After attending one lavish wedding, you may have had gotten an inkling that marriage is big business in America. That isn’t hard to surmise given that most wedding ceremonies, receptions, and honeymoons cost couples tens of thousands of dollars.
What you may not have known is that the contribution to the economy is $73 billion annually. You read that right — marriage is an industry that does its part to fuel the national economy.
Leading the way, of course, are Hollywood celebrities and other well-heeled folks who think nothing of spending a few million dollars to hold the party to end all parties. At least until their marriage ends and they nab a new flame. And then, the next wedding party is held which clearly “outperforms” all earlier nuptials.
Conde Nast Bridal Media’s most recently published American Wedding Study (2006) revealed several points about the way that we marry:
- 2.3 million couples marry each year.
- The average wedding costs $27,852, a 48% increase over 1999, when all expense are included such as the reception, wedding rings, dresses, flowers and photography. The cost for outfitting the entire bridal party runs between $4000 and $6000.
- Average cost for a reception is $9,573 with the average reception size 180 people.
Destination weddings are becoming much more common with a full 16% of couples electing to marry where they plan to honeymoon. Favorite destination venues include popular Caribbean spot which area also the most popular honeymoon destinations for couples who marry in the states.
So guys, when she says “yes” to your marriage proposal, make sure that her parents will pay for everything. Otherwise, hold onto your wallet and hope that bridezilla’s big day is a happy one.
