New survey reveals Destination Weddings is the fastest growing segment in the industry NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite reported budget cuts for traditional weddings, destination wedding budgets have increased. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons conducted a reader survey to capture spending decisions and detailed demographics on today's destination bride and groom. The survey, administered by Walker Communications, indicates positive growth for the destination-wedding and honeymoon niches. "Destination weddings are changing the way Americans travel," comments Susan Moynihan, editor in chief of Bonnier Corporation's Destination Weddings & Honeymoons. "Destination weddings provide an opportunity for extended quality time with cherished family and friends. The destination couple plans a group vacation around the wedding festivities and spends more to create a fabulous guest experience." Highlights from the reader survey are as follows. Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Spending is Up • Destination wedding budget increased 4%, from $19,800 in 2006 to $20,600 in 2009 • 60% of destination couples pay for their own wedding • Destination couples have an average honeymoon budget of $8,200, or 34% greater than that of traditional wedding couples Top Criteria for Choosing a Location • 91% say weather is the most important factor • 88% prioritize cost; 80% look for the availability of wedding packages Older, Educated and Financially Secure • The average age of today's destination bride is 33, compared to a U.S. average of 28 • 70% have graduated college and the average household income is $110,000 Fewer Guests but Spending More Per Person • Average spend is $400 per guest, or triple that of traditional weddings • Hosting an average of 48 guests, a slight decrease since 2006 (51 guests) Additional statistics and the opportunity to speak with an editor are available at your request. High-resolution photos may be provided electronically or via mail. ABOUT Destination Weddings & Honeymoons is the leading national magazine devoted exclusively to romantic travel and weddings away. With inside knowledge of destinations and resorts around the globe, an educated eye for wedding services and travel-related products, and personal contacts with business leaders and vendors around the world, they reach brides and grooms via a multi-platform approach, including print, online, emarketing and events. The print title is published five times per year and available on newsstands and in major bookstores nationwide. The website, www.destinationweddingmag.com, features more than 65 domestic and international destinations plus resources created especially for the destination couple such as real weddings, contests, package deals, unique and archived articles and a popular editors' blog. Destination Weddings & Honeymoons is published by Bonnier Corporation, one of the largest consumer-publishing groups in the United States, and is the leading media brand exclusively serving the destination bride. SOURCE Destination Weddings & Honeymoons
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