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Modern Weddings Are All
About the Guests
Smaller, more expensive weddings mean couples are more
focused on providing an amazing experience for guests
By Carley Lintz, CTW Features
BANQUETS, RECEPTIONS, SHOWERS & PARTIES
10 | FALL & WINTER 2018
CHICAGO WEDDING & PARTY RESOURCE
CHICAGOWEDDINGRESOURCE.COMGuest lists are shrinking
as couples spend
more per guest to
create an unforgettable
experience for
those closest to them.
Smaller weddings may be increasingly
popular, but that doesn’t mean costs are
going down. The average price tag for
a wedding was $35,329 last year – an
all-time high.
Wedding spend continues to rise, but at
the same time, guest lists are shrinking
as couples spend more per guest to
create an unforgettable experience
for those closest to them. Couples are
also using their wedding day to make
their first big statement as a couple.
From invitations to the reception band,
couples are spending more to put their
personal stamp on every detail.
• Custom guest entertainment tripled
from 11 percent in 2009 to 41 percent
in 2016.
• Photobooths top the list of must-haves
with 78 percent of couples including
the feature at their reception.
• Other popular entertainment features
included games (18 percent), live
musical performances (12 percent) and
fireworks (8 percent).
• Personalization continues to increase
with 75 percent of couples providing a
signature element, such as a signature
cocktail (24 percent).
© CTW Features