GITNUXREPORT 2025

Wedding Statistics

US weddings average $28,000, with personalized touches and professional photography popular.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 50% of brides wear a veil, with the traditional length being cathedral length

Statistic 2

55% of weddings are traditional, with the bride and groom dressing in classic attire, while 45% are more casual or themed

Statistic 3

Wedding dress rentals are available in approximately 10% of wedding markets for budget-conscious brides

Statistic 4

The average number of bridal gown fittings is 2 to 3 before the wedding day, ensuring perfect fit and style

Statistic 5

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is approximately $28,000

Statistic 6

Bride’s dress accounts for about 2-3% of the total wedding budget

Statistic 7

85% of couples purchase a wedding cake, with an average cost of $500

Statistic 8

The average honeymoon expenditure per couple is $4,500

Statistic 9

The average number of vendors involved in a wedding is 9, including caterers, photographers, and entertainers

Statistic 10

85% of couples splurge on their wedding photographer or videographer, citing it as the most worth-it expense

Statistic 11

The average cost of wedding invitations is about $400 for 100-print set

Statistic 12

25% of couples spend between $15,000 and $25,000 on their entire wedding day

Statistic 13

The average wedding registry has around 150 items, mostly household goods

Statistic 14

45% of couples plan their wedding budget to be under $20,000, focusing on essentials and minimal décor

Statistic 15

The average cost of wedding flowers is approximately $2,000, with roses being the most common choice

Statistic 16

About 75% of couples choose to have a wedding with fewer than 150 guests

Statistic 17

The most popular month to get married in the US is October

Statistic 18

80% of engaged couples start planning their wedding 12 months before the big day

Statistic 19

65% of couples use Pinterest for wedding inspiration

Statistic 20

39% of couples include a live band at their reception

Statistic 21

75% of wedding invitations are sent via online means nowadays

Statistic 22

The median age of a bride in the US is 30 years

Statistic 23

70% of couples get engaged between November and February

Statistic 24

The most common wedding theme is rustic/chic, followed by traditional/classic

Statistic 25

95% of couples photograph their wedding with professional photographers

Statistic 26

The most popular honeymoon destinations are the Caribbean, Italy, and Hawaii

Statistic 27

40% of weddings in the US are planned by professional wedding planners

Statistic 28

90% of wedding receptions feature alcohol, with wine and champagne being the most common choices

Statistic 29

More than 60% of couples say they want their wedding to have a personalized touch, such as DIY decor or customized vows

Statistic 30

40% of couples choose to have a destination wedding, often in tropical locations

Statistic 31

The average number of songs played at a wedding reception is around 18-20

Statistic 32

About 50% of brides purchase custom wedding jewelry, such as engagement rings and wedding bands

Statistic 33

78% of couples use social media to share their wedding plans and photos, with Instagram being the most popular platform

Statistic 34

The average number of wedding photos taken per event is over 500

Statistic 35

30% of brides have a bridal party of five or more members

Statistic 36

The most common type of wedding cake flavor is vanilla, followed by chocolate, according to industry surveys

Statistic 37

85% of couples register for wedding gifts at one or more online stores, primarily Amazon and Target

Statistic 38

Approximately 10% of weddings are themed, with popular themes including vintage, fairy tale, and bohemian

Statistic 39

70% of couples include a photo booth at their reception, mainly for entertainment and fun

Statistic 40

33% of brides wear a second dress or outfit for the reception or after-party, often for comfort or style

Statistic 41

The most common wedding flower used in bouquets is roses, followed by peonies and lilies

Statistic 42

55% of couples opt to have a live stream of their wedding for guests who can't attend, especially post-pandemic

Statistic 43

Approximately 12% of wedding receptions include fireworks displays, mostly in outdoor venues

Statistic 44

82% of wedding couples want a personalized ceremony, including unique vows and rituals

Statistic 45

The majority of wedding cakes (about 60%) are two-tier or three-tier, suitable for medium-sized receptions

Statistic 46

20% of couples plan a honeymoon immediately after the wedding, while 36% plan to delay for after a year

Statistic 47

58% of brides opt for a wedding day timeline that includes a special first look moment, often with a private photo session

