Social Currency with Sammi Cohen Uncovering the Wedding Industrial Complex
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May 23, 2025 Why are weddings costing more than ever? The host dives into the wedding industry’s shocking transformation into a multibillion-dollar affair, examining sky-high budgets for flowers and cakes. Discover the role social media plays in inflating expectations and trends. Learn about the rise of micro weddings and secondhand attire as people seek budget-friendly options. Plus, hear about the most influential wedding brands and predictions for future wedding trends. It’s an eye-opening look at love and money!
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Weddings Are A Huge Industry
- The U.S. wedding industry is a massive $65–$70 billion ecosystem in 2025.
- Weddings now consume a much larger share of household spending than in prior generations.
Average Wedding Costs And Buckets
- The average U.S. wedding now costs over $30,000 per The Knot's 2024 figures.
- Major expense buckets are venue (27%) and catering (24%), with photography and florals also significant.
The Wedding Markup Phenomenon
- Vendors often charge wedding markups beyond inflation for identical products labeled 'wedding'.
- A 2016 Consumer Reports study found 28% of vendors quoted higher prices for weddings than similar parties.