Anyone in the wedding trade. How's business?

[Booandpops]

Hi

I'm in the wedding trade (photos) and wonder if the wedding trade in general is taking a downward spiral or if it's me and I should adjust my prices etc. I once did 30 weddings a yr. Then had kids reduced to about 15. Last yr only did 8. It's Getting worse each yr. I do other work too so it's not crippling me but like to hear others experiences. Be it venue hire. Cakes flowers dresses. Etc. Ta

We do wedding stationery but to be honest it is pretty competitive and hardly worth chasing business. There are lots of suppliers out there all selling pretty much the same thing! When we first started we enthusiastically did wedding shows etc but they showed poor returns. We don't advertise in the wedding magazines either unless we get a really good rate.

What I plan to do in the new year is to get together with some other local suppliers and see if we can sell a package together. Most of the local wedding venues are selling packages which would appear to be good value.

Weddings are a very small part of our business and the customers are very demanding. Our commercial clients are far easier to deal with!

When I say they are difficult, I mean you get the odd one or two who turn bridezilla. Most are fine!

I have an online bridal accessories boutique, which I launched in April this year. This is my first year in business so can't really comment on year on year trends. But, I can definitely say that October onwards have been far quieter, with December sales being really low. This is, I would imagine, down to a combination of Christmas, snow, and the general doom and gloom of the economy.

I'm in the trade (as a celebrant) and what I've noticed from personal experience and from what others tell me is that there is still a market for niche, original ideas but that there is lots of competition for 'mainstream' services, especially those that people (think they) can enter with little or no experience.

Brides-to-be either buy on price (often from untested suppliers) or they rely on word of mouth from reputable sources.

I know a couple of photographers who have their core business but have also taken on new concepts such as 'photo-box' for informal guest photos late in the evening, or who have offered previous couples a free anniversary photo session if they recommend the photographer to a friend. Some suppliers have linked up with venues to offer a reduced package (or a 'referal fee' to the venue).

Thanks for input. I hAve noticed an awful lot of unexperienced people advertising in the last two yrs Fine we all have to start somewhere. I may have to offer the all inclusive cd package at a more competitive price this year to attract couples over. Any other advise gratefully recieved. Thanks