Budget Weddings on the Rise in the West Amid Economic Strain

In the face of rising living costs and decreasing real incomes, couples in the U.S. and the U.K. are significantly downsizing their wedding celebrations. Many are opting for intimate gatherings at restaurants instead of traditional venues, and are cutting back on expenses for wedding rings and honeymoons. This trend, known as 'minimony,' reflects a shift towards smaller, more personal ceremonies rather than grand events.

A survey conducted by USA Today from 2021 to 2024 revealed that over half (52%) of American respondents spent less than $10,000 on their weddings, with 44% inviting fewer than 50 guests. The wedding planning company The Knot noted that as the number of guests increases, so do the costs, leading many couples to prefer smaller weddings in light of inflation and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For instance, Melanie Neff Diaz, a 33-year-old corporate communications executive, and her husband, 37-year-old attorney Silvino Edward Burns, held their wedding at a wine bar in Florida last June, spending approximately $13,000. They celebrated with 33 guests in a beautifully decorated terrace.

Similarly, Jennifer (43) and Matthew (44) Kisher-Salman from Manhattan chose a restaurant in Chelsea for their small wedding in May 2023, inviting 48 guests. Jennifer expressed the need for a quiet and beautiful venue where they could enjoy delicious food and laughter with family and friends, spending under $20,000. The New York Times highlighted couples like them, noting the growing preference for cozy weddings over traditional large ceremonies.

The trend of reducing spending extends to engagement and wedding rings as well. According to the USA Today survey, 31% of respondents spent less than $1,000 on engagement rings, while 47% spent the same on wedding bands. Additionally, 28% of couples reported not taking a honeymoon at all.

In the U.K., wedding costs have also decreased following the pandemic. Research from the wedding information company Hitched indicated that the average wedding cost in 2019 was £32,000, a 50% increase from £28,000 in 2014. The pressure to have 'Instagram-worthy' weddings contributed to rising costs. However, the pandemic led to a sharp decline in weddings, with costs dropping to £9,100 in 2020. Although prices rose to £17,300 in 2021 and £23,250 last year, they remain lower than pre-pandemic levels. Hitched noted that couples are increasingly opting for smaller weddings and even DIY decorations to save money.

Luke, a 35-year-old from the U.K., chose a Thursday for his wedding date in 2023, saving £3,000 compared to a Saturday wedding. His wife shared with the BBC that the savings allowed them to create a memorable wedding experience.

In Australia, the trend of small weddings is also gaining traction, with reports indicating that intimate ceremonies costing around AUD 5,000 are becoming popular in recent years.