Have you ever considered how much money you can spend on a wedding? Or what’s the most beloved month to exchange vows? Or what place do couples choose most to share their precious moments?
That’s what we plan to do here – explore some wedding statistics. We will reveal interesting facts about that special day, which is full of unique events. Yes, you’ll wonder if an ordinary wedding costs as much as a new car or several hundred tacos!
Whether you’ve come for interesting information because you’re planning to tie the knot soon or just like crunching numbers and statistics, keep reading. This includes eye-openers such as why some end up not having the swan ice sculpture they wanted.
10 Key Wedding Statistics for 2025
- 53% of US adults are married, compared to 58% in 1995.
- 3.25 years is the average length of time that couples date before getting engaged.
- 89% of couples begin planning their wedding before they get engaged.
- 58% feel compelled to plan a unique marriage proposal.
- 12% of long-term engaged couples dedicate 7 hours weekly to wedding planning.
- $30,000+ was the average cost for every wedding in 2024.
- 53% of weddings now have fewer than 50 guests.
- 43% take their vows in autumn.
- 75% of couples marry within 30 miles of their home.
- 50% of couples draw wedding inspiration from social media video content.
General Wedding Statistics
The dynamic nature of relationships and marriages gives rise to fresh customs and rules now and then. In this case, what are the numbers saying about love today and people’s expenditure – including but not limited to saying “I do” – on engagement? So, how many weddings do we have per year?
1. Approximately 53% of US Adults Are Married
First, marriage rates among American adults have slightly dropped since 1995—from 58% then to 53% today. This trend mirrors broader societal changes, as people choose more non-traditional ways of living or put off tying the knot to focus on their careers first (Pew Research Center).
2. 3.25 Years Is An Average Time Couple Date Before Engagement
In the world of engagements, couples typically wait 3.25 years from starting to go out with each other before one asks the other if they want to get married. This extended pre-engagement period may show that people today are keen to build up strong foundations by getting to know each other well and doing lots of things together (Johnson Jones Group).
3. 89% of Couples Start Wedding Planning Before Proposal
Wedding statistics 2023 show that there has been a change in how weddings are planned. A surprising 89% of couples begin planning their wedding long before they get engaged. They take this time to make big choices: finding a location, setting a date, building a wedding website – even sending “save the date” notes! Many want to start wedding planning 2023 early so nothing gets missed or messed up along the way (Zola [1]).
4. 58% of People Feel Societal Pressure to Plan a Unique Proposal
An estimated 58% of people feel they must come up with an original marriage proposal – partly because of today’s “share everything” social media culture and partly due to general societal pressure: gone are the days when simply getting down on one knee was enough. In short, there is increasing scrutiny around major relationship milestones as couples feel compelled to make them stand out (The Knot [1]).
Average Cost of Weddings
As previously noted, the average wedding cost 2024 reached a record high of more than $30,000. However, what other wedding data exist about the cost of weddings?
57% of Couples Pay Through Their Checking Account.
Over 50% of couples use money from their checking accounts to pay for their weddings instead of going into debt. This simple strategy demonstrates how people are taking control over the cost of a major life event (The Knot [3]).
37% Plan to Spend Less Than $10,000 On Their Wedding
With a shift towards modesty and possible financial prudence, 37% of couples plan weddings costing less than $10,000. These budgets challenge industry norms and show how varied the economic backgrounds and priorities of today’s brides and grooms can be (Civic Science).
70% of Couples Receive Financial Help From Family and Friends for Their Wedding.
According to the Hitched wedding survey, 70% of couples depend on loved ones and friends for financial assistance when getting married. This not only helps reduce costs, but it also shows how important traditional family support remains in bringing people together in matrimony (Hitched).
Popular Venues and Locations
Let’s discover the locations where contemporary couples decide to mark their affection, as well as the reasons these places have stolen their hearts:
63% Prioritize Personalization in Venue Selection
A substantial 63 percent of partners consider customization a key element in choosing their wedding venue—as they want to be able to tailor it to their vision. It’s not only important what the place looks like but also whether they can make it “theirs” (The Knot [4]).
