Wedding Facts & Statistics

Ring:
The wedding ring has traditionally been worn on the third finger of the left hand because it was believed that a vein in this finger ran directly to the heart. The third finger of the left hand has become the customary wedding-ring finger for all
English-speaking cultures.

Kiss:
The first kiss a bride and groom share at the close of the ceremony has carried special significance through the centuries.
Many cultures believed that the couple exchanged spirits with their breath and part of their souls were exchanged as well.

Bouquet:
For ancient Greeks and Romans, the bouquet was a pungent mix of garlic and herbs or grains. The garlic was supposed to ward off evil spirits and the herbs or grains were to insure a fruitful union. In ancient Poland, it was believed that sprinkling sugar on the bride's bouquet kept her temper sweet.

*The average American engagement is 16 months.

*June is the most popular month for weddings, then August, followed by September October and May

*$22,000 is the average amount spent on a traditional American wedding

*The average amount spent on a bridal gown is $800

WEDDING COSTS BY CATEGORY:
• Reception 28.3%
• Consultant 15.0% (if hired)
• Wedding Rings 11.5%
• Photography/Video 6.6%
• Bridal Gown 6.1%
• Music 5.2%
• Flowers 4.6%
• Bridal attendants' apparel 4.5%
• Rehearsal dinner 4.2%
• Men's formal wear 3.2%
• Invitations 2.8%
• Attendants' gifts 2.1%
• Mother of the bride apparel 1.7%
• Bride's veil 1.6%
• Clergy and ceremony fees 1.2%
• Limousine 0.9%
• Groom's attire 0.8%