Thumbtack, an online service that connects consumers with skilled professionals, has released the results of its first Thumbtack 2016 Wedding Trends Report. The study includes statistics on upcoming wedding trends and unveils average pricing for wedding services both nationally and regionally.
One key trend for bakeries is that cupcakes aren’t going anywhere, as 10% more couples will feature cupcakes for dessert in 2016, compared to 2015, showing that this personalized touch has staying power.
Cakes are also getting taller than ever, with a 55% increase in couples requesting a 3-layer cake this year compared to last year.
“This year we’re seeing couples investing up to 20 percent more to create a memorable, classic affair,” said Ashley Brasier, wedding director for Thumbtack. “The reception is the focus of this extra spending, with couples turning away from themed weddings and instead focusing on finer touches like formal plated dinners, lasercut place settings, and bold floral choices.”
Every year, hundreds of thousands of couples come to Thumbtack looking for wedding professionals across nearly 50 categories of service. Couples submit requests sharing details like the size of their guest list, their style preferences, and their geographic location, so Thumbtack can match them with the best service providers for their needs.
As a result, Thumbtack’s study reveals a unique look ahead on what will trend at weddings to come this year -- not just what happened at weddings last year.
The new theme is no theme: Couples are increasingly focusing on small details -- not big themes -- to set their weddings apart.
Laser-cut details are everywhere -- Featured on invitations, place-cards, and even place mats, laser-cutting will be especially popular.
This year’s couples are spending noticeably more on wedding essentials compared to 2015. The average couple will spend about $2,000 more on average, with much of that going to a more upscale dinner experience.
More and more brides are eschewing the “safe” natural and romantic beauty look: there’s been a 75% increase in brides requesting glam hair and makeup, with touches like highlights and contouring and bold lip colors.
Popular colors this year include bursts of reds and bright blues, along with pops of yellow as an accent, and gray neutrals to hold it all together. Metallic accents stay popular this year, emphasizing the glam factor.
National Averages - Costs and Customer Profile
$12,189: The amount the average American couple will spend on essential wedding services in 2016, excluding the venue, dress, and rings, for a wedding with 98 guests on average.
33: Average marrying age of Thumbtack couple
75%: Thumbtack couples who are employed full-time
5%: Thumbtack couples who are students
45%: Thumbtack couples who are homeowners
Top 5 Most Expensive States to Get Married
Connecticut - $17,211
New York - $16,305
District of Columbia - $15,835
Rhode Island - $15,233
Pennsylvania - $14,722
Top 5 Least Expensive States to Get Married
Missouri - $9,031
Nevada - $9,095
Arizona - $9,593
Kentucky - $9,712
Utah - $9,804
Regional Differences
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic affairs tend to be more expensive: This higher cost is most often driven by formal dinners and a large number of guests. In New York, 33% of couples request plated dinners. In Washington, D.C., 48% of couples request hors d’oeuvres.
Midwestern states throw the biggest weddings: Weddings are the biggest in Midwestern states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, where over 60% of couples welcome 100+ guests. The smallest weddings are in destination wedding locations like Hawaii, where 43% of couples welcome fewer than 20 guests.
BBQ and Mexican catering vs. Italian and American cuisine: Italian and American food are crowd pleasers at weddings across the country. In fact, there are only two states that would prefer another type of cuisine at weddings - both Kentucky and South Carolina prefer BBQ. Unsurprisingly, Mexican is popular throughout the Southwest, with 43% of couples in New Mexico requesting Mexican food.
Pop music reigns at the reception, but country’s close behind: Wedding guests across the majority of the United States (46 states) prefer pop music, but country is a close second choice in several states, including Texas.
Vermont braids and Southern locks: Brides across the country love a timeless romantic look. Brides in Vermont prefer to accent their look with braids, while brides in most other locales prefer a half-up / half-down look. Long curly hair is especially popular in Southern states like Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
