Topline results from the Ceremony & Reception Study 2011
- More couples choosing same location to have their ceremony and reception, up almost 10% over 2010
- Couples choosing more unique locations, “Other” same location venues take the lead from Event Facilities
- More couples having their wedding ceremony at a courthouse, private residence, or wedding chapel
- More couples holding their wedding reception at a private residence or restaurant
- With more unique locations on the rise, more officiates are performing the ceremony, a 30% increase over 2010
- Food stations are more in demand than ever before
- While other dessert options are popping up, wedding cake is still most popular at 83% demand
- Cash bar on the rise along with outside alcohol and BYOB
- Photo booth is the only rental that maintained demand, all other rentals down
- The couple is contributing more to ceremony and reception costs
- Couples researching closer to wedding date for venue
- Couples inviting less guests, 144 compared to 152 in the 2010 study
- Couples holding wedding closer to home
Click here to get a copy of the Ceremony & Reception Study 2011
“What factors contributed to choosing your wedding venue/location”
Responses included choosing a venue/location that was “all-inclusive”, one that would provide food, alcohol, linens, a tent, chairs, etc. Couples chose a venue/location that fit their budget as well as a location that had the capacity needed for their number of guests. In addition, couples chose a venue/location that had the particular ambiance and appearance they were looking for, for example a location that had outdoor space, a venue that was on a golf course, a beach/waterfront setting, or perhaps a rustic/barn setting.
Other couples indicated they chose their venue/location based on availability. They may have had a particular date they were set on and chose the venue that had that particular date available. Location was also given as a deciding factor in choosing a wedding venue, with couples indicating that proximity to an airport, to hotels, or close to their hometown was important.
“Is there anything your wedding venue/location did/does not provide and you wish they did”
“I was completely amazed that less that 20% said ‘No, everything was perfect.’ While I know it’s impossible to please everyone, it seems to me that either the venue and locations aren’t listening to their customers or couples are just too demanding. I doubt it’s the second one.” - Shane McMurray
Responses included not having an area for the bridal party to get ready in, not having a bar or area they could continue the festivities after the wedding and not having someone at the venue that could have provided more guidance in their wedding planning. Couples indicated they would also have liked a wider variety of linens available to them, more decorations, a dance floor, and the availability of chair covers. Additional bathrooms were noted, as was better lighting and air conditioning. An earlier set up time was also noted, as couples would have liked to get into the space and set up earlier than allowed. Couples would have also liked free valet parking, an onsite bakery with cake inclusion, and the opportunity for a menu tasting. It is important to add that many of the couples surveyed said that there was nothing they would have wanted from their venue that was not provided – that everything was perfect.
Click here to get a copy of the Ceremony & Reception Study 2011
