The Knot Unveils Best of Weddings Magazine

First-of-its-kind Survey of 25,000 Real Brides Reveals Top-rated Wedding Sites, Photographers, Bands, and Florists in 40 U.S. Cities from Los Angeles to New York

NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From finding the gown shop with the best service in Boston to the most professional wedding photographers in New York, Chicago's top cakes, and L.A.'s best-rated reception sites-wouldn't every engaged couple like to know the inside scoop from recent brides in their area? The Knot Inc. (NASDAQ: KNOT) , the #1 wedding website and most trusted multimedia wedding authority, announces the arrival on newsstands of The Knot Best of Weddings magazine, a by-brides-for-brides guide to the top wedding sites, photographers, florists, and more in over 40 key cities across the United States.

The Knot conducted a massive survey of 25,000 recent brides and grooms-the first of its kind-to capture detailed feedback on every wedding business that couples hired, from reception sites to planners, cakes and limo companies. The newlyweds were asked to rate their vendors on multiple criteria, from creativity to professionalism, and to comment on their experiences. The resulting ratings-and detailed feedback-were aggregated by the editors of The Knot to create this one-of-a-kind publication highlighting the best wedding resources in each region according to local brides. The survey was administered by Harris Interactive.

"Editors can do hours of research, but the experience of a recent bride is truly the best way to get detailed information on which wedding professionals in your area will really go the extra distance to make your wedding perfect," comments Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot. "We decided to harness the amazing resource of our million annual newlywed members, and get them to grade the work of their wedding vendors. This feedback gives future brides invaluable information to help make their wedding hiring decisions."

In addition to the 1,500-plus vendor reviews, the magazine features hundreds of inspiring photos of cakes, flowers, favors, and wedding details chosen by The Knot team of style experts. Additional editorial "best of" lists include: top color combos, hot trends, brides' favorite honeymoon spots, top first dance songs, and more.

Survey results also reveal first-of-its-kind detailed local demographic information on today's bride and all her wedding details. Some of the highlights from the survey include:

-- New York brides are engaged the longest (13.1 months) while Las Vegas brides have the shortest engagements (9.1 months).
-- The average wedding guest list is 155 people (but Wisconsin brides have the largest weddings, averaging 191 invitees).
-- Weddings are split in terms of formality, with South Carolina brides choosing a more casual affair (57%), while New Jersey brides are opting for black tie (68%).
-- The average cost of a wedding gown is $1,279 (but NYC brides spent the most at $2,297).
-- The average cost of a wedding photographer is $2,466 (Long Island brides spend the most on photography at $3,949).

For more statistics please contact pr@theknot.com

The Knot Best of Weddings magazine is available for $9.99 on newsstands and in major bookstores nationwide, and at TheKnot.com/shop. To speak with an editor or with brides in your area, please contact The Knot Press Office at pr@theknot.com. High-resolution photos and visuals can be provided electronically or through the mail.

ABOUT THE KNOT, INC.

The Knot Inc. (NASDAQ: KNOT) is a leading lifestage media company. The Company's flagship brand, The Knot, is the nation's leading wedding resource, reaching well over one million engaged couples each year through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, The Knot Wedding magazines, The Knot books (published by Random House and Chronicle), and several television series bearing The Knot name (on leading cable television networks Style, Oxygen and Comcast.) The Nest focuses on the newlywed-to-pregnancy lifestage with the popular lifestyle website TheNest.com, a home decor book series with Clarkson Potter, The Nest magazine, and baby offshoot TheNestBaby.com. Additional businesses under The Knot Inc. umbrella are e-commerce and service sites for the wedding category (WeddingChannel.com, ShopforWeddings.com, WeddingTracker.com, GiftRegistryLocator.com); party planning site PartySpot.com; teen-oriented PromSpot.com; online personals site GreatBoyfriends.com; and local baby services and community site Lilaguide.com. The Knot Inc. is based in New York and has several other offices across the country.

Website: http://www.theknot.com/

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