Ballrooms are out. "Micro weddings" are in — and they might be smarter, too, Axios' Sami Sparber writes.
Stunning stat: The average guest count nationwide was 131 in 2024, down from 184 in 2006, according to data shared with Axios by The Wedding Report.
Smaller celebrations, those with 50 guests or fewer, made up 18% of nuptials last year, compared to 10% in 2013, per the research company.
🥂 Zoom in: Couples say courthouse ceremonies and parties in cozy restaurants or backyards let them spend more time with loved ones.
Cutting the guest list is the best way to save, with prices for meals, venues, invitations and more usually based on headcount, says Shane McMurray, CEO of The Wedding Report. Pros estimate micro weddings can cost over 50% less than traditional ones.
Downsizing can free up cash for that open bar or unforgettable carving station.
The big picture: Vegas-style chapels and businesses offering curated micro weddings and elopements have opened in Boston; Dallas; Portland, Ore.; Richmond, Va., and beyond.
💍 What we're watching: Intimate doesn't mean boring.City hall ceremonies have their own trending aesthetic.
Pinterest searches for terms like "city hall elopement" and "courthouse wedding dress ideas" recently surged among Gen Zers.
