newlywed Report!
10 COUPLES
Lauren Goodson Kirsten Francis Who They Are
Director of Insights Manager of Insights Who's Included in the Wedding Party
WeddingWire WeddingWire
Differences Among Couples
12 WEDDING TIMELINE
Timeline
METHODOLOGY
Wedding Day Traditions
The 2018 Newlywed Report is primarily based on WeddingWire's Newlywed Adding a Personal Touch
Survey – the largest survey of 2017 weddings in the industry (N=17,862). The data
is collected from WeddingWire’s annual Newlywed Survey distributed to
WeddingWire.com couples married between January 1st and December 31st, 2017.
Respondents represent couples from all over the country with various ethnicities, 14 COST
income levels, race, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. To provide the
most comprehensive view of research collected, WeddingWire has also included Average Wedding Cost
findings from ad hoc studies conducted in 2017, as well as behavioral data Who's Paying for the Wedding
analyzed by the company’s own team of data scientists. In a typical year,
WeddingWire conducts research with more than 150,000 US brides, grooms, Evolution of LGBTQ Weddings
guests and wedding professionals. Average Wedding Cost by Category
Average Wedding Cost in 25 Largest Metro Area Markets
2 3ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
ENGAGEMENT PURCHASING THE RING
Given the average cost of an engagement ring is
$5,000, it’s no surprise that 1 in 3 show their partner
PLANNING THE PROPOSAL
the ring/style they like and nearly 50% pick out the
ring together. The majority of purchasers look at 2-7
$5000
rings in-person before making the final decision.
AV E R AG E C O S T
Seventy-two percent of Millennials feel pressured to make their proposal highly
unique (vs. 45% Gen X). While data shows they are more inclined then Gen X to POPULAR FEMALE RING STYLES:
involve others in their proposal plans, Millennials continue to honor certain
timeless proposal traditions:
74% DIAMOND 50% 1 - 2 C A R AT S
53% H A LO S E T T I N G 23% ROUND BRILLANT
PURCHASED FROM:
68% 72% 82% 63% 31% 5%
Plan the proposal Ask for parents' Get on one knee B R I C K- A N D - M O R TA R ONLINE H E I R LO O M
ahead of time blessing for the proposal
P R O P O S A L P L A N S I N V O LV I N G OT H E R S ( M I L L E N N I A L S V S . G E N X ) POPULAR DATES TO POP THE QUESTION
When it comes to proposals, “will you marry me” is becoming 38%
T E L L F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY MILLENNIALS 56% a familiar refrain during the holiday season. In fact, Christmas O F E N G AG E M E N T S
ABOUT PROPOSAL PLANS GEN X 38% Day is the most popular day of the year to pop the question, HAPPEN DURING
with Christmas Eve rounding out the top 3. " E N G AG E M E N T S E A S O N "
I N V I T E F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY MILLENNIALS 25%
TO W I T N E S S P R O P O S A L GEN X 17% JAN
E N G AG E M E N T FE
B TO P 5 E N G AG E M E N T
C 7%
DE
BY M O N T H 8% DAT E S O F 2 0 1 7
S E C R E T LY H A D P R O P O S A L MILLENNIALS 20%
6%
M
AR
P H OTO G R A P H E D / R E C O R D E D
1
GEN X 12%
7%
1 C H R I S T M A S DAY
AP R
22%
NOV
P L A N N E D A C E L E B R AT I O N MILLENNIALS
7%
8%
2 VA L E N T I N E ' S DAY
E N G AG E M E N T
I M M E D I AT E LY A F T E R T H E P R O P O S A L GEN X 13% SEASON
3 CHRISTMAS EVE
7%
OC T
9%
MAY
4 N E W Y E A R ' S DAY
of Millennials start planning for
%
75%
NO RING, 8 7%
EP
NO PROBLEM! their wedding prior to the proposal. 5 NEW YEAR'S EVE
J
S 8% 9% UN
AUG JU L
4 Gen X: 1961-1981, Millennials: 1982-1996 5ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
ENGAGEMENT PURCHASING THE RING
Given the average cost of an engagement ring is
$5,000, it’s no surprise that 1 in 3 show their partner
PLANNING THE PROPOSAL
the ring/style they like and nearly 50% pick out the
ring together. The majority of purchasers look at 2-7
$5000
rings in-person before making the final decision.
