Since the 1970s, the marriage rate for opposite-sex couples in England and Wales has declined considerably, with the marriage rate per thousand population falling from 84 to 20.3 for men between 1972 and 2022, and from 63.5 to 18.3 for women, during the same time period. Three spikes in the marriage rate can be seen in 1915, 1920 and 1940, all likely influenced by the impact of the First and Second World Wars. The drop in the marriage rate in 2020 can be attributed to the COVID-19 lockdowns.

In 2019, 253,112 marriages took place in the UK in 2019, a decrease from 2018 when there were 270,286. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were just 100,899 marriages in 2020, the fewest during this time period.

Over the five years through 2025-26, revenue is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 42.7%. This significant growth rate stems from a pandemic, where restrictions curtailed events and guest numbers. Nonetheless, the UK wedding venue market is undergoing significant transformation driven by changing social norms, rising costs, and shifting consumer expectations. Marriage rates continue to decline, and couples are marrying later, with many opting for cohabitation. In 2022, 83% of marriages were civil ceremonies, reflecting a long-term move away from religious traditions. This has increased demand for flexible, customisable venues catering to smaller, more personal celebrations. At the same time, economic pressures are reshaping how couples plan. With weddings averaging £23,250 in 2024 according to Hitched.co.uk, couples face financial constraints and demand pricing transparency, flexible payment options and value-driven packages. Venues that fail to adapt risk losing market share. Operational costs have also soared, driven by inflation in energy, food, and wages. Venues are under pressure to maintain quality while controlling expenses. Many are diversifying into non-wedding events to boost revenue. Social media and pop culture have raised expectations, with couples prioritising guest experience, customisation and visual appeal. Traditional packages no longer suffice - venues must offer interactive, immersive experiences and reflect individual personalities. Adaptability, transparency and innovation are now essential for wedding venues aiming to stay competitive in a fragmented and fast-evolving market. In 2025-26, revenue is expected to drop marginally by 0.6% reaching £3.9 billion, and profit is expected to reach 8.2% thanks to price hikes. Over the five years through 2030 -2031, revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 2.5% reaching £4.4 billion while profit is anticipated to remain steady at 8.1%. Couples are increasingly cost-conscious, opting for weekday or off-peak weddings, smaller guest lists and value-driven packages. As a result, venues must rethink pricing strategies, promote seasonal offerings and showcase flexibility. Generation Z’s renewed interest in marriage offers long-term promise, but they expect personalisation, transparency and digital-first experiences. Venues must strengthen their online presence, adopt fast, friendly communication tools, and embrace storytelling across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Meanwhile, potential wedding law reforms could open up competition by allowing legal ceremonies in unlicensed spaces. Traditional venues must differentiate through experience-led offerings, unique settings and celebrant partnerships. Adaptability is crucial. Venues that tailor services, embrace digital marketing, and innovate around seasonality, flexibility and customisation will thrive in a fast-changing, fragmented market.

In 2021, the divorce rate in England and Wales was *** divorces per thousand married couples, which was significantly higher than the rate in 2018, which was ***. The Divorce rate in England and Wales has been falling steadily since a rate of **** was recorded in 2003 and 2004. In the last available data for Scotland in 2008, the divorce rate was ****.

In 2022, approximately 2,606 women aged between 30 and 34 married a same-sex partner in England and Wales, the most common age group for same-sex marriages among women. For men marrying a same-sex partner, the most common age group was also 30 to 34.

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Bridal Wear Market Size 2025-2029

The bridal wear market size is forecast to increase by USD 15.2 billion at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is witnessing significant growth due to several key trends. One of the primary factors driving market growth is the increasing product premiumization, as more consumers are willing to spend on high-quality, unique, and customized bridal wear in terms of wedding services. Another trend is the increased adoption of an omnichannel strategy by retailers, which allows customers to shop for bridal wear both online and offline, enhancing the shopping experience.
However, the rise of e-commerce and digital platforms has made custom bridal wear more accessible to a wider audience. The market is also facing challenges, such as the declining marriage rates in some regions, which may negatively impact demand for bridal wear. Despite these challenges, the market is expected to continue its growth trajectory, offering ample opportunities for players in the value chain.

