Compiled from the results of our seventh survey since 2015, this year’s 2022 UK Wedding Industry Report has insights from more respondents than ever before. Over 1,200 engaged couples from the United Kingdom answered an incredibly detailed 50 Question survey regarding their preferences and decisions on their wedding planning journey.
The survey was circulated during the peak engagement period over Christmas, and we are delighted to share the insights & trends into what those newly engaged couples are looking for and, most importantly, struggling to find!
1. Check the easy stuff first
You’ll never please everyone, but you could go over the basics first. If the pandemic taught us anything, you must ensure your policies are as water-tight as possible. Make the time to review cancellation policies, COVID policies, terms and conditions and even your packages.
2. be environmentally conscious
Think about how you can execute and enable a progressive sustainability policy for your venue or business. Perhaps you don’t have one? Now is the time to get one. Start small and build from there. Couples are actively seeking ways to be kinder to the environment. See what details you can easily implement and if you can’t, consider offering or providing local carbon offsets.
3. Advertise available dates
If there’s one thing this year’s survey has shown us, it’s that the current demand outweighs the supply. A number of engagements and a significant backlog in rescheduled pandemic weddings mean that couples are struggling to find both venues and suppliers. Venues with availability have a massive opportunity to sell themselves by promoting their open dates online.
4. Personalise your communication
Once a venue is booked, 73% of couples prefer to stay in contact via email. While you communicate with couples every day, engaged couples want to feel special. Personalisation means brownie points for you on the customer journey. Use the opportunity for personalisation at every step of the journey.
See how you can personalise communication here.
5. TAKE SHOWROUNDS SERIOUSLY
This year’s statistics show that couples are visiting fewer venues than ever before and are making a record number of enquiries on their search for an available venue. A showround booking means a venue has made it within the couples’ exclusive shortlist and has more than a 33% chance of closing the deal.
Find out how you can drive more viewing appointments here.
6. sell MULTIPLE SERVICES
More than 75% of our couples carry more than two-thirds of the wedding planning on their own, it’s no wonder they are under significant amounts of stress and worry.
It helps to make couples’ lives easier if you can provide or help arrange additional details. Think about everything – from the ceremony to the next day BBQ, and other interesting details. Set them up like your packages or make a pick and mix list.
7. extend your coordination
44% of respondents say that the Wedding Coordinator is a factor that influences their venue selection, but only 14% find their suppliers from their venue’s coordinator.
Given that a coordinator has seen managed many weddings and is an expert in the venue, it’s worth considering whether you can offer expanded coordinator services and highlight your team’s strengths and the relationship with local suppliers.
There you have it, 7 takeaways from this year’s report. You only have one chance to make that great first impression, so get reading, get cracking and good luck!
Update at 21/02/23: If you are interested in our latest 2023 report you can Download it here