AV E R AG E C O S T
Seventy-two percent of Millennials feel pressured to make their proposal highly
unique (vs. 45% Gen X). While data shows they are more inclined then Gen X to POPULAR FEMALE RING STYLES:
involve others in their proposal plans, Millennials continue to honor certain
timeless proposal traditions:
74% DIAMOND 50% 1 - 2 C A R AT S
53% H A LO S E T T I N G 23% ROUND BRILLANT
PURCHASED FROM:
68% 72% 82% 63% 31% 5%
Plan the proposal Ask for parents' Get on one knee B R I C K- A N D - M O R TA R ONLINE H E I R LO O M
ahead of time blessing for the proposal
P R O P O S A L P L A N S I N V O LV I N G OT H E R S ( M I L L E N N I A L S V S . G E N X ) POPULAR DATES TO POP THE QUESTION
When it comes to proposals, “will you marry me” is becoming 38%
T E L L F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY MILLENNIALS 56% a familiar refrain during the holiday season. In fact, Christmas O F E N G AG E M E N T S
ABOUT PROPOSAL PLANS GEN X 38% Day is the most popular day of the year to pop the question, HAPPEN DURING
with Christmas Eve rounding out the top 3. " E N G AG E M E N T S E A S O N "
I N V I T E F R I E N D S A N D FA M I LY MILLENNIALS 25%
TO W I T N E S S P R O P O S A L GEN X 17% JAN
E N G AG E M E N T FE
B TO P 5 E N G AG E M E N T
C 7%
DE
BY M O N T H 8% DAT E S O F 2 0 1 7
S E C R E T LY H A D P R O P O S A L MILLENNIALS 20%
6%
M
AR
P H OTO G R A P H E D / R E C O R D E D
1
GEN X 12%
7%
1 C H R I S T M A S DAY
AP R
22%
NOV
P L A N N E D A C E L E B R AT I O N MILLENNIALS
7%
8%
2 VA L E N T I N E ' S DAY
E N G AG E M E N T
I M M E D I AT E LY A F T E R T H E P R O P O S A L GEN X 13% SEASON
3 CHRISTMAS EVE
7%
OC T
9%
MAY
4 N E W Y E A R ' S DAY
of Millennials start planning for
%
75%
NO RING, 8 7%
EP
NO PROBLEM! their wedding prior to the proposal. 5 NEW YEAR'S EVE
J
S 8% 9% UN
AUG JU L
4 Gen X: 1961-1981, Millennials: 1982-1996 5ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUP
SHARING THE NEWS
For years, engagement parties were meant as the stage
to announce an engagement to family and friends;
nowadays, 86% of couples turn to social media to spread
the news – majority within a few hours of getting engaged!
1 IN 4 WHERE COUPLES POST THE NEWS
C O U P L E S H AV E
A N E N G AG E M E N T
PA R T Y 76% 35% 12%
FAC E B O O K I N S TAG R A M TWITTER
2 IN 3 10%
couples announce their news of parents find out about
on social media immediately their kid's engagement via
or within a few hours social media
AVERAGE ENGAGEMENT LENGTH
E N G AG E M E N T L E N G T H
Forty-one percent of couples are engaged
for 10 – 15 months, with the average
engagement lasting 13 months.
28% 0
t
31%
HS
o
T
9
ON
AV E R AG E
MO
16+ M
NTHS
15 MONTHS 13
MONTHS
Those who get engaged on Valentine's
Day are likely to have a longer than 10
S
TO
average engagement. 15 M O NTH
41%
6ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
SHARING THE NEWS MOST POPULAR WEDDING DATES WEDDING MONTH
DISTRIBUTION
For years, engagement parties were meant as the stage Couples are quick to pick a wedding date post
to announce an engagement to family and friends; engagement, with 72% of weddings occurring 2% JA N UA R Y
nowadays, 86% of couples turn to social media to spread between May - October. While historically spring
the news – majority within a few hours of getting engaged! was peak wedding season, data shows a shift
towards fall months.
3% F E B R UA R Y
1 IN 4 WHERE COUPLES POST THE NEWS
5% MARCH
C O U P L E S H AV E WEDDING SEASONALITY
A N E N G AG E M E N T
76% 35% 12% 7% APRIL
PA R T Y
FAC E B O O K I N S TAG R A M TWITTER
23% SPRING 11% M AY
12% JUNE
2 IN 3 10% 30% SUMMER 8% J U LY
couples announce their news of parents find out about 10% AU G U S T
on social media immediately their kid's engagement via
or within a few hours social media
38% FA L L 15% SEPTEMBER
AVERAGE ENGAGEMENT LENGTH 16% O C TO B E R
E N G AG E M E N T L E N G T H
Forty-one percent of couples are engaged
7%
for 10 – 16 months, with the average
engagement lasting 13 months.
