Tag Archives: LGBT Nuptials

Top 10 Wedding Stats on Same-Sex Weddings and LGBT Nuptials

To commemorate Pride Month, the striking down of same-sex marriage bans, and the anniversary of the overturn of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), TheKnot.com and The Advocate, announced the results of their second annual same-sex wedding survey.

The study looked at many aspects of weddings, from the engagement ring to the honeymoon, comparing the traditions that same-sex couples are following in their wedding ceremonies with those of their straight counterparts.

Top 10 Wedding Stats on Same-Sex Weddings and LGBT Nuptials 

  1. It is our wedding – 82% of same-sex couples refer to this occasion as their wedding in invitations, up from 70% in 2013.
  2. We go all-out – Over 70% of same-sex couples will have a ceremony and reception, as opposed to 96% of straight couples. 12% of same-sex couples will only have a ceremony, and 7% of couples are planning to simply host a reception.
  3. Its not always about the size of the diamond – Proposing with a ring is not as common for same-sex couples, with about 2 out of 3 couples (62%) exchanging an engagement ring before or after the proposal.
  4. Its about teamwork – When it comes to wedding attire, nearly all (91%) of same-sex couples know what their partner is wearing in advance, with 49% of male same-sex couples and 20% of female same-sex couples wearing matching outfits. As a nod to customary wedding wear, 42% of both female and male same-sex couples are wearing a suit or tuxedo as their wedding day attire.
  5. The “walk down the aisle” – Less than half of same-sex couples did or plan to walk down the aisle. Of those couples, 59% of female same-sex couples will be escorted by a family member, along with 37% of male same-sex couples. However, 40% percent of male same-sex couples and 30% of female same-sex couples plan to walk down the aisle together.
  6. Its about us – 63% of straight couples are more likely to tie religion into their ceremony, while only 38% of same-sex couples will incorporate religion.
  7. We’re romantic – Nearly half (49%) of same-sex couples write their own vows, compared to about one in four straight couples.
  8. Its not always tradition – In a more traditional move, 79% of straight brides will change their last name to the groom’s last name, while 54% of same-sex couples will keep their given last names.
  9. We’re not cheap – Although same-sex couples are spending less on average ($15,849) on their weddings than straight couples ($29,858), they’re having more intimate affairs with less guest and still investing just as much on their guests, with an average spend of $205 per head.
  10. We pay our way – When it comes to finances, 85% of same-sex couples are paying for their wedding themselves, compared with only 13% of straight couples.