Economic Recovery – One Wedding at a Time

What’s the average dollar amount spent on a wedding?  Go ahead, take a guess… 

Have a number in mind? 

Well, according to Cost of Wedding, “On average, US couples spend $25,656 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $19,242 and $32,070. This does not include cost for a honeymoon.”

Whoa.

Now, I’ve never been the girl to watch shows like Say Yes to the Dress, but I’ve heard some of those dresses are over-the-top expensive. Like… more expensive than what Cost of Wedding is quoting for overall wedding expenses. But, a wedding celebration isn’t just the dress. And for most brides, a budget does come in to play. So, let’s take a look at what all a wedding may entail in the way of products bought or services hired:

  • Beverages and Catering 
  • Flowers 
  • Photographer(s) 
  • Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist 
  • Tux Rentals 
  • Bridesmaid Dresses, Jewelry and Shoes
  • DJ/Entertainment
  • Wedding Officiate
  • Decorations for the Ceremony and Reception 
  • Save the Dates, Invitations, Thank You’s 
  • Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties 
  • Bridal Party Gifts 

The list can go on and on… and it does. 

Now, you can see how wedding celebrations can easily creep up to the averages stated above. Weddings can be as elaborate or as simple as the couple wants, but one thing remains — as we’ve already looked at — there is great opportunity for a significant contribution to a community’s economic recovery/stability in just ONE wedding. Weddings can be and many are- BIG business. Whether the celebration is within your own community or a neighboring community, weddings can propel and sustain local economies. In my mind, buying local in weddings can happen from start to finish — it all depends on what the couple wants and what their budget is like. 

What might be your top picks for buying local in your own area? 

  • The local bakery down the corner with the super-cute cupcakes and other baked goods? 
  • The favorite BBQ spot you and your now fiancé enjoy on hot summer evenings? 
  • What about the photographer who took your family pictures in a park last year?
  • What about that adorable florist shop that sent you amazing flowers on your birthday last year courtesy of your now fiancé?

Whatever you choose for your wedding, consider buying local for everything. Where you choose to spend your dollar has community-wide impact — especially when you spend it in the community where you live, work and play. 

So, to all of the engaged couples out there planning their wedding — or those friends and family of those couples — I encourage you to buy locally and enjoy the process! 

Amanda

Amanda Brenneman