GITNUX REPORT 2024

Wedding Insights: Costs, Trends, and Traditions Revealed in 2021

Unveiling the fascinating and pricey details behind US weddings in 2021 - trends, traditions, costs.

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

Statistic 1

33% of engagements happen between November and December

Statistic 2

The average engagement ring costs $5,900

Statistic 3

The average length of an engagement is 15 months

Statistic 4

The average engagement ring size is 1.2 carats

Statistic 5

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

Statistic 6

The average cost of a wedding dress is $1,800

Statistic 7

The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,300

Statistic 8

The average cost of a wedding cake is $500

Statistic 9

62% of couples pay for their wedding themselves

Statistic 10

The average cost of wedding invitations is $590

Statistic 11

The average cost of wedding rings is $1,100 for the bride and $510 for the groom

Statistic 12

The average cost of a wedding venue is $10,500

Statistic 13

The average cost of wedding catering is $70 per person

Statistic 14

The average cost of wedding music and entertainment is $4,000

Statistic 15

The average cost of wedding transportation is $800

Statistic 16

The average cost of wedding favors is $400

Statistic 17

The average cost of wedding stationery is $590

Statistic 18

The average cost of wedding hair and makeup is $250

Statistic 19

The average cost of wedding rentals is $1,700

Statistic 20

The average cost of a rehearsal dinner is $1,900

Statistic 21

The average cost of wedding decor is $2,400

Statistic 22

Saturday is the most popular day to get married, with 70% of weddings occurring on this day

Statistic 23

The average number of wedding guests is 131

Statistic 24

49% of couples use a wedding website to communicate with guests

Statistic 25

88% of couples create a wedding registry

Statistic 26

19% of couples have their ceremony and reception at different venues

Statistic 27

83% of couples create a custom wedding hashtag

Statistic 28

The average wedding reception lasts 4 hours

Statistic 29

91% of couples create a wedding budget

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64% of couples create a wedding website

Statistic 31

The average number of bridesmaids is 5

Statistic 32

20% of weddings take place in the fall

Statistic 33

38% of couples use a wedding app to help plan their big day

Statistic 34

80% of couples have a wedding registry

Statistic 35

44% of couples send save-the-dates

Statistic 36

53% of couples create a custom cocktail for their wedding

Statistic 37

10% of weddings take place on a weekday

Statistic 38

75% of couples have a wedding website

Statistic 39

The average number of wedding guests who actually attend is 120

Statistic 40

80% of couples create a seating chart for their reception

Statistic 41

The average wedding dress shopping experience takes 3-6 appointments

Statistic 42

85% of couples create a wedding hashtag

Statistic 43

72% of couples hire a professional wedding photographer

Statistic 44

22% of couples hire a wedding planner

Statistic 45

52% of couples hire a videographer

Statistic 46

33% of weddings have a photo booth

Statistic 47

50% of couples hire a wedding band

Statistic 48

The average number of wedding vendors hired is 14

Statistic 49

40% of couples choose to have a first look before the ceremony

Statistic 50

34% of weddings include cultural or religious traditions

Statistic 51

47% of couples incorporate something 'old, new, borrowed, and blue' into their wedding

Statistic 52

33% of brides change into a second dress for the reception

Statistic 53

67% of couples take a honeymoon

Statistic 54

40% of couples write their own vows

Statistic 55

45% of couples incorporate cultural elements into their wedding

Statistic 56

20% of couples opt for a first look before the ceremony

Statistic 57

25% of couples incorporate a unity ceremony into their wedding

Statistic 58

17% of couples include their pets in their wedding

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7% of couples opt for a destination wedding

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15% of weddings are interfaith

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25% of weddings are destination weddings

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22% of couples have a themed wedding

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15% of weddings are eco-friendly or sustainable

