This Year's Biggest Wedding Trends

Did you know that U.S. couples are  spending 20 percent more on wedding services this year, or $12,189 on average nationwide? Thumbtack, an online service connecting consumers with skilled professionals, reviewed data from hundreds of thousands of wedding requests to uncover the trends and spending habits of real couples in America before releasing its 2016 Wedding Trends Report. WHAT'S "IN" FOR WEDDINGS?Overall, Thumbtack’s study reveals a unique look at what is trending—not just what happened at weddings last year. In addition to increased spending, trends include:• The new theme is no theme: Couples are increasingly focusing on small details, not big themes, to set their weddings apart. • Highlight videos are hot: Videographers are seeing an eight percent uptick in requests for highlight videos, which incorporate personalized messages from guests and are created for social sharing.• Laser-cut details are everywhere: Invitations, place cards, and even placemats.• Cupcakes aren’t going anywhere: Ten percent more couples are featuring cupcakes this year compared to 2015, showing that this personalized touch has staying power.• Formal receptions on the rise: There has been a 26 percent increase in couples requesting servers for formal dinner receptions and a 32 percent increase in couples requesting plated meals.• Traditional tiers: Cakes are also getting taller, with a 55 percent increase in couples requesting a three-layer cake.• Big, bold visuals: From wedding theme colors to bridal beauty looks, weddings are featuring big visuals. • Glam beauty: There’s been a 75 percent increase in brides requesting glam hair and makeup, with touches like highlights, contouring, and bold lip colors. There is also a 70 percent increase in requests for false eyelashes and airbrushing and a 15 percent increase in brides planning to wear a classic veil.• Bright palettes: Popular colors include reds and bright blues, with pops of yellow and gray neutrals to hold it all together. Metallic accents stay popular, emphasizing glam.REGIONAL DIFFERENCES ABOUNDWhere a couple is from and where they hold their nuptials does make a difference in the size and style of their wedding. Regional differences include:• Northeast and Mid-Atlantic affairs tend to be more expensive: Formal dinners and a large number of guests most often drive this higher cost. In New York, 33 percent of couples request plated dinners. In Washington, D.C.,48 percent of couples request hors d’oeuvres.• The Midwest has the biggest weddings: In Midwestern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, weddings are bigger. More than 60 percent of couples welcome 100 or more guests. The smallest weddings are in destination locations like Hawaii, where 43 percent of couples welcome fewer than 20 guests.• BBQ and Mexican catering vs. Italian and American cuisine: Italian and American food are crowd pleasers at weddings across the country. In fact, there are only two states that would prefer another type of cuisine at weddings—both Kentucky and South Carolina prefer BBQ. Unsurprisingly, Mexican is popular throughout the Southwest, with 43 percent of couples in New Mexico requesting Mexican food.• Pop music reigns at the reception, but country’s close behind: Wedding guests across the majority of the United States (46 states) prefer pop music, but country is a close second choice in several states, including Texas.• Vermont braids and Southern locks: A timeless romantic look is common. However, brides in Vermont prefer braids, while brides in most other locales prefer a half-up/half-down look. Long, curly hair is especially popular in Southern states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Full results of the study are available at https://www.thumbtack.com/weddings/#weddingsreport. WPM__Ashley Brasier, Thumbtack, San FranciscoTHE NUMBERS AT A GLANCENational Averages—Costs and Customer Profile$12,189: Average amount American couples will spend on essential wedding services, excluding venue, dress, and rings98: Average number of guests33: Average marrying age75%: Employed full-time5%: Students45%: Homeowners Top 5 Most Expensive States in Which to Wed*Connecticut - $17,211New York - $16,305District of Columbia - $15,835Rhode Island - $15,233Pennsylvania - $14,722 Top 5 Least Expensive States in Which to Wed*Missouri - $9,031Nevada - $9,095Arizona - $9,593Kentucky - $9,712Utah - $9,804 Top 25 Most Expensive Metro Areas in Which to Wed* New York, NY - $16,077Philadelphia, PA - $15,434Pittsburgh, PA - $14,287Baltimore, MD - $14,261Providence, RI - $13,990San Francisco, CA - $13,734San Jose, CA - $13,418Cleveland, OH - $13,416Washington, D.C.-Northern VA - $13,303Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN - $13,173New Orleans, LA - $13,089Boston, MA - $13,028Miami, FL - $12,923Los Angeles, CA - $12,709Chicago, IL - $12,449Milwaukee, WI - $12,197Seattle, WA - $12,149Detroit, MI - $11,819Memphis, TN - $11,805Portland, OR - $11,714Columbus, OH - $11,692Austin, TX - $11,519Rochester, NY - $11,472Charleston, SC - $11,448Sacramento, CA - $11,349* Amount based on essential wedding services, excluding venue, dress, and rings.