The wedding industry has seen remarkable transformations in recent years, especially as couples prioritize unique, personalized experiences and place greater emphasis on preserving memories through video. This shift has been particularly noticeable in Chicago, where couples are not only spending more on their weddings but are also redefining what’s important for their big day.

At EverAfter – Wedding Films, we’ve observed these trends firsthand. As we approach 2025, let’s explore some key wedding trends and statistics, including how Chicago compares to the rest of the U.S., why videography is overtaking photography, and how today’s couples are investing to ensure their memories last a lifetime.

Rising Wedding Costs in Chicago vs. Nationwide

Weddings are becoming more expensive, and cities like Chicago are leading the trend with higher-than-average costs. In 2023, the average wedding in the U.S. cost about $35,000, while Chicago weddings averaged around $39,000, with further increases projected in 2024. This growing expense reflects inflation and couples’ desire for high-quality experiences that can be captured beautifully on film.

Average Wedding Costs in the U.S. vs. Chicago (2022-2024)

Average Wedding Cost in the US

The graph above illustrates the increase in wedding costs over recent years, showing how Chicago consistently remains above the national average.

Key Takeaways:

  • Higher Spending in Chicago: Due to its status as a major metropolitan area, Chicago tends to have higher wedding costs, driven by demand for premium services and iconic venues.
  • Selective Budgeting: As costs rise, couples are prioritizing investments that add long-term value to their wedding, such as professional videography to capture meaningful moments in an immersive format.

Increased Demand for Videography Over Photography

One of the most significant trends in the wedding industry is the rise of videography as the preferred medium for documenting weddings. While photography is still popular, more couples are opting for video to capture the emotions, voices, and movements that bring their day to life. In fact, videography has become more popular than photography by 2024, with 56% of couples choosing video as their primary way to preserve memories.

Popularity of Videography vs Photography in Weddings (2022-2024)

Videography Popularity increase over photography

The graph above shows how videography has overtaken photography in popularity, highlighting a growing preference for video documentation among modern couples.

Why Videography is Gaining Popularity:

  • Capturing the Full Experience: Video can capture the entire atmosphere, from the walk down the aisle to the joyous celebrations, offering an immersive experience that photos alone can’t provide.
  • Storytelling Potential: Videographers, such as those at EverAfter Wedding Films, specialize in weaving together moments to create a cohesive, emotional narrative that reflects each couple’s unique journey.
  • Social Media-Ready Content: Short video clips are ideal for sharing on social media, allowing couples to relive and share highlights of their day with friends and family.

As videography continues to evolve, it’s becoming the go-to choice for couples who want to capture the spirit of their day and relive it for years to come.

Personalization in Chicago Weddings

Personalization has become a defining feature of modern weddings, with 70% of couples in the U.S. now choosing customized elements to reflect their unique story. Chicago couples are particularly enthusiastic about this trend, opting for distinct themes, decor, and venue choices that resonate with their relationship and lifestyle.

Today, personalized wedding films are also gaining traction. At EverAfter – Wedding Films, we offer custom, documentary-style films that tell the story of each couple, focusing on real moments and emotions. Our cinematic approach ensures that the wedding film feels personal and timeless.

Top Personalized Wedding Elements in Chicago (2023-2024)

This chart outlines the most popular personalization elements for weddings in Chicago, from decor and themes to customized wedding films.

  • Customized Venue Decor: Many couples tailor their wedding decor to showcase their shared interests, backgrounds, and tastes.
  • Destination-Inspired Themes: Even when staying local, Chicago couples are embracing decor that reflects favorite travel destinations or cultural backgrounds.
  • Unique Wedding Films: More couples are choosing documentary-style films, allowing them to preserve genuine emotions and moments in a personal, cinematic format.

Budget Shifts: Prioritizing Experience and Memory Preservation

As weddings become more costly, couples are reevaluating their budgets to focus on what truly matters. Today’s couples are prioritizing experiences over items and are increasingly investing in elements that will provide long-term value. Notably, 56% of couples now view videography as a high-priority investment, recognizing the emotional impact that video brings to preserving their wedding day.

Why Investing in Videography is Essential:

  • Emotional Depth: Video captures moments of laughter, tears, and joy in a way that allows couples to relive the emotions of their day.
  • Lasting Memories: A professionally crafted wedding film holds sentimental value that can be revisited throughout the couple’s lives, offering a cherished keepsake for future generations.
  • Social Media and Digital Sharing: With social media at the forefront, video clips allow couples to share highlights with friends and family instantly. The ability to create short, shareable reels is a unique advantage of videography.

By choosing videography, couples ensure they are investing in a medium that authentically captures the essence of their wedding day, from the vows to the dance floor.

As we approach 2025, here’s what we anticipate for weddings in Chicago and beyond:

  1. Documentary-Style Videography: Couples are opting for candid, unscripted footage that authentically captures their story. Companies like EverAfter Wedding Films provide services that emphasize real emotions, intimate moments, and cinematic storytelling.
  2. Social Media Highlights and Short Films: With social media platforms emphasizing short-form content, couples want highlights and teaser films that they can easily share with friends and family.
  3. Hybrid Media Packages: Packages that combine both video and photo elements are on the rise, appealing to couples who want a comprehensive media experience that covers all aspects of their day.

Conclusion: Why Video is the Future of Wedding Documentation

Weddings are not just events—they’re memories that couples want to cherish forever. The shift from photography to videography highlights a greater understanding of how memories can be preserved. Photography captures still moments, but videography captures the movement, sound, and energy of the day, creating a living memory.

For Chicago couples, investing in professional videography with a company like EverAfter – Wedding Films ensures that every meaningful moment is beautifully documented. With rising trends in personalization and immersive storytelling, video is becoming the primary way to relive the magic of a wedding day.

In the evolving landscape of weddings, investing in videography is not just a trend; it’s a long-term decision that allows couples to keep their memories alive, now and for years to come. As we move into 2025, videography is set to become an essential component of the wedding experience, capturing every laugh, every vow, and every moment that makes a wedding day unforgettable.