The Average Wedding Just Hit $29,000

Wedding season is back with a bang in 2023, but couples should prepare to spend a little more for their special day.

According to online wedding planning site Zola, the average cost of a wedding in the US has increased by $1,000 from last year, reaching $29,000. In major cities, the price can go up to $35,000 or even higher.

Zola attributes the rise in wedding costs to inflation and the high demand for wedding-related goods and services, which has surpassed the available supply.

Vendors in the wedding industry have had to increase their rates due to higher expenses for items like food, flowers, and labor, as explained by Emily Forrest, Zola’s director of communications.

The wedding industry experienced a significant rebound in 2022 after the pandemic-induced halt to celebrations, leading to a surge in demand for venues, photographers, wedding planners, florists, and cakes.

Additionally, the desire for customized weddings, particularly among Gen-Z couples, has contributed to the upward trend in prices.

This includes unique themes and unconventional ideas such as underwater weddings, which have seen a 305% increase in searches on Pinterest.

According to The Knot, an average wedding in New York City tops the list as the most expensive, with an estimated cost of $43,536. Other cities with high wedding costs include San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, Washington, DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

While the average guest list is expected to range from 130 to 150 invitees, there is a trend towards more intimate ceremonies, with 39% of couples planning to trim their guest lists in 2023, according to The Knot.

The shift towards less traditional and more personalized weddings has influenced the choice of attire, with more brides opting for casual or vintage dresses.

Regarding financing, the Zola report reveals that 33% of couples contribute to their wedding budgets, while 16% cover the entire cost on their own.

However, the recovery in the wedding industry might not be long-lasting, as jewelers report a decline in the number of recent engagements due to fewer opportunities for couples to meet during the COVID-19 quarantine era.

As the wedding industry enjoys its revival, couples are advised to expect higher costs but also to embrace the opportunity for unique and personalized celebrations that reflect their individual tastes and preferences.