Wedding Boom of 2022: What it Means for You
There is no doubt that couples who were planning weddings for 2020 and 2021 had some unbelievable challenges. Postponed weddings, microweddings, canceled weddings, local restrictions, mask mandates, vaccination requirements, and the terrible fact that we all lost so many loved ones… these hurdles took wedding planning to a difficulty level that was unheard of.
Now, as we start to make our way to the next chapter of post(ish)-pandemic, it’s becoming clear that couples getting married in 2022 and 2023 are not going to squeak by without their own set of obstacles.
What is a “Wedding Boom”?
According to The Wedding Report, 2022 is projected to have 2.6 million weddings take place – a number that hasn’t been seen since 1984.
This is a combined result of so many 2020 couples and even some 2021 couples postponing their weddings. In addition, there were couples who opted to do a small legal ceremony and are planning to have their big “celebration” with all of their guests. And finally, it is all of the couples who got engaged during the pandemic, but opted to wait to plan until things returned to a more “normal” state.
And while it’s AMAZING to see such an exciting return to weddings, this sudden increase – particularly after some incredibly difficult years – is having some major repercussions that you should be aware of.
Who is this affecting?
While it’s tough to project too far out, this “Wedding Boom” is primarily affecting couples who are planning weddings to happen in 2022 and 2023.
I’m certain there will be long-term effects for couples who are planning weddings in 2024 and beyond, but at the moment, it’s too early to fully tell what those will be, in my opinion. (Though a general increase in the cost of everything is practically guaranteed)
How does it affect you?
Depending on when and where you’re getting married, and how recently you’ve gotten engaged, there are a number of different ways you can experience these effects.
Vendor Availability Is Limited
Due to the postponements, dates are in short supply. For most vendors, they can only service a limited number of events each day or weekend.
For vendors like planners, photographers, bands, and DJs – this often means just ONE wedding per day. (In my case, I only commit to one wedding per weekend to make sure I’m 100% focused on my couple’s event and available for anything they might need.)
For other vendors, like florist, bakers, and stationery artists – they can typically work with multiple couples and events on one day, BUT they have their limits too.
Due to the limited availability of dates, couples are having to choose dates that are farther out than usual.
Prices Are Higher and Continue to Rise
This is not a ploy or scam in an effort to take advantage of couples. Costs of doing business – across the board – are on the rise.
Food costs, labor costs, supply chain issues, even floral shortages are all factors that everyone is feeling right now.
This isn’t wedding-industry specific. Look at the price of gas or your favorite local restaurant. Prices are going up across the board.
Offerings Might Be Limited
Because there are a number of supply chain issues at play, “the world is your oyster” might not apply. No matter how “big” your budget is.
Did you know that in 2021, there was a period of time that WHITE flowers were nearly impossible to find?! It wasn’t a matter of how much they cost, there just weren’t enough to go around.
So while working with your caterer on your menu, or your florist on your centerpiece designs, there may be things that they simply can’t guarantee for you.
Photo by Dearly Beloved of Jill and Dave’s ArtsQuest at Steelstacks wedding
Staffing is a Problem
Again, this isn’t just wedding-industry specific. But businesses everywhere, particularly those in the service industry, are experiencing major staffing shortages.
With this shortage, employees and owners are having to wear many hats and carry out the roles of multiple people.
This means you might see a delay in communication or in getting you proposals they’ve promised. Almost every vendor I know is doing a constant triage of “what’s most important” to tackle right now and doing so accordingly.
As we enter the THICK of wedding season here in Pennsylvania, I only anticipate this getting worse as we have far more events happening now than in the colder, winter months.
Higher Turnovers
With businesses having major staff problems, current staff is being stretched THIN and getting burnt out quickly.
This means you may be working with multiple different people throughout your engagement. I’ve always recommended getting everything you can in writing, but now more than ever, be sure to get agreements, special arrangements, and accommodations in writing. This way, if you’re no longer working with the person who said you can start hair and makeup at your venue at 8 AM vs. the 10 AM time that’s on your contract, you’ll have that permission in writing.
