Smaller Guest Lists, Sharper Priorities
Overall Market Growth
U.S. wedding spending trends in 2024 evolved from previous years according to new data from The Wedding Report.
The U.S. wedding market grew by 4.2% from 2023 to 2024, while spending increased overall. A large percentage of couples reported reducing their budgets in specific areas, signals a shift in how weddings are being planned and prioritized.
Wedding Market Expanded by 4.2% Despite Budget Consciousness
- The market grew by 4.2% year-over-year.
- Growth includes both price increases and increased spending per event.
- Total number of weddings for 2024 has not yet been finalized.
- The latest insights are based on 19,914 behavioral and survey data samples
Guest Count Trends
Average guest counts at weddings have continued to decrease for the third consecutive year. The data indicates that many couples are intentionally reducing guest list sizes as part of broader budget adjustments. This trend appears to be continuing into early 2025.
Average Guest Counts Continue to Decline
- 2023 average guest count: 134 guests
- 2024 average guest count: 131 guests
- Early 2025 data: trending toward 127 guests
- 50% of couples are reducing their guest list to some extentMSM – Workflow manageme….
Spending Breakdown by Category
Despite efforts to control costs, spending increased in specific wedding categories. Couples allocated more of their budget to attire and accessories, particularly for formalwear and dresses. This suggests certain categories remain a priority even amid broader budget reductions.
Spending Rises on Attire and Experience-Driven Services
- Tuxedo and suit spending: +5.3%
- Wedding dress spending: +2.1%
- Spending remained steady or slightly up in categories related to guest experience and personal style
Budget Reductions and Reprioritization
While the market grew overall, many couples reported cutting costs in selected areas of their wedding. The data reflects a trend of strategic budgeting rather than blanket reductions. Most cost-cutting decisions appear focused on narrowing scope rather than reducing quality.
Two-Thirds of Couples Are Cutting Costs—Strategically
- 66.5% of couples trimmed their wedding budget in 2024.
- Cost reductions are primarily seen in guest list size and overall scale.
- Couples are prioritizing what matters most to them, rather than eliminating across the board
Market Implications for Wedding Vendors
Smaller guest lists may lead to more concentrated spending per attendee. This change has potential implications for how wedding vendors package and price their services. According to The Wedding Report, couples continue to invest in meaningful, high-quality purchases, even while reducing scale.
Vendors Should Prepare for Fewer Guests, But Higher Per-Guest Spend
- Guest count declines suggest a shift toward more curated experiences.
- High-value categories like attire and photography remain strong.
- Flexible and personalized offerings may align more closely with 2025 couple priorities
CONCLUSION
- The 2024 wedding economy shows clear signs of both resilience and recalibration.
- While total spend is up, couples are making more intentional decisions about how and where to allocate their wedding budgets.
- Vendors tracking these behavioral shifts will be better equipped to adapt offers and communication for a leaner, more personalized wedding landscape.
Methodology and Sample Overview
The findings in this Wedding Spending Trends in 2024 report are based on quantitative data collected by The Wedding Report throughout 2024. The sample includes both survey responses and behavioral data from engaged couples across the United States. In total, 19,914 data points were used in the analysis, including multiple-choice responses, scaled rankings, and wedding-related behavior tracking.
- Data collection occurred during 2024, with some early indicators from Q1 2025.
- Respondents were asked to self-report whether they made budget cuts and, if so, in which areas.
- The survey used ranked scales to assess specific cost-cutting decisions (e.g., guest list, floral, food).
- Average guest counts were calculated based on reported data from couples actively planning or having completed weddings in 2023–2025.
Shane McMurray
CEO and Founder of The Wedding Report
With over 15 years of experience studying wedding market behavior—and more than two decades working with information and data—Shane helps businesses make smarter decisions around pricing, marketing, customer targeting, and growth strategy. His research has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, NPR, Axios, The Wall Street Journal, and other major media outlets.
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