GITNUXREPORT 2026

Wedding Industry Statistics

The global wedding industry is a massive economic force worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The average cost of a wedding in the US rose to $29,200 in 2023.

Statistic 2

Couples spent an average of $6,500 on wedding attire in 2023.

Statistic 3

Average venue cost for US weddings is $10,000 in 2023.

Statistic 4

Photography and videography averaged $4,300 per wedding in 2023.

Statistic 5

Flowers and decorations cost couples $2,400 on average in 2023.

Statistic 6

Catering expenses average $5,000 for 127 guests in US weddings 2023.

Statistic 7

Engagement ring average cost $5,500 in 2023.

Statistic 8

Wedding cake averages $500-$1,000 depending on size in 2023.

Statistic 9

DJ or band costs $2,200 on average for US weddings 2023.

Statistic 10

Wedding planner fees average 10-15% of total budget or $2,500 flat.

Statistic 11

Invitations and stationery average $400 per wedding in 2023.

Statistic 12

Transportation costs $800 on average for weddings.

Statistic 13

Wedding hair and makeup $300 per person average.

Statistic 14

Officiant fees average $300 in the US 2023.

Statistic 15

Wedding favors cost $250-$500 on average.

Statistic 16

Rehearsal dinner averages $1,200 for 45 guests.

Statistic 17

Bridal shower costs $500-$1,000 on average.

Statistic 18

Honeymoon averages $5,000 per couple in 2023.

Statistic 19

Destination weddings average $35,000 total cost.

Statistic 20

Micro weddings under 50 guests average $10,000.

Statistic 21

Elopements average $5,000 including photography.

Statistic 22

Average UK wedding cost £18,400 in 2023.

Statistic 23

India average wedding spend ₹20-50 lakhs ($24k-$60k).

Statistic 24

Australia average wedding $36,000 AUD in 2023.

Statistic 25

Canada weddings average CAD 30,000.

Statistic 26

Average ring bearer suit $50-$100.

Statistic 27

Flower girl dresses $50-$150 average.

Statistic 28

Limousine rental $800 for 4 hours.

Statistic 29

Wedding insurance $150-$500 policy.

Statistic 30

Postage for 100 invites $50-$100.

Statistic 31

Save-the-dates $100 for 100 cards.

Statistic 32

Guest favors $2-$5 per person average.

Statistic 33

Bachelor party $100-$200 per attendee.

Statistic 34

Bachelorette weekend $500-$1,500 per person.

Statistic 35

62% of US couples are aged 25-34 at marriage in 2022.

Statistic 36

Average US wedding guest count 116 in 2023.

Statistic 37

50% of US weddings are second marriages.

Statistic 38

37% of couples meet online before marriage.

Statistic 39

Average age of US bride 32, groom 34 in 2023.

Statistic 40

28% of weddings interracial in US 2022.

Statistic 41

15% of couples LGBTQ+ in recent weddings.

Statistic 42

76% of couples have college degrees.

Statistic 43

Average UK wedding 85 guests.

Statistic 44

40% of millennials delay marriage past 30.

Statistic 45

55% of couples live together before marriage.

Statistic 46

Hispanic couples 25% of US weddings.

Statistic 47

Gen Z first marriages average age 28.

Statistic 48

20% of weddings child-free couples.

Statistic 49

Average Indian wedding 300+ guests.

Statistic 50

65% of couples have bridezilla moments.

Statistic 51

45% of guests travel over 300 miles.

Statistic 52

Black couples 12% of US weddings 2023.

Statistic 53

Asian Americans 6% of marrying couples.

Statistic 54

70% of couples from urban areas.

Statistic 55

Average guest age 30-40 range dominant.

Statistic 56

25% of weddings multigenerational guests.

Statistic 57

60% female guests, 40% male typically.

Statistic 58

35% of couples have divorced parents attending.

Statistic 59

Australia average guests 120 per wedding.

Statistic 60

50% of Gen X still married first time.

Statistic 61

Canada average bride age 31.

Statistic 62

18% of weddings plus-one unknowns.

Statistic 63

France average 80 guests per wedding.

Statistic 64

42% of couples first marriage both sides.

Statistic 65

72% of weddings destination for some guests.

Statistic 66

The global wedding industry was valued at approximately $300 billion in 2022.

Statistic 67

In the US, the wedding industry generates over $70 billion in annual revenue as of 2023.

Statistic 68

The US wedding planning services market size reached $5.2 billion in 2023.

Statistic 69

Weddings contributed $65.5 billion to the US economy in 2022.

Statistic 70

The Indian wedding industry is worth over $50 billion annually, larger than some economies.

Statistic 71

UK wedding industry market value stood at £14.7 billion in 2022.

Statistic 72

Global online wedding services market projected to grow to $1.2 billion by 2028.

