Via social networking I have forged friendships with planners and wedding professionals worldwide. I was approached by weddings.com.au with a generous offer to guest post, and I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about the wedding business a world away. Without further delay, please enjoy Wedding Trends in OZ authored by Elise Burgess, Head Journalist at weddings.com.au.
Wedding Trends in OZ
Australian wedding trends have slowly developed and shifted over the years to cater for the new preferred trends of the next generation of marrying couples, from those marrying for the first time in their late 20’s and early 30’s to those remarrying in later years. This along with different financial and cultural trends has resulted in a diverse wedding industry and new Australian wedding trends for 2010.
Every year, the Australian wedding industry generates approximately $2 billion with the average wedding cost sitting around $30,000. Yet where this money is being spent has been one of the altered trends over recent years, with more Australian couples moving away from the large ceremony and receptions towards smaller guest lists with quality cuisine and luxurious honeymoons.
Wedding Trend One – Intimate ceremonies and receptions
Thanks to both the Global Financial Crisis and the move away from large, fairytale weddings, Australian couples are now embracing smaller sized wedding ceremonies and receptions with fewer guests. This has taken form in a range of new popular wedding options including at-home receptions or outdoor venues with minimal hire costs attached. The Australian climate also supports this move with warmer months and outdoor options of beaches, gardens or parklands being well located along the coastline.
Additionally, with these smaller guest lists couples are spending more on catering and wine selection to create a fine dining experience for both themselves and their guests.
Wedding Trend Two – Wedding Season Shifts
March remains the most popular month for weddings in Australia due to the optimal autumn weather yet many Australian couples are now marrying in both October and November for spring weddings when the weather is not yet too high. Additionally, the costs for wedding industry services are far lower in November than in March, further adding to its attraction as a wedding date.
Wedding Trend Three – Return to Elegance
While having just stated that outdoor weddings remain highly popular in Australian weddings, this has occurred in unison with a return to elegance and classic style as couples are having less fuss, yet better quality services. This can be seen in the resurgence of a monochromatic colour scheme, luxury vehicles and simplistic decor. This elegance is too mirrored in the outfits of the bride and groom along with any bridal party.
While strapless gowns remain highly popular, simple designer dresses with minimal detailing and a slim fit are now a favourite for Australia brides due to the cool comfort and classic appearance. Coloured gowns are also now very popular for many Australian brides, incorporating their colour scheme and environment into their dress choice. Grooms will often opt for a tailored suit with open collared shirt for casual elegance.
Wedding Trend Four – Age of Marriage and Percentage of Second and Third Marriages
When it comes to Australian couples getting married for both the first time and remarriages, both figures have increased substantially over the last decade or so with the average age for women and men to be married for the first time at 27.6 and 29.6 years of age respectively (as of 2007), an increase of approximately 3 years for both sexes since 1989.
Similarly, the ratio of remarriages now consists of approximately 50 percent of all marriages in Australia, making remarriage a dominant factor in the Australian wedding industry.
Bridal Party Fashion and Beauty – wedding.com.au
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