Couples in the United States increased their wedding budgets in 2011 for just about everything but engagement rings, according to a recently released survey from TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com.

2010’s research found the average price of an engagement ring to be $5,392. In 2011, that number shrank a bit, to $5,130. 

Overall, brides boosted their wedding budgets for the first time since 2008. In 2011, the average bride spent $27,021 on the overall wedding, excluding honeymoon. In 2010, the average bride spent $26,984. 

Other survey results of interest to jewelers: 

– The most popular month to get engaged: December, favored by 16 percent 

– Average length of engagement: 14 months

– Average marrying age: brides, 29; grooms, 30

The survey captured responses from nearly 18,000 U.S. brides, married between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2011.

In related news, JCK and TheKnot.com are partnering to bring the jewelry industry more extensive information about bridal category retail product and styles trends year-round. 

 

 

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