How The Wedding Planning Industry Has Changed Over The Past Five YearsPosted by Kim Rix on December 15th, 2009

Dear wedding professionals,

I thought it would be important to look at how much the wedding industry has been changing over the past number of years. Traditions and expectations change and I think it’s important to acknowledge both the good points and the bad and choose your direction.

I asked a number of fellow wedding professionals how they thought the industry had changed. A common remark was on how quickly couples were getting married after their engagement.

“It used to be that weddings were booked 2 years ahead (as the best venues were always the first to go) however now, they’re booking and getting married within the year” – Caroline Ghorbanian, SAS Party Decorations

I’ve noticed this too. I think, that mostly this is because couples have the ability to pay for the wedding quicker so they don’t need the lead-in time of previous years and generations. There are several reasons for this;

-         couples are older than in previous generations and either have savings or a greater ability to save

-         there is wider access to credit, and loans are more socially acceptable

-         couples are more savvy and vocal about finding and securing discounts and deals

-         couples and families are contributing more to the wedding in terms of their skills and contacts so there is less need for upfront cash

-         Intimate and small getaway weddings are increasing in popularity (especially for couples on their 2^nd marriage)

This points out to us that there are couples still spending a lot of money on their big day but funding it through different means than the wallet of the bride’s father but also that a lot of couples have become budget conscious and careful.

Kristie Lorette, Weddings Diva, seems to agree with this as she says:

 “I’ve watched brides create weddings of their dreams by simply inviting close family and friends… Rather than throwing an over-the-top lavish affair that costs a fortune…They’re not sacrificing the wedding of their dreams, but simply approaching it in a more realistic manner.”

Indeed with a growing number of couples paying for majority, if not all, of their wedding it seems logical that they would pay more attention to where that money is going than if it was being gifted to them.

I think that it is very important for you to have the wedding that you want, within budget. I have stressed before the importance of making a realistic budget and sticking to it. Although the trend to get married within a year is growing, I would still advocate a 2 year engagement if it means that you can have the wedding you dream of, with all the details you’d love and the time to be sure you can pay for it all without spending you first year of married life with debt over your heads.

Of course, if you receive sound financial advice, you are certain a loan will be easy for you to manage and you’d like to bring your wedding forward then I would be pleased to help you bring it all together. Remember: the best venues, florists and bands do book quickly – especially during the summer months – and if you don’t have dedicated time to chase these up then a wedding planner could be your greatest, secret (or not so secret) weapon!

Kind regards,

Kim Rix

Luxury Weddings & Events Planner

To start planning your wedding, phone 0208 989 4886 or visit www.yourlondonweddingplanner.co.uk