Statistic 64

30% of couples have a wedding weekend with multiple events

Statistic 65

60% of couples have an outdoor ceremony or reception

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Summary

  • The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $28,000
  • 72% of couples hire a professional wedding photographer
  • 33% of engagements happen between November and December
  • The average engagement ring costs $5,900
  • 7% of couples opt for a destination wedding
  • Saturday is the most popular day to get married, with 70% of weddings occurring on this day
  • The average number of wedding guests is 131
  • 49% of couples use a wedding website to communicate with guests
  • The average length of an engagement is 15 months
  • 40% of couples choose to have a first look before the ceremony
  • The average cost of a wedding dress is $1,800
  • 88% of couples create a wedding registry
  • 34% of weddings include cultural or religious traditions
  • 22% of couples hire a wedding planner
  • The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,300

Bells are ringing, wallets are singing – the average cost of a wedding in the US hit a whopping $28,000 in 2021, leaving many couples saying I do to financial commitment alongside their heartfelt vows. From dazzling engagement rings costing nearly $6,000 to the 72% who hire a professional wedding photographer, to the 15% of eco-conscious lovebirds embracing sustainability on their big day, weddings are a whirlwind of statistics and celebrations. Whether its a destination extravaganza or a cozy backyard affair, join us as we delve into the fascinating numbers behind modern-day matrimony, where love meets logistics in a symphony of flowers, cake, and custom hashtags.

Engagement Trends

  • 33% of engagements happen between November and December
  • The average engagement ring costs $5,900
  • The average length of an engagement is 15 months
  • The average engagement ring size is 1.2 carats

Interpretation

'Tis the season for love and bling, as November and December emerge as the prime time for popping the question, with 33% of engagements taking place amidst twinkling holiday lights. Amidst the frosty air, lovebirds are splurging an average of $5,900 on the perfect symbol of forever, a sparkling 1.2-carat ring. But let's not rush to the altar just yet, for the average engagement stretches over 15 months, allowing ample time for cake-tasting, dress-shopping, and perhaps a few disagreements on the guest list. In the grand scheme of love and budgets, these statistics paint a picture of romance intertwined with the glitter of commitment.

Wedding Costs

  • The average cost of a wedding in the US in 2021 was $28,000
  • The average cost of a wedding dress is $1,800
  • The average cost of wedding flowers is $2,300
  • The average cost of a wedding cake is $500
  • 62% of couples pay for their wedding themselves
  • The average cost of wedding invitations is $590
  • The average cost of wedding rings is $1,100 for the bride and $510 for the groom
  • The average cost of a wedding venue is $10,500
  • The average cost of wedding catering is $70 per person
  • The average cost of wedding music and entertainment is $4,000
  • The average cost of wedding transportation is $800
  • The average cost of wedding favors is $400
  • The average cost of wedding stationery is $590
  • The average cost of wedding hair and makeup is $250
  • The average cost of wedding rentals is $1,700
  • The average cost of a rehearsal dinner is $1,900
  • The average cost of wedding decor is $2,400

Interpretation

In a world where love may be priceless but weddings come with a hefty price tag, it seems that the average cost of saying "I do" keeps climbing higher than the bride's veil. From the wedding rings that symbolize eternal love to the wedding flowers that wither away in a week, every detail seems to have a dollar sign attached. With couples increasingly footing the bill themselves, it's clear that the marriage of love and money is an extravagant affair. So, as the wedding bells ring and the champagne flows, remember that while marriage is a union of two hearts, it can also be a merger of bank accounts.

Wedding Planning

  • Saturday is the most popular day to get married, with 70% of weddings occurring on this day
  • The average number of wedding guests is 131
  • 49% of couples use a wedding website to communicate with guests
  • 88% of couples create a wedding registry
  • 19% of couples have their ceremony and reception at different venues
  • 83% of couples create a custom wedding hashtag
  • The average wedding reception lasts 4 hours
  • 91% of couples create a wedding budget
  • 64% of couples create a wedding website
  • The average number of bridesmaids is 5
  • 20% of weddings take place in the fall
  • 38% of couples use a wedding app to help plan their big day
  • 80% of couples have a wedding registry
  • 44% of couples send save-the-dates
  • 53% of couples create a custom cocktail for their wedding
  • 10% of weddings take place on a weekday
  • 75% of couples have a wedding website
  • The average number of wedding guests who actually attend is 120
  • 80% of couples create a seating chart for their reception
  • The average wedding dress shopping experience takes 3-6 appointments
  • 85% of couples create a wedding hashtag

