When it comes to engagement ring preferences, oval-cut diamonds, solitaire settings and yellow precious metals are surging, according to The Knot’s 2023 “Real Weddings Study.”
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2024/03/knotweddingsurvey23.1.jpg?w=575)
A comprehensive look into the hearts and minds of more than 9,000 US couples who walked down the aisle last year, the study also covered the timing of proposals, the nitty gritty of wedding planning and how much couples spent along the way.
When asked about their preference of engagement ring center stone, diamonds remained the top choice (85%), while the preference for solitaire mountings increased by 10% compared to 2015, and the use of side-stones/accents decreased by 12% over that same period.
Round is still the most popular shape for a center stone (34%), but that choice is down 15% since 2015. The oval shape (preferred by 23%) and pear (8%) have been trending up over the past eight years.
Yellow gold is making a resurgence. Exactly 31% of The Knot’s respondents chose yellow gold, an increase of 15% compared to three years ago. White gold is still the top choice at 39%.
The average total carat weight of an engagement ring is on the rise at 1.6 carats, a phenomenon attributed to popularly priced lab-grown diamonds and moissanite.
The Knot reported that the average length of an engagement was 15 months, during which couples spent an average of seven hours per week planning for their weddings.
December continues to be the most popular month for engagements. Christmas Day and Christmas Eve are the most popular days to pop the question. Couples said the holidays often present an opportune time to make the occasion extra special. Exactly 38% of proposers tied the momentous event to a planned trip, while 20% said they wanted propose when family and friends were around.
Exactly 58% of respondents said they felt some or a lot of pressure to plan a unique proposal. The importance of getting it right led 7 in 10 proposers to start strategizing up to six months in advance.
Once again, October is the most popular month for weddings (17% of all weddings), while September 21, 2024, is expected to be the most coveted date. Other popular 2024 dates (all Saturdays) include May 28, June 22, September 14 and October 12.
The average combined wedding ceremony and reception spend in 2023 was $35,000, up $5,000 compared to 2022.
In 2023, the New York Metro area was the most expensive place to have a ceremony and reception ($63,000), followed by Chicago Metro ($56,000), San Francisco-San Jose-Oakland ($51,000) and Los Angeles Metro ($48,000). The least expensive Metro areas were Tampa-St. Petersburg-Sarasota ($30,000), Sacramento-Modesto ($30,000) and Minneapolis-St. Paul ($30,000).
The Knot reported that the average number of wedding guests in 2023 was 115 (lower than the 2019 average of 131), while the average ceremony/reception spend was $35,000 (significantly higher than 2019’s average of $27,000). Cost-per-guest in 2023 stood at $304, compared to $214 in 2019.
These were the average costs of key bridal services in 2023: reception venue ($12,800), photographer ($2,900), florist ($2,800), wedding dress ($2,000), groom’s attire ($330), reception DJ ($1,700), wedding cake ($540), wedding day hair and makeup ($290), and catering ($85 per person).
The “Real Weddings Study” is based on responses from 9,318 US couples married between January 1 and December 31, 2023. To provide the most comprehensive view of 2023 trends, The Knot also included in this report wedding statistics from ad hoc studies conducted throughout the year.
Credit: Image by BigStockPhoto.com.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse our shop online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Great event. Thank you Huntsville ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse our shop online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
We carry ONLY Natural Gemological Institute of America Certified diamonds. All shapes and sizes are available. All colors and clarities.
1.00 carat and larger diamonds are our specialty. Set your new diamond in some of our most beautiful and unique settings or custom design your dream ring.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online: www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
This content isn't available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
As your love grows, so should your diamond. Let us craft a custom ring that celebrates your journey together. Start your timeless upgrade today.💍✨
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/
Browse our shop online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
Shop Now
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
View more comments
🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ Browse online at www.elliottsjewelers.com/shop/ ... See MoreSee Less
Learn More
Book an Appointment - Elliott's Jewelers
www.elliottsjewelers.com
Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Gorgeous
💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
Call Elliott's Jewelers today at (936) 661-5363 or book an appointment online www.elliottsjewelers.com/book-an-appointment/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Very pretty.
Elliott’s Jewelers Huntsville,TX www.elliottsjewelers.com ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Photos from Huntsville Independent School District's post ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
Share Your Elliott's Jewelers Story: www.elliottsjewelers.com/share-your-story/ ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
Wish I could click the “Love” and “Wow” Buttons at the same time.