|
By George Meszaros
According to a recent survey entitled "American Wedding Study
2006," conducted by The Conde Nast Bridal Group, concludes
that
the average amount spent on weddings has increased to almost
$28,000.
It is predicted that 2.3 million Americans will get married
this year, and there will be more than 44,000 weddings each
weekend with 380 million wedding guests attending.
With an average age of 27, brides are becoming more mature
than
ever. About 70 percent are paying, at least partially, for
their
own weddings. Unexpected costs are common as over one third of
couples are spending more than planned.
"This authoritative survey shows that the wedding industry is
not only vital but is in fact thriving," says Daniel Lagani,
vice president and publisher of The Conde Nast Bridal Group.
"Couples are entering this 'Wedding Lifecycle' from the
engagement to the reception right up to the honeymoon in ever
growing numbers flush with happiness and optimism," Lagani
says.
Approximately 16 of all weddings are destination-weddings.
Destination-weddings are still expensive, but, on average,
cost
a couple of thousand dollars less than traditional weddings.
Destination-weddings are expected to have an average of 63
guests while traditional weddings are estimated to have 165
guests.
The most popular time for engagements are still the winter
holidays with December being the busiest month of engagement.
The time frame between engagement and marriage is 14 months.
In light of significant cost increases and a considerable
delay
in getting married, expect "The Echo Boom," children of the
Baby
Boomer generation who make up 71 million men and women to
emerge. "They are the next big generation to move into the
'engagement zone,' as the oldest in the group will reach the
marriage age of 27 in 2006," Lagani says.
The top three growth categories in wedding spending are
wedding
photography, attendants’ gifts, and wedding rings.
About The Author: Author: George Meszaros
www.sweet-reflections.com
|