GITNUX REPORT 2024

A Deep Dive into Wedding Industry Statistics in the US

Unlocking the Numbers: Inside the Multibillion-Dollar Wedding Industry Trends and Spending Habits Revealed.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

33% of weddings have a destination component

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19% of weddings in 2021 were destination weddings

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The global wedding tourism market is projected to reach $54.3 billion by 2027

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The destination wedding market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2021 to 2028

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The average cost of a destination wedding is $32,000

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The average cost of a honeymoon in 2021 was $5,000

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The global wedding tourism market was valued at $27.2 billion in 2020

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The global wedding dress market size was valued at $61.1 billion in 2025

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The average wedding dress cost in 2021 was $1,800

Statistic 10

The global bridal wear market is expected to reach $69.9 billion by 2026

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The global wedding dress market is expected to reach $43.5 billion by 2026

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The average cost of wedding attire for the entire wedding party in 2021 was $1,800

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The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $28,000

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The average cost of wedding flowers in 2021 was $2,300

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The average cost of a wedding venue in 2021 was $10,700

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The average cost of wedding catering in 2021 was $75 per person

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The average cost of wedding invitations in 2021 was $530

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The average cost of a wedding cake in 2021 was $500

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The average cost of wedding transportation in 2021 was $800

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The average cost of wedding favors in 2021 was $400

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The average cost of wedding rentals in 2021 was $1,900

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The average cost of wedding stationery in 2021 was $590

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The average cost of wedding entertainment in 2021 was $2,000

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The average cost of wedding photography in 2021 was $2,500

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The average cost of wedding decor in 2021 was $2,400

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The average cost of wedding videography in 2021 was $1,900

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The average engagement ring cost in 2021 was $6,000

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The global wedding ring market size was valued at $39.8 billion in 2020

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The global wedding ring market is expected to reach $56.9 billion by 2027

Statistic 30

The global bridal jewelry market is expected to reach $82.6 billion by 2027

Statistic 31

The average cost of wedding rings in 2021 was $1,100 per ring

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The average cost of an engagement ring in 2021 was $5,500

Statistic 33

October is the most popular wedding month, with 17% of weddings

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The average number of wedding guests in 2021 was 105

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78% of couples created a wedding registry

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The average length of engagement in 2021 was 15 months

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80% of couples created a detailed timeline for their wedding day

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75% of couples created a wedding budget

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72% of couples hired a professional wedding photographer in 2021

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22% of couples hired a wedding planner in 2021

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49% of couples hired a videographer for their wedding

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40% of couples hired a wedding band for their reception

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71% of couples hired a DJ for their wedding reception

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45% of couples hired a wedding videographer

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28% of couples hired a wedding coordinator for day-of services

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53% of couples hired a professional makeup artist for their wedding

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37% of couples hired a wedding planner for full-service planning

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58% of couples hired a professional hairstylist for their wedding

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42% of couples hired a photo booth for their wedding reception

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31% of couples hired a wedding stylist or designer

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48% of couples hired a professional wedding officiant

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25% of couples hired a live painter for their wedding

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47% of couples used a wedding website to share details with guests

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61% of couples created a custom wedding hashtag

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33% of couples used a wedding app to plan their big day

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52% of couples created a wedding website

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34% of couples used a wedding planning app

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62% of couples used online tools to manage their guest list

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68% of couples used social media to share their wedding planning journey

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84% of couples created a wedding hashtag

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70% of couples used digital RSVPs for their wedding

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77% of couples used online wedding planning tools

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65% of couples used a digital seating chart tool

Statistic 64

73% of couples used online inspiration boards for wedding planning

Statistic 65

82% of couples used online reviews to choose wedding vendors

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Summary

  • The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $28,000
  • 72% of couples hired a professional wedding photographer in 2021
  • October is the most popular wedding month, with 17% of weddings
  • The average engagement ring cost in 2021 was $6,000
  • 33% of weddings have a destination component
  • The global wedding dress market size was valued at $61.1 billion in 2025
  • 47% of couples used a wedding website to share details with guests
  • The average number of wedding guests in 2021 was 105
  • 22% of couples hired a wedding planner in 2021
  • The average cost of wedding flowers in 2021 was $2,300
  • 61% of couples created a custom wedding hashtag
  • The average wedding dress cost in 2021 was $1,800
  • 49% of couples hired a videographer for their wedding
  • The average cost of a wedding venue in 2021 was $10,700
  • 78% of couples created a wedding registry

Step right up, lovebirds and curious onlookers alike, for a tantalizing peek behind the veil of the wedding industry! From the astonishing $28,000 average cost of a US wedding to the 61% of couples crafting custom hashtags, these matrimonial musings are sure to make you say I do to diving deep into the delightful world of saying I do. So grab your bridal bouquets and don your tuxedos, as we unravel a tapestry of statistics thatll have you saying, I now pronounce you statistically informed!

Destination Weddings

  • 33% of weddings have a destination component
  • 19% of weddings in 2021 were destination weddings
  • The global wedding tourism market is projected to reach $54.3 billion by 2027
  • The destination wedding market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.8% from 2021 to 2028
  • The average cost of a destination wedding is $32,000
  • The average cost of a honeymoon in 2021 was $5,000
  • The global wedding tourism market was valued at $27.2 billion in 2020

Interpretation

As the wedding industry continues to soar to new heights, it's evident that love knows no boundaries and couples are willing to go the distance - literally! With 33% of weddings incorporating a destination element and a projected $54.3 billion market value by 2027, it's clear that saying "I do" in a dreamy locale is not just a trend, but a lucrative industry. The average cost of a destination wedding may be a hefty $32,000, but hey, love is priceless, right? And let's not forget the cherry on top - the average honeymoon cost of $5,000 in 2021, ensuring that newlyweds start their journey with a bang, and a slightly lighter wallet. Looks like the wedding tourism market is not just about love and romance, but a serious economic force to be reckoned with!

Wedding Attire

  • The global wedding dress market size was valued at $61.1 billion in 2025
  • The average wedding dress cost in 2021 was $1,800
  • The global bridal wear market is expected to reach $69.9 billion by 2026
  • The global wedding dress market is expected to reach $43.5 billion by 2026
  • The average cost of wedding attire for the entire wedding party in 2021 was $1,800

Interpretation

The wedding industry seems to be a fortress of tulle and lace, with an army of brides and grooms ready to wage a stylish battle. With a global wedding dress market valued at a staggering $61.1 billion in 2025 and the average cost of a wedding dress hitting $1,800 in 2021, it's clear that love can be costly – but hey, who can put a price on happily ever after? As the bridal wear market is projected to soar to $69.9 billion by 2026, it seems that saying "I do" comes with a hefty price tag. But fear not, lovebirds, for looking fabulous on the big day is priceless – or at least $1,800 for the whole squad. So, whether you're a budget-savvy bride or a lavish lover of luxury, it's clear that the wedding industry is here to stay, with fashion-forward couples making sure that walking down the aisle is a catwalk-worthy affair.

Wedding Costs

  • The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $28,000
  • The average cost of wedding flowers in 2021 was $2,300
  • The average cost of a wedding venue in 2021 was $10,700
  • The average cost of wedding catering in 2021 was $75 per person
  • The average cost of wedding invitations in 2021 was $530
  • The average cost of a wedding cake in 2021 was $500
  • The average cost of wedding transportation in 2021 was $800
  • The average cost of wedding favors in 2021 was $400
  • The average cost of wedding rentals in 2021 was $1,900
  • The average cost of wedding stationery in 2021 was $590
  • The average cost of wedding entertainment in 2021 was $2,000
  • The average cost of wedding photography in 2021 was $2,500
  • The average cost of wedding decor in 2021 was $2,400
  • The average cost of wedding videography in 2021 was $1,900

Interpretation

In a world where love is priceless but weddings come with a hefty price tag, the wedding industry statistics of 2021 paint a picture of extravagant celebrations and budget-busting decisions. From the staggering $28,000 average cost of saying "I do" to the eye-watering $2,300 splurge on flowers, it seems that when it comes to tying the knot, American couples spare no expense. With wedding cakes that could feed a small village and wedding favors that rival royal gifts, one thing is clear: love may be blind, but it certainly isn't cheap in the world of wedded bliss.

