At Hitch we spend a large portion of our time researching wedding trends and finding out what the coming year’s couples wants and needs are. We want to be as relevant as possible for you!
This year, the Knot, a wedding planning website, gave us beneficial data on 2021-2022 weddings. Their survey of over 15,000 couples has shown us many ways to help you plan your dream wedding day.
First of all, here are some useful statistics about the last two wedding seasons, including 2020, the year of ups and downs in every area of life.
Weddings in 2020
We know that 2020 was a difficult year for everyone, including those who planned on having their wedding ceremonies and receptions that summer. However, since then wedding planners like Hitch have begun to work even better alongside brides to design the exact experience they imagine. We have adapted and become more flexible to fit the bride’s needs, including health and safety with COVID-19.
Weddings in 2021
2021 was a much better year regarding wedding plans. More than 70% of couples had their wedding as scheduled.
Over half of couples strived for a smaller, uniquely personal wedding, rather than a huge guest-pleasing event.
Weddings in 2022
We know that trends are ever-changing, therefore we find value in keeping up with the modern wedding trends. In order to do that, we want you to know some of the data that we have studied to help you plan and prepare; this includes spending. See the chart below — it’s no surprise that the people age 25-34 are spending the most on weddings!
(The predicted spending based on age for the years 2022-2026 estimated by the industry’s total revenue)
It is becoming increasingly more common for couples to have prolonged engagements or simply wait to get engaged until they are older. This leads not to the wedding day being of less importance, but the exact opposite. Because of delayed wedding dates, couples seem to be taking the more extravagant route as they have more planning time, money, and knowledge of exactly what they want.
The average cost of a wedding in 2019: $33,900
The average cost of a wedding in 2020: $19,000
Splurging on Guests
Last year there was an average of a little over one hundred guests at each wedding. This year you can expect to see that number steadily rising. Although the guest headcount may never be as high as it was pre-pandemic, the total monetary amount spent per guest is on the rise at an even quicker pace. According to “the Knot,” the average amount spent on each guest has gone up over $50 in the last two years with a total of $266 per person. Think about fun, customized appetizers and “experiences” throughout a wedding day. It adds to the excitement guests feel!
How did the spending increase by so much?
- 11% included interactive food experiences
- 56% gave out personalized favors
- 79% incorporated an open bar
Working with Vendors
In 2021, vendors are seeing booking rates as almost back to normal. Venues are photography businesses are back to almost 90% booking rates.
Hitch Tip: At Hitch we have lists of vendors ready for booking that we give you access to if you choose to plan your wedding with us! Here’s our Welcome Kit to help you get started!
Changing up the dates
All around, weddings seem to be going down a less traditional route. We used to see much more early summer wedding dates. Now, weddings are more popular from the summer to fall months. There are almost 2.6 million wedding taking place in 2022 and the most popular month is October.
2021 South Dakota Wedding Statistics
Ranking number 45 out of the 51 states, South Dakota had 5,618 weddings. Out of these weddings the average cost was slightly above $18,000. The average wedding cost of a Sioux Falls, South Dakota wedding is $24,500 and in Brookings, South Dakota is $22,400. Aberdeen, South Dakota spends the next highest amount on a wedding at $21,600.
Curious about which places in the U.S. are the most and least expensive to have your wedding?
Most Expensive Locations:
- Cape Cod
- Rhode Island
- Southern Florida
- Philadelphia
- Southern California
- New York City
- Chicago
Least Expensive States:
- Arkansas
- Utah
- Montana
We hope that this helped you better understand how we navigate current wedding trends and data. We want every bride and groom to have to best possible wedding day! No matter what the past data says, we want your wedding to be unique and special to you. Contact Hitch Studio today to talk about your wedding!