The Easy Weddings 2024 Australian Wedding Industry Report provides an overview of the state of the wedding industry from the point of view of Easy Weddings and its 4,200 engaged and newlywed couples that completed the survey, input from nearly 600 wedding businesses, and perspectives of 49,000 Instagram followers.
It offers valuable insights into the planning, spending behaviours, and preferences of couples, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by wedding businesses.
Here are some actionable points for wedding celebrants to adapt, grow, and serve the wedding population effectively:
Understanding the Modern Australian Couple
- Age and Engagement Period: The average age of marrying couples has increased, and they are engaged for about 22 months. Consider offering flexible scheduling and long-term planning services to accommodate their timelines.
- Budget Consciousness: With the cost of living affecting budgets, couples are prioritising their spending. Tailor your offerings to fit various budget ranges, emphasising value.
- Personalisation and Authenticity: Couples seek personalised experiences, especially when it comes to vows. Focus on creating bespoke ceremonies that reflect the couple’s unique story and values.
Adapting to Market Trends
- Embracing Technology: With a significant number of couples turning to online platforms for vendor discovery and planning, ensure your online presence (website, social media) is strong, engaging, and updated.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Offer flexible packages that can be customised based on the couple’s needs and budget constraints. Being adaptable to changes and last-minute requests can set you apart.
- Sustainability: As couples become more environmentally conscious, consider promoting eco-friendly practices in your services.
Enhancing Customer Service
- Rapid Response: The report highlights the importance of quick responses to inquiries. Implement or improve your CRM system to ensure timely communication.
- Gathering Reviews: Positive reviews significantly impact couples' decisions. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews by providing exceptional service and following up after the ceremony.
- Building Relationships: Couples value a personal connection. Take the time to understand their vision and preferences, and maintain open, empathetic communication throughout the planning process.
Networking and Collaboration
- Collaborate with Vendors: Building relationships with other vendors can lead to referrals. Consider creating packages that include services from other vendors, such as photographers or planners.
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about industry trends, attend workshops, and network with other celebrants to refine your offerings and stay competitive.
Marketing and Promotion
- Social Media and SEO: Utilise social media to showcase your services and connect with potential clients. Invest in SEO to improve your visibility online.
- Showcasing Real Weddings: Share stories and pictures from weddings you’ve officiated, with permission, to give couples an idea of your style and approach.
The Easy Weddings report underscores the evolving nature of the wedding industry and the diverse needs of modern couples. By focusing on personalisation, budget flexibility, and strong customer service, while leveraging technology and fostering vendor relationships, wedding celebrants can effectively meet these needs, stand out in a competitive market, and build a successful business.
Download the 2024 report, 2023 report, and 2022 report.
The report also brought some statistics about the celebrant industry worth noting:
On average, marriage celebrants in Australia:
- Have been in business for 8 years
- Are among 9,000+ registered celebrants across the country
- Are booked 9 months before the wedding
- Spend 28% of their revenue on marketing and advertising (Josh: which is wild and well above the 5% industry norm)
- Work 16 hours on each wedding
- Respond to couple enquiries within 1 hour (42%) followed by within 24 hours (38%)
- Are devoted 92% to weddings and 8% to funerals and other events
- $874 is the average cost of a marriage celebrant (as interviewed by Easy Weddings) in Australia which is a 7% increase
Originally published on the Celebrant Institute: https://celebrant.institute/marketing/the-state-of-the-wedding-industry-according-to-the-2024-easy-weddings-survey/.