One of the most exciting aspects of the bridal industry for me is following the trends and watching the state of the industry grow and change. In order to be successful we have to know who our customer is; intimately! Our goal is to learn as much about the trends and our clients so we can fulfill their needs and exceed expectations.
I recently read an article on who today's bride is and wanted to share it with you. See how you stack up to the rest of the couples in the country who are in the process of planning a wedding. These are just some fun facts and observations for you to enjoy. The sources of these findings will be listed at the end of this post.
First and foremost the age of the first-time bride and groom is getting older. The average age for first-time brides is 27.6, and 29.5 for grooms. This age has steadily increased over the last three decades. Many couples live together before saying "I do" and are more focused on career development, therefore putting off the walk down the aisle. furthermore, many couples today are paying for part or all of the wedding expenses.
Today's couples are no-nonsense and know what they want. The bride is a fashion-savvy, do-it-yourself'er who values a full-service store with experts who will make her experience pleasurable, personal and convenient. That's good news for us since we are a full-service, one-stop-shop!!
Less formal and more personal, unique affairs that celebrate the individual is the most popular approach to planning these days. More than 29% of couples incorporate a wedding logo or monogram into their wedding day details. Only 20% of the weddings in 2009 were classified as "formal/black tie". The average wedding has 149 guests, and is a three day celebration comprised of the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception, and post-wedding brunch.
Planning a wedding takes time! The average length of engagements is 14 months. The most popular month to get engaged is December with 16% of all proposals taking place at the end of the year. June remains the most popular month to get married with 17% of all ceremonies taking place. It's followed by August, September, and October.
82% of couples set a wedding budget, with the average costing about $28,082, and the bulk of the budget going towards the venue. 81% of couples will enjoy a honeymoon for an average of 7.6 days and the cost of 3,473.00.
What are today's bridal wear trends?
Two trends I've touched on before seem to still be growing stronger and stronger. The first is floral embellishments. Bold and structured or soft and sweet, flowers are everywhere! They really ooze of romance. You just can't go wrong in my eyes!
The next trend definitely speaks to individuality, and that is the "little short wedding gown". Changing dresses or having a convertible dress (changing necklines, shoulder straps, or hem lengths) is really big right now. The dress in the picture below is one of my favorites and we can't keep this gown in stock it's so popular!
Hints of bold black are really popular today. Whether in headpieces, shoes, or sashes, this small accent makes a huge statement and offers a unique flair!
This is one of our brides photographed by Twilight Images by Melody Smith
The color of the moment is grey. I know it sounds blahhhh, but when you pair it with almost any shade of yellow,purple,or orange or with antique white the palette is so striking. See how one of our bridal parties wore it below.
This photo was provided by Keith Cephus Photography.
Grey is so big right now we actually have a new, tailored grey tuxedo for rental. It's darker than the heather grey, but not quite black. The color is rich and modern...this tuxedo is sharp!
Today tuxedo rentals can have that tailored custom look! A very hot look for the guys is the introduction of the flat-front tuxedo pant. Available in black and white, these pants enhance the overall look and feel of today's hottest tuxedo styles. These are great for the metro-sexual, or fashion forward man who desires clean lines and an impeccable fit.
This is a very exciting time for couples who are planning a wedding. Based on the statistics you have more resources at your disposal, you have more control over the planning and details to make sure it has your personal stamp on the biggest celebration of your life, and the trends today are all about making sure your individuality and the the elements that make your union special can be celebrated however you see fit!
Happy Planning!
-Maya
Resources: Vows: The Bridal & Wedding Business Journal, The Knot's 2009 Real Weddings Survey, Conde' Nast's American Wedding Study 2009
I recently read an article on who today's bride is and wanted to share it with you. See how you stack up to the rest of the couples in the country who are in the process of planning a wedding. These are just some fun facts and observations for you to enjoy. The sources of these findings will be listed at the end of this post.
First and foremost the age of the first-time bride and groom is getting older. The average age for first-time brides is 27.6, and 29.5 for grooms. This age has steadily increased over the last three decades. Many couples live together before saying "I do" and are more focused on career development, therefore putting off the walk down the aisle. furthermore, many couples today are paying for part or all of the wedding expenses.
Today's couples are no-nonsense and know what they want. The bride is a fashion-savvy, do-it-yourself'er who values a full-service store with experts who will make her experience pleasurable, personal and convenient. That's good news for us since we are a full-service, one-stop-shop!!
Less formal and more personal, unique affairs that celebrate the individual is the most popular approach to planning these days. More than 29% of couples incorporate a wedding logo or monogram into their wedding day details. Only 20% of the weddings in 2009 were classified as "formal/black tie". The average wedding has 149 guests, and is a three day celebration comprised of the rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception, and post-wedding brunch.
Planning a wedding takes time! The average length of engagements is 14 months. The most popular month to get engaged is December with 16% of all proposals taking place at the end of the year. June remains the most popular month to get married with 17% of all ceremonies taking place. It's followed by August, September, and October.
82% of couples set a wedding budget, with the average costing about $28,082, and the bulk of the budget going towards the venue. 81% of couples will enjoy a honeymoon for an average of 7.6 days and the cost of 3,473.00.
What are today's bridal wear trends?
Two trends I've touched on before seem to still be growing stronger and stronger. The first is floral embellishments. Bold and structured or soft and sweet, flowers are everywhere! They really ooze of romance. You just can't go wrong in my eyes!
The color of the moment is grey. I know it sounds blahhhh, but when you pair it with almost any shade of yellow,purple,or orange or with antique white the palette is so striking. See how one of our bridal parties wore it below.
Grey is so big right now we actually have a new, tailored grey tuxedo for rental. It's darker than the heather grey, but not quite black. The color is rich and modern...this tuxedo is sharp!
This is a very exciting time for couples who are planning a wedding. Based on the statistics you have more resources at your disposal, you have more control over the planning and details to make sure it has your personal stamp on the biggest celebration of your life, and the trends today are all about making sure your individuality and the the elements that make your union special can be celebrated however you see fit!
Happy Planning!
-Maya
Resources: Vows: The Bridal & Wedding Business Journal, The Knot's 2009 Real Weddings Survey, Conde' Nast's American Wedding Study 2009
