The wedding cost numbers for 2009 are in and they look close to expected. Couples spent $19,581 in 2009 compared to $21,814 in 2008, a 10.2% decline. The wedding industry market value in 2009 was $56.8 billion, a decline of 7.4% from $61.4 in 2008. The average number of guests in 2009 was 128, a decline of 11.7% from 145 in 2008.
Jewelry, gifts, and invitations lead the way for spending decline as couples spent 50.8% less on anklets, 44.1% less on gifts for their parents, and 36.4% less on reception menus.
Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble, Photographer, and wedding dress top the list of spending increases as couples spent 23.3% more on Musician/s, Soloist, or Ensemble, 16% more on a wedding photographer, and 12.6% more on the wedding dress.
2009 Methodology
Survey samples include brides, grooms (pre and post wedding) and wedding vendors. Samples from brides and grooms include multiple ethnicities, income levels, first, second, and third plus marriages, ages 18 to 90, across the entire US in large and small cities. Couples either married in 2009 or spent money for a product or service in 2009 for their 2010 wedding. Total sample size was 3,100 surveys, conducted in 2009. Margin of error: 1.76%. Total wedding cost based on weighted average demand of items included in the wedding.
MS Excel download shows changes in spending and demand from 2008 to 2009 and includes the 2009 market value numbers.
