Interesting reading in the 2011 Wedding Report on trends within the wedding sector. Whilst this is based on information fed back from couples and vendors in the States, I can from experience of the UK market see a similar trend over here.

Really interesting for us, and in line with the continued demand for our service, is that Photo Booths are the only entertainment service for which demand has remained the same (it’s actually growing here). What does this tell us? Pretty much as we keep telling our potential clients, the photo and memories we create last a lifetime but you and your guests have great fun making them.  So while it’s nice to have musicians, magicians etc, they are forgotten soon after. Of course those who have used us already know this.

What are the other trends:

  • More couples choosing same location to have their ceremony and reception, up almost 10% over 2010
  • Couples choosing more unique locations, “Other” same location venues take the lead from Event Facilities
  • More couples having their wedding ceremony at a courthouse, private residence, or wedding chapel
  • More couples holding their wedding reception at a private residence or restaurant
  • With more unique locations on the rise, more officiates are performing the ceremony, a 30% increase over 2010
  • Food stations are more in demand than ever before
  • While other dessert options are popping up, wedding cake is still most popular at 83% demand
  • Cash bar on the rise along with outside alcohol and BYOB
  • Photo booth is the only rental that maintained demand, all other rentals down
  • The couple is contributing more to ceremony and reception costs
  • Couples researching closer to wedding date for venue
  • Couples inviting less guests, 144 compared to 152 in the 2010 study
  • Couples holding wedding closer to home

source The Wedding Report 2011