Average Cost of a U.S. Wedding
(Compare these estimates to YOUR wedding.)
When the economy began tumbling, so did wedding spending. Couples are spending
significantly less and the average cost of a wedding dropped to $21,814 in 2008,
down from $28,700 in 2007.
While researching the price of a wedding, I found many variations across the country, but the trend
to spend more on weddings was the same. We'll see how much longer this trend persists, as more brides
become inclined to do-it-themselves with the help of magazines, media, and websites.
We're now able to find instructions on how to make a centerpiece or bouquet, print invitations from home or
order online, purchase a gently worn wedding gown, and replace a DJ with an iPod. Nonetheless, here are some
stats on the "average wedding" throughout America:
Average cost of a wedding: $28,800 (est. for 2009)
Average Number of Guests: 167
Destination weddings: 11%
Percentage of weddings paid for by brides' parents: 57%
Details:
The average age of brides and grooms has grown higher in the last decade, with today's newlyweds aged 27-29
years old. This age group claims a yearly salary of $51,900.
(Compare these estimates to YOUR wedding.)
When the economy began tumbling, so did wedding spending. Couples are spending
significantly less and the average cost of a wedding dropped to $21,814 in 2008,
down from $28,700 in 2007.
While researching the price of a wedding, I found many variations across the country, but the trend
to spend more on weddings was the same. We'll see how much longer this trend persists, as more brides
become inclined to do-it-themselves with the help of magazines, media, and websites.
We're now able to find instructions on how to make a centerpiece or bouquet, print invitations from home or
order online, purchase a gently worn wedding gown, and replace a DJ with an iPod. Nonetheless, here are some
stats on the "average wedding" throughout America:
Average cost of a wedding: $28,800 (est. for 2009)
Average Number of Guests: 167
Destination weddings: 11%
Percentage of weddings paid for by brides' parents: 57%
Details:
- Engagement ring: $5,570
- Photography/videography: $2,570
- Band: $3,197
- DJ: $804
- Rehearsal dinner: $1,153
- Flowers: $2,048
- Wedding gown: $1,564
- Chapel or Site Fee: $435
- Officiant: $263
- Wedding Cake: $543
- Wedding Planner: $3,262 (but only 17% of brides will use one)
- Hair and Makeup: $190
- Attendants Gifts: $605
- Bar/Bartender: $2,938
- Honeymoon: $3,825
The average age of brides and grooms has grown higher in the last decade, with today's newlyweds aged 27-29
years old. This age group claims a yearly salary of $51,900.
| Copyright © 2009 Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison |
