Why weddings are shrinking
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
Ballrooms are out. "Micro weddings" are in — and they might be smarter, too.
Why it matters: Some couples are skipping big weddings to save money and throw a more intimate gathering.
By the numbers: The average guest count nationwide was 131 in 2024, down from 184 in 2006, according to data shared with Axios by The Wedding Report.
- And smaller celebrations, those with 50 guests or fewer, made up 18% of nuptials last year, compared to 10% in 2013, per the research company.
What we're hearing: Courthouse ceremonies and parties in cozy restaurants or backyards let couples spend more time with loved ones.
- Downsizing can also limit stress, plus free up cash for that open bar or unforgettable carving station.
Zoom in: Vegas-style chapels and businesses offering curated micro weddings and elopements have opened in Boston, Dallas, Portland, Oregon, Richmond, Virginia and beyond.
Reality check: While certain people "just like low-key events," most go smaller to spend less, Shane McMurray, CEO of The Wedding Report, tells Axios.
The big picture: Cutting the guest list is the best way to save, with prices for meals, venues, invitations and more usually based on headcount, McMurray says.
- Pros estimate micro weddings can cost over 50% less than traditional ones.
Between the lines: Many brides and grooms-to-be are bracing for pricier nuptials as tariffs stand to hike the $33,000 cost of an average U.S. wedding, according to The Knot, a planning and registry site.
- Those worrying about their jobs or finances may delay celebrations altogether.
What we're watching: Intimate doesn't mean boring. City hall ceremonies have become a "full-blown aesthetic."
- Pinterest searches for terms like "city hall elopement" and "courthouse wedding dress ideas" recently surged among Gen Zers.
The bottom line: No need to invite the roommate you haven't talked to since graduation.
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