Why weddings are shrinking

Axios

5 days ago

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.
The bottom line: No need to invite the roommate you haven't talked to since graduation.