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Reaction: What’s REALLY Going On in the Wedding Industry in 2025

Hey there, CEOs—grab your coffee and let’s dig in, because the 2025 Knot Vendor Report is officially out, and it is packed with numbers, stats, and insights that could literally shift how you run your wedding business this year. But here’s the deal: if you’re only reading the headlines, you’re 100% missing the gold. So, I’ve combed through every single page, and I’m here to break down what matters, what doesn’t, and exactly what you need to do with all this data.

Like I always say on the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, “It’s not about working harder—it’s about building a profitable business that pays you.” Let’s use this data to do exactly that. 💼💕

1. Millennials Still Lead the Charge—but Gen Z is Coming in HOT 🔥

“The average couple that got married was 32 years old.”

Yep, we’re still seeing millennials dominate the wedding landscape, but Gen Z is sliding into the market real quick.

Now, this matters because these two groups shop very differently. Gen Z expects transparency, fast answers, and a strong digital presence. If your marketing still feels like it’s 2019, you might be invisible to them.

✅ Action Step: Audit your website and social media. Are you speaking to BOTH generations effectively?

2. Average Engagement? 15 Months—But That’s Not the Whole Story

“The average engagement was 15 months long… but I’m seeing so many short-term bookings right now.”

This one stopped me in my tracks. While the data says couples are engaged for over a year, what I’m actually seeing in my business—and hearing from other vendors—is that many couples are planning quickly, sometimes booking for same-year weddings.

✅ Action Step: Be prepared for last-minute bookings. Streamline your onboarding and pricing so you can move FAST when those inquiries hit.

3. The “Average Wedding Budget” Is a Lie—Know Your Market

“They said the average budget was $33,000… In Orlando, it says $27,000. I’m like… how? Our average wedding is around $75K.”

Let me be real with y’all—this is where the data starts getting murky. National averages include everything from courthouse elopements to luxury events. So don’t panic if that number doesn’t match your business model.

✅ Action Step: Track your own data. Know what your clients spend, and speak to that in your marketing.

4. Planners Didn’t Make the Top 10 Vendor List (And That’s OK!)

“Planner didn’t even make it into the top 10 vendors hired.”

Oof. As a planner, this hurts a little. But it’s not a sign we’re irrelevant—it’s a sign the right clients need more education about our value.

✅ Action Step: Double down on content that explains the why behind hiring a planner. Show them what they’re missing out on without one.

5. October Still Reigns as Wedding Month Royalty 🍂

“October’s our busiest month. I don’t think that’s changed in a decade.”

There’s something magical about October. It’s the sweet spot when the whole country—from north to south—is in peak season. So yes, if you’re not already gearing up for October, now is the time.

✅ Action Step: Start promoting October 2025 packages now and prep your team for high-volume workflows.

6. Guest Experience is KING (But Budget Still Rules)

“72% believe guest experience should come first… but 67% say staying in budget is the most critical.”

This stat is your golden ticket. Couples want an experience, but they also want to feel like they’re spending smart. You’ve gotta help them see the value in what you offer.

✅ Action Step: Use your content and consult calls to tie everything back to value—why your price makes sense, and what they get out of it.

7. Cost Per Guest Has Jumped—And Couples Notice

“In 2019 it was $214 per guest. In 2024, it was $284.”

Whoa. That’s a 33% increase. No wonder couples are clutching their wallets. Everything costs more post-pandemic, and couples are feeling it.

✅ Action Step: Price transparency is your friend. Don’t be shy—explain why your pricing reflects the real cost of a wedding in today’s market.

8. Top 5 Trends to Watch in 2025 Weddings

First looks, wedding apps, co-ed wedding parties, themed weddings (“Coastal Grandma Chic” anyone?), and unique ceremony locations.

Yes, you read that right: Coastal Grandma Chic. If you figure out what that looks like, shoot me a DM. 😂

✅ Action Step: Stay ahead of trends, but don’t chase them. Incorporate trend-driven elements into your offers without losing your brand identity.

9. 14 Vendors Per Wedding on Average? That’s a Lot!

“They’re using 14 vendors… I’m thinking I could’ve saved them a ton with fewer!”

More vendors = more coordination and more risk for things slipping through the cracks. This is your chance to step in as a planner or coordinator to help streamline.

✅ Action Step: Market your ability to simplify the vendor chaos. Position yourself as the expert who makes it all flow seamlessly.

10. Couples Are Spending 6 Hours a Week Researching Vendors

“Six hours per week researching vendors. Do you know what that means? You’ve got to be present online.”

THIS. This is the mic-drop stat of the whole report. If you’re not showing up where they’re looking, you don’t exist.

✅ Action Step:

• SEO-optimize your website.
• Use keywords your clients are searching for.
• Post helpful content regularly on social.
• And for the love of lattes, make your pricing and inquiry process easy.

Before We Go

Listen, I know there’s a lot of noise out there. But here’s the bottom line:

Know your client. Know your data. Show up online. And market like the CEO you are.

“We are straddling two generations right now… be really thoughtful about how that affects your buyers.”

Your dream clients are out there. Let’s make it easier for them to find you, trust you, and hire you.

Here is the Knot’s Vendor Report: https://shorturl.at/fSSlA 

👉 Want more tips on booking dream clients?

Listen to Episode 276 of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast where I talk about why you’re not getting 3–5 leads a day—and how to fix it, fast! Episode 276: https://weddingproceo.com/why-youre-not-getting-daily-inquiries/

Let’s keep growing your business, CEO. You’ve got this. 💪

FAQ

Q: Is it worth looking at national wedding stats if my market is totally different?

Absolutely! Just make sure you’re filtering it through your own lens. Use it for context, not gospel.

Q: How do I attract Gen Z couples?

Be transparent, quick to respond, and active online. They love personality, behind-the-scenes content, and value-driven messaging.

Q: Should I post pricing on my website?

Yes! If you’re not showing pricing, you’re missing out on qualified leads who are ready to book—but need clarity first.

Q: How do I stand out in a saturated market?

Lead with your personality, showcase your expertise through education, and make it easy for couples to know, like, and trust you before they inquire.

Q: What’s the biggest shift in 2025 weddings?

Guest experience and transparency are everything. Couples want to feel confident in their investment and create memorable moments for their guests.

Check out the video version of the podcast below. 👇
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💌For business inquiries: sayhello@weddingproceo.com