Spending

The Vermont wedding industry rakes in more than $162M each year, and it’s no secret that couples flock to the beautiful mountains and meadows of the Green Mountain State to say their “I dos.”

In 2013, there were nearly 400 weddings in Lamoille County — and more than 60 percent of them were held in Stowe! With 241 weddings, Stowe’s number was second only to Burlington in the entire state of Vermont.

According to a survey by The Knot of about 13,000 couples who tied the knot in 2016, modern brides and grooms are “splurging on total personalization and creating the ultimate guest experience.”

Number of weddings in Vermont each year: About 5,500

Average wedding cost in Vermont: About $34,000 (2016 national average: $35,329)

Out-of-state couples: 38% of Vermont marriages (Top 5 states: Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Florida, Connecticut)

Average age of marrying couples in Vermont: 25-29 is most common, followed by 30-34

First marriages: 58%

Civil ceremonies: 66%

Most popular months for Vermont weddings: August, September (Least popular: January, February)

Average number of guests: 140 (Destination: 85)

Bridesmaids and groomsmen: 5 per side

Length of engagement: 16 months

Vermont spending averages:

  • Engagement ring: $3,950
  • Invitations and announcements: $670
  • Planning services: $2,700 full service, $775 day-of
  • Wedding bands: $1,440
  • Wedding dress: $1,350
  • Bride’s hair and makeup: $180
  • Tuxedo or suit: $200
  • Flowers and decorations: $2,000
  • Rehearsal dinner: $700
  • Gifts, tips and favors: $980
  • Food service: $5,700
  • Bar service: $2,900
  • Wedding cake or dessert: $510
  • Music: $750 for a DJ or single musician, $2,000 full band
  • Photography: $3,000
  • Videography: $1,200
  • Venue and rentals: $7,300
  • Transportation: $600

Who pays? Nationally, parents contribute about 44% of the total budget; 10% of couples pay for the whole wedding themselves.

Sources: The Knot 2016 Real Weddings Study; The Wedding Report; 2013 Vermont Vital Statistics annual report.

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