Thanks to all that participated in our November survey of party, wedding and event vendors. We had a great response and lots of excellent feedback. Results are posted below. Scroll down past the graphs to view vendor comments as there are plenty of good ones to read. This is a long scrolling post, but worth checking out.
The question was: Has the current economic situation affected your business unfavorably?
Total Results for All Vendors combined:
Vendor Specific Results:
We have no data for the categories of Chocolate Fountains, Party Supplies, Travel and Tuxedo Rentals.
Feedback and Comments
Survey Title:
Party, wedding and event vendors surviving todays economy.
Question:
What comments or other information would you like to share regarding the economy and your current business situation. Do you have any suggestions or tips that have helped your business that may also help others?
Comments:
My October was good because much of it was weddings booked many months ago. My weekly corporate work has cut WAY back. Worried about Christmas and 2009.
11/9/2008
My worst year in 37 yrs.
11/10/2008
Yes, as a wedding planner, I have heard why: their parents (who's retirement fund has just plummeted due to the market) are nervous about their financial situation and they are demanding that their kids cut back and plan on their own. I've heard this a few times lately :) Not good for me or others in the event industry.
11/10/2008
Usually I have between 12 to 20 bids out (for up to a yr ahead), right now I have 5 pending! I've lost the past 6 or 7 in a row for various venues and that's really different! Also, I have nothing scheduled for New Yrs eve for my band and that's a first. Maybe this year I can go enjoy myself somewhere!
11/10/2008
The last two years the business has gone to half what I used to do. I had picked up more corporate events but in the last two weeks three big events cancelled at the last min. Trickle down economics does work. When the big business in working then the small guys work. No one gets a job from a poor person. I think we are all in for a hugh down turn.
11/10/2008
Our sales staff booked 15% more new jobs for the upcoming year during the month of October, 2008 as compared to October, 2007. In addition, we performed 23% more jobs compared to October of '07. We were marvelling at how this year, "October is the new September" for weddings. We are in Ohio, so September is usually a popular wedding month with weather that is not too hot or cold. Temperatures can get into the 40s during October (and do)!Our web site experienced the opposite of yours. Pageviews were up 4% and total visits were up 2.3%, while unique visitors were down 2.9%. So it seemed we had fewer visitors, but more loyalty and interest from those who visited. Perhaps concerned clients are doing more careful research before booking. Variety might be something to look at in these times, as well as making sure your business referrals are remainging loyal.
Jerry Bruno Productions
http://www.jerrybruno.com/11/10/2008
I have lowered the deposit that I require. Instead of the $100 down, I only require $50.00 down. Also, if a bride tells me someone else will play her wedding for a certain price, they I tell her I will match her price. I am having to work harder to negotiate even when I get a lead.
11/10/2008
I was very busy in October. I don't have much booked for December yet, though...
11/10/2008
Brides are cutting back with their budgets. As a result I've had feedback saying that my pricing does not fit in their scaled-down budgets.
11/10/2008
These are tough economic times. Therefore we're required to be much more flexible and innovative in our pricing and marketing/sales strategy. In addition to our continue marketing efforts in the wedding industry - we are also placing more emphasis on small and large business prospects. Many small businesses and local non-profits are utilizing video on their web sites more than ever before. The marketing, sales and communication value that many businesses see in the on-line video opportunities has open new doors for us.One of the major solutions to our current economic problems: "Pay people a livable wage for the work that they do. And people should stop living beyond their means."
11/10/2008
Only calls since last January were from referrals from former clients, and none of them have actually ordered.
