We get a lot of questions about the best ways to break into the luxury
wedding market. Think: couples who spend $60,000 or more on their wedding.
That's why we made it our business to learn all about how big budget
couples are planning their weddings with a very special survey our Luxury
Real Weddings Study. The results from our 2016 study just rolled in and
there's a lot of juicy insights we couldn't wait to share. Here, 5 ways
couples are spending big on luxury weddings.
Higher spending couples prefer to leave everything to the professionals. On
average, they are hiring 11 pros to pull off their weddings (compared to 8
in the average budget wedding). Theyre trusting and investing in more
professionals to give them the custom wedding of their dreams.
Take note
: Although spend and popularity in wedding pro services are up all around,
there are a few standout categories that are making big gains. Luxury
couples are far more likely to hire a wedding planner (54%) and send out
professionally designed save-the-dates (79%). So if youre a planner or
designer, make sure youre prepped to offer luxury packages to potential
clients.
Almost 80% of luxury couples get married on a Saturday, making it the most
popular day of the week for weddings by far. Think about the law of supply
and demand. The more couples who want a Saturday wedding, the more they'll
be willing to spend to get that date. Add to that, over 80% of luxury
couples reported that at least half of their guests needed overnight
accommodations, which often lands on the couple's tab. Big budget couples
are putting a lot of dollars into getting their most ideal date and
location for their wedding.
Take note
: September is the most popular month for big budget couples to get
married. So you can count on them looking to book fall Saturdays far in
advance. Don't be afraid to make the most of the demand and match your
prices accordingly for specific in-season dates.
The more the merrier. Get this: the average wedding party in a luxury
wedding has twelve people total. And that means extra costs for the
couples. Items to budget for when it comes to the bridal party? Attendant
gifts (89% buy for bridesmaids, 86% buy for groomsmen) and hair &
makeup on the day of. In fact, over 60% of brides contribute to the bridal
party's hair styling and 55% pitch in to help cover the cost of day-of
makeup.
Take note:
With the average bridesmaid dress costing over $200 (up from $141 in 2013)
and the average groomsmen ensemble coming in at $199 (up from $162), luxury
couples are even asking their bridal parties to shell out extra cash.
That's good news for bridal salons and menswear boutiques.
You can't stop the party. Big budget couples are putting serious funds into
hosting multiple events surrounding their wedding. Think: bridal showers,
bachelor parties and day-after brunches. The average number of events per
luxury wedding? Five. The more events, the more dollars couples will need
to invest in their wedding budget.
Take note
: The rehearsal dinner is by far the most popular wedding related event. In
fact, 94% of luxury weddings have one. But over half of couples host a
morning after brunch, too. Looks like there might be a new must-have on the
horizon for big spenders. Venues should consider adding an option to
include an additional event (after parties are a big request too) to their
package choices.
It should come as no surprise that average dollars spent per guest in the
luxury weddings bracket is at an all time high almost $480 per person.
Why? It's all about the guest experience. With fun and classic as
self-descriptors both up 5 points since 2013, couples want their weddings
to feel both timeless and exciting for their guests. And they're willing to
spend more to make their weddings totally Instagram worthy.
Take note:
Less couples are using the words vintage and creative to describe their
weddings. So if you're a wedding planner or designer, you can count on big
budget couples looking for less artsy elements and more traditional looks.
Offering different ambiances and vibes, check out these five weddings
spaces in Lebanon that are so picturesque and breathtaking you'll want to
get married tomorrow (maybe).
1. O Ciel
Between the skies and the seas, O Ciel has an idyllic space for a wedding.
The new indoor venue is just as beautiful as the outdoor venue; and with a
planning team, the space can be transformed to match your wildest dreams.
2. Swan Lake
Looking like a real life painting, Swan Lake is a natural venue surrounded
by 10,000 square meters of forest grounds perched on a 70 meter high cliff
overlooking green lush mountains, valleys and the sea, as though it was
lifted right out of a fairytale.
3. Le Montagnou
Le Montagnou might not be among the mainstream wedding venues, but it is
perfect for small, intimate weddings. With a
professional team of planners, designers, and technical crew, this
beautiful space can be transformed into an elegant soiree with a killer
view of the Mediterranean.
Location:
Ouyoun Al Simane, Kfardebian
Venues:
Outdoor
For more information, click here.
4. Nuit Blanche
Combining both the serenity of nature and the charm of the city, this venue
overlooks Beirut while being surrounded with greenery and majestic pine
trees. Having two indoor spaces and one outdoor, Nuit Blanche can cater to
any taste and can accommodate grandeur of any kind.
Location:
Deir Mar Roukoz
Venues:
Indoor & Outdoor
For more information, click here.
5. Domaine de Zekrit
Located 350 meters above sea level, the weather is always perfect at
Domaine de Zekrit. This venue is not only lovely in terms of aesthetics but
also because it carries history that dates back to the 6th century A.D.
Their services include catering, sound and lighting, valet parking,
handicap-friendly facilities, and mass service, including a historic church
on the grounds for religious ceremonies.
Between the skies and the seas, O Ciel has an idyllic space for a wedding.
The new indoor venue is just as beautiful as the outdoor venue; and with a
planning team, the space can be transformed to match your wildest dreams.
Looking like a real life painting, Swan Lake is a natural venue surrounded
by 10,000 square meters of forest grounds perched on a 70 meter high cliff
overlooking green lush mountains, valleys and the sea, as though it was
lifted right out of a fairytale.
Le Montagnou might not be among the mainstream wedding venues, but it is
perfect for small, intimate weddings. With a 
Combining both the serenity of nature and the charm of the city, this venue
overlooks Beirut while being surrounded with greenery and majestic pine
trees. Having two indoor spaces and one outdoor, Nuit Blanche can cater to
any taste and can accommodate grandeur of any kind.
Located 350 meters above sea level, the weather is always perfect at
Domaine de Zekrit. This venue is not only lovely in terms of aesthetics but
also because it carries history that dates back to the 6th century A.D.
Their services include catering, sound and lighting, valet parking,
handicap-friendly facilities, and mass service, including a historic church
on the grounds for religious ceremonies.
