Wedding Trends For 2009

Wedding Trends for 2009

Here are several wedding trends as reported by a national wedding statistics and market research organization.

• Smaller weddings with fewer guests
• Destination weddings or destination type weddings closer to home
• Accent colors on dresses and cakes with the most popular being greens and blues
• Increased reliance on family and friends to help plan, pay, and provide some of the services
• Increased use of green and echo friendly products and services
• Simplified decorations, centerpieces and wedding invitations
• Increased use of online RSVP’s vs. traditional mail-in RSVPs
• Off-peak weddings; Mornings, Afternoons, Fridays, Sundays, October becomes the new June
• Buffet meals, Hors d’oeuvre, and cocktail receptions
• Cheesecakes, cupcakes and miniature cakes
• All-inclusive packages
• Do it yourself invitations and favors
• Many are saving money by asking friends with basic skills to handle certain aspects of their events, such as videography
• White gold and platinum wedding rings continue to outpace yellow gold
• The biggest trend for bridesmaids’ attire is the wear-again dress
• Online photo showcasing, which allows couples, their family and friends to view, share and purchase wedding photographs is a rising trend
• High-end kitchen gear and practical cooking items are currently popular wedding gifts
• Couples still prefer traditional white wedding cakes, but custom-designed cakes are becoming popular
• Vibrant colors and tableset designs, including tinted glassware are a current trend in wedding receptions
• Charity registries are growing in popularity as some couples choose to forgo gifts altogether and ask guests to make donations to their favorite charity

Here are the average estimate spending figures based on the Pittsburgh, PA wedding market:

2008 – $23,123
2009 – $21,622
2012 – $22,436
2014 – $23,688

Notice the peak in 2008 and a drastic dip in 2009. This can be attributed to the poor economy.

I would love to hear some feedback from local brides & grooms in the Western Pennsylvania market. How do these trends compare to your wedding plans? Please feel free to leave a comment below.