How has the recession affected the Wedding Industry?

It was predicted  at the start of the recession that the wedding industry would suffer just as much as any other industry.  It was suggested that as the recession bites there would be a dip in the number of marriages as  couples wouldn’t have the financial stability and job commitments, therefore money would already be strained.

In the US the average cost of a ceremony has fallen for the first time in 10 years, and wedding planners are offering worried and desperate brides tips on how to cut their wedding bill, but still have the wedding they have always dreamed of.

However here is the UK the credit crunch is leading to’ record numbers of young couples getting married’ say the Daily Mail , and it is said to be that a lot of people are looking for security in a time of of financial uncertainty.  Some wedding venues are said to have had a ‘70% increase in business over the last year’!

This may be so for wedding venues, but what about other wedding vendors out there, brides are are turning more and more to DIY or cheaper alternative method seven getting friends and family to help out to save money.

I would be very interested to here from some wedding vendors out there on how you feel the has the recession affected the Wedding Industry? Especially you and your businesses.

Role of the Father of The Bride

The traditional  role of the father of the bride is to walk you down the aisle and give you away at the ceremony, and for most dads this will be more than enough for him to do!  But if your dad wants a bit more involvement, here are a few things that he may be able to do.

• Looking for potential wedding suppliers.
• Contributing to the wedding budget.
• Putting together the family guest list, and helping with trimming the guest list if needed.
• Finding the perfect outfit and arranging suit hire if necessary.
• Walking you down the aisle
• Giving a simple speech, thanking everyone for coming, proposing a toast and introducing the groom to say a few words.
• Traveling to the ceremony you.
• Standing in the receiving line if there is one.
• Sitting at the top table with the bride and groom, at the reception.

Role of the Mother of the Bride

Your Mother is your best friend especially when it comes to wedding planning, providing you get on and she has a lot of time to help!  She will be there to help you make all the important decisions, and give you advice and support when you hit a rocky patch.

The role of the mother of the bride can consist of the following tasks.

• Looking for potential wedding suppliers.
• Contributing to the wedding budget (if you want help from your parents).
• Putting together the family guest list.
• Shopping for the wedding dress and accessories.
• Shopping for her own outfit.
• Being there as a shoulder to cry on.
• Helping to write out and post wedding invitations.
• Help to keep track of the guest list.
• Traveling to the ceremony with the bridesmaids.
• Standing in the receiving line if there is one.
• Sitting at the top table with the bride and groom, at the reception.

Your Mother doesn’t have to do all these jobs, sit down with her and discuss which jobs you are both happy for her to do!

Role of the Best Man

The best man must be chosen by the groom and will usually be a brother or best friend, it is a job that requires a lot of responsibility, so they must be up for the job!  Remember it is the grooms decision so trust his judgment.

Here are the main duties of the Best Man:

• Arranging the stag do, which should take place at least two weeks before the wedding!

• Making sure that the groom arrives at the venue on time!
• Stand by the groom during the ceremony, and giving him support.
• Taking care of the rings up until the point where they are need in the ceremony.
• Making sure all the ushers look respectable and know what they are doing.
• Giving the best man speech at the reception.
• Making sure all guests are enjoying themselves, and no feels left out.
• Making sure hire cars arrive on time, to and from the venue (if required).  The Best Man will need to communicate with the groom to keep up to date on transport arrangements.
• Returning any hire suits worn by themselves, the groom and the ushers, the day after the wedding.
• A task to be shared with the chief bridesmaid, is taking care of presents brought by guests, and making sure they are all taken home at the end of the day.

The role of the best man is a big responsibility but the most important job role is to be there for the groom and give him as much support as needed.

Role of a Bridesmaid

Many brides will choose family and/or friends to be their bridesmaids.  The number of bridesmaids you have is completely up to you, but think carefully as you need to consider your budget and the jobs that you will need them to carry out.

Specific duties will include:

• Helping with any tasks that need doing, for example,  putting together wedding favours, or helping to decorate the wedding venue.
• Helping to organise the hen night.
• Being there with the bride when wedding dress and bridesmaid dress shopping.
• Helping the bride and any younger bridesmaids to get ready the morning of the wedding.
• At the wedding reception, making sure all guests are comfortable and has someone to talk to.
• Walking down the aisle in front of the bride.
• Taking care of younger bridesmaids if they need amusing.
• keeping the dancing going if the dance floor empties at any point.

As you can see the bridesmaids duties are simple, but they must want to get involved and help out when needed. But remember, be realistic when it comes to their tasks and how much time you need them to put in, as they also have their own things to carry on with.

Averell

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