YOUR WEDDING ON SALE
Tough economic times have affected pretty much everything in our daily lives, including the cost of weddings. People are a little more frugal in their spending and the wedding industry has recognized this. As a result the cost of wedding related services have come down for the first time in over a decade. Just a couple years ago budget was just ONE of the factors couples based their decisions on. In 2009 budget was THE factor couples based their decisions on.
I have been telling our clients for two years now that everything they need for their wedding is on sale. Recently I began working on a wedding at a popular Bay Area resort where the cost is now half of what it was just two years ago, a sure sign that the event industry is feeling the pain and just about everyone is trying to be more competitive.
Although wedding budgets have dropped across the board, the number of weddings continue to increase year after year. According to The Wedding Report the number of weddings in California for 2008 were estimated to be 224,090, in 2009 there were 226,195 weddings and in 2010 California is expected to have approximately 227,599 couples tying the knot.
If you are planning to get married in the near future, don’t delay, there are many indications that the sale may end soon. The Wedding Report tracks all wedding related statistics for local and national markets. For example, in Benicia, California the average wedding in 2008 was reported to be $43,628. Reported spending on the average wedding in 2009 was $39,554. Projections for 2010 are up slightly at $41,186, however, still below 2008 spending levels. Projections for 2012 are up to $44,449 for the average wedding.
SAVE MONEY WITHOUT SACRIFICING QUALITY
There are many ways to take advantage of the exceptionally low wedding costs (for modern standards that is) before it is too late.
IF YOU DON’T ASK YOU DON’T GET
The first rule is, do not be afraid to ask! My rule has always been “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” You might be surprised, just by asking for a better price you could save 25% off their fee.
BOOK SOON
If you are considering a wedding in 2011, you may want to consider setting your date before the peak wedding season begins in April. I suspect by May 2011 rates will be back above 2008 levels.
OFF-PEAK
Saturdays are the most popular day of the week, they are also the most expensive, followed by Sundays, then Fridays. Mid-week rates are even lower! If you are flexible you can rack up tremendous saving for a Friday or mid-week wedding without cutting back on any of your dreams. Most wedding sites will have a minimum price for Saturday weddings. Some venues may have a minimum for Sunday weddings, but very few venues will have a minimum for a wedding Monday thru Friday.
BREAKFAST OR LUNCH RECEPTIONS
Morning or afternoon receptions are another way to stretch your budget. In my 18 years of weddings, I have done breakfast and lunch wedding receptions that were a blast. The truth is, what really makes your wedding reception fun is the people you surround yourself with. If you have fun people at your wedding your wedding will be fun. A breakfast or lunch wedding can save you over 50%.
BYO FOOD AND BEVERAGE
The site is a major factor in your budget. Consider a wedding site that will allow you to choose your own caterer and bring in your own beverages. For the average wedding Food, Beverage and Site fee will account for about 50% of your overall wedding budget. It may take more effort on your part to arrange food and beverage on your own, but you will enjoy massive savings by doing so, not to mention you will have the ability to choose exactly what you want rather than being locked in to whatever the venue offers.
PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
These days working with a professional wedding consultant can easily save you more money than they cost. It was once believed that a wedding consultant was a luxury only the wealthy could afford, that is no longer true. Professional wedding consultants make it their business to save their clients money, time and relieve stress in the process. They know how to set a realistic budget and keep you to it. They have relationships with the venues and vendors that will meet your expectations within your budget. Check with the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) for local certified Bridal Consultants www.BridalAssn.com.
Keep in mind that your wedding reception is simply a celebration of your marriage. The marriage should always be placed at the center of your wedding celebration and don’t lose sight of what is really important. There is no need to spend a fortune to have a great wedding.
Jason Diavatis is a Certified Wedding Consultant at Bay Area Entertainment and sits on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). Bay Area Entertainment, based in Benicia California, has been providing Wedding Planning, Day of Coordination and professional DJ and Live Entertainment in the San Francisco Bay Area and Napa Valley Wine Country since 1993.
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