11/10/2008
My business has actually increased. However, more couples are hiring me independently and are choosing not to hire additional musicians. Last year, I played about half of my weddings solo and half with an accompanist. I think the fact that I am a solo violinist has helped tremendously because people want the classiness of stringed instruments but can't afford to hire a quartet. So if there are other solo musicians out there, point that out to potential clients! They can save money by hiring just one person! Also, if you can provide more than one service, do it! I offer vocals as well as violin for a fraction of what it would cost to hire two musicians. I imagine other industries are hurting as people are cutting back their spending. Some people have told me that they think couples will spend the same amount of money regardless of the economic situation because it is the most important day of their lives. I think there is some truth to this, but ceremony music is never goi
11/10/2008
One of my most reliable corporate clients just cancelled their Christmas Party, the one I've been entertaining at for the last 8 years.
11/11/2008
Had a great month in October, very busy. Slowing down in winter, which is typical. Have many bookings for next year 2009. People save for weddings. We are in the right business.
11/11/2008
There is a downturn for sure but I am working on the next stage to carry me through to the up turn.
11/11/2008
Worst October in my business. We are a higher end company still booking a few- but clients are spending considerably less than previous years. Fewer inquiries are being received.
11/11/2008
I do not know what to other then have a presence on the internet, choose wisely which form of advertising best suits me with the type of clients I want.
11/11/2008
Hey I am in Michigan. The recession started here over two years ago and is just now hitting the rest of the country. My phones went dead the minute the stockmarket crashed. I have had no christmas orders in three weeks. Very weird. We should be hopping right now. I did book four weddings for next year in the last month so that isn't bad. WE have been down about 10% the last two years. I was just starting to see an up swing when the stock market crashed. It is getting a bit scary out here.
Judy Anderson
Anderson Studios
11/11/2008
Business is down at least 50%. But I'm doing better than most photographers. I feel lucky. Pamela Smedley Photography
11/11/2008
Maui was the number one wedding destination in the world 12 years ago. Now we are not even on the map. Besides the economy being bad State and County regulations are destroying most small business efforts in Hawaii.
11/11/2008
I am a smaller baquet facility accommodating up to 150 guests. I think this has helped me because those 200+ weddings are down-sizzing bc of the economic crunch. I also have a restaurant. We are definitely hurting while watching many others having to close. We have not had sales as low as they are now in 5+ years. I have been open for 11yrs. I have never seen anything like this!
11/11/2008
Still getting requests for parties, They seem to be more willing to sacrafice quality for a lower price. They are not interested in who provides the best service, just who has the lowest price.
11/11/2008
We are a small bed & breakfast offering space for small events. For the last two years our wedding business was down. Now for the first time since those two years, we're back in the wedding business. Perhaps now as the economy is so volatile, we will be seeing small intimate weddings again.
11/11/2008
I've noticed a greater negative impact on our party custom party cake orders than any other line, including wedding cakes. In our retail store, we have been turning some items into "minis" which sell better than their full-size counterparts and at a higher profit margin.
Mark
I'm noticing the wedding budgets are smaller and brides are being more creative with their money.
11/11/2008
I believe it would be nice to put vendors together and give a free wedding. I a more than happy to help make that happen. Because I am an Officiant, it would only cost me my time and gas.
11/11/2008
I have never had a year like this one. My bookings are down last year this time I had booked 10 wedding for the new year. I only had 2 bookings in the last two months.
11/11/2008
I've had several inquires and meetings, couples have been waiting to make decisions as long as possible so they do not need to put down payments.
Jennifer @ A Memory Lane Event.
11/12/2008
I just opened my new bakery studio last October. I showed a profit after my first year. However, since the stock market crash, the gas prices, and the general economic lull, I can see a downward, spiral approaching. My husband has had to pay my bills for last month, and I suppose this month as well. I do not see a favorable future anytime soon. Since I am in the Northeast United States, I cannot depend on good weather to help. My weddings occur from June-October. Many other wedding related vendors are experiencing the same thing. I may have to resrot to my business as a hobby if things don't pick up soon. I am SURE I will show a significant loss this year. I'm just trying to hold on for the long ride.
11/12/2008
Got to lower my prices.
11/12/2008
It seems a lot of couples are choosing not to go with professional studios but the photo mills or amateurs. Not realizing that with most wedding vendors, you get what you pay for and when it's all said and done, your wedding book is what you have for posterity.
