Why weddings are shrinking

Ballrooms are out. "Micro weddings" are in — and they might be smarter, too.
Why it matters: Some couples are skipping big weddings to save money and throw a more intimate gathering.
By the numbers: The average guest count nationwide was 131 in 2024, down from 184 in 2006, according to data shared with Axios by The Wedding Report.
And smaller celebrations, those with 50 guests or fewer, made up 18% of nuptials last year, compared to 10% in 2013, per the research company.
What we're hearing: Courthouse ceremonies and parties in cozy restaurants or backyards let couples spend more time with loved ones.
Downsizing can also limit stress, plus free up cash for that open bar or unforgettable carving station.
Zoom in: Vegas-style chapels and businesses offering curated micro weddings and elopements have opened in Boston, Dallas, Portland, Oregon, Richmond, Virginia and beyond.
Reality check: While certain people "just like low-key events," most go smaller to spend less, Shane McMurray, CEO of The Wedding Report, tells Axios.
The big picture: Cutting the guest list is the best way to save, with prices for meals, venues, invitations and more usually based on headcount, McMurray says.
Pros estimate micro weddings can cost over 50% less than traditional ones.
Between the lines: Many brides and grooms-to-be are bracing for pricier nuptials as tariffs stand to hike the $33,000 cost of an average U.S. wedding, according to The Knot, a planning and registry site.
Those worrying about their jobs or finances may delay celebrations altogether.
The bottom line: No need to invite the roommate you haven't talked to since graduation.

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2 hours ago

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27 Wayfair Finds That'll Help You Level Up Your Patio