Statistic 73

China's wedding market valued at $80 billion in 2023.

Statistic 74

Australian wedding industry generates $4.5 billion yearly.

Statistic 75

European wedding market size estimated at €100 billion in 2023.

Statistic 76

US destination wedding market worth $5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 77

Wedding jewelry market globally valued at $80 billion in 2022.

Statistic 78

Brazil's wedding industry contributes $7 billion annually to GDP.

Statistic 79

Japanese wedding market declined to ¥2.5 trillion in 2022.

Statistic 80

Middle East wedding industry valued at $20 billion in 2023.

Statistic 81

Wedding cake market in US reached $3 billion in 2023.

Statistic 82

Global bridal wear market size $83.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 83

South Korea wedding industry at $10 billion yearly.

Statistic 84

France wedding sector generates €10 billion annually.

Statistic 85

Mexico wedding market valued at $3.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 86

Wedding florist market in US $2.1 billion in 2022.

Statistic 87

Italy wedding industry contributes €20 billion to economy.

Statistic 88

Global wedding venue market projected at $50 billion by 2030.

Statistic 89

Canada wedding industry $5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 90

Turkey wedding market $4 billion annually.

Statistic 91

US wedding photography market $2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 92

Spain wedding industry €6 billion in 2022.

Statistic 93

Thailand destination wedding market $1 billion.

Statistic 94

Germany wedding market €15 billion yearly.

Statistic 95

Global wedding invitation market $1.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 96

55% of 2023 US weddings personalized ceremonies.

Statistic 97

68% of couples choose outdoor venues.

Statistic 98

Sustainable weddings up 40% since 2020.

Statistic 99

76% incorporate live entertainment.

Statistic 100

Dry weddings (no alcohol) rose to 12%.

Statistic 101

Elopements increased 30% post-COVID.

Statistic 102

62% use digital invitations.

Statistic 103

Weekend weddings 85% preference.

Statistic 104

Photo booths at 70% of receptions.

Statistic 105

First look photos 65% adoption.

Statistic 106

48% choose spring wedding season.

Statistic 107

Vegan menus at 25% of weddings.

Statistic 108

Drone photography up 50%.

Statistic 109

35% have welcome parties.

Statistic 110

Cultural fusion ceremonies 22% rise.

Statistic 111

80% post wedding content on social media.

Statistic 112

Micro weddings 20% of total in 2023.

Statistic 113

57% hire wedding planners.

Statistic 114

Bold colors over pastels 45% preference.

Statistic 115

Live streaming for 30% of ceremonies.

Statistic 116

Experiential gifts over registry 40%.

Statistic 117

65% Saturday weddings.

Statistic 118

Pet-inclusive weddings 25%.

Statistic 119

Silent auctions at 15% fundraisers.

Statistic 120

70% personalized vows.

Statistic 121

UK 60% garden weddings post-pandemic.

Statistic 122

33% all-inclusive packages.

Statistic 123

Eco-friendly decor 50% adoption.

Statistic 124

42% after-party receptions.

Statistic 125

Hologram entertainment emerging 5%.

Statistic 126

75% of US wedding planners are women.

Statistic 127

12,000 wedding venues operate in US.

Statistic 128

Average wedding photographer earns $50k/year.

Statistic 129

45% of florists report wedding as top revenue.

Statistic 130

8,500 wedding DJs in US market.

Statistic 131

Cake designers average 20% business from weddings.

Statistic 132

65% of venues book 12-18 months ahead.

Statistic 133

Officiants 70% independent contractors.

Statistic 134

Caterers serve average 150 weddings/year per business.

Statistic 135

30% growth in wedding rental companies post-2020.

Statistic 136

Hairstylists charge 20% premium for wedding days.

Statistic 137

5,200 full-time wedding coordinators in US.

Statistic 138

Jewelers 40% revenue from engagement rings.

Statistic 139

Transportation vendors 15% limo, 85% other.

Statistic 140

Stationers specialize 25% wedding products.

Statistic 141

80% of planners use software like Honeyfund.

Statistic 142

Bartenders earn $30/hour wedding shifts average.

Statistic 143

22% of venues are barns/farms trending.

Statistic 144

Photographers book 25 weddings/year average.

Statistic 145

Videographers 40% package with photos.

Statistic 146

55% of caterers offer customizable menus.

Statistic 147

Event staff turnover 35% in wedding season.

Statistic 148

60% planners female under 40.

Statistic 149

UK 4,000 professional photographers.

Statistic 150

Australia 2,500 venues listed.

Statistic 151

70% vendors use Instagram for marketing.

Statistic 152

Planners charge average $3,000 fee.

Statistic 153

25% of florists certified sustainable.

Statistic 154

DJs use LED lights 90% events.

Statistic 155

15,000 US bakeries serve weddings.

Statistic 156

Makeup artists 50% freelance weddings.

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From intimate elopements to lavish multi-day celebrations, weddings are a powerful global economic force that collectively generates hundreds of billions of dollars annually, shaping industries and traditions from the venues we book to the rings we exchange.

Key Takeaways

The global wedding industry was valued at approximately $300 billion in 2022.
In the US, the wedding industry generates over $70 billion in annual revenue as of 2023.
The US wedding planning services market size reached $5.2 billion in 2023.
The average cost of a wedding in the US rose to $29,200 in 2023.
Couples spent an average of $6,500 on wedding attire in 2023.
Average venue cost for US weddings is $10,000 in 2023.
62% of US couples are aged 25-34 at marriage in 2022.
Average US wedding guest count 116 in 2023.
50% of US weddings are second marriages.
55% of 2023 US weddings personalized ceremonies.
68% of couples choose outdoor venues.
Sustainable weddings up 40% since 2020.
75% of US wedding planners are women.
12,000 wedding venues operate in US.
Average wedding photographer earns $50k/year.

The global wedding industry is a massive economic force worth hundreds of billions of dollars.

Average Costs & Spending

The average cost of a wedding in the US rose to $29,200 in 2023.
Couples spent an average of $6,500 on wedding attire in 2023.
Average venue cost for US weddings is $10,000 in 2023.
Photography and videography averaged $4,300 per wedding in 2023.
Flowers and decorations cost couples $2,400 on average in 2023.
Catering expenses average $5,000 for 127 guests in US weddings 2023.
Engagement ring average cost $5,500 in 2023.
Wedding cake averages $500-$1,000 depending on size in 2023.
DJ or band costs $2,200 on average for US weddings 2023.
Wedding planner fees average 10-15% of total budget or $2,500 flat.
Invitations and stationery average $400 per wedding in 2023.
Transportation costs $800 on average for weddings.
Wedding hair and makeup $300 per person average.
Officiant fees average $300 in the US 2023.
Wedding favors cost $250-$500 on average.
Rehearsal dinner averages $1,200 for 45 guests.
Bridal shower costs $500-$1,000 on average.
Honeymoon averages $5,000 per couple in 2023.
Destination weddings average $35,000 total cost.
Micro weddings under 50 guests average $10,000.
Elopements average $5,000 including photography.
Average UK wedding cost £18,400 in 2023.
India average wedding spend ₹20-50 lakhs ($24k-$60k).
Australia average wedding $36,000 AUD in 2023.
Canada weddings average CAD 30,000.
Average ring bearer suit $50-$100.
Flower girl dresses $50-$150 average.
Limousine rental $800 for 4 hours.
Wedding insurance $150-$500 policy.
Postage for 100 invites $50-$100.
Save-the-dates $100 for 100 cards.
Guest favors $2-$5 per person average.
Bachelor party $100-$200 per attendee.
Bachelorette weekend $500-$1,500 per person.

Average Costs & Spending Interpretation

While you're now free to declare your love, you'll first need to spend, on average, a small fortune to prove it to everyone else.

Demographics & Guest Numbers

62% of US couples are aged 25-34 at marriage in 2022.
Average US wedding guest count 116 in 2023.
50% of US weddings are second marriages.
37% of couples meet online before marriage.
Average age of US bride 32, groom 34 in 2023.
28% of weddings interracial in US 2022.
15% of couples LGBTQ+ in recent weddings.
76% of couples have college degrees.
Average UK wedding 85 guests.
40% of millennials delay marriage past 30.
55% of couples live together before marriage.
Hispanic couples 25% of US weddings.
Gen Z first marriages average age 28.
20% of weddings child-free couples.
Average Indian wedding 300+ guests.
65% of couples have bridezilla moments.
45% of guests travel over 300 miles.
Black couples 12% of US weddings 2023.
Asian Americans 6% of marrying couples.
70% of couples from urban areas.
Average guest age 30-40 range dominant.
25% of weddings multigenerational guests.
60% female guests, 40% male typically.
35% of couples have divorced parents attending.
Australia average guests 120 per wedding.
50% of Gen X still married first time.
Canada average bride age 31.
18% of weddings plus-one unknowns.
France average 80 guests per wedding.
42% of couples first marriage both sides.
72% of weddings destination for some guests.

Demographics & Guest Numbers Interpretation

While the modern wedding scene is a fascinating blend of delayed 'I do's,' diverse guest lists, and second-chance romances often sparked online, it's clear that the journey to the aisle is now a more personalized, and logistically complex, adventure than ever before.

