Many couples have set mid or late 2022 goals. Others with smaller and micro weddings are planning with more immediate dates in mind. It is likely that rescheduled weddings will be competing with both groups as well.
While this is good news for the special event industry, increased demands for wedding venues, goods, and services will present a new set of challenges for couples.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you continue to plan your wedding:
~ Plan with Caution and Consideration
Be sensitive to the people you want to be a part of your wedding. This can be reassurances on your wedding web site that you welcome everyone's level of concern. For instance, emphasize to older family members that you can seat them with fewer guests at their tables.
Also keep in mind that safe travel may still be a consideration especially if many guests may be coming here from a distance.
We just had a client reschedule for the fourth time because the majority of her family lived in Puerto Rico. She wanted to make sure all those "near and dear" could be a part of her special day.
While the majority of your guests may be fully vaccinated, still make your guests feel comfortable with options to wear masks during your event - especially indoors. Have masks and hand sanitizer available at entry tables, the bar, and other common areas. Assign fewer people to tables where everyone will be unrelated.
~ Secure Big Ticket Items NOW!
If you have not secured a venue, catering, flowers, and major rental items, now is the time to do so. Rising gas and food prices, along with a shortage of staffing in the hospitality industry, is pushing up pricing for these services/items.
Many vendors are raising current and new employee wages in order to fulfill their commitments.
~ Score the Maximum Amount of Specialty Rental Items When You Initially Order
It may be safer to complete your entire order rather than risk items not being available when you do decide. This may include farm tables, unique arbors, luxury lounge furnishings, or specialty bars.
Talk with your rental decor consultant to evaluate if you can place an order for the maximum number of chairs or tables now. And if you are able to reduce by a certain amount the week prior.
Don't assume you can "over-reserve" without penalty if you cut back.
~ Haven't selected a venue because of the lack of available weekend dates?
Look to the summer months for "relief." This may not be an option if you want a farm or all outdoor location that doesn't have air conditioning. But there are plenty of venues with air conditioned indoor areas that can also accommodate a ceremony as well.
Even if the ceremony must be held outdoors, consider that shade, fans, and a brief set of nuptials will still be tolerable.
~ Fresh Florals
Work a florist who can recommend the availability of certain types of flowers during certain times of the year. The past year has been seen many growers cut back on flower availability mostly due to issues with labor and transportation.
Always keep options in mind. A skilled florist will be able to offer you substitutions if a particular flower or greenery is too expensive or becomes unavailable at the last minute.
Florists who include "sample" pictures of how your bouquets or centerpieces might look are being practical in helping you stay within budget and your vision.
~ Source rental and decor items from the least amount of vendors
This uncomplicates the delivery process and saves you money in multiple delivery fees - especially at venues that require same day delivery and removal. Some venues are juggling three or four straight days of events.
For instance, if you are renting tables and chairs from a rental company, go with one who can also provide an arbor if you need one. If you aren't renting anything thing else, consider having your florist supply the arbor.
~ Stick with food service providers who specialize in off-premise catering
Many restaurants who offer catering "on the side" may have to re-focus their limited staffing to their in-house location. Your event may experience a late delivery or a shortage of service personnel.
~ You may be able to hold off hiring other wedding service providers
These may include dj services, photographers, bakeries, make-up artists, videographers, and some musicians. However, the most popular pros in their field may have limited dates available due to an increase in new/rescheduled events.
~ Keep in touch with your vendors - even if only by following them on social media to see that they continue to be active and busy.
It is unfortunate, but in challenging times, many wedding vendors go out of business.
Others who are a "one-person" enterprise do not make contingency plans if they become ill. Have a conversation with those types of vendors to make sure they have a back-up for your date.
~ Lastly, enlist the services of a full planner who starts working with you the minute you sign with them.
We at Catering By Robert / Event Concepts. FL, offer this service at no charge for all of our catering clients.
A month-of / day of coordinator is not going to be there for you before you sign an entertainment contract that may have many "hidden" charges.
A planner will actually help you save money in the long run. He or she can recommend other reliable vendors they have worked with in the past. And they can help you stay on target in the months leading up to your wedding where almost all decisions need to be made.
Susan J. Stalnaker - Co-Owner
Catering By Robert / Event Concepts . FL