An outdoor side table that doubles as a cooler and can fit on large patios or small balconies. No matter your outdoor footprint, give your feet a rest from unnecessary runs to the fridge. Promising review: "I love this cooler. It's easy to assemble as you only have to attach the legs. The material is hard plastic. It's deeper than I thought I purchased a 24 pack of soda cans and a large bag of ice and still had plenty of space to add more. I would recommend." —BrittanyPrice: $128 (available in six colors) A beanbag lounger if you just want your outdoor space to have a little less structure. Just think of how satisfying it would be to end your day with a big jump onto a grown-up beanbag chair. Promising review: "So comfy, did not fade in the Miami sun. Kept outside on my balcony which is not covered and gets direct sunlight. Also was rained on and water never got through the cover. The cover even became stained from rust leaking off my roof and it came out with no problem after just washing the cover in the washing machine. Great product." —AshlynPrice: $169.99+ (originally $239.99; available in 16 colors). A set of tiki glasses to punch up your next at-home cocktail hour. Or use these as your everyday water glasses if you need an extra set of eyes on your hydration. Promising review: "These glasses are fantastic for our summer cocktails. Really nice quality, not cheap at all. All you need is a paper umbrella and a tropical cocktail!" —MichellePrice: $34.99 for a set of four An outdoor firepit to make core summer memories for your kids (or relive as an adult) by finding random sticks in your yard and making s'mores over a fire. Promising review: "Firepit was beautiful. It was the perfect size and added ambience to our outdoor space. Well made. We were very happy with his firepit." —TheresePrice: $135+ (originally $168.99+; available in two sizes) A Blackstone grill to flip like a backyard hibachi hero — with room to feed the whole neighborhood. It's the only place where pancakes, bacon, and 27 smash burgers can party at once without starting a grease fire. Promising review: "Great price. Great product. Easy assembly. I've done a few cooks on this griddle and I don't know why I didn't get this sooner. Easy to cook on easy to clean and Versatile. The two burner size was perfect for us." —DanaPrice: $338 (originally $399.99) A four-person patio furniture set for small hangs outside, from wine nights to book clubs. It's like bringing the comfort of your living room outside, minus the weird stares from your neighbors. Promising review: 'I adore this patio furniture! It was so easy to assemble (maybe took my husband and I 45 minutes for all the pieces) and it is so beautiful. It's really good quality and lasts in all weather conditions.' —TaraPrice: $459.99 (originally $873.60) A set of outdoor dinnerware because your barbecue deserves more than paper plates that fold under pressure. Plus, these Mediterranean-style chip-resistant plates and bowls are the perfect way to serve up style even while serving up burgers! The set includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four review: 'Love these dishes. Just as pretty as the pictures and a good size. Bought to keep and use outdoors on patio, so I don't have to worry about accidents and don't have to use paper plates that fall apart and create garbage. Pop them in the dishwasher and they come out beautiful! Would buy again.' —posup321Price: $53.99 A tabletop wood-burning pizza oven to have an Italian pizzeria in your backyard — minus the tight spaces and long waits. Plus it's portable, so you can take it to the beach, tailgates, or wherever a craving might hit. Promising review: "Nice size pizza oven, everything was in the box and arrived in perfect condition. Assembly was somewhat difficult due to the size and placement of the screws, but when put together it is a sturdy piece and looks nice." —CrimsonPrice: $109.99+ (originally $125.99; available in two sizes) A wicker teardrop egg lounger that will become your new personal throne, where lounging is an art. It's like a hammock but with more style and less chance of falling into the bushes. Price: $326.99+ (originally $410.89; available in two colors) A solar-powered outdoor shower to feel like a beach resort regular, without getting sand everywhere. Wash off after a bike ride, a hike, or just because you want to feel fancy in your own backyard! Promising review: "This is better than we imagined. Works fine for what we need. Put together faster than expected. We were anticipating all sorts of obstacles, but we were able to do it without too much difficulty. Looks and runs great. My husband used it the other night after swimming." —AnonymousPrice: $159.95 (originally $285.99) A cornhole set so you can settle that neighborly feud by reliving your favorite tailgate days (from college or just from last season). Plus, it folds up for easy storage when your patio is playing host to more ~sophisticated ~ events. Promising review: 'Our adult friends have truly become big time Cornhole fans. We appreciate the heavy weight of this set, which remains in place without moving or sliding around. Because it stores flat, it can be hidden under a bed or on the back wall of a closet. Besides the yard, it can be transported to the park.' —DenisePrice: $65.50 (originally $99.99) A hammock chair that's holding space for you to defy gravity with an IG-worthy lounge chair that would make anyone who sees it green with envy. Promising review: 'This is a great little simple hammock! I would highly recommend using a pillow in it as it's way more comfortable and keeps you more propped up! You will need some sort of bolt to hang it. This is such a cute addition to my patio!' —AmyPrice: $24.99 (originally $31.99) A daybed to turn your patio into poolside at the Four Seasons, even if it lacks a pool, a waiter, fancy cocktails, or balmy summer weather. Lay back in this oversized lounger and open up one of those beach reads on your TBR. Promising review: 'We love this patio set!! It can be configured to allow for guests or just for us to cuddle up together to watch the sunsets! It's the perfect size for our smaller porch. Easy to assemble and very sturdy!' —HollyPrice: $410 A set of globe string lights that will make your patio feel like you're hanging out at a fancy European bistro. Ooh la la! Promising review: 'Love, love, love! Great ambiance added to back patio. Have had strung up for about 4 months, no issues with bulbs or anything. Bought two strands of 25 for our small patio space.' —KimberlyPrice: $33.99+ (originally $39.95; available in three string colors) An outdoor rug so your life outdoors is just as cozy as it is indoors. This patterned rug comes in a ton of sizes and colors, so it will really fit any space! Promising review: 'Great price for the item. Quality is great, not too thick or thin. It added color to my patio. Has not changed in quality in the rain or the sun in the last 12 months. Easy to sweep abs vacuum. Highly rec.' —CamillaPrice: $17.99+ (available in 15 sizes and three colors) A weather-resistant screen to add to existing patio walls that don't offer enough privacy. Your neighbors are lovely, but you don't need them watching you read that smut book you found on TikTok. Promising review: "We just love these! We live in an apartment community where they cut the bushes down in between our patio and our neighbors! We bought two last year and another this year! We love them! Super easy to put together, stylish, and just the right amount of privacy! Great price and shipping was great! We also love that they are planters and we can add flowers! There is a taller version, and although we have not purchased that one, I would think that it would fall over very easily because they are so lightweight without soil and flowers in the planters! Love love love these!" —Anton DavidPrice: $189.99 (available in two colors) A six-person hot tub to turn your patio into your own backyard oasis. Invite friends, family, neighbors, or just use it to unwind at the end of a long workday. This hot tub has colored lights, cup holders, and is a "plug and play" — meaning you can plug it into an electrical outlet, instead of needing to get it professionally wired into your electrical reviews: "Love love love my new baby!!! Every morning I have my coffee and greet the day in my beautiful new hot tub!! It is sturdy but beautiful and the soothing jets heal my aching muscles after a long day of work. It's easy to set up — just fill, plug in, and let it do its thing and it will be set to 100 degrees Fahrenheit in about 20 hours from fill up. A few chemicals and there you go! Ready for some relaxing! The cover is well-made and very durable. I love the low profile of this hot tub and how deep you sit to get your shoulders and neck. A win-win in my book! Enjoy life." —SusanPrice: $3,563.20 (available in three colors) An outdoor dining set because what doesn't taste better outside when the weather heats up? And the table is extendable for when you want to entertain larger groups. The set includes an extendable table and six chairs with review: "Beautiful table and love the function of the extender for a larger table to accommodate extra guests. Highly recommend!" —SusanPrice: $1,190 (originally $2,840; available in two colors) A pergola so all of your guests aren't crowded around one side of your table avoiding direct eye contact with the sun. This water- and UV-resistant shade is a major upgrade from your standard umbrella. Promising review: 'This pergola is a great fit for our back deck. The fact that it secured to the wood deck was necessary as it can get really windy in our backyard, and so far it has held up really well to rain and wind. We love the option to open and close the canopy, and we were able to add a tension rod to the west side so we can't use outdoor curtains to block the evening sun. We thought we would have to save up lots of money to build a pergola, so we were thrilled to find this affordable, sturdy solution!' —WendyPrice: $326+ (available in four colors) An outdoor bar cart that can help you serve drinks, sun your plants, store gardening tools, or whatever your outdoorsy heart desires. Promising review: 'This is so cute! Easy to put together as I did it alone. Can't wait until Spring to bring this out to my deck! Well made and it really rolls, which is a nice feature!' —ShawndaPrice: $133.99 (originally $219.99) A folding Adirondack chair to easily have on hand for all those extra guests (or neighbors) who can't resist dropping by your next barbecue. These can be stored easily in a garage or side yard and add some literal color to any gathering. Promising review: 'These are comfortable, attractive and so convenient for storage! The folding is what separates them from others. I chose black and really like them around my fire pit . I just ordered 2 more in Forrest green for my parents. I have a total of 6 black ones and just ordered the glider 2 seat version!' —MargitPrice: $209.99+ (originally $248.99, available in 13 colors) A rolling cooler so your favorite drink can be at your fingertips no matter where on your patio you end up posting up. Plus, you can also show off your personal style with a variety of color options. Promising review: 'We're so impressed with this cooler! Not only is it so stylish and adorable, but it's kept ice for FOUR days!! We really had little expectations that it would preserve ice so well and we are stunned. It's not in the direct sunlight, but it's made it through several 75° days. It holds a sleeve of ice and tons of drinks. You won't regret this purchase!' —ShannonPrice: $153+ (originally $199.99, available in seven colors) A set of acrylic bar or drinking glasses for the neighborhood parties that start out with every ounce of class, but maybe get a little out of hand. Use these to avoid spending the next morning cleaning up broken glass (or rebuying drinkware). Promising review: 'These are fantastic! They are insulated so any ice inside doesn't melt too quickly and they don't sweat like most plastic glasses do (they sweat a little but that is to be expected). Best of all, they do not look like plastic glasses at all! They look like crystal!' —RhondaPrice: $30.99 for a set of four An outdoor dog bed to make sure your four-legged family can also soak up the sun. Going on walks, playing fetch, or joining your toddler in the kiddie pool is a hard day's work, after all. You just might hear some jealous barks from your tired neighborhood dogs. Promising review: "Love this bed! Super easy and quick to put together, very solid! The cushion cover has a zipper so you could remove and wash if needed. I love how polished it looks, it blends well with the rest of our patio furniture. Maggie is a 60-pound Labrador and we ordered a size medium (large was out of stock). She already loves it!" —RachelPrice: $131.99+ (originally $229.99+; available in three sizes) A pair of solar-powered floor lights that define patio ~mood~ lighting. These sleek, modern lights will earn some nosy looks from backyard neighbors and maybe a few "Where did you get those?" texts. Promising review: "These solar lights are so beautiful. They add such sophistication to my patio space! I need to buy four more." —DebbyPrice: $97.30+ (originally $121.67; available in four colors) A hammock that is a definite upgrade from our parents' rope loungers. It comes with a bar and is ready to hang for a relaxing afternoon. Promising review: "The best hammock!! Beautiful, comfortable, easy to assemble." —AlejandraPrice: $199 (originally $248.99; available in five patterns) A set of nesting outdoor tables that will make whatever outdoor space you have feel like a tropical oasis. Great for elevating plants, holding drinks, or kicking up your feet. Promising review: "Bigger than I envisioned, but they worked out perfectly. Sturdy and I love that I can fit them inside of each other when I need extra space." —JenniferPrice: $168.99+ (originally $317.50; available in two colors)