Statistic 48

About 40% of weddings now incorporate eco-friendly or sustainable practices, such as biodegradable decor

Statistic 49

50% of couples opt for a first look photo shoot before the ceremony, which reduces stress and doubles as a memorable moment

Statistic 50

The average number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding is 4 to 5 each

Statistic 51

65% of couples include a first dance in their wedding ceremony

Statistic 52

The average length of a wedding ceremony is approximately 20-30 minutes

Statistic 53

20% of marriages in the US end in divorce within the first five years

Statistic 54

More than 80% of weddings include a formal invitation, even with the rise of digital invites

Statistic 55

The average age of grooms at weddings in the US is 33 years

Statistic 56

Engagement ring costs typically represent about 3 months of the groom’s salary, according to industry data

Statistic 57

About 25% of weddings incorporate a cultural or ethnic tradition, reflecting increased diversity

Statistic 58

80% of couples send thank-you notes after the wedding, typically within three months, to express gratitude for gifts and attendance

Statistic 59

60% of couples in the US have a wedding ceremony in a religious venue

Statistic 60

About 55% of wedding venues in the US are booked at least one year in advance

Statistic 61

60% of wedding venues also offer catering services, simplifying planning for couples

Statistic 62

70% of wedding receptions are held in the evening, primarily between 4 pm and 8 pm

Statistic 63

85% of wedding venues have a rain plan in case of inclement weather, highlighting the importance of contingency planning

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Key Highlights

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is approximately $28,000
About 75% of couples choose to have a wedding with fewer than 150 guests
60% of couples in the US have a wedding ceremony in a religious venue
The most popular month to get married in the US is October
Bride’s dress accounts for about 2-3% of the total wedding budget
80% of engaged couples start planning their wedding 12 months before the big day
65% of couples use Pinterest for wedding inspiration
The average number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding is 4 to 5 each
39% of couples include a live band at their reception
75% of wedding invitations are sent via online means nowadays
The median age of a bride in the US is 30 years
70% of couples get engaged between November and February
About 55% of wedding venues in the US are booked at least one year in advance

Did you know that the average American wedding costs around $28,000, with most couples planning their big day over a year in advance and embracing trends such as rustic themes, personalized vows, and stunning photography?

Wedding Attire and Apparel

About 50% of brides wear a veil, with the traditional length being cathedral length
55% of weddings are traditional, with the bride and groom dressing in classic attire, while 45% are more casual or themed
Wedding dress rentals are available in approximately 10% of wedding markets for budget-conscious brides
The average number of bridal gown fittings is 2 to 3 before the wedding day, ensuring perfect fit and style

Wedding Attire and Apparel Interpretation

While nearly half of brides still don the timeless veil and stick to traditional dress codes, a growing segment embraces casual or themed celebrations—yet, whether renting a gown or multiple fittings, brides are undeniably investing in perfecting their bridal look amidst evolving wedding norms.

Wedding Costs and Expenses

The average cost of a wedding in the United States is approximately $28,000
Bride’s dress accounts for about 2-3% of the total wedding budget
85% of couples purchase a wedding cake, with an average cost of $500
The average honeymoon expenditure per couple is $4,500
The average number of vendors involved in a wedding is 9, including caterers, photographers, and entertainers
85% of couples splurge on their wedding photographer or videographer, citing it as the most worth-it expense
The average cost of wedding invitations is about $400 for 100-print set
25% of couples spend between $15,000 and $25,000 on their entire wedding day
The average wedding registry has around 150 items, mostly household goods
45% of couples plan their wedding budget to be under $20,000, focusing on essentials and minimal décor
The average cost of wedding flowers is approximately $2,000, with roses being the most common choice

Wedding Costs and Expenses Interpretation

With couples spending an average of $28,000—where wedding vendors number around nine and the bride's dress consumes just a small slice—it's clear that in the symphony of celebration, investing in memories like photography and honeymoons often takes precedence over lavish floral arrangements or invitation sets, highlighting that for many, capturing the moment outweighs the material details.

