Couples spent less on weddings in 2017 than the year before, according to The Knot.

A recent survey found that couples have moved further away from formal, black-tie weddings in an effort to save money.

They are also shying away from traditions that, in the past, have cost more.



More Americans are opting to spend less on traditional nuptials and, instead, focusing on individuality and showing their guests a good time.

In a survey of nearly 13,000 American couples married in 2017, The Knot found that the average total wedding cost was $33,391 — a $1,938 drop from 2016.

"Weddings in 2017 showed us that couples are focused on guests, as we see them pulling out all the stops to create a truly memorable experience for their wedding attendees," Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor-in-chief of The Knot wrote. "Couples are also shifting away from formal affairs to create an experience that's truly reflective of their personalities, and infusing more unique and unconventional ideas — from their venue and invitations to food, entertainment, and more."

The average cost of a wedding varied widely across the country, from $18,516 in Utah to $78,464 in New York City. The survey broke down average national spending for wedding expenses including the venue, the wedding dress, the groom's attire, the photographer, the reception, the cake, hair and makeup, the rehearsal dinner, the engagement ring and more.

Here's how newlyweds cut their wedding spending in 2017.

They're trading in "black-tie" for meaningful individuality.

Couples traded black-tie affairs, which tend to be more expensive, for more personal, low-key events in 2017, the survey found.

According to the survey, 20 percent of weddings in 2009 were formal affairs, but that went down to 16 percent in 2017. Weddings at banquet halls, hotels, resorts and country clubs all saw a drop.

Moving away from traditional weddings means saving money. Flickr / Wonderlane

They're passing on typical wedding traditions.

Couples are shelling out less on typical wedding staples such as engagement rings, flowers and décor, and a wedding cake.

The average cost of an engagement ring dropped from $6,613 to $5,764 in 2017, the survey found, while the average spending on flowers and décor decreased by $155.

Although couples may be moving away from some conventional elements, they're still incorporating tradition into their big day. Many chose to honor their heritage in 2017, with 21 percent of couples infusing cultural elements in their weddings, including Moroccan belly dancers, traditional Hindu ceremonies, Irish bagpipers and a Chinese tea ceremony.

Couples in 2017 made their guests' experience a priority. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

That said, they are putting more money towards gust experience.

Couples invited fewer guests to their weddings in 2017 than in 2016, but they tried harder than ever to make each guest's experience as fun as possible, with 72 percent saying it was very important that their guests were entertained at their wedding.

"Cutting the guest list is traditionally been one of the quickest ways to save money," Kay said. "But in this case, they're actually spending the same amount just treating fewer people to a really special celebration."



About 40 percent of the couples surveyed said they splurged for reception perks such as sparklers, selfie stations, candy bars, and lawn games to show their guests a good time.

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