United StatesCouples are spending significantly more on weddings in 2026, with wedding-related spending increasing by 8.5% compared to the previous year. This rise is attributed to tariffs and broader inflation, which have driven up costs for items like flowers and catering. According to a Bank of America Institute analysis, the average wedding cost reached $36,000 in 2025, up $3,000 from the prior year. The study examined payment data to estimate spending on various wedding-related services. Regional differences in spending growth were noted, with the South experiencing much faster increases than the Midwest. Additionally, trends show a shift toward younger generations hosting more weddings, with Gen Z weddings tripling since 2019, while millennial weddings declined by around 20%. Some traditional practices, such as using lab-grown diamonds, are becoming more common as couples seek more affordable options.
Bias read (Center): The article presents economic data and trends related to wedding spending without overtly favoring any political ideology. It discusses factors like inflation and tariffs but does not take a clear stance on their causes or implications beyond reporting the data. The framing remains neutral, focusing
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Factuality is high as the article cites specific data from Bank of America and mentions tariffs and inflation as factors. Objectivity is slightly lower due to the mention of President Trump's tariffs without balancing with alternative viewpoints or explanations.
