Although there are plenty of people who hate references to the economy as related to the wedding business right now, I think this particular post is bound to at least make engaged couples and their families quite happy. Right now is one of the best opportunities you will ever have to save on the wedding of your dreams.
Much like opportunities for buyers in the housing markets, renters in the commercial real estate market, and anyone hoping to snag a super-cheap super-cool vehicle, this luxury market is ripe for picking.
The very best opportunities for savings are available NOW - like this week (like, pick up the phone). Historically these last couple of weeks of August are rotten for bookings in the wedding industry in many regions. In the best years, couples are more concerned about their end-of-summer vacations than they are about choosing their caterers, photographers, planners and limos. They are distracted and complacent, and most plan to put off "real planning" until after Labor Day.
Add to this totally normal phenomenon the still-struggling economy which has left unbooked rooms and banquet spaces through the end of the year, and a lot of wedding professionals would be happy to see any extra income before summer ends.
If you are fortunate (and frankly smart) enough to be reading this before Labor Day, and you are in the process of planning a wedding, you need to run to your nearest phone and start checking out the vendors you are hoping to book for your upcoming event. While you won't find reduced rates or incentives universal, you will find them much more prominent than usual, including in some categories where such incentives are usually non-existent.
If you have recently become engaged and have even considered a last-minute wedding in 2009, you may find yours are the biggest spoils to be had in certain regions. This is accurate for Williamsburg, certainly, and there are many similarly stressed destinations around the country. Take advantage today.
Lots of smart couples are already on the ball - bookings for 2010 in this region look outstanding. So many prime Saturday slots are booked solid that Friday and Sunday weddings have exploded.
It's true in many industries - consumers put off major decisions and planning until certain holiday and vacation periods are over. Labor Day is immediately around the corner - don't be part of the throngs of post-summer planners - start your planning today and reward yourself with the most advantageous wedding industry opportunities that you may ever find.
Happy Planning!
Shayna Walker, Owner
Williamsburg Wedding Design
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