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Forbes
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Hitched At A Discount: Why City Hall Weddings Are Taking Off And How To Save More
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. The picture of marriage these days less often evokes imagery of opulent bouquets and fancy soirees. With the rising cost of living and current and incoming tariffs, grandiose functions more often are taking a back seat to other expenses, like a honeymoon. Instead, engaged couples, led by Generation-Z, are increasingly turning to the sensible cousin of a blowout ceremony, the 'micro-wedding.' While the average wedding ceremony in 2025 (pre-tariffs) cost an engaged couple around $33,000, according to wedding website The Knot, frugal couples are looking for meaning elsewhere in their nuptials. Also, newlyweds are increasingly trading large ceremonies for more intimate gatherings, with the average guest count down from 184 in 2006 to 131 in 2024, as reported by Axios , citing The Wedding Report. Even though weddings are shrinking, people still want to get married. An August 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 59% of LGBTQ+ U.S. adults under 50 who have never married say they want to get married someday, and non-LGBTQ+ respondents in the same age range echo similar sentiments at 63%. And couples ready to marry are opting to get hitched with micro-weddings, or eloping at city hall. Pinterest's wedding trends report found that city hall ceremonies have become a 'full-blown aesthetic' driven by Gen-Z. The platform found that micro-wedding inspiration made headway, with a 128% search increase for 'city hall wedding dress,' 190% on 'city hall elopement,' and 637% on 'civil ceremony photography.' Even celebrities are tapping into the trend. British pop-star Charli XCX tied the knot with The 1975's George Daniel at London's Hackney Town Hall in July. Pinterest isn't an anomaly, either. Google search results for 'courthouse wedding' have increased over the last decade and now are at an all-time high. While city hall weddings are certainly much cheaper than the average affair, they're not free. It can still cost a small fortune to arrange the big day. After all, the city hall wedding attire and civil ceremony photographer won't be free. Couples can save for their ceremony in several accounts: Joint checking account: This type of account is for shared expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, weddings) that can simplify budgeting and eliminate the need for transfers and reimbursements. Partners can monitor and share responsibility for funds in the account easily and with transparency. This type of account is for shared expenses (rent, mortgage, utilities, groceries, weddings) that can simplify budgeting and eliminate the need for transfers and reimbursements. Partners can monitor and share responsibility for funds in the account easily and with transparency. High-yield savings account (HYSA): These accounts offer higher interest yields than standard savings accounts. These accounts offer higher interest yields than standard savings accounts. Certificate of deposit (CD): CDs offer similar interest rates to HYSAs but are often meant for long-term savings, as funds cannot be removed for a fixed term. The upside is that accountholders lock in a fixed annual percentage yield (APY) that helps their money grow steadily. CDs can be a great option for those who are planning a micro-wedding or saving for a honeymoon. Was this article helpful?
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Most common tradition brides are ditching from weddings in 2025 – and why a quarter are now postponing their big day
MODERN weddings are becoming more budget-conscious than ever before, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 engaged Americans currently planning their weddings found that the days of glamorous overspending may be less common due to the current financial climate. 3 3 Twenty-two percent of those polled described their wedding budget as 'modest,' while only 5% said they were planning something extravagant. An additional 16% said they were working with the 'bare minimum.' The survey, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of JJ's House, also found that the average couple expects to spend a third (33%) of their combined annual income on the big day. That translates to an average wedding budget of $21,058. While it was once tradition for the bride's family to pay for the entire wedding, that model may be fading fast in today's financial climate. The vast majority of couples (85%) now say they're footing the bill themselves, with only 14% receiving contributions from both sets of parents and just 10% relying on one side of the family. Still, rising prices are testing the patience of even the most optimistic planners. Venue rentals (39%), photography (34%), catering (34%), and attire (32%) were listed among the most surprising sticker shocks. The average wedding dress budget alone came in at $7,497. 'We're seeing a clear shift toward weddings that reflect both budget constraints and personal values,' said a spokesperson for JJ's House. 'Couples are being more intentional with their spending, not because the day matters less, but because they're investing even more in the life that comes after it.' Some couples are adapting to the economic climate by getting creative. One in four (25%) have postponed the wedding to save more money. Others have opted for DIY décor (27%), more affordable venues (24%), or secondhand outfits (19%) in place of designer brands. Nearly half (46%) of brides said their bridesmaids will be paying for their own dresses, while only 27% plan to cover the cost for their wedding party. Another 27% aren't having bridesmaids at all. When it comes to attire, price was the top deciding factor (43%), followed by comfort (37%) and style (29%). Sustainability and ethical sourcing ranked lower at 6%, though more than half (51%) believe younger generations will increasingly prioritize those values in future planning. HOW BRIDES SAVE That shift is already happening in other areas. Seventy-seven percent of respondents said they would consider lab-grown diamonds for financial reasons, while 67% would do so for ethical ones. And 76% said it was important that their wedding reflect their values. The survey also found that the average wedding guest list includes 107 people, and just 13% plan to host multiple events like welcome parties or next-day brunches. One in five (19%) are postponing their honeymoon due to financial reasons, and 11% said they're skipping it entirely. Despite the challenges, most couples are tackling planning as a team. A strong 81% said both partners are involved, while only 33% said the bulk of responsibility falls on them alone. Just 7% said their partner is taking the lead. Still, navigating family expectations remains tricky. Thirty-one percent said they've experienced pressure to include specific traditions or customs even if they don't align with their values or budget. 'Couples today are walking a tightrope between tradition and reality,' the JJ's House spokesperson added. 'They still want a meaningful celebration, but there's a growing awareness that starting married life in debt or under pressure to impress isn't worth the cost.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Plan your dream wedding at Shreveport's Bridal Expo
BOSSIER CITY, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Wedding planning will become easier for brides-to-be in the Shreveport-Bossier area. The iDo Bridal Expo connects engaged couples with wedding professionals from East Texas and Northwest Louisiana. This event is described as the perfect opportunity to discover all things related to weddings. Couples can find valuable resources, including a wedding team, beautiful venues, and the latest wedding trends. Additionally, the expo will feature games, food samples, and prizes given away throughout the day. The iDo Bridal Expo will be held on Sunday, June 22, at the Bossier City Civic Center. To purchase your tickets, visit Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
