United States Bridal Industry Statistics
The next bridal consumer is the Echo Boomer (also known as Generation Y and Millennials). The oldest in this generation are age 27 and hit marriage age in 2006.
There will be…
- 2.1 million weddings annually with a 6.5% projected growth by 2009
- 40,400 weddings every weekend
- 18 million bridesmaids and groomsmen
- 295 million wedding guests
Today’s Brides and Grooms are…
- More affluent, more educated and sophisticated
- Women are marrying later, average age is 27
- Average age for the groom is 29
- The average household income of a newly married couple is $60,000/yea
The Money behind the Marriage…
- $125 Billion per year is spent on weddings and their new life ahead
- The average wedding budget is $20,000; however, 45% of couples spend more on their wedding than budgeted
- National average wedding cost: $26,327
- The average cost of a wedding has grown 73% in 15 years with an 18% growth in the last three years
- Formal wedding costs by region are up 20-68% -
New York Metro (+21% since 1999)
Northeast (+20%)
Pacific/Mountian (+68%)
Midwest (+35%)
South/Southeast (+33%)
Engagement and planning statistics…
- It’s no longer a 5 hour celebration but a 17 month-long event (average length of the engagement)
- 89% had a bridal shower, 86% had a rehearsal dinner, 77% had a wedding one-day event, 71% had a bachelor party and 70% had a bachelorette party
- The average engagement ring was $2,982 in 1999 but $4,146 in 2005
- 30% of brides plan their marriage long distance
- 57% of marriages are where bride currently lives
- Traditional weddings are most popular
- The average wedding has 10 attendants (5 bridal and 5 ushers)
- Average number of out-of-town guests: 54
- Most wedding guests spend between $70-$100 on their gift
- 9% of couples have a destination wedding, a 200% increase in the last 10 years
- 16% of brides become engaged in Decem
Sources:
Department of Health and Human Services – 2001
Fairchild Bridal Infobank American Wedding Study, 2005
National Center for Health Statistics, 2004
National Association of wedding Ministries
Association of Bridal Consultants
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