2009 Wedding Trends From The Wedding Report

The Wedding Report has posted it current predictions and wedding trends for 2009.  It’s interesting to compare this with other trend spotters, as The Wedding Report compiles its reports from Federal, State and local government offices, CDC, Census Bureau, Department of Labor, ESRI, Easy Analytic Software, Inc., The Conference Board Inc., Pew Internet & American Life Project, and proprietary surveys.

Here are the findings:

• In 2009, the number of couples getting married will stay steady at 2.2 million.  However, if the economy continues its downturn, expect to see a dip as couples postpone their weddings.
• The average cost of a wedding will decrease in 2009, expected at $21,000-25,000.

2009 Trends per The Wedding Report:

• Smaller wedding receptions with fewer guests.
• Increased use of green and eco-friendly services.
• Simplified decorations.
• Increased usage of online RSVP’s instead of traditional mailing RSVPs.
• Off-peak weddings: mid-week, brunch, afternoon.
• Buffet and cocktail hour receptions.
• Cheesecakes, cupcakes and mini-cakes instead of a traditional wedding cake.

What does all this mean?

Well, we’re feeling the downturn of the economy.  Brides will be making more cost-saving decisions for their weddings.

Hopefully, etiquette will catch up to the 21st century and it will be “appropriate” to send wedding invitations and/or respond to them on the internet, saving the expense of invitations and postage.  About damn time!

What else does this mean?

Wedding vendors are scared. For the first time in decades, the cost of the average wedding is decreasing.

And a scared vendor is a vendor who’s willing, ready and able to offer big DISCOUNTS for your business.

All of which means that 2009 is an even better year to be planning your dream wedding.  Call me the eternal optimist, but I see the silver lining here.

It’s time to be bold, confident and smart and seize those deals that are yours for the taking!

Take your savings savvy to the next level with my wedding planning book.

Until then, it’s my mission to cram this blog full of great savings ideas and discounts.

Got a question about wedding trends in 2009?  Leave me a comment.