As we hear from our readers and our advertisers, we see confirmation that our region is following some important national trends.

First, Americans are waiting longer to get married. From 1950 to the early 1970s, the median age of first marriage was 23 for men, and gradually rose from 20 to 21 for women. But Census figures show those averages are now around 27 for men and over 25 for women.

As of 2003, 86 percent of men and 75 percent of women ages 20 through 24 had never been married. In their parents’ time, 1970, those figures were 55 percent for men and 36 percent for women.

In an unscientific snapshot, we looked at the couples who have registered with Cape Fear Wedding. The average Cape Fear bride-to-be is just under 26 when she registers. As of early November 2005, 75 percent were in their 20s, 15 percent in their 30s, 4 percent in their teens, and 1 percent in their 40s.

For the men in our registry, the average age is 27, with 70 percent in their 20s, 26 percent in their 30s, 3 percent in their 40s and 2 percent in their teens.

The second trend is the number of couples who are living together before they tie the knot. Of the couples who listed both bride’s and groom’s address, 82 percent are already sharing a home.

Almost half — 49 percent — already own their homes. This has obvious implications about what kinds of wedding gifts are suitable for couples who have already established a household.

Regardless of how you fit into these trends, we hope you find this guide useful as you plan your wedding.

source : capefearwedding.com