9% WINTER
NOVEMBER
28% 0 31%
HS
t
4% DECEMBER
o
T
9
ON
AV E R AG E
MO
16+ M
NTHS
13
TO P 5 W E D D I N G DAT E S O F 2 0 1 7
(IN ORDER)
15 MONTHS
MONTHS
Those who get engaged on Valentine's O C TO B E R O C TO B E R SEPTEMBER O C TO B E R NOVEMBER
Day are likely to have a longer than 10
average engagement.
TO
15 M O NT HS
7 14 30 21 11
41%
6 7ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
PLANNING FINDING THE VENDOR TEAM
Couples hire 13 vendors on average for their wedding day and depend on
wedding-related websites (65%) and social media for vendor discovery and research.
Couples rely predominately on price and availability followed by recommendations
and online reviews when deciding who to book.
IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE RESOURCES SEQUENCE OF VENDOR
R E S E A R C H ( M O N T H S TO W E D )
TO P V E N D O R S H I R E D
Setting budgets, finding vendors and knowing you’re on the right track are some
of the biggest challenges couples face while planning for their wedding day. VENUE 11.1
Fortunately, the majority of today’s planning is done online where couples utilize
an array of planning tools (think: checklists and budget trackers) to help manage
86% 80% 75% WEDDING PLANNING 10.0
P H OTO G R A P H Y VENUE HAIR + MAKEUP
the process. C AT E R I N G 9.1
TO P 5 B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E S
74% 71% 70% P H OTO G R A P H Y 9.1
42% DETERMINING BUDGET
AND GUEST SIZE WEDDING DRESS F LO W E R S WEDDING CAKE
83% O N M O B I L E / TA B L E T
MAKING DECISIONS
DRESS
DJ
8.6
8.4
OF PLANNING IS 41% K E E P I N G T R AC K O F E X P E N S E S
While Pinterest and Facebook are the social media
BAND 8.3
DONE ONLINE O N D E S K TO P K N OW I N G YO U ' R E O N T H E
R I G H T T R AC K W I T H P L A N N I N G
sites most frequently used for wedding VIDEOGRAPHY 8.3
planning, couples utilize Pinterest 2X more than any
FINDING VENDORS other social channel for inspiration. F LO W E R S 7.6
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY OFFICIANT 6.5
SOCIAL MEDIA USED DURING PLANNING
Couples rely on technology throughout the entire wedding journey - from CEREMONY MUSIC 6.2
sending invites to communicating with guests and posting photos. However,
PINTEREST 69%
when it comes to the big day, 1 in 4 couples ask their guests to ‘unplug’ so not WEDDING CAKE 5.1
to distract from the nuptials. FAC E B O O K 60%
E V E N T R E N TA L S +
3.8
I N S TAG R A M 44% P H OTO B O OT H S
36% 62% 52%
3.4
D O W N LOA D
HERE!
YO U T U B E 42% I N V I TAT I O N S
SEND ONLINE C R E AT E A W E D D I N G USE A WEDDING TWITTER 29% REHEARSAL DINNER
3.3
S AV E - T H E - DAT E S WEBSITE PLANNING APP LO C AT I O N
S N A P C H AT 27%
B E AU T Y + H E A LT H 3.2
19% 54% 64% 54% 23% T R A N S P O R TAT I O N 1.9
use Pinterest to use Facebook to use Instagram to
SET UP A G E N E R AT E A
find inspiration learn about vendors follow vendors' work
FAV O R S + G I F T S 1.9
G R O U P C H AT W E D D I N G H A S H TAG
8 9ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
PLANNING FINDING THE VENDOR TEAM
Couples hire 13 vendors on average for their wedding day and depend on
wedding-related websites (65%) and social media for vendor discovery and research.
Couples rely predominately on price and availability followed by recommendations
and online reviews when deciding who to book.