8.84% Opt for Hyper-Local Venues
Almost 9% of couples opt for ultra-local weddings by choosing venues in their neighborhood or near most of their guests. This underscores how much they prioritize convenience and want to throw community-focused celebrations; places with small-town charm mean something special to them (Zola [1]).
80,000 Couples Chose Las Vegas For Their Nuptials In 2022
Las Vegas remains attractive to couples – according to wedding industry statistics 2022, about 80,000 went there to get married. The figure shows how well the city keeps its title of being a top place for weddings; it is easy, with lots of fun things going on. You can choose from various weddings at multiple prices (New York Times).
Guest Count Trends
Here are recent trends broken down to illustrate the extent to which individuals are celebrating with couples at various styles of weddings:
115 Was the Average Wedding Guest List Size in 2023
How many weddings in 2023 had many guests? The average wedding in 2023 had 115 guests. This number strikes a chord between being cozy and fun. Couples can celebrate with lots of friends—and family—without feeling like they’re at a major event they have to host! (The Knot [5]).
20% of Invited Guests Typically Decline
When couples send out wedding invitations, they can expect that approximately 20% of the people they invite will decline. Knowing this average decline rate allows couples to estimate better how many individuals will ultimately show up on the big day. As such, they can more accurately plan for necessary logistics like seating, catering, and rentals (The Knot [6]).
13% of Couples Keep It Cozy With 1-50 Guests
13% of couples prefer intimate settings and keep their guest list under 50. This option enables them to have more personal interactions and provide detailed attention to each guest—things that can be harder to do at larger gatherings. Smaller guest lists may also reflect budget constraints or venue limitations (The Knot [7]).
Top Spending Categories
Let’s investigate the regions in which the most generous allocation of budgets is and the trends that drive these decisions:
61% Invest in Photo Booths For Guest Entertainment
Including photo booths as guest entertainment adds a playful touch to receptions—a choice made by 61% of couples. This option is a growing trend: it gives personalized mementos alongside fun interactions, showing how weddings are becoming more experiential with interactive elements (The Knot [1]).
30% of Couples Incorporate Eco-Friendly Elements
Environmental consciousness is playing a more significant role in wedding planning. A third of all couples getting married are now opting for eco-friendly options as they prepare to tie the knot. And it’s not just about recycling; many of these sustainable duos want their guests to know with everything from flowers and decorations down to invitations – plus clothing worn by the wedding party (The Knot [1]).
51% of Women Cap Their Dress Budget At $500
According to Civic Science, most women think cheaply about their wedding dresses. Instead of blowing big bucks like they used to, over half now say they’ll keep the tab under $500—a significant change with potentially profound implications (Civic Science).
Digital Trends: Rise of Virtual Weddings and Online Planning Tools
With the wedding industry’s increasing use of technology, couples are changing how they plan their big day by using online tools – and even getting married in virtual worlds:
91% of Wedding Planning Happens Online
A remarkable 91% of couples’ wedding planning tasks are currently taking place over the Internet — a substantial change from more traditional methods. Websites and apps help soon-to-be newlyweds organize everything from the reception’s guest list to its location; online tools make organization easier (The Knot [1]).
30% of Couples Use Tiktok For Wedding Planning
According to The Knot, 30% of couples planning their weddings are turning to TikTok for inspiration. Whether they want dance move suggestions or the latest decor trends, there is so much short-form video content available on the platform—it’s no wonder why! (The Knot [1]).
Conclusion
According to what is shown about wedding statistics in 2024, it’s easy to tell that weddings represent more than large-scale parties; changes in society, people’s tastes, and new technology added to all this.
Couples are under such pressure to get everything on this big day, and people usually spend fortunes.
However, our research shows the trend of making wedding engagements more personalized and petite than just for tradition or trying to outdo everybody else, including yourselves!
Sources
Pew Research Center
Johnson Jones Group
Zola [1]
The Knot [1]
Civic Science
The Knot [3]
Hitched
The Knot [4]
New York Times
The Knot [5]
The Knot [6]
The Knot [7]
Our Editorial Team at DoULike understands the challenges of today’s dating scene. That’s why we offer guidance on everything from online profiles to in-person chemistry. With our tips, you’ll feel ready to take the next step in finding love.
