|
Today’s average wedding in the United States costs more than $22,000, according to New York-based Bridal News Network. With more than 2.3 million weddings performed annually, the $51 billion bridal industry surpasses the movie industry’s $45 billion in sales and rentals. In other words, businesses are eyeing the trends. Bridal News Network notes the following for 2005.
Demographics:
Women are waiting longer to make their marital commitment. The difference in age between men and women marrying for the first time narrowed from four years in 1900 to 2.9 years in 1950; today it is only 1.6 years.
Pre-wedding anxieties:
Sixty-six percent of couples surveyed by Fairchild Bridal Infobank say they worry about the wedding budget; 50 percent worry about forgetting a crucial detail, and 39 percent worry about having a successful party.
Bridal fashion:
More gown designers are adding embellishments such as layers, ruffles, and appliques to the back of the wedding gown. (See All-Around Beauty) And since four of 10 weddings are second marriages for one or both partners, new attention is being given to gown alternatives.
Jewelry:
Hot accessories include three-tier drop earrings; chandelier earrings; dangling jewel lines called “stiletto” earrings; and floral-inspired diamond earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Honeymoons:
An increasing number of travel destinations are developing bridal registries to help newlyweds plan their honeymoon.
Photographs:
The explosion of digital photography has created new opportunities for couples to record their special day. One new trend is having photographs taken of not only the wedding ceremony itself, but also of the moments leading up to it, such as bridal fittings and showers.
Gifts:
Digital cameras were the most popular gift last year. As for gift registries, more couples are registering online.
|