IMPORTANCE OF ONLINE RESOURCES SEQUENCE OF VENDOR
R E S E A R C H ( M O N T H S TO W E D )
TO P V E N D O R S H I R E D
Setting budgets, finding vendors and knowing you’re on the right track are some
of the biggest challenges couples face while planning for their wedding day. VENUE 11.1
Fortunately, the majority of today’s planning is done online where couples utilize
an array of planning tools (think: checklists and budget trackers) to help manage
86% 80% 75% WEDDING PLANNING 10.0
P H OTO G R A P H Y VENUE HAIR + MAKEUP
the process. C AT E R I N G 9.1
TO P 5 B I G G E S T C H A L L E N G E S
74% 71% 70% P H OTO G R A P H Y 9.1
42% DETERMINING BUDGET
AND GUEST SIZE WEDDING DRESS F LO W E R S WEDDING CAKE
83% O N M O B I L E / TA B L E T
MAKING DECISIONS
DRESS
DJ
8.6
8.4
OF PLANNING IS 41% K E E P I N G T R AC K O F E X P E N S E S
While Pinterest and Facebook are the social media
BAND 8.3
DONE ONLINE O N D E S K TO P K N OW I N G YO U ' R E O N T H E
R I G H T T R AC K W I T H P L A N N I N G
sites most frequently used for wedding VIDEOGRAPHY 8.3
planning, couples utilize Pinterest 2X more than any
FINDING VENDORS other social channel for inspiration. F LO W E R S 7.6
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY OFFICIANT 6.5
SOCIAL MEDIA USED DURING PLANNING
Couples rely on technology throughout the entire wedding journey - from CEREMONY MUSIC 6.2
sending invites to communicating with guests and posting photos. However,
PINTEREST 69%
when it comes to the big day, 1 in 4 couples ask their guests to ‘unplug’ so not WEDDING CAKE 5.1
to distract from the nuptials. FAC E B O O K 60%
E V E N T R E N TA L S +
3.8
I N S TAG R A M 44% P H OTO B O OT H S
36% 62% 52%
3.4
D O W N LOA D
HERE!
YO U T U B E 42% I N V I TAT I O N S
SEND ONLINE C R E AT E A W E D D I N G USE A WEDDING TWITTER 29% REHEARSAL DINNER
3.3
S AV E - T H E - DAT E S WEBSITE PLANNING APP LO C AT I O N
S N A P C H AT 27%
B E AU T Y + H E A LT H 3.2
19% 54% 64% 54% 23% T R A N S P O R TAT I O N 1.9
use Pinterest to use Facebook to use Instagram to
SET UP A G E N E R AT E A
find inspiration learn about vendors follow vendors' work
FAV O R S + G I F T S 1.9
G R O U P C H AT W E D D I N G H A S H TAG
8 9ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
COUPLES DIFFERENCES AMONG COUPLES
Although no two couples are alike, there are unique nuances to be found amid
newlyweds of similar backgrounds. For instance, when compared to all couples,
Asian couples tend to invite more guests to their weddings, LGBTQ couples are
WHO THEY ARE more likely to live with their partner prior to getting married and Gen X are less
likely to spend the night before their wedding apart.
The average age of today’s marrying couple is 32. With a new generation
redefining cultural and societal norms, we’re seeing dynamics, such as interracial
# OF LIVED WITH ASKED SPENT NIGH T
marriage, grow in acceptance. According to PEW Research Center, there has TO DAY ' S C O U P L E S
AVERAGE WEDDING PARTNER FO R APART
AVERAGE # OF PARTY PRIO R TO PARENTS BEFO RE
been a 5X increase since the legalization of interracial marriage 50 years ago.1 ( BY T H E N U M B E R S ) AGE GU ESTS M EM BERS M ARRIAGE BLESSING WEDDING
Today, 19% of all WeddingWire couples identify as having an interracial marriage.
