Majority of Americans think it's not an ideal wedding unless there's an open bar

By Zoya Gervis // SWNS

New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com

NEWS COPY w/ VIDEO & INFOGRAPHIC

Americans’ ideal wedding costs over $42K, according to new research.

A poll of 2,000 Americans (aged 18–55) who plan on getting married found the perfect wedding would cost $42,310.48 total.

For their ideal wedding, Americans desire an open bar. Sixty-one percent would have free drinks at their dream wedding.

In addition, 44% would want formal attire for their wedding and 48% revealed they want a band instead of a DJ at their wedding.

The study, commissioned by Minted Weddings, examined the wedding features that make up the perfect wedding and discovered 48% envision something different than the traditional wedding celebration.

From flowers and colors to who gives a speech and how long it lasts, Americans are opinionated when it comes to their ideal wedding.

Nearly half (49%) of respondents say white is a color they definitely want to include in their wedding, while a further 36% are unafraid of having black as part of their color scheme.

And when it comes to flowers, roses top the list of wedding flowers (50%) followed by tulips (36%), lilies (35%) and baby’s breath (31%) — with gardenias (28%) rounding out the top five.

Three in 10 said they’d prefer a more modern theme over the traditional church bells and a ballroom.

But how many people would be in attendance at Americans’ dream wedding? Just under 100 — the average respondent revealed their ideal wedding would be comprised of 92 guests total.

In order to make sure those 92 guests have the most up-to-date information, many respondents believe a website is important.

In fact, 72% of those studied agree that guests rely on a wedding website to provide the necessary information to plan their trip accordingly.

"Building out wedding solutions allows design-oriented couples to bring their wedding dreams to life,"  said a spokesperson for Minted. "Couples are looking for a website that provides up-to-date information for their wedding weekend."

Americans are not ready to compromise for their dream wedding. Two in five said venue was a non-negotiable for their ideal wedding.

Besides the location of the celebration, 39% revealed cake was a priority for them while a further 34% said having a best man’s speech was something they aren’t willing to go without.

And those aren’t the only wedding priorities Americans have when it comes to their dream day. A third (33%) will not compromise on the type of music played.

Speeches were also a priority — 46% of respondents said the father of the bride would give a speech, while a further 43% said a mother of the bride speech is essential at their dream wedding.

But everyone’s speech should be a tight 10 minutes or less, according to the respondents.

"Couples planning a wedding want stationary that is uniquely designed and one-of-a-kind," said a spokesperson for Minted. "From wedding websites and address collections to save the dates and seating charts, we always put design first so every couple can find their dream wedding stationery.”

THE COMPONENTS OF AMERICANS’ DREAM WEDDING

1. Letterpress wedding invitations

2. Open bar

3. Black tie optional

4. Live band

5. White, black and blue colors

6. Chocolate cake

7. 92 guests

8. Held on a Saturday

9. Roses, tulips and lilies

10. Modern theme

TOP 5 WEDDING NON-NEGOTIABLES

1. Venue                                            40%

2. Cake                                              39%

3. Dress code                                   37%

4. Best man’s speech                      34%

5. Type of music                              33%