Interpretation

In a world where love and logistics intertwine, the modern wedding has become a carefully orchestrated dance of tradition and technology. From Saturday soirées with custom hashtags to seating charts fit for a royal court, today's couples are navigating a maze of wedding statistics with style and savvy. With an average of 131 guests in tow, armed with wedding websites and custom cocktails, they create budgets, registries, and hashtags that rival the finest works of art. It's a symphony of celebration where love takes center stage, and every detail is meticulously planned. So whether it's a fall affair or a weekday wonder, one thing is certain - the modern wedding is a masterpiece of love, laughter, and logistical prowess.

Wedding Services

  • 72% of couples hire a professional wedding photographer
  • 22% of couples hire a wedding planner
  • 52% of couples hire a videographer
  • 33% of weddings have a photo booth
  • 50% of couples hire a wedding band
  • The average number of wedding vendors hired is 14

Interpretation

In the ever-expanding universe of wedding planning, it seems couples are more likely to capture their special day in high definition than have someone help them navigate the potential minefield of seating arrangements. With a penchant for documenting every angle and moment, it appears that couples are not only saying "I do" to each other but also to the array of vendors needed to create the picture-perfect affair. Whether it's a drone-captured aerial view or a candid shot in a whimsical photo booth, the industry's growth shows no signs of slowing down. With an average of 14 vendors entering the scene to sprinkle their magic on the big day, it's clear that modern weddings are a production worthy of a standing ovation.

Wedding Traditions

  • 40% of couples choose to have a first look before the ceremony
  • 34% of weddings include cultural or religious traditions
  • 47% of couples incorporate something 'old, new, borrowed, and blue' into their wedding
  • 33% of brides change into a second dress for the reception
  • 67% of couples take a honeymoon
  • 40% of couples write their own vows
  • 45% of couples incorporate cultural elements into their wedding
  • 20% of couples opt for a first look before the ceremony
  • 25% of couples incorporate a unity ceremony into their wedding

Interpretation

In a world where love is the ultimate trend, statistics paint a picture of modern weddings as a blend of tradition and personal flair. From the rising popularity of first looks to the timeless charm of 'something old, new, borrowed, and blue,' couples are weaving individuality into age-old customs. With more brides changing into a second dress and grooms embracing personal vows, weddings are becoming elaborate expressions of love. As cultural elements and unity ceremonies find their place in ceremonies, the journey down the aisle is not just a union of two hearts but a celebration of diverse backgrounds and shared dreams. In the end, whether jetting off on a honeymoon or saying "I do" in their own unique way, couples are seizing the moment to create memories as vibrant and varied as their love stories.

Wedding Trends

  • 17% of couples include their pets in their wedding

Interpretation

In a world where "puppy love" takes on a whole new meaning, it seems that more couples are opting to involve their furry friends in the most important day of their lives. With 17% of couples now including their pets in their wedding festivities, it's clear that man's best friend is also becoming a beloved guest at the altar. From ring-bearing pups to meowing maid-of-honors, these animal companions are adding a touch of whimsy and unconditional love to the age-old tradition of tying the knot. After all, if you can't say "I do" in front of your pet, are you really ready for a lifetime commitment?

Wedding Types

  • 7% of couples opt for a destination wedding
  • 15% of weddings are interfaith
  • 25% of weddings are destination weddings
  • 22% of couples have a themed wedding
  • 15% of weddings are eco-friendly or sustainable
  • 30% of couples have a wedding weekend with multiple events
  • 60% of couples have an outdoor ceremony or reception

Interpretation

In a world where love knows no boundaries, statistics unveil the diverse tapestry of modern weddings. From jet-setting adventurers to eco-warrior sweethearts, couples are reshaping traditional ceremonies with destination escapades, interfaith vows, themed extravaganzas, sustainable commitments, and multi-event weekend celebrations. And in the great outdoors, where fresh air and open skies mirror the infinity of love, a majority of couples are saying "I do" under the sun-kissed embrace of nature. Love knows no rules, only the limitless possibilities of two hearts united in matrimony.

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