Wedding Jewelry

  • The average engagement ring cost in 2021 was $6,000
  • The global wedding ring market size was valued at $39.8 billion in 2020
  • The global wedding ring market is expected to reach $56.9 billion by 2027
  • The global bridal jewelry market is expected to reach $82.6 billion by 2027
  • The average cost of wedding rings in 2021 was $1,100 per ring
  • The average cost of an engagement ring in 2021 was $5,500

Interpretation

In a world where love knows no bounds, it seems that the wedding industry has no ceiling either. As the average cost of an engagement ring rings in at a staggering $5,500 and the global wedding ring market continues to sparkle at a value of $39.8 billion, it's clear that the business of "putting a ring on it" is booming. With projections soaring higher than a bouquet toss, reaching $56.9 billion by 2027, it seems the golden rule of 'love don't cost a thing' may need a diamond-studded update. So, as couples prepare to say 'I do' amidst this glittering industry, one thing is for certain - love may be priceless, but the bling sure comes with a hefty price tag.

Wedding Planning

  • October is the most popular wedding month, with 17% of weddings
  • The average number of wedding guests in 2021 was 105
  • 78% of couples created a wedding registry
  • The average length of engagement in 2021 was 15 months
  • 80% of couples created a detailed timeline for their wedding day
  • 75% of couples created a wedding budget

Interpretation

In the enchanting world of wedding planning, October emerges as the reigning monarch of nuptials, beckoning lovebirds to tie the knot under its golden hues. With an average of 105 guests witnessing the love story unfold, it seems that couples are not just partners in love but also in registry-making frenzy, meticulously crafting wish lists as intricate as their love for each other. And as the clock of engagement ticks for a sweet 15 months, it's no surprise that 80% of couples embark on a detailed voyage through time, mapping out their wedding day with precision rivaling that of a NASA mission. Yet, in this decadent dance of love and logistics, it appears that even amidst the flurry of tulle and cake tastings, the practical concerns of budgeting hold sway, with 75% of couples wielding the sword of fiscal responsibility in the battle for their dream day. Ah, love truly knows no bounds, especially when armed with a budget spreadsheet and a detailed itinerary. Cheers to the lovers and the logistics alike!

Wedding Services

  • 72% of couples hired a professional wedding photographer in 2021
  • 22% of couples hired a wedding planner in 2021
  • 49% of couples hired a videographer for their wedding
  • 40% of couples hired a wedding band for their reception
  • 71% of couples hired a DJ for their wedding reception
  • 45% of couples hired a wedding videographer
  • 28% of couples hired a wedding coordinator for day-of services
  • 53% of couples hired a professional makeup artist for their wedding
  • 37% of couples hired a wedding planner for full-service planning
  • 58% of couples hired a professional hairstylist for their wedding
  • 42% of couples hired a photo booth for their wedding reception
  • 31% of couples hired a wedding stylist or designer
  • 48% of couples hired a professional wedding officiant
  • 25% of couples hired a live painter for their wedding

Interpretation

As the saying goes, "It takes a village to plan a wedding," and apparently, in 2021, that village includes a professional photographer capturing every smile, a wedding planner orchestrating the grand symphony of events, a videographer ensuring every tear is preserved in motion, a DJ spinning tunes to get the party started, and a makeup artist and hairstylist turning mere mortals into camera-ready gods and goddesses. With stats like these, it seems that modern couples are not just saying "I do" to each other but also to an entire entourage of professionals dedicated to making their special day nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece.

Wedding Technology

  • 47% of couples used a wedding website to share details with guests
  • 61% of couples created a custom wedding hashtag
  • 33% of couples used a wedding app to plan their big day
  • 52% of couples created a wedding website
  • 34% of couples used a wedding planning app
  • 62% of couples used online tools to manage their guest list
  • 68% of couples used social media to share their wedding planning journey
  • 84% of couples created a wedding hashtag
  • 70% of couples used digital RSVPs for their wedding
  • 77% of couples used online wedding planning tools
  • 65% of couples used a digital seating chart tool
  • 73% of couples used online inspiration boards for wedding planning
  • 82% of couples used online reviews to choose wedding vendors

Interpretation

The wedding industry trends reveal a digital revolution in the way couples are planning their big day. From custom hashtags to online guest lists, it seems like "I do's" are now being whispered not only at the altar but also through the digital ether. With online tools and social media taking center stage, it's clear that tying the knot today involves more than just exchanging rings—it's about creating a hashtag-worthy, app-fueled, Pinterest-perfect love story that's shared with the world. So here's to saying "I thee wed" in the age of technology, where swiping right is not just for finding love but for planning the happiest day of your life.

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