For the past year, I have worked behind the scenes with a dedicated team to put together a new wedding planning book, Jumping the Broom Today. Myrdith and her team from World Bride Magazine were instrumental in helping me find dynamic vendors who service the bridal industry globally who provided detailed insight into how couples are marrying today. The big questions we asked more than 100 couples and professionals included: Who is getting married today? At what age and stage in life? How are these couples organizing their weddings? What is important to them? And how much money do they want to spend to jumpstart this next chapter?
The answers made us cheer! Today’s couples are conscious and intentional about their nuptials. While they still treasure their parents’ wisdom and insight, they have specific ideas about how they want their married life story to unfold, and they work painstakingly–often with the support of a team of wedding planners, florists, event designers, stylists and more–to bring their vision to life.
In 2025 the average age of a bride and groom crept up to late-20s/early-30s, a time when individuals have a lot more agency than they did when leaving their parents’ home in their late teens/early 20s to move into their married home. We interviewed couples ranging in age from 22 to 74 and everything in between. The people we met are independent, have their own money and want their usually multi-day events to have tremendous impact and make unforgettable memories.
Couples today are spending top dollar on their weddings. While the average cost of a wedding is about $35,000, that figure represents an average household income of $70,000 (i.e. half of the family’s income). The luxury bridal consultants I interviewed revealed that the low average in the luxury market is a cool six figures, often climbing to nearly seven. Event planner Akeshi Akinseye, owner of Kesh Events, says that the cost grows based on the experiences incorporated into the event(s). The author of the new book, The Art of Celebrating: Inspiration and Ideas for Meaningful Gatherings, explains, “Couples are making moments at their weddings that speak to who they are and what matters to them.” That can be anything from having a live sketch artist paint them as they are doing their first dance to a drone performance moments before their departure that showcases a video display of their life using the backdrop of the heavens.
Where do you fit in? Pause to consider what you want your life to look like and how you can represent that vision during your wedding festivities. Know that every detail counts. The best memories get created when you and your partner design them together. And we are here to help. When Jumping the Broom Today is published in 2027, we will be hosting book signings and special events all over the country. We are working with World Bride, just as they celebrate their 20th anniversary of enlightening couples who are getting married. Together we look forward to seeing you, answering your questions and supporting you during this pivotal time in your life.
Harriette Cole worked alongside her husband, photographer George Chinsee, and a team of dedicated professionals to create this new book to support couples during their sacred walk to the altar. These images are from the photo shoot for the upcoming book in Sag Harbor, NY. Photos by Daryl Tillman Photography.