During meetings, be sure to take lots of notes on what you decided on and any details that come up.
Earlier this year, one of my couples and I met at their wedding venue to talk through all the details of their upcoming wedding with the venue coordinator. A few days later, that venue coordinator was no longer there and a new person had stepped in… with almost NO notes from what we had just talked about with them.
Luckily, I’m an avid notetaker and we quickly brought the new coordinator up to speed, but had another couple not taken notes, they would’ve had to come in again and do the meeting all over.
Higher RSVP Rates and Last-Minute Cancellations
Depending on a number of factors, especially with travel – I’m personally seeing MUCH higher RSVP rates than before. Guests seem to be very eager to get out and celebrate.
However, a number of things are causing guests to change their minds last minute. Most obviously, if a guest isn’t feeling well in the days leading up to the event, they will likely cancel (even if they aren’t testing positive for COVID). There’s also local surges, possible exposures, and difficulties getting time off of work (due to short-staffing) at play here.
Most guests seem to be operating out of an abundance of caution with the knowledge that they don’t want to be the one to get everyone at the wedding sick.
What can you do about it?
A lot of this feels like the situation is outside of your control. For my fellow control-lovers out there, I know that’s a TOUGH pill to swallow.
But there are some things you can do to help make your wedding planning process go more smoothly.
Consider All The Factors Before Choosing Your Date
If your dream venue tells you they had a last-minute opening for a date in a couple of months, that’s great BUT your other vendors may be very tough to find, especially if it’s an already popular weekend or during the prime wedding season.
If you prefer to have more options to pick from, you’ll want to consider having a longer engagement to allow your best chances of your dream vendors having availability on their calendars.
(Pro tip: There is NOTHING wrong with checking availability of your “must-have” vendors prior to booking your venue. It’s always flattering when couples ask for my availability before making their final decision. Just note that they can’t “hold” that date for you until you book, so be sure to clearly communicate your intentions.)
Try To Stay (Reasonably) Patient and Compassionate
Oof. I know this is tough, and almost unfair to ask.
But, doing your best to stay understanding of the current situation, while extending grace and compassion to the human being on the other end, will go a LONG way in the eyes of your vendors and the service you will receive.
This does not mean you should have to receive “bad” service.
But it does mean waiting a few extra days for a reply, understanding that most vendors will not be available to meet or chat on weekends, and that certain supply-chain issues are truly outside of our control.
Get Everything You Can In Writing
Your contract should include the basics of what’s being provided. But you will likely have meetings and phone calls with your venue and vendors where you discuss some finer details.
If any of these details are not in your original contract, be sure to follow up any verbal agreements with an email to confirm what was discussed.
While an email isn’t quite as good as a contract, it will help to have something in writing from the vendor to confirm that they did, in fact, say or agree to that thing.
Read Your Contracts
I’ve always been a big proponent of reading your contracts. Now more than ever, it’s important to read and understand the contract you are agreeing to.
You especially want to know what costs might change based on the economy.
For example, if your caterer quotes you a specific price per person, your contract may include a note that that cost can increase up to a certain percentage based on the market price of certain foods on your menu. Be aware of how much that price can change and make sure you understand that going in.
Be Ready for Last-Minute Guest Changes
A guest texting you the day before your wedding may feel SUPER frustrating, it’s best to get yourself into a headspace to expect some last-minute changes from your guests.
As I mentioned above, if guests start to feel ill or find out they’ve potentially been exposed, they will likely decide not to attend. This might just be them or their entire party.
It stinks, yes. But in most case, I’m finding that guests are operating out of an abundance of caution for you and your guests.
Try to be understanding and wish them well. Maybe even consider having some friends who weren’t expecting an invite that you can add on last-minute in their place.
Photo by Hoffer Photography of Shannon and Aakash’s River House at Odette’s wedding
All in all, this “Wedding Boom” is very exciting and so wonderful to see after a period of time where wedding after wedding was having to be postponed.
But be sure to know what that means for you as you navigate the world of weddings.
And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of this, working with a planner (like me, if you’re planning a wedding in the Philly-ish area) can be a SOUND investment in helping you through all of this.
