Atlanta weddings are slightly cheaper than the national average
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Weddings costs nationwide could cost more in 2025, but couples can get hitched for slightly less money in the Atlanta area, according to the wedding planning website Zola.
By the numbers: Nationwide, the average wedding this year is expected to cost about $36,000, according to a Zola survey of about 6,000 engaged couples nationwide. That's up from $33,000 in 2024.
Yes, but: The average wedding in the Atlanta metro area is expected to cost $34,223 in 2025, the survey results show.
- That's far less than in New York, where the typical 2025 wedding is predicted to cost $65,000, or Washington, D.C., where it's expected to cost $52,000.
How it works: The wedding planning site surveyed 6,000 couples getting married next year on a variety of subjects, including cost, fashion, gifts and sustainability, and shared its report exclusively with Axios.
What they're saying: Allison Cullman, wedding trend and etiquette expert at Zola, says one contributing factor is social media.
- "People spend hours scrolling through an endless sea of inspiration and oftentimes, they find inspiration that costs much more than they initially anticipated," Cullman tells Axios.
- More than two-thirds (68%) of couples are vetting photographers, make-up artists and venues on Instagram and TikTok.
More Zola survey findings
Zoom in: 90% of couples surveyed say they would be open to using AI to streamline tasks like managing their budget or writing thank-you cards.
- 23% are already using it, up 5% from last year.
Yes, but: Couples are split on whether it's acceptable to write their vows with AI.
- 51% of respondents were OK with the idea.
No surprise here: Christmas is the most popular date of the year to get engaged, followed by December 23, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Also not a surprise: The planning workload is lopsided for 85% of couples.
- 81% of women reported that the groom spent little to zero time planning.
- 68% of same-sex couples said that most of the planning falls on one partner.
The intrigue: Elvis Presley's "I Can't Help Falling In Love" ranks as the top first-dance song.
Go deeper: Marrying in 2025? Avoid these dates