ALL COUPLES 32 127 9 79% 67% 71%
33 31 56% I N T E R M A R R I E D N E W LY W E D S
AV E R AG E AG E AV E R AG E AG E P L A N TO B U Y A
OF THE GROOMS OF THE BRIDES HOME WITHIN
NEXT 2 YEARS
AFRICAN AMERICAN 35 132 10 68% 53% 71%
70% 1 in 4 54%
CHANGE NAME MEET ONLINE DAT E D L E S S
ASIAN 32 177 9 70% 67% 64%
TO PA R T N E R S THAN 2 YEARS
WHO’S INCLUDED IN THE WEDDING PARTY
C AU C A S I A N 32 127 9 78% 66% 67%
While the majority of marrying couples continue
to have an evenly split number of wedding party
W E D D I N G PA R T Y
D I V I D E D BY G E N D E R
H I S PA N I C 31 131 8 69% 61% 62%
members, there has been a decrease in separating
the wedding party by gender. Today, 60% of couples MILLENNIALS 64%
divide their wedding party by gender as compared
to 74% in 2015 (a 14% decrease). GENX 40%
LG B TQ 34 107 7 85% 42% 41%
NUMBER OF WEDDING
9 PA R T Y M E M B E R S H I S PA N I C 49%
N O N - H I S PA N I C 63%
54%
E Q UA L N U M B E R O F W E D D I N G
PA R T Y M E M B E R S O N E AC H S I D E
MILLENNIALS 29 134 10 73% 72% 74%
1 S T M A R R I AG E 64%
F E M A L E S I N W E D D I N G PA R T Y GEN X 44 99 7 80% 39% 52%
59% WEAR DIFFERENT DRESSES
2 N D M A R R I AG E 44%
10 1 Source: PEW Research Center / US Census Calculations based on partners with equal identifiers (i.e., same reported race) 11ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
COUPLES DIFFERENCES AMONG COUPLES
Although no two couples are alike, there are unique nuances to be found amid
newlyweds of similar backgrounds. For instance, when compared to all couples,
Asian couples tend to invite more guests to their weddings, LGBTQ couples are
WHO THEY ARE more likely to live with their partner prior to getting married and Gen X are less
likely to spend the night before their wedding apart.
The average age of today’s marrying couple is 32. With a new generation
redefining cultural and societal norms, we’re seeing dynamics, such as interracial
# OF LIVED WITH ASKED SPENT NIGH T
marriage, grow in acceptance. According to PEW Research Center, there has TO DAY ' S C O U P L E S
AVERAGE WEDDING PARTNER FO R APART
AVERAGE # OF PARTY PRIO R TO PARENTS BEFO RE
been a 5X increase since the legalization of interracial marriage 50 years ago.1 ( BY T H E N U M B E R S ) AGE GU ESTS M EM BERS M ARRIAGE BLESSING WEDDING
Today, 19% of all WeddingWire couples identify as having an interracial marriage.
ALL COUPLES 32 127 9 79% 67% 71%
33 31 56% I N T E R M A R R I E D N E W LY W E D S
AV E R AG E AG E AV E R AG E AG E P L A N TO B U Y A
OF THE GROOMS OF THE BRIDES HOME WITHIN
NEXT 2 YEARS
AFRICAN AMERICAN 35 132 10 68% 53% 71%
70% 1 in 4 54%
CHANGE NAME MEET ONLINE DAT E D L E S S
ASIAN 32 177 9 70% 67% 64%
TO PA R T N E R S THAN 2 YEARS
WHO’S INCLUDED IN THE WEDDING PARTY
C AU C A S I A N 32 127 9 78% 66% 67%
While the majority of marrying couples continue
to have an evenly split number of wedding party
W E D D I N G PA R T Y
D I V I D E D BY G E N D E R
H I S PA N I C 31 131 8 69% 61% 62%
members, there has been a decrease in separating
the wedding party by gender. Today, 60% of couples MILLENNIALS 64%
divide their wedding party by gender as compared
to 74% in 2015 (a 14% decrease). GENX 40%
LG B TQ 34 107 7 85% 42% 41%
NUMBER OF WEDDING
9 PA R T Y M E M B E R S H I S PA N I C 49%
N O N - H I S PA N I C 63%
54%
E Q UA L N U M B E R O F W E D D I N G
PA R T Y M E M B E R S O N E AC H S I D E
MILLENNIALS 29 134 10 73% 72% 74%
1 S T M A R R I AG E 64%
F E M A L E S I N W E D D I N G PA R T Y GEN X 44 99 7 80% 39% 52%
59% WEAR DIFFERENT DRESSES
2 N D M A R R I AG E 44%
10 1 Source: PEW Research Center / US Census Calculations based on partners with equal identifiers (i.e., same reported race) 11ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
WEDDING TIMELINE 3 MONTHS
B E AU T Y A N D H E A LT H 31% started a new exercise routine or diet to prepare
Regardless of the exact details couples decide on incorporating into their wedding for the wedding
day, couples are focused on finding ways to make their big day a direct reflection of 1 in 2 bridesmaids pay to have their hair done by a professional
for the wedding
their personal style. Follow the timeline below to see when couples hire their vendor
team and the role each one plays in bringing the couple's personalized wedding day DISCUSS REHEARSAL DINNER 43% of the groom's parents pay for the rehearsal dinner