Michael
Brides are surfing the net for DIY ideas and trying to be all the vendors wrapped up in 1 oerson- the bride! Not a good idea. Also, good, professional planners are losing business to new brides and inexperienced thrill seekers who think they are planners and give ridiculously low prices for inferior service. Eveyone is suffering. Ultimately, it is the bride who suffers from lack of help and trying to do too much herself.
11/12/2008
We are finding clients are waiting untill the absolute last seconded to finally put down a deposit. Keep your chins up your professionalism will be in your favor.
11/12/2008
Tell the person/business/media you are negotiating with up front that your budget has been cut--can you work out a really good rate. Promo spots something--to help or else-you will not be able to place anything with them.
11/12/2008
I am a calligrapher. ALthough the fourth quarter is traditionally slow for me, but not as slow as I have been since early September. It is really scary since I put a lot of money into advertising this summer for my calligraphy and invitation business.
11/12/2008
We actually had a record-breaking 3rd Quarter but 4th Quarter bookings are sub-par versus past years (regular customers not booking, booked events are cheaper pkgs,e tc.) We're OK financially because we've made it standard practice to not rely on credit (cash based business only).
Bars On Wheels - Cincinnati, OH
11/13/2008
As one of the top florist in our area I feel quality has taken a back seat and cost is the bottom line with most brides at the moment
11/13/2008
So far things are going OK, just a little slower than usual. People are taking their time deciding about big purchases. This is the year to be flexible and work with clients' budgets!
11/13/2008
We're still doing well because the business is still growing however I will say that corporate parties have dropped off for two holiday seasons now.
11/13/2008
The passing of proposition 8 didn't help either.
11/13/2008
I've found that networking, building rapport, and volunteering my time (for worthy causes) has generated business. With that said I find the events are smaller in terms of budget and attendees/guests. We are working a bit harder to create elegant events on conservative budgets. 11/13/2008
We have tried to be more flexible with pricing. We have worked to improve our web presence.
11/13/2008
I booked 7 wedding last year in November, so far, I've only booked 2. I am feeling a bit of an impact. Like brides are frozen to take the next step.
11/13/2008
Hang in there. This to will pass and we will all bounce back. I hope I can pay my bills in the meantime.
11/13/2008
Parties seem to be booking more last minute that I've experienced in the past couple of years.
11/13/2008
Where's OUR bailout???
11/13/2008
October was a good month for weddings for me, but my November and December are very bleak! Companies I have done florals for years are majorly scaling back on their holiday party budgets. Some are still having the parties, but not doing the extras, like floral centerpieces.What I am more worried about is next year...bookings are definitly down from last year, and the budgets are half or less...I am trying to stay positive, but I am also realistic and I am preparing for a very slow start to the 2009 wedding season.
Katrina ~
In the past month we have serviced over 18 weddings in Tucson and surroundig areas, not including corp events. Business has been very good and with plenty for the rest of the year into next year. What has been the key in Service above and beyond what your client expects, quality product and prices that work within their budget. We welcome all price ranges, be creative with what you have and listen to the clients needs. If you have a wedding that is "small" , put the same energy and quality in it as if were thousands of dollars, because you never know who is in the wedding or who is attending the wedding who may need you services and may have a larger budget. For example; I had a bride who only had $300.00 for florals for the wedding party. We serviced it, and got 4 weddings out of that, which the minimum was 1K - 4K, and doing those weddings gave us even more exposure. Your clients are the best form of adversising and mouth piece for your business. I could go on...
11/13/2008
November is a slow time for me anyway, but the phone/email traffic is pretty dead. My event planner contacts are telling me they are getting lots of inquiries, so we shall see. It's just hard to tell yet ow 2009 will play out. I have also heard that one of the top Bay Area caterers has had lots of corporate party cancellations, but the weddings on their books are still strong. We just have to ride this out and work extra hard - never give up.
