Forget flowers and champagne for a moment, because the wedding planning industry is a global economic powerhouse, generating over $72.5 billion in the U.S. last year alone.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. wedding planning industry generated $72.5 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 5.2% increase from 2022.
- Global wedding services market size was valued at USD 248.02 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2023 to 2030.
- In 2023, the average cost of a wedding planner in the U.S. was $2,000-$5,000, accounting for 8% of total wedding budgets.
- Average U.S. wedding budget in 2023 was $29,000, down 6% from 2022.
- Couples spent an average of $2,500 on wedding planners in 2023, representing 8.6% of total budget.
- Average venue cost for U.S. weddings: $10,000 in 2023.
- 67% of millennials prioritize personalized experiences, adding 10% to budgets.
- 48% of 2023 weddings incorporated sustainable elements like eco-friendly decor.
- Virtual weddings rose to 15% of total ceremonies post-2023.
- There are over 25,000 certified wedding planners in the U.S. as of 2023.
- Average wedding planner salary in U.S. $55,000 annually in 2023.
- 82% of wedding planners are women, per 2023 industry survey.
- Average U.S. couple age at marriage 30 for women, 32 for men in 2023.
- 40% of 2023 U.S. weddings in California, Florida, Texas top states.
- Gen Z (18-27) accounted for 22% of marrying couples in 2023.
The global wedding planning industry is thriving and expanding rapidly with massive economic impact.
Demographics & Regional Data
- Average U.S. couple age at marriage 30 for women, 32 for men in 2023.
- 40% of 2023 U.S. weddings in California, Florida, Texas top states.
- Gen Z (18-27) accounted for 22% of marrying couples in 2023.
- 52% of couples interracial marriages in 2023 U.S. trend.
- Northeast U.S. weddings average 140 guests vs. South 120 in 2023.
- 35% of weddings second marriages for at least one partner 2023.
- Urban weddings 60% vs. rural 40% in U.S. 2023 data.
- LGBTQ+ weddings up 15% to 12% of total in 2023.
- Hispanic couples 25% of U.S. weddings, avg budget $18,000 2023.
- 28% of couples have children prior to wedding in 2023.
- Midwest U.S. avg winter weddings 20% lower cost than summer.
- Asian-American weddings avg 250 guests, highest in U.S. 2023.
- 47% college-educated couples marry later, avg age 31 in 2023.
- Florida destination weddings 30% of national total in 2023.
- 62% female-led planning decisions in heterosexual couples 2023.
- Pacific Northwest weddings emphasize sustainability 65% adoption 2023.
- Black couples avg wedding size 120 guests, budget $25,000 2023.
- 55% couples meet online before marriage in 2023 survey.
- Texas weddings avg 150 guests, BBQ catering 40% popular 2023.
- 70% NYC weddings under $50,000 due to high venue costs 2023.
Demographics & Regional Data Interpretation
Americans are now marrying older, more diverse, and more intentionally than ever, trading elopements for elaborate parties that meticulously blend regional quirks, cultural traditions, and the unassailable fact that love is now more likely to be found online and planned primarily by women, with Florida standing by as the perennial, sun-drenched backup venue.
Industry Trends
- 67% of millennials prioritize personalized experiences, adding 10% to budgets.
- 48% of 2023 weddings incorporated sustainable elements like eco-friendly decor.
- Virtual weddings rose to 15% of total ceremonies post-2023.
- 62% of couples chose outdoor venues in 2023 for weddings.
- Destination weddings accounted for 25% of U.S. couples' choices in 2023.
- 73% used wedding planning apps like Zola or The Knot in 2023.
- Live streaming wedding ceremonies adopted by 41% in 2023.
- 55% opted for non-traditional color schemes beyond white in 2023.
- Pop-up weddings grew 30% in popularity among Gen Z in 2023.
- 68% incorporated cultural fusion elements in multicultural weddings 2023.
- Drone photography used in 22% of 2023 weddings.
- 49% chose all-inclusive wedding packages to simplify planning in 2023.
- Interactive guest experiences like photo booths in 76% of 2023 events.
- 37% selected weekday weddings to cut costs in 2023.
- Vegan/keto catering options in 28% of 2023 weddings.
- 64% used personalized signage and custom graphics in 2023.
- Elopements surged 20% year-over-year in 2023.
- 53% prioritized wellness elements like yoga ceremonies in 2023.
- Holographic entertainment featured in 12% of luxury 2023 weddings.
- 71% of planners reported AI tools aiding design in 2023.
Industry Trends Interpretation
Today's couples are meticulously crafting their big day with a tech-savvy, personalized, and eco-conscious touch, proving that while tradition isn't dead, it's happily sharing the spotlight with drones, vegan cakes, and the occasional hologram.
Market Size & Revenue
- The U.S. wedding planning industry generated $72.5 billion in revenue in 2023, marking a 5.2% increase from 2022.
- Global wedding services market size was valued at USD 248.02 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.2% from 2023 to 2030.
- In 2023, the average cost of a wedding planner in the U.S. was $2,000-$5,000, accounting for 8% of total wedding budgets.
- Wedding planning software market projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2028, growing at 12.5% CAGR.
- U.S. wedding industry contributed $70.5 billion to GDP in 2022, supporting 2.2 million jobs.
- European wedding market valued at €25 billion in 2023, with planners handling 15% of events.
- Indian wedding industry size reached INR 10 lakh crore (USD 130 billion) in 2023.
- Online wedding planning platforms market to hit $1.5 billion by 2027 at 14% CAGR.
- U.S. destination wedding planning segment worth $5.8 billion in 2023.
- Luxury wedding planning market in Asia-Pacific grew 11.3% YoY to $18 billion in 2023.
- UK wedding industry revenue hit £14.7 billion in 2023, up 8% from pre-pandemic levels.
- Australian wedding planning market valued at AUD 4.5 billion in 2023.
- Brazil's wedding industry generated BRL 45 billion in 2023.
- Digital wedding invitation market part of $500 million niche in 2023.
- Corporate wedding planning services in U.S. reached $3.2 billion in 2023.
- Mexico wedding tourism planning market at $2.1 billion in 2023.
- South Africa wedding industry size $1.8 billion USD equivalent in 2023.
- Canadian wedding planning sector revenue CAD 6.2 billion in 2023.
- UAE luxury wedding market $1.2 billion in 2023, growing 15%.
- France wedding services market €8.5 billion in 2023.
- Italy wedding industry €12 billion in 2023.
- China wedding market RMB 500 billion in 2023.
- Nigeria wedding planning industry NGN 1.2 trillion in 2023.
- Turkey wedding sector TRY 50 billion in 2023.
- Spain wedding market €4.2 billion in 2023.
Market Size & Revenue Interpretation
The wedding planning industry is a global, multi-billion dollar economic juggernaut fueled by the timeless human desire to say "I do" in an increasingly elaborate fashion, proving that love is not only blind but also remarkably good for business.
Planner & Vendor Stats
- There are over 25,000 certified wedding planners in the U.S. as of 2023.
- Average wedding planner salary in U.S. $55,000 annually in 2023.
- 82% of wedding planners are women, per 2023 industry survey.
- Top 10% of planners earn over $100,000 per year from 20+ weddings.
- 65% of vendors report 20-30% revenue increase post-pandemic in 2023.
- Average florist markup on wedding flowers is 300% in 2023.
- 45% of photographers charge $3,000+ per wedding in 2023.
- DJs handle 60% of wedding music needs vs. bands at 40% in 2023.
- 70% of venues require exclusive vendor lists in contracts 2023.
- Caterers serve average 120 guests per wedding, 55% buffets in 2023.
- 58% of planners have 5+ years experience in 2023 survey.
- Bakeries produce 80% custom cakes for weddings, average 4 tiers.
- 75% of makeup artists freelance for weddings in 2023.
- Rental companies see 40% repeat business from planners in 2023.
- 62% of officiants are independent contractors in 2023.
- Transportation vendors report 25% peak season bookings 2023.
- Stationery vendors note 50% digital shift but 50% print in 2023.
- 55% of venues are hotels/barns, 30% estates in U.S. 2023.
- Planners manage average 15 weddings per year in 2023.
- 68% vendors use social media for 50%+ leads in 2023.
Planner & Vendor Stats Interpretation
A field of 25,000 mostly female orchestrators—who, with a DJ spinning, florists marking up, and photographers charging, deftly navigate exclusive venues and custom cakes to turn a couple's nerves into a 120-guest, buffet-fueled celebration, proving that while love may be priceless, orchestrating its big day is a serious, detailed, and often Instagram-driven business.
Wedding Costs & Budgets
- Average U.S. wedding budget in 2023 was $29,000, down 6% from 2022.
- Couples spent an average of $2,500 on wedding planners in 2023, representing 8.6% of total budget.
- Average venue cost for U.S. weddings: $10,000 in 2023.
- Photography and videography averaged $3,200 per U.S. wedding in 2023.
- Flowers and decor cost couples $2,400 on average in 2023 U.S. weddings.
- Catering expenses averaged $110 per guest, totaling $7,000 for 70 guests in 2023.
- Wedding dress average cost $1,800 in 2023 U.S. market.
- Groom's attire averaged $300, bridesmaid dresses $120 each in 2023.
- DJ or band services cost $1,800-$3,500 on average in 2023.
- Invitations and stationery averaged $150-$400 per wedding in 2023.
- Transportation costs like limos averaged $800 in 2023 U.S. weddings.
- Wedding cake average $500 for 100 guests in 2023.
- Engagement rings cost average $5,500 in 2023 U.S., part of wedding budget.
- Honeymoon expenses averaged $5,000 per couple in 2023.
- Officiant fees averaged $300 in 2023 U.S. weddings.
- Wedding favors cost $2-$5 per guest, totaling $200 in 2023.
- Hair and makeup services $250-$500 per bride in 2023.
- Rehearsal dinner averaged $1,200 in 2023.
- Guest accommodations cost couples $2,000 on average in 2023.
- Bridal party gifts $20-$100 each, totaling $500 in 2023.
- Postage for invitations $1-$2 per invite in 2023.
- Wedding insurance averaged $150-$500 per event in 2023.
- Average U.S. micro-wedding budget $5,000-$10,000 in 2023.
- Elopement planning averaged $2,500 including planner fees in 2023.
- 71% of couples stick to their wedding budget in 2023, per survey.
- 52% of 2023 U.S. weddings had 100-150 guests, influencing budget scale.
Wedding Costs & Budgets Interpretation
While budgets are tightening and champagne toasts may be a little more measured, modern couples are wisely investing in a planner to expertly navigate the minefield where a single venue can devour a third of their funds, proving that the true luxury isn't in the flowers but in a professional who ensures you don't pay a floral price for a cake that serves a hundred.
Sources & References
- Reference 1GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 2THEKNOTtheknot.comVisit source
- Reference 3MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 4WEDDINGINDUSTRYSTATISTICSweddingindustrystatistics.comVisit source
- Reference 5STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 6IBEFibef.orgVisit source
- Reference 7FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 8ALLIEDMARKETRESEARCHalliedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 9RESEARCHANDMARKETSresearchandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 10IBISWORLDibisworld.comVisit source
- Reference 11ABRAFESTAabrafesta.com.brVisit source
- Reference 12BUSINESSRESEARCHINSIGHTSbusinessresearchinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 13MARKETRESEARCHFUTUREmarketresearchfuture.comVisit source
- Reference 14MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 15PWCpwc.co.zaVisit source
- Reference 16STATCANstatcan.gc.caVisit source
- Reference 17DELOITTEdeloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 18INSEEinsee.frVisit source
- Reference 19FEDERLEGNOARREDOfederlegnoarredo.itVisit source
- Reference 20CHINADAILYchinadaily.com.cnVisit source
- Reference 21NIGERIANSTATnigerianstat.gov.ngVisit source
- Reference 22TUIKtuik.gov.trVisit source
- Reference 23INEine.esVisit source
- Reference 24WEDDINGWIREweddingwire.comVisit source
- Reference 25BRIDESbrides.comVisit source
- Reference 26ZOLAzola.comVisit source
- Reference 27PAPERLESSPOSTpaperlesspost.comVisit source
- Reference 28CAKECENTRALcakecentral.comVisit source
- Reference 29WEDDINGINSURANCEweddinginsurance.comVisit source
- Reference 30EVENTBRITEeventbrite.comVisit source
- Reference 31WEDDINGPROweddingpro.comVisit source
- Reference 32QTP-MARRIAGEqtp-marriage.comVisit source
- Reference 33GLASSDOORglassdoor.comVisit source
- Reference 34ZIPRECRUITERziprecruiter.comVisit source
- Reference 35CATERSOURCEcatersource.comVisit source
- Reference 36FLORISTSREVIEWfloristsreview.comVisit source
- Reference 37WPJAwpja.comVisit source
- Reference 38DJCONNECTIONdjconnection.comVisit source
- Reference 39PERFECTVENUEperfectvenue.comVisit source
- Reference 40NACEnace.netVisit source
- Reference 41WEDDINGPLANNERSINSTITUTEweddingplannersinstitute.comVisit source
- Reference 42BAKERYANDSNACKSbakeryandsnacks.comVisit source
- Reference 43BEAUTYINDUSTRYSTATSbeautyindustrystats.comVisit source
- Reference 44SPECIALEVENTSspecialevents.comVisit source
- Reference 45WEDDINGOFFICIANTSweddingofficiants.comVisit source
- Reference 46LIMOTIMESMAGlimotimesmag.comVisit source
- Reference 47INVITATIONCONSULTANTSinvitationconsultants.comVisit source
- Reference 48JUNEBUGWEDDINGSjunebugweddings.comVisit source
- Reference 49CDCcdc.govVisit source
- Reference 50PEWRESEARCHpewresearch.orgVisit source
- Reference 51CENSUScensus.govVisit source
- Reference 52ASIANWEDDINGNETWORKasianweddingnetwork.comVisit source
- Reference 53BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 54VISITFLORIDAvisitflorida.comVisit source
- Reference 55WEDDINGRULEweddingrule.comVisit source