Wedding Trends Revealed: What Americans Really Think About Their Big Day

Your wedding day is often celebrated as one of the best days of your life, a unique moment to create memories that last forever. From choosing the perfect date, venue, and dress, the journey of planning can be just as exciting as the big day itself.

The average US couple spends about 20 months planning their wedding, allowing plenty of time to bring their vision to life. Every couple’s dream day is unique, with diverse budgets, styles, and personal touches. While some love the charm of classic traditions like “something blue,” others are opting for fresh ideas, making each celebration one-of-a-kind.

We surveyed over 3,000 Americans to discover how they’re crafting their wedding experiences — from spending choices and cherished traditions to the little details they might change if they could do it all over again.

Over Half of US Couples Budget up to $10,000 for Their Weddings

From catering to entertainment, the dress to the venue, the costs of creating your dream wedding can add up quickly. So how much are couples initially budgeting for their essentials, and how well are they sticking to these financial plans?

While more than half of couples (57%) initially budgeted under $10,000, the average starting budget is around $7,178. Impressively, over a third (39%) managed to stay within their planned budget. However, with unexpected costs like a must-have venue or last-minute details, some budgets were stretched; 11% of couples exceeded their budget by 10% or less, while 14% went even further beyond.

To keep financial surprises in check, setting a realistic budget that aligns with your expectations is key. If certain elements seem pricey, consider creative alternatives like off-peak wedding dates or DIY wedding favors. And don’t forget those hidden costs that can sneak up, like postage fees for invites or travel expenses for your band or makeup artist. Planning with these tips in mind help ensure your day is as joyful as it is affordable.

It’s All in the Planning

It’s natural to have a few “what ifs” about your wedding day, but what are the most common do-overs couples wish for? While a content 33% of U.S. couples say they wouldn’t change a single thing, the majority would tweak one or two details if they had the chance. For 8%, that do-over would be spending a bit more (or a bit less), while another 8% would even go as far as eloping! And with Google searches for “elope wedding” up by 83% in the past year, it’s clear that a romantic, hassle-free getaway is becoming an appealing choice for many.

Still, there are unforgettable highlights in traditional wedding planning that elopements may miss. When asked what they loved most about planning, 69% of couples named a specific part that brought them joy. Choosing wedding attire tops that list, with 17% naming it their favorite part. Nowhere is this more true than in Maine, where an enthusiastic 67% of couples consider picking out wedding attire the best part of the process. Interestingly, when it comes to “do-overs,” the dress tops the list for women, with 15% wishing they’d made a different choice—so make sure to take your time selecting!

Close behind in the “favorite planning moments” are picking the venue and designing the menu, both scoring as favorites for 11% of couples. Men in particular enjoyed choosing the venue most, while almost a quarter of women (23%) loved selecting their wedding-day outfits above all else.

One valuable insight for those in the planning stages? 14% of couples say they were too stressed to fully enjoy their day, and 7% wish they’d been more “present,” focusing on each moment rather than the details. For a truly memorable day, consider setting aside a few quiet minutes just for you and your new spouse to savor the moment. Those brief moments together could be the perfect way to stay grounded and present on your unforgettable day.

Are Wedding Vows Dying Out?

While some couples focus on embracing traditions on their wedding day, many are reimagining the experience to reflect their personal style. Our research shows that nearly one in five couples (19%) are opting for a fresh approach, blending or even setting aside certain customs.

For instance, the traditional “first look” before the ceremony is becoming less popular, with only 15% of couples still choosing this cherished moment. Meanwhile, the cake-cutting tradition remains a beloved favorite, with an impressive 60% still sharing this sweet celebration.

On the West Coast, modern ceremonies are thriving, with about 23% of couples embracing unique alternatives over customs like the first dance or the cake cutting. Notably, none of the survey respondents from Idaho said they took part in a father/daughter dance or exchanged vows, and there weren’t any survey participants from Oregon saying they follow the tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other on the day until the ceremony.

