2025 wedding trends in Louisiana
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First comes love, then comes marriage — but what that looks like in Louisiana is changing in 2025.
The big picture: These are some of the current wedding trends for prices, gifts and scheduling.
Getting married later
Louisianans are saying "I do" later in life.
The big picture: The median age to get married for the first time was 29.2 in 2023, according to census data. The national median is 29.7.
- Compare that to 1950, when the median age nationally was around 22, per the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey. Go deeper.
Gameday priorities
Wedding guests nationally are 9% less likely to RSVP in September and October, according to data from Evite.
- Olivia Pollock, a party data analyst at the company, says this is likely influenced by the busy college football season.
Yes, but: Fall weddings aren't slowing down.
- Researchers at the wedding planning platform Joy found that 28% of their weddings took place on a Saturday in September or October.
Pro tip: Check LSU's football schedule before picking your date. If you can't get a bye week, at least have the broadcast available at the reception.
- "Don't take it personal if people have their phones out or are stepping out to that hotel lobby bar to watch the game," Anne Van Gorp, Joy's resident wedding expert, told Axios. "Just make sure that you, the couple, are happy."
Costs are increasing
Zola projects the average cost nationally for a 2025 wedding will be $36,000, based on budgets provided by couples that use the site.
- 2024 weddings averaged $33,000, and couples spent an average of $29,000 in 2023.
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.
The survey found more than two-thirds (68%) of couples are vetting photographers, make-up artists and venues on Instagram and TikTok.
Stunning stat: With the average wedding costing $65,000, New York City ranks as the most expensive place to get married.
Wedding gifts
Wedding registries are shrinking to fit into cramped apartments and starter homes.
What we're hearing: Small kitchen contraptions have become the "it" wedding gifts, partly because they're "fairly classic" presents "that older family members feel satisfied to give," says Cathryn Haight, editor at The Knot, a wedding planning and registry website.
Size also matters because many couples already have the essentials — 88% of all those who register live together, Alicia Waters, Crate & Barrel brand president, tells Axios.
- Instead of more stuff, they're looking to trade two items for one multifunctional appliance or upgrade to something more luxurious.
Reality check: Cash gifts are still appreciated, especially for a down payment or honeymoon.