Wedding Industry Statistics
THE AVERAGE COST OF A WEDDING NOW EXCEEDS $20,000.00.
Costs are typically higher in the Northeast (NYC, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia) and in major metropolitan areas.
Here is a summary of typical expenses based on a variety of ongoing research and discussions with wedding professionals.
Reception Site $8,000
Engagement Ring $3,000
Honeymoon $3,000
Wedding Rings $1,100
Photography & Video $2,500
Rehearsal Dinner $800
Bridal Gown $800
Bridal Accessories $200
Bridesmaids $900
Flowers $850
Music $750 - 2,500
Limousines / Transportation $450
Stationery / Invitations $400
Formal wear $500
Clergy/Chapel $250
WEDDING COSTS BY PERCENTAGE*
* Reception 28.3%
* Consultant 15.0% (if hired)
* Wedding Rings 11.5%
* Photography/Video 6.6%
* Bridal Gown 6.1%
* Music 5.2%
* Flowers 4.6%
* Bridal attendants' apparel 4.5%
* Rehearsal dinner 4.2%
* Men's formal wear 3.2%
* Invitations 2.8%
* Attendants' gifts 2.1%
* Mother of the bride apparel 1.7%
* Bride's veil 1.6%
* Clergy and ceremony fees 1.2%
* Limousine 0.9%
* Groom's attire 0.8%
Source: Association of Bridal Consultants*
*These cost and averages will vary depending your budget and availability of wedding resources.
MARRIAGES BY MONTH
* January 4.7%
* February 7.0%
* March 6.1%
* April 7.4%
* May 9.8%
* June 10.8%
* July 9.7%
* August 10.2%
* September 9.6%
* October 9.4%
* November 7.4%
* December 7.8%
WEDDING MONTHS
The most popular months for weddings to take place are, in this order:
* June
* August
* May
* July
* September
* October
* December
* November/April (tie)
* February
* March
* January
After the Vows...
72% of all brides say they would have spent more time choosing their reception entertainment.
Almost 100% say they would have spent more of their budget on the entertainment.
During wedding planning, Brides say their highest priority is their attire, followed by the reception site and caterer - reception entertainment is among the least of their priorities. Within one week after their reception, 78% of Brides say they would have made the entertainment their highest priority!
When asked 81% of guests say the thing they remember most about a wedding Is the entertainment.
65% of all couples that chose a band to entertain at their wedding, said, if they had it to do over again, they would have chosen a disc jockey.
*These statistics were published in St. Louis Bride & Groom Magazine in 2003. Sources include: Simmons, 2001; USA Today, 2002; National Bridal Service, 2001; The Knot, 2002; Brides Magazine, 2001.