Interestingly, younger couples are among those most enthusiastic about blending new and old traditions—only 7% of those aged 21 to 24 skip traditions entirely. Meanwhile, couples aged 65 and over lead the way in reinventing their celebrations, with nearly a quarter choosing their own path for the big day. Each couple’s choices add to the beauty of how weddings are celebrated today, whether honoring time-honored traditions or crafting their own.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Being a Good Wedding Guest 

While planning the wedding can be stressful, bad wedding guest etiquette can add more unnecessary stress to your big day. But which rules should you keep in mind the next time you are a guest? 

Over half of couples (54%) say that guests should always RSVP on time, and this is the most common expectation from the bride or groom. This is also the main expectation for women at 58%, but men seem to focus more on their guests dressing appropriately for the wedding’s dress code at 52%. 

Timing is also vital when it comes to being a good wedding guest, as almost half (46%) believe it’s polite etiquette that should always be followed. Guests should also be careful of how hard they celebrate, with 41% saying they don’t want their guests or wedding party drinking too much. 

Most Guests Expect to Spend Around $100, but How Much Do the Bride and Groom Want? 

Just under a quarter of the US believes that guests should either bring a gift to the wedding or send one afterwards, but it can be difficult to determine how much to spend on the new couple. 

According to our survey, the typical guest expects to pay around $113.80 towards a wedding gift, with just under half (47%) saying they would pay under $100. This amount differs between genders, with men willing to pay $136.60 and women willing to spend $91.70. 

However, this amount may not match the expectations of the bride and groom, who expect an average wedding gift cost of $122.50. However, just under a quarter of people say that they don’t expect anything from their guests, with women more likely to ask for nothing (26%) compared to 22% of men. So, it’s worth checking whether the person getting married has a registry or if they are requesting money towards a honeymoon. 

How to Gift for a Wedding

Emily Saxon, Assistant Merchant, at Shane Co.:

“Not only do weddings celebrate the love between the happy couple, but they are an opportunity to show your appreciation towards loved ones through thoughtful gifts. Whether you are attending a wedding or planning one, deciding on gifts can feel a little overwhelming. As long as you make your choice with plenty of thought and care, the appreciation will be felt no matter the gift.”

Here are a few top tips to find that perfect gift for the couple:

1. Make it personal
   If you are close to the newlyweds, a personal touch can go a long way. Personalized gifts such as custom artwork or engraved jewelry can be a thoughtful way to give a unique gift to help commemorate their special day. 
2. Group gifting
   If your budget is a little tight, or you and a group of friends wish to get the couple something a little more expensive, consider pooling your money together to form one larger gift. This also shows the couple that you have put thought into their gift as a group and brings more people together to create something special. 
3. Look at the registry
   Before you start looking around for gifts, check that the couple doesn’t already have a registry. This is a great indicator of what the couple already wants and prevents any awkward mishaps.

Here are some tips to find thoughtful favors for your guests:

1. Favors that represent both of you
   Favors can be a fun way to combine both your and your partner’s personalities in the form of a gift. Whether it’s a unique candy that you both love or something homemade that you have both made, having a piece of both of you will make them feel part of the big day. 
2. Add a personal touch for your wedding party
   Asking someone to be a part of your wedding party can bring you closer. Commemorating that with party-specific favors can create something timeless to remember the day and is a lovely way to thank them for standing with you. Whether it’s gemstone gifts to match the day’s color scheme or cufflinks for your groomsmen to wear on the day, it’s easy to show your appreciation to your loved ones for being a part of your big day. 
3. Charitable donations
   An alternative to physical favors can be making a donation to a charity in honor of your guests, and letting them know with a personalized note. This could be a charity close to both you and your partner, and allows your guests to feel like they are making a bigger difference with you. 

For more advice on how to find that perfect gift, we’ve created a top gift guide to help give you some inspiration and make that special day memorable: https://www.shaneco.com/theloupe/fashion/how-to-find-the-perfect-gift/ 

Methodology 

We surveyed over 3,000 Americans on their wedding choices. Survey was conducted in October 2024.

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