11/13/2008
We are a service industry. If you work very hard to personalize the service, word will get out! We have weathered other downturns and have come out ahead because of attitude!
11/14/2008
It's hard owning your own business.. We are photographers, DJ, and video.. That seems to help us... Photography is going well but slow.. The DJ is going okay but we have to bargain with people for all our services.
11/14/2008
calligrapher. very slow, but, for me, November and December have always been my lightest months. I'll know for sure if I'm really hurting, in February when business usually (used to?) picks up.
11/14/2008
Figuring a way to deal with the rising cost of food items and attract new clients without putting yourself deeper in the hole.
11/14/2008
I really believe it all boils down to marketing. There are so many people out there with only a bit of talent who have marketed their way into very secure positions in the industry. As a commercial shooter friend of mine once said when he landed the Harley Davidson account, "I know I don't shoot that well, but, I gotta tell ya, I have the best rep in the world."
11/14/2008
Gross revenues down about 5%
11/14/2008
I really look forward to the results of this survey. No one likes to suffer alone :) Thanks for breaking it out by category, that will be great to see. Hope people participate!
11/14/2008
October in St. Louis was HUGE! I performed 19 wedding ceremonies! I do notice that most couples are very conscious about price, however.
Lamira, Celebrant!
any weddings I have this year are all smaller money wise than I have ever had.My averave before all this was $3500.00 to $7000.Now its $1500.00 max that they are willing to spend.
11/14/2008
Oct is always slower. Holiday party and wedding calls for Nov/Dec rolling in!~~~~Skookums, harpist in Anchorage AK
11/15/2008
It seems like everyone is asking for the lowest price possible and it make our business very hard.
Fontaine vineyards
11/16/2008
It is no new news that the average person has long forgotten what live music actually sounds like. I played (classical guitar) at one wedding ceremony this past year. And no (zero) receptions. No calls at all for formal functions of ANY kind. I keep dropping my price, but it makes no difference. Live music is the first thing to go in difficult economic times. At this point, I've stopped investing in promo for weddings.
11/16/2008
We are offering promotions on all of our invitations.
11/17/2008
We usually have many holiday parties booked at this point every year, and right now we don't have any!
11/17/2008
I have ventured into offering more for the same price. But discounting the price cut my bookings - so I offered more incentives at a median price. I also offer up things that do not cost me anything additional (keepsake booklet, unlimited photo storage and unlimited correspondence.) These are all things that I gave before - however now I 'add it to the package' as a gift to the couple.We are in the off season (very wet and usually fairly cold) but I have a small consistent flow of bookings.
Rev. Respini
I'm grateful to say that business has picked up for us! I have tried to stay positive and not let the prospective client leave, even if it means negotiating a lower price. I am seeing that the client is totally aware of the economic situation and will work you for a better price even if it's not directly affecting them. I'm happy to do what I can do for them if it means gaining more business.
11/17/2008
I am seeing more low cost weddings than years past
11/17/2008
We are an advertising business that helps brides find and reach local vendors. We have seen less interest in advertising online and we also have a hard time keeping our commission based sales people motivated and selling. We are trying to figure out how we can grow to help both our vendors and brides but need more motivated individuals to help us run our company but that is hard to find when all we can offer is commission only. Any suggestions would be great. Thank you.
JGillard,Manager
The year has been horrible but began to turn around in October and i'm receiving more calls because my website has a high listing on google now, but I don't know what is happening out there. People are still getting married and I feel the problem is to many DJ's undercutting each other.
11/17/2008
Have not had a wedding contract from advertising sources in over a year. Have a few from friends referrals.
11/17/2008
I was going to raise my fees- but now I am staying put.
11/17/2008
This whole year has been pretty slow. We've done about 50% of our usual business. Worst year we have had since we started our dj business in 1986.
Ken Urschel
Mainstage Entertainment
Rochester, IN