Yahoo

3 hours ago

• Yahoo

ERCOT CEO on summer preps, artificial intelligence stressing grid

The Brief The head of ERCOT, Pablo Vegas, expressed confidence that the Texas power grid will have enough supply to meet demand this summer, despite a gloomy forecast in February. Vegas stated that over 3,000 power plant and transmission substation inspections have been conducted since issues during the 2021 winter storm, showing facilities are prepared for peak summer heat. While acknowledging a focus on natural gas by lawmakers, Vegas noted the significant growth of solar, wind, and battery storage, and highlighted new legislation (SB 6) requiring data centers to use on-site backup generation during grid emergencies as a "game-changer" for future reliability. AUSTIN - The head of ERCOT says the grid will have enough power supply to meet demand this summer. The outlook comes after a gloomy report in February that warned of a fast-approaching power shortage. What they're saying ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas spoke with FOX 7's Rudy Koski about the positive outlook and why his optimism goes beyond the summer months. Vegas: "We do have enough power. The grid is ready for that. We've been doing our inspections for the summer season. Some people may not know, but we actually inspect the power plants and the transmission substations in the winter and the summer both. So we want to make sure that they're ready to run in the peak heat and the peak cold and so we've done over 3,000 inspections since this program started. That was something that came out of Winter Storm Uri, a new formal program that ERCOT administers and the inspections are showing that the operators are taking this very seriously, that they're readying their power facilities in order to be able to operate during the peak summer heat." Koski: "We heard all about how the Texas power plants are really built for the hot Texas summer, but with that said, and with those inspections, any problems? Any issues that you saw that you say, I have to address this?" Vegas: "I can tell you there's been nothing significant or concerning that makes me think this is going to be a problem, [or that] we're not going to be able to deal with this summer." Koski: "We just wrapped up the legislative session and state lawmakers really put an emphasis on natural gas plants. But we do know that solar and wind have played a big role in getting us through some peak periods and times. Are you happy in how this new triplet-type situation is merging together and then throwing in batteries?" Vegas: "What we're finding is that each of the different supply resources, whether it's wind or solar, whether it's the traditional gas, nuclear, coal, or the brand new batteries that we're starting to see quite a lot of growth on in our system, all of them are bringing something unique to the game." Koski: "Are you worried that lawmakers are a little bit too focused on natural gas? Are you worried about that kind of rhetoric?" Vegas: "No, because I think what's really underlying it is a desire for balance. We've seen predominantly, almost limited to, wind and solar and batteries growing on the ERCOT grid over the last five years, and very little natural gas. I think legislators and policymakers are concerned about this imbalance for the long term." Koski: "You mentioned the growth of back in February, ERCOT caused a little bit of a stir by saying power demand could nearly double by 2030, supply could fall short by 6% by the summer of 2026 and then there would be an even wider gap in 2029. Does that report still hold?" Vegas: "The core growth story is still the same. So we still expect tremendous economic growth. A lot of it is driven by data centers. You've heard the discussions about artificial intelligence and the amount of energy demand that that uses. That continues to be at the center of the focus and the center of the story. However, the legislature made some really important changes during this last session. They passed a bill called Senate Bill 6. And what Senate Bill 6 did is it kind of defined the rules of the road for how data centers would perform and operate in the ERCOT grid. And one of the key requirements is that data centers, which happen to be built, they all are built with backup generation on site. Those backup generation facilities, if the grid were to get into an emergency condition and be very scarce, those data centers would come off of the grid and use their backup generation. That's now put into law. And that's something that is a game-changer when it comes to reliability. And so that provision, once implemented, is going to, I think, pave the pathway for safe growth on the data center side. And that going to really change the picture of that forecast. I think it's going to change the reliability and improve the numbers when we do our next update." Koski: "Are you confident that the [local power providers] are ready for the summer?" Vegas: "I think there were a lot of lessons learned, Rudy. A lot of lesson learned as to how to do better, how to communicate better, how to prepare better, how to manage vegetation better, how to stage people when there is an issue and respond more quickly. I saw a lot of lessons learned and come out of the experiences from last summer and I do believe that our utility partners are ready for the summer weather ahead of us." The Source Information in this article comes from FOX 7's Rudy Koski's interview with ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas.

Yahoo

6 hours ago

• Yahoo

Solange Wore a Deconstructed Skirt at Telfar's 20th Anniversary Show

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." If Solange's style could be described in two words, it would be elegant and experimental. Much like her music, it's a balance she's mastered again and again, and last night was no different. In honor of Telfar's 20th anniversary, the Grammy-winning artist attended the brand's high-energy runway show during Juneteenth weekend in New York City. A vibrant celebration and display of community, Solange was one of the many recognizable faces in attendance to support founder and designer Telfar Clemens. For the event, the Grammy award-winning singer stepped out in her go-to color palette of dark-toned neutrals. Wearing a summer-appropriate bra-as-top sculptural black bandeau, she made a statement with the cropped fit cut cleanly across her chest. But the real standout of her look was her choice of bottom. She opted for a bold, deconstructed piece that combined a classic pinstriped button-down and a leather skirt into one seamless design. The shirt element was tied around the hips, creating an asymmetric, draped effect that added fluidity to her outfit. On her feet, she kept things sleek with square-toe black thong sandals. The minimal silhouette contrasted with the volume and movement of the skirt. As for her glam, Solange went for her signature understated and minimal makeup. Her barely-there approach featured a glowy and radiant base, lightly feathered brows, and a glossy pink lip. She also kept her hair down and loose in her usual waves. You Might Also Like 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine