Last year was a banner year for brides and grooms. More than 2.5 million couples tied the knot – the most since 1984 – leading The New York Times to call 2022 “The Year of the Wedding.” This year is also looking up for lovebirds, as couples finally get to book the venues and vendors that were unavailable in previous years. Dates in 2023 and 2024 are booking 35-45% faster than pre-pandemic levels. 

But before they say “I do,” engaged couples have to put in the work for the perfect big day. After all, those deconstructed floral arches aren’t going to build themselves. Research from Minted reveals that to-be-wed individuals log 528 hours – or 22 full days – of planning. Most couples are both excited (68%) and happy (53%) to be sharing ideas and meeting with caterers and florists, although 46% admit the process can be stressful.

The Wedding Report projects more than 2 million weddings this year, with couples spending an average of nearly $25,000 for the joyous occasion. The biggest expense? Wedding venues, coming in at an average of about $13,000. Other big costs for couples include the engagement ring, reception band or DJ, photographer and florist. Brides also spend an average of $1,000 on their dress plus an additional $250 or so for hair and makeup.

The bride and her betrothed aren’t the only ones spending money. Wedding guests last year spent an average of $460 to attend, according to The Knot, with those who attended an out-of-town wedding investing an average of $1,270. It’s easy to see how the wedding industry is a multibillion-dollar industry and growing. In 2022, weddings generated nearly $60 billion in revenue.

No matter the size or location of the wedding, branded products can add a meaningful and personal touch. Couples can use them to add personality to their favors or attendant gifts. Businesses like wedding consultancies, caterers, limousine companies and others can use logoed items to congratulate the newlyweds. And those who were especially close to the bride and groom, like the officiant or wedding coordinator, can use personalized gifts to wish the couple well as they start their new life together.

Planning A Picture-Perfect Event

According to Minted, brides and grooms say these are the most important wedding elements:



When brides or grooms to be visit your shop or schedule a meeting with you, you can leave a lasting impression with branded merchandise.

Fun Favors

Not all couples give wedding favors, but those who do spend an average of about $450, with favors averaging $1-$3 per person. Some of the trendiest wedding favors now include coasters, magnets, mini bottles of wine and hand sanitizer. Customized items like these let the newlyweds express their personality and show appreciation to those who commemorated their big day with them.

Pop The Champagne

After waiting an average of 18 months from engagement to wedding day, today’s couples are ready to party – and they’re celebrating in all kinds of ways. According to research from Zola, couples host an average of three celebrations in addition to their big day. Here’s how they’re celebrating:

Attendees can drink up all the fun with items like personalized wine glasses, cocktail shakers, barware and tumblers.

Put A Ring On It

Last year, the average cost of the bride’s rings (engagement and wedding band) topped $6,000, while the price for the groom’s wedding ring averaged about $470. About 1 in 5 brides choose their ring themselves, with most (73%) opting for white gold. Jewelers and engagement ring designers can use promotional products to build awareness at bridal shows and to elevate the experience when couples work with them.

The Most Wedding-Friendly Cities

WalletHub looked at more than 180 U.S. cities to determine the most affordable and convenient places to tie the knot. These places rose to the top based on factors like average wedding cost, event spaces per capita and hotel availability.

Most Popular Locations For Destination Weddings

One out of every four weddings is a destination wedding, according to GroupTravel.org. Most people who choose this option (80%) have been married before and are willing to shell out big bucks for their big day. Last year, the destination wedding market was valued at more than $21 billion and is projected to grow to $64 billion by 2026, according to Globe Newswire.

 



Waiting To Say “I Do”

Compared to a century ago, people are in no hurry to get hitched. In 1920, the average woman got married at age 21 and the average man got married at age 25. Now, women wait until they’re about 29 to get married, while men tie the knot at an average age of 30. Businesses in the wedding industry can more effectively use promotional products by considering the demographic of their target audience. 

Parents Pay Up

The parents of many engaged couples are footing a good portion of the wedding bills. According to the Brides American Wedding Study, parents pay between 35-42% of the cost of their children’s weddings. Places like wedding venues, bakeries and floral shops can gear some of their campaigns toward parents to build connections with those covering costs for the nuptials.

What’s Old Is New Again

The disposable camera has made a comeback at wedding receptions. A mainstay at weddings in the ’80s and ’90s, couples are once again turning to the humble disposable camera for a vintage and artsy aesthetic. When customized with the happy couple’s name, cameras become not only table favors but also interactive gifts for guests.

Campaign Collateral

Raise a toast at rehearsal dinners and cocktail hours with the Snowfox Shimmer Series Stainless Steel Beer Tumbler. This sleek and modern tumbler makes a useful gift for wedding attendants. It keeps hands and tables dry and is half the weight of a traditional beer glass.

Logomark / PPAI 110898, S11

The Microfiber French Terry Lined Bathrobe is ideal for destination weddings or gifts from honeymoon venues. It features double belt loops for adjustable belt height and a hanger loop for convenient storage.

Boca Terry / PPAI 254386, S3

Give wedding guests a sweet memento with these Individually Wrapped Candies. Perfect for reception tables, these melt-proof, clear mints can get tucked in purses and pockets to enjoy anytime. 

NC Custom / PPAI 111662, S7

Couples can choose from among their favorite confections to include in the Bow Gift Boxes. Options include Ferrero Rocher, Lindt truffles and fruit bonbons.

Midnite Snax / PPAI 113793, S3

When friends and family arrive at a destination wedding, brides and grooms can have an Engraved Mini Champagne Bottle waiting in their rooms. Each deep-etched and hand-painted bottle is filled with California sparkling wine.

A+ Wine Designs / PPAI 173549, S4

Wedding planners, photographers and other wedding pros can congratulate their newlywed clients with the Heart Picnic Basket. This willow basket features a fully lined interior, woven handles and deluxe picnic service for two.

Picnic Time Family of Brands / PPAI 143980, S6

Personalized Hand Sanitizer continues to be one of the most popular wedding favors. This antibacterial hand-sanitizing gel includes an adjustable silicone loop that easily clips onto a bag or belt.

Evans Manufacturing / PPAI 110747, S10