details to life. OFFICIANT 39% of couples create their own vows
12 MONTHS
W E D D I N G D AY
CEREMONY/RECEPTION VENUE 77% of wedding receptions are indoors
MOST POPULAR 87% perform a first dance
C AT E R E R 54% have food served buffet-style
68% of weddings have an open-bar
GAINING MOMENTUM 63% groom(s) dressing more casual than tuxedo (+7%)
(% vs. 2 years ago)
61% walking down the aisle to non-classical music (+7%)
P H OTO G R A P H E R 42% of couples do a "first-look"
59% wedding party: females wearing different dresses (+14%)
S E L E C T D R E S S / AT T I R E 80% of brides wear white 54% creating a wedding hashtag (+10%)
63% of grooms dress in something more casual than a tuxedo 40% wedding party: including mixed genders (+14%)
BAND/DJ 52% of couples say they've seen their band/DJ perform COOLING DOWN 75% order of day: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception (-10%)
in person prior to booking them (% vs. 2 years ago)
74% father-daughter and/or mother-son dances (-9%)
70% changing to partner's last name (-12%)
6 MONTHS 45% begin honeymoon 1-2 days after reception (-12%)
A D D I N G A P E R S O N A L TO U C H
F LO R I S T 50% of couples do a bouquet toss
CAKE 82% have a cake-cutting ceremony Now more than ever, couples are steering clear of the cookie cutter wedding and
adding unique elements that highlight their relationship and impress guests.
37% weddings include a dessert bar/table
C R E AT E R E G I S T R Y 2 in 3 millennials create a traditional registry
(WeddingWire feature!)
C R E AT E W E D D I N G W E B S I T E 62% of couples create a wedding website
40% 21% 18% 17%
(WeddingWire feature!) had unique musical added local elements included ceremonial hired special entertainment
1 in 2 add accomodations into their website choices during ceremony based on city where customs related to race/ for guests (ex. fortune teller,
(ex. bagpipes) couple met or grew up religion (ex. jumping the caricature)
R O O M B LO C K S 63% of couples book at least one hotel room block (ex. food or decor) broom)
(WeddingWire feature!) for their guests
12 13ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
WEDDING TIMELINE 3 MONTHS
B E AU T Y A N D H E A LT H 31% started a new exercise routine or diet to prepare
Regardless of the exact details couples decide on incorporating into their wedding for the wedding
day, couples are focused on finding ways to make their big day a direct reflection of 1 in 2 bridesmaids pay to have their hair done by a professional
for the wedding
their personal style. Follow the timeline below to see when couples hire their vendor
team and the role each one plays in bringing the couple's personalized wedding day DISCUSS REHEARSAL DINNER 43% of the groom's parents pay for the rehearsal dinner
details to life. OFFICIANT 39% of couples create their own vows
12 MONTHS
W E D D I N G D AY
CEREMONY/RECEPTION VENUE 77% of wedding receptions are indoors
MOST POPULAR 87% perform a first dance
C AT E R E R 54% have food served buffet-style
68% of weddings have an open-bar
GAINING MOMENTUM 63% groom(s) dressing more casual than tuxedo (+7%)
(% vs. 2 years ago)
61% walking down the aisle to non-classical music (+7%)
P H OTO G R A P H E R 42% of couples do a "first-look"
59% wedding party: females wearing different dresses (+14%)
S E L E C T D R E S S / AT T I R E 80% of brides wear white 54% creating a wedding hashtag (+10%)
63% of grooms dress in something more casual than a tuxedo 40% wedding party: including mixed genders (+14%)
BAND/DJ 52% of couples say they've seen their band/DJ perform COOLING DOWN 75% order of day: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception (-10%)
in person prior to booking them (% vs. 2 years ago)
74% father-daughter and/or mother-son dances (-9%)
70% changing to partner's last name (-12%)
6 MONTHS 45% begin honeymoon 1-2 days after reception (-12%)
A D D I N G A P E R S O N A L TO U C H
F LO R I S T 50% of couples do a bouquet toss
CAKE 82% have a cake-cutting ceremony Now more than ever, couples are steering clear of the cookie cutter wedding and
adding unique elements that highlight their relationship and impress guests.
37% weddings include a dessert bar/table
C R E AT E R E G I S T R Y 2 in 3 millennials create a traditional registry
(WeddingWire feature!)