Market Size & Economic Impact

The global wedding industry was valued at approximately $300 billion in 2022.
In the US, the wedding industry generates over $70 billion in annual revenue as of 2023.
The US wedding planning services market size reached $5.2 billion in 2023.
Weddings contributed $65.5 billion to the US economy in 2022.
The Indian wedding industry is worth over $50 billion annually, larger than some economies.
UK wedding industry market value stood at £14.7 billion in 2022.
Global online wedding services market projected to grow to $1.2 billion by 2028.
China's wedding market valued at $80 billion in 2023.
Australian wedding industry generates $4.5 billion yearly.
European wedding market size estimated at €100 billion in 2023.
US destination wedding market worth $5 billion in 2023.
Wedding jewelry market globally valued at $80 billion in 2022.
Brazil's wedding industry contributes $7 billion annually to GDP.
Japanese wedding market declined to ¥2.5 trillion in 2022.
Middle East wedding industry valued at $20 billion in 2023.
Wedding cake market in US reached $3 billion in 2023.
Global bridal wear market size $83.5 billion in 2023.
South Korea wedding industry at $10 billion yearly.
France wedding sector generates €10 billion annually.
Mexico wedding market valued at $3.5 billion in 2023.
Wedding florist market in US $2.1 billion in 2022.
Italy wedding industry contributes €20 billion to economy.
Global wedding venue market projected at $50 billion by 2030.
Canada wedding industry $5 billion in 2023.
Turkey wedding market $4 billion annually.
US wedding photography market $2.5 billion in 2023.
Spain wedding industry €6 billion in 2022.
Thailand destination wedding market $1 billion.
Germany wedding market €15 billion yearly.
Global wedding invitation market $1.5 billion in 2023.

Market Size & Economic Impact Interpretation

It turns out that “I do” is the universal password for unlocking a staggering, nearly half-trillion-dollar global economy fueled by equal parts love and lunacy.

Trends & Preferences

55% of 2023 US weddings personalized ceremonies.
68% of couples choose outdoor venues.
Sustainable weddings up 40% since 2020.
76% incorporate live entertainment.
Dry weddings (no alcohol) rose to 12%.
Elopements increased 30% post-COVID.
62% use digital invitations.
Weekend weddings 85% preference.
Photo booths at 70% of receptions.
First look photos 65% adoption.
48% choose spring wedding season.
Vegan menus at 25% of weddings.
Drone photography up 50%.
35% have welcome parties.
Cultural fusion ceremonies 22% rise.
80% post wedding content on social media.
Micro weddings 20% of total in 2023.
57% hire wedding planners.
Bold colors over pastels 45% preference.
Live streaming for 30% of ceremonies.
Experiential gifts over registry 40%.
65% Saturday weddings.
Pet-inclusive weddings 25%.
Silent auctions at 15% fundraisers.
70% personalized vows.
UK 60% garden weddings post-pandemic.
33% all-inclusive packages.
Eco-friendly decor 50% adoption.
42% after-party receptions.
Hologram entertainment emerging 5%.

Trends & Preferences Interpretation

Today’s couple is designing a boldly personalized, eco-conscious, and experientially rich celebration where they’ll swap vows outdoors, stream it live for distant guests, feed everyone vegan cake, dance to a live band, and capture it all with a drone before posting the whole heartfelt, pet-inclusive affair from the photo booth.

Vendors & Planners

75% of US wedding planners are women.
12,000 wedding venues operate in US.
Average wedding photographer earns $50k/year.
45% of florists report wedding as top revenue.
8,500 wedding DJs in US market.
Cake designers average 20% business from weddings.
65% of venues book 12-18 months ahead.
Officiants 70% independent contractors.
Caterers serve average 150 weddings/year per business.
30% growth in wedding rental companies post-2020.
Hairstylists charge 20% premium for wedding days.
5,200 full-time wedding coordinators in US.
Jewelers 40% revenue from engagement rings.
Transportation vendors 15% limo, 85% other.
Stationers specialize 25% wedding products.
80% of planners use software like Honeyfund.
Bartenders earn $30/hour wedding shifts average.
22% of venues are barns/farms trending.
Photographers book 25 weddings/year average.
Videographers 40% package with photos.
55% of caterers offer customizable menus.
Event staff turnover 35% in wedding season.
60% planners female under 40.
UK 4,000 professional photographers.
Australia 2,500 venues listed.
70% vendors use Instagram for marketing.
Planners charge average $3,000 fee.
25% of florists certified sustainable.
DJs use LED lights 90% events.
15,000 US bakeries serve weddings.
Makeup artists 50% freelance weddings.

Vendors & Planners Interpretation

Behind this sprawling ecosystem of love's big day—where planners are overwhelmingly female, barns are trending, and vendors from caterers to hairstylists are chasing the wedding premium—lies a serious, multi-billion dollar engine of deadlines, dreams, and data, all meticulously coordinated (often via Instagram and Honeyfund) by an industry that knows romance is also a ruthlessly logistical business.

Sources & References

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