What will be the Size of the Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market encompasses a wide range of products designed to enhance the beauty and elegance of brides and grooms on their wedding day. This market includes bridal gowns and wedding dresses, bridal accessories such as veils, jewelry, shoes, and headpieces, as well as attire for bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and the wedding band for the couple. Bridal gowns and wedding dresses are the centerpiece of any wedding ensemble. These garments are available in various styles, from classic and timeless to modern and trendy, allowing brides to choose an option that reflects their personal taste and wedding theme. Bridal accessories add the finishing touches to the overall look, with veils, jewelry, and shoes adding elegance and sophistication, while headpieces and fascinators add a touch of glamour. Bridal boutiques offer custom and designer bridal wear, providing brides with the opportunity to create a unique and personalized look for their special day. Bridal couture, including sarees, lehengas, and lingerie, caters to diverse cultural and traditional preferences. Bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen attire, including wedding tuxedos, ensure that the entire wedding party looks cohesive and stylish. Wedding bands and engagement rings are essential accessories for the couple, symbolizing their commitment and love for each other.
Additionally, flower girl dresses and wedding undergarments, including corsets and garters, complete the ensemble for the entire wedding party. Hair accessories, such as tiaras and headbands, and clutches add the final touches to the bridal look. The market is driven by the increasing popularity of destination weddings and the growing trend towards personalized and unique wedding experiences. With a focus on providing high-quality and customizable options, bridal boutiques and designers continue to innovate and offer a wide range of products to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of brides and grooms.

How is this market segmented and which is the largest segment?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Gown
  Traditional wear


Geography

  North America

    Canada
    US


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France
    Italy


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The offline distribution of bridal wear encompasses various channels where these products are sold through physical stores. Bridal boutiques, known for their focus on wedding attire, provide a personalized shopping experience with a curated selection of wedding gowns, bridal accessories, and bridesmaid dresses. Consultants are often on hand to offer expert advice. Department stores, another common offline distribution channel, offer dedicated sections for bridal wear, providing a wider reach and convenience for customers. Both channels cater to the unique needs of bridal wear shoppers, ensuring a memorable and satisfying purchasing experience.

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The offline segment was valued at USD 47.40 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

North America is estimated to contribute 40% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

For

In 2022, approximately 207,004 marriages took place via a civil ceremony in England and Wales, compared with 41,915 religious ceremonies. Since 1992, there have been more civil ceremonies in every year than religious ones. There were far fewer ceremonies taking place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 lockdowns at the time.

Saturday was the most popular day of the week for weddings in England and Wales in 2022, with 107,543 of 246,897 weddings in this year taking place on that day. Friday was the second-most popular day, with 44,813 weddings taking place on this day.

The mean age at first marriage in Spain was, along with Sweden, one of the highest in the European Union. Based on this setup, it is no wonder that the Spanish autonomous communities featured quite elevated numbers - particularly in the Canary Islands, where the average age at first marriage stood at over 41 years old for men and over ** for women in 2023. Easy come easy go Marriage might be undergoing a declining popularity among Spaniards, or so it would seem by its national (heterosexual) marriage figures, which have experienced a slight decrease overtime. In 2023, the Balearic Islands recording the highest numbers on the list of marriage rate in Spain, with a rate of **** marriages per 1,000 people. Moreover, Spain has one of the highest divorce rates in Europe, with **** divorces per 100 marriages carried out in this country in 2020. Ageing: a common problem across the continent The age at first marriage is not the only digit that is on the rise in Spain. Data related to age in the Mediterranean country essentially behaves in a similar fashion as the rest of its European counterparts, whose population is also slowly but surely getting older. In 2023, the life expectancy at birth in Spain stood at ***** years, one of the highest in the world.