C R E AT E W E D D I N G W E B S I T E 62% of couples create a wedding website
40% 21% 18% 17%
(WeddingWire feature!) had unique musical added local elements included ceremonial hired special entertainment
1 in 2 add accomodations into their website choices during ceremony based on city where customs related to race/ for guests (ex. fortune teller,
(ex. bagpipes) couple met or grew up religion (ex. jumping the caricature)
R O O M B LO C K S 63% of couples book at least one hotel room block (ex. food or decor) broom)
(WeddingWire feature!) for their guests
12 13ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUPLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
COST WHO'S PAYING FOR THE WEDDING W H E R E PA R E N T S
FIND THE MONEY
On average, Millennials (who account for approximately Took out money
80% of today’s marrying couples) are paying for roughly from savings 56%
account
40% of their wedding, while parents and other family
AVERAGE WEDDING COST members are contributing the remaining 60%. Parents
Took out money
from a specific
On average, couples budget nearly $16K for their wedding ceremony/reception are often pulling funds from their savings account and account created for
their child and/or
22%
but spend approximately 40% more once they begin to understand the true cost nearly 1 in 10 are dipping into their retirement. their wedding
of each element. Once all is said and done, couples spend roughly $216 per Credit cards 20%
guest based on the total ceremony/reception cost. P E R C E N T O F TOTA L W E D D I N G C O S T PA I D F O R Dipped into
retirement 9%
A L L- I N AV E R AG E W E D D I N G C O S T ALL MILLENNIALS GEN X LG B TQ
Cashed in stocks
COUPLES 45% 39% 66% 59% and/or liquidated 7%
assets
+ + = $36,000 PA R E N T S 46% 51% 29% 36%
Took out a loan 7%
$5,000 $27,000 $4,000 TOTA L W E D D I N G
OT H E R 9% 10% 5% 5% Refinanced/home
E N G AG E M E N T R I N G CEREMONY/RECEPTION HONEYMOON COST
equity 3%
42% 1/3 of millennials have their wedding fully
the amount couples
underestimate their budget
part of the total budget that
goes towards venue & catering
20% paid for by parents (or other contributors)
VARIATIONS IN AVERAGE WEDDING COST EVOLUTION OF LGBTQ WEDDINGS
The average amount couples spend on their wedding ceremony/reception can greatly LGBTQ couples are spending nearly $25 more per guest than the average couple
vary when comparing attributes like age, region and marriage number. For instance, based on a total ceremony/reception spend of $26K. Interestingly, the total
while the entire New York metro area has the highest price tag in the country, those wedding spend and guest size of LGBTQ couples are gradually increasing from
who marry specifically in Manhattan spend upwards of $60K on their previous years (+7 guest count YoY), plus same-sex couples are receiving much more
ceremony/reception. Furthermore, those who are getting married for the first time financial support from their parents than five-years ago2 – suggesting continued
spend on average 2X more than those on their 2nd+ marriage ($30K vs. $15K). progress towards mainstream weddings.
TO P 5 M O S T E X P E N S I V E C I T I E S TO G E T M A R R I E D
S A M E - S E X C O U P L E S W H O PAY
FOR ALL/MAJORITY OF WEDDING
1 N E W YO R K 2 B O S TO N 3 SAN FRANCISCO
79% 61%
WA S H I N G TO N , D C 5 C H I C AG O
2013 2017
4
2 Source: Community Marketing, 2013 Contemporary Couples
14 15PLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
WHO'S PAYING FOR THE WEDDING W H E R E PA R E N T S
FIND THE MONEY
On average, Millennials (who account for approximately Took out money
80% of today’s marrying couples) are paying for roughly from savings 56%
account
40% of their wedding, while parents and other family
Took out money
members are contributing the remaining 60%. Parents from a specific
are often pulling funds from their savings account and account created for
their child and/or
22%
nearly 1 in 10 are dipping into their retirement. their wedding
Credit cards 20%
P E R C E N T O F TOTA L W E D D I N G C O S T PA I D F O R Dipped into
retirement 9%
ALL MILLENNIALS GEN X LG B TQ
Cashed in stocks
COUPLES 45% 39% 66% 59% and/or liquidated 7%
assets
PA R E N T S 46% 51% 29% 36%
Took out a loan 7%
OT H E R 9% 10% 5% 5% Refinanced/home
equity 3%
of millennials have their wedding fully
20% paid for by parents (or other contributors)
EVOLUTION OF LGBTQ WEDDINGS
LGBTQ couples are spending nearly $25 more per guest than the average couple
based on a total ceremony/reception spend of $26K. Interestingly, the total
wedding spend and guest size of LGBTQ couples are gradually increasing from
previous years (+7 guest count YoY), plus same-sex couples are receiving much more
financial support from their parents than five-years ago2 – suggesting an evolution
towards mainstream weddings.
