BusinessThe price of an average US wedding just hit $29,000

The price of an average US wedding just hit $29,000

(CNN) — Weddings are back, with a bang. That’s the good news. But engaged couples will pay a bit more to get married in 2023.

The average cost of a wedding, nationwide in the United States, for 2023 is $29,000, $1,000 more than in 2022, according to the Zola wedding planning website. And in some large US cities, the cost can run as high as $35,000 or more.

The price tag for a day of “Happily Ever After” is higher year-over-year for two reasons, Zola said: US inflation and higher demand than supply for wedding-related goods and services. “Suppliers in the wedding industry have had to raise their rates because they are also paying more for goods and services like food, flowers and labor,” Emily Forrest, Zola’s director of communication, told CNN.

Wedding celebrations began to pick up in 2022 after a pandemic brought all celebrations to a standstill, and since then the industry has seen increased demand for venues, photographers, wedding planners, florists, and wedding cakes. Add to this Gen Z’s desire for highly personalized weddings, and prices are rising.

(Credit: Westend61/Getty Images)

Zola’s report is based on a survey of 4,000 engaged couples who will marry in 2023.

The report places New York at the top of the list of the most expensive cities in the US to celebrate a wedding this year. These are the average wedding costs in some US cities:

New York — $43,536.
San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, California — $37,284.
Boston—$35,902.
Philadelphia — $34,111.
Miami-Ft. Lauderdale—$33,622.
Washington — $33,199.
Chicago—$32,281.
Los Angeles — $30,712.

According to the report, the average guest list is expected to include between 130 and 150 people.

But Esther Lee, deputy editor of The Knot, a wedding planning and vendor marketplace, said guest lists for some weddings could be getting tight.

“In 2022, we saw an average of 117 wedding guests, but in 2023, we found that 39% of couples are cutting back on their guest list. It’s no wonder people may be prioritizing more intimate ceremonies this year.” said.

Unique weddings are in fashion

Less traditional can sometimes mean less expensive, according to experts. David’s Bridal, one of the leading bridal gown retailers, says its business has been depleted by the number of brides wearing casual or vintage gowns. But the unique thing can also inflate the costs.

“Unique weddings are having a moment with the onset of hyper-personalization, which means couples are pulling the influences most meaningful to them and infusing these touches into the details of their wedding day,” said The Knot’s Lee. .

“For example, history buffs are lately interested in an antiques-themed wedding or honeymoon that might include a reading of ancient books or coin motifs from the Byzantine or Roman empires.”

WeddingWedding

Wedding photographer Kimber Greenwood specializes in underwater weddings and this year has seen a surge of interest from couples. (Credit: Courtesy Water Bear Photography)

Pinterest said it has an indication of another trend. He said searches for alternative weddings — especially underwater weddings — have skyrocketed 305% on his platform. “Underwater weddings are a great example of the unconventional wedding searches we’re seeing happening on the platform right now,” said Jenna Landi, director of brand research at Pinterest.

“Although slightly challenging logistically, it should be interesting to see data for underwater weddings in 2023,” he said. “It may be of sudden interest because of Disney’s live-action version of ‘The Little Mermaid.'”

Wedding photographer Kimber Greenwood, who specializes in underwater weddings, has 20 booked this year. “There’s been a huge increase in interest,” she says.

Greenwood, a scuba diver based in Gainesville, Florida, is offering a package through her adventure photography company, Water Bear Photography, that includes officiant, dress for the event (but not to keep), flowers, and photography for $3,000. .

“There has never been a couple that has regretted the experience,” he says.

Asked who pays the wedding bill, Zola’s report reveals that 33% of couples contribute in some way to the wedding budget, but another 16% say they pay entirely on their own.

The wedding industry should enjoy the recovery, because it may not last. Jewelers report that as far fewer bride and groom met their partners during the covid-19 lockdown, the recent engagement rate is well below average.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Posts

Read More
More