The Wedding Industry Enjoys a Boom in 2022

The wedding industry was hard-hit during the pandemic, going from a $100 billion industry to one that barely managed to stay afloat in 2020. The good news, however, is that the industry is enjoying a big boom, with The Wedding Report estimating that around 205 million weddings will be taking place in 2022 (the largest number since 1984). Many venues, events planners, and providers (ranging from photographers to florists and lighting designers) are fully booked for 2022 and part of 2023. Clearly, world events had a big effect on the celebrations themselves, but not the desire to hold them. For many couples waiting it out and celebrating a day to remember was more important than sticking to a predetermined date.

Average Expenses

Couples getting married this year are spending similar amounts to those spent pre-2020. The average cost of a wedding ranges from $24,000 to $28,000, with the biggest costs including the reception venue (around $11,000), event planners (around $1,700), photographers ($2,500), florists ($2,300), catering (around $75 per person), and the rehearsal dinner (around $2,300). Engagement rings continue to be popular, with Brides’ American Wedding Study finding that couples spend an average of between $3,000 and $5,000. Those with a larger budget, meanwhile, can spend approximately $20,000 on wedding jewelry. Traditional styles such as princess cut rings, eternity rings, and pavé rings are holding sway, as are stackable designs and those bearing petite twists. The clarity and quality of diamonds is still important to couples, with most seeking transparency and little to no inclusions in their wedding rocks.

Wedding Sizes

Micro weddings were huge in 2021, with many celebrations ‘going small’ owing to imposed health regulations and the desire for safety. Weddings in 2022 are growing in size, with loosened travel restrictions meaning that more guests from abroad can attend family events. Budget-friendly micro weddings are still enjoying high search ratings on Google, however, with the events of 2020 causing a slight shift in the social view of weddings as a whole. 

Outdoor Weddings Predominate the Scene

WeddingWire reports that around 59% of receptions are being held outdoors, with couples making the most of spring and summer weather to hold the celebrations of their dreams while offering guests more safety and space. Outdoor weddings are also in line with the penchant for nature-inspired themes, with many couples choosing boho-chic set-ups with features such as reclaimed wooden tables, dried flowers, macrame chandeliers, solar fairy lights, and other features that lower the carbon footprint of their event. Closely related to the sustainable trend are organic and plant-based dishes, which also contribute to lowering greenhouse emissions.

Destination Weddings and Villa Hires Dominate

Two markets that are currently benefiting from sector trends include resorts and villa rentals. Once again, couples are feeling free to celebrate their Big Day in romantic destinations like Istria (Croatia), Phuket (Thailand), and the Amalfi Coast (Italy). However, they are also keen to spend time with family, after two years (or longer) without seeing loved ones. Luxury villa rentals are an ideal way for brides and grooms to spend time with family in a relaxed, casual setting; one in which wellness features (such as swimming pools, gyms, and beautiful gardens) inspire relaxation and bonding. 

The wedding industry is back in full swing, with 2022 and 2023 predicted to be ‘boom’ years. Couples are keen on outdoor weddings, as well as family-centered celebrations in dreamlike destinations. It’s ultimately about togetherness and celebrating special moments after a long hiatus in which many couples chose to say ‘I don’t’ until the timing was just right.