S A M E - S E X C O U P L E S W H O PAY
FOR ALL/MAJORITY OF WEDDING
79% 61%
2013 2017
2 Source: Community Marketing, 2013 Contemporary Couples
15ENGAGEMENT PLANNING COUP
AV E R AG E W E D D I N G C O S T BY C AT E G O R Y
CEREMONY/RECEPTION 2017 2016 2015
VENUE $9,000 $9,000 $8,800
C AT E R I N G $6,600 $6,700 $6,900
BAND $3,800 $3,700 $3,800
P H OTO G R A P H Y $2,400 $2,400 $2,400
REHEARSAL DINNER AND ADDITIONAL MEALS $2,000 $2,000 $1,900
VIDEOGRAPHY $1,800 $1,700 $1,700
WEDDING RINGS $1,800 $1,800 $1,800
E V E N T R E N TA L S A N D P H OTO B O OT H S $1,700 $1,700 $1,700
WEDDING PLANNER $1,700 $1,700 $1,600
DRESS $1,700 $1,600 $1,700
F LO W E R S $1,700 $1,800 $1,800
LIGHTING AND DÉCOR $1,300 $1,300 $1,300
DJ $1,200 $1,200 $1,100
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N $1,000 $1,000 $900
G U E S T AC C O M O DAT I O N S $800 $700 $650
W E D D I N G PA R T Y AT T I R E $750 $700 $700
CEREMONY MUSIC/MUSICIAN $600 $600 $500
W E D D I N G PA R T Y G I F T S $600 $600 $600
I N V I TAT I O N S / S TAT I O N E R Y $560 $606 $608
CAKE/DESSERTS $550 $500 $500
HAIR AND MAKEUP $550 $500 $500
B E AU T Y A N D H E A LT H $500 $500 $400
FAV O R S A N D G I F T S $450 $450 $450
G R O O M ' S AT T I R E $350 $300 $300
JEWELRY $350 $350 $350
OFFICIANT $300 $300 $300
E N G AG E M E N T 2017 2016 2015
E N G AG E M E N T R I N G S $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
HONEYMOON 2017 2016 2015
HONEYMOON $4,000 $4,000 $4,000
16PLES WEDDING TIMELINE COST
AV E R AG E W E D D I N G C O S T I N 2 5 L A R G E S T M E T R O A R E A M A R K E T S
CITY 2017 2016 2015
N E W YO R K + S U R R O U N D I N G M E T R O A R E A , N Y $45,000 $48,000 $47,000
B O S TO N , M A $37,000 $36,000 $37,000
S A N F R A N C I S C O - OA K L A N D, C A $36,000 $40,000 $43,000
WA S H I N G TO N , D C $34,000 $35,000 $35,000
C H I C AG O, I L $34,000 $35,000 $37,000
H A R T F O R D - N E W H AV E N , C T $34,000 $27,000 $29,000
LO S A N G E L E S , C A $33,000 $33,000 $34,000
B A LT I M O R E , M D $33,000 $31,000 $33,000
P H I L A D E L P H I A , PA $32,000 $34,000 $35,000
M I A M I - F T. L AU D E R DA L E , F L $31,000 $31,000 $28,000
S A N D I E G O, C A $29,000 $29,000 $29,000
H O U S TO N , T X $28,000 $29,000 $33,000
D E T R O I T, M I $26,000 $26,000 $28,000
P I T T S B U R G H , PA $26,000 $23,000 $21,000
AT L A N TA , G A $26,000 $24,000 $28,000
RALEIGH-DURHAM, NC $26,000 $25,000 $23,000
S AC R A M E N TO - S TO C K TO N , C A $25,000 $23,000 $27,000
O R L A N D O - DAY TO N A B E AC H , F L $25,000 $22,000 $19,000
TA M PA - S T. P E T E R S B U R G , F L $25,000 $24,000 $26,000
DA L L A S - F T. WO R T H , T X $25,000 $24,000 $25,000
C H A R LOT T E , N C $24,000 $22,000 $22,000
DENVER, CO $23,000 $24,000 $24,000
C L E V E L A N D, O H $23,000 $23,000 $24,000
M I N N E A P O L I S - S T. PAU L , M N $22,000 $23,000 $23,000
S T. LO U I S , M O $21,000 $23,000 $24,000
17 18
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