Wedding Planning Trends and Preferences

About 75% of couples choose to have a wedding with fewer than 150 guests
The most popular month to get married in the US is October
80% of engaged couples start planning their wedding 12 months before the big day
65% of couples use Pinterest for wedding inspiration
39% of couples include a live band at their reception
75% of wedding invitations are sent via online means nowadays
The median age of a bride in the US is 30 years
70% of couples get engaged between November and February
The most common wedding theme is rustic/chic, followed by traditional/classic
95% of couples photograph their wedding with professional photographers
The most popular honeymoon destinations are the Caribbean, Italy, and Hawaii
40% of weddings in the US are planned by professional wedding planners
90% of wedding receptions feature alcohol, with wine and champagne being the most common choices
More than 60% of couples say they want their wedding to have a personalized touch, such as DIY decor or customized vows
40% of couples choose to have a destination wedding, often in tropical locations
The average number of songs played at a wedding reception is around 18-20
About 50% of brides purchase custom wedding jewelry, such as engagement rings and wedding bands
78% of couples use social media to share their wedding plans and photos, with Instagram being the most popular platform
The average number of wedding photos taken per event is over 500
30% of brides have a bridal party of five or more members
The most common type of wedding cake flavor is vanilla, followed by chocolate, according to industry surveys
85% of couples register for wedding gifts at one or more online stores, primarily Amazon and Target
Approximately 10% of weddings are themed, with popular themes including vintage, fairy tale, and bohemian
70% of couples include a photo booth at their reception, mainly for entertainment and fun
33% of brides wear a second dress or outfit for the reception or after-party, often for comfort or style
The most common wedding flower used in bouquets is roses, followed by peonies and lilies
55% of couples opt to have a live stream of their wedding for guests who can't attend, especially post-pandemic
Approximately 12% of wedding receptions include fireworks displays, mostly in outdoor venues
82% of wedding couples want a personalized ceremony, including unique vows and rituals
The majority of wedding cakes (about 60%) are two-tier or three-tier, suitable for medium-sized receptions
20% of couples plan a honeymoon immediately after the wedding, while 36% plan to delay for after a year
58% of brides opt for a wedding day timeline that includes a special first look moment, often with a private photo session
About 40% of weddings now incorporate eco-friendly or sustainable practices, such as biodegradable decor
50% of couples opt for a first look photo shoot before the ceremony, which reduces stress and doubles as a memorable moment

Wedding Planning Trends and Preferences Interpretation

In today's wedding landscape, with 75% opting for intimate gatherings under 150 guests in October, couples are Instagram-savvy, Pinterest-inspired, and eager to personalize—embracing everything from DIY decor and live-streaming to eco-friendly practices—proving that, more than ever, a wedding is as much a carefully curated digital and personal experience as it is a traditional celebration.

Wedding Traditions and Customs

The average number of bridesmaids and groomsmen at a wedding is 4 to 5 each
65% of couples include a first dance in their wedding ceremony
The average length of a wedding ceremony is approximately 20-30 minutes
20% of marriages in the US end in divorce within the first five years
More than 80% of weddings include a formal invitation, even with the rise of digital invites
The average age of grooms at weddings in the US is 33 years
Engagement ring costs typically represent about 3 months of the groom’s salary, according to industry data
About 25% of weddings incorporate a cultural or ethnic tradition, reflecting increased diversity
80% of couples send thank-you notes after the wedding, typically within three months, to express gratitude for gifts and attendance

Wedding Traditions and Customs Interpretation

While weddings often feature a charming blend of tradition and trend—from an average of four to five bridesmaids and groomsmen to a 20-minute ceremony ending with a first dance—their enduring rituals, like sending thank-you notes and celebrating cultural roots, reveal that amidst the evolving landscape, couples still cherish the timeless moments that truly symbolize their union.

Wedding Venues and Logistics

60% of couples in the US have a wedding ceremony in a religious venue
About 55% of wedding venues in the US are booked at least one year in advance
60% of wedding venues also offer catering services, simplifying planning for couples
70% of wedding receptions are held in the evening, primarily between 4 pm and 8 pm
85% of wedding venues have a rain plan in case of inclement weather, highlighting the importance of contingency planning

Wedding Venues and Logistics Interpretation

These statistics reveal that while love and faith are still central to American weddings, savvy couples are increasingly planning their big day well in advance, relying on venues that offer both culinary delights and rain plans to ensure their happily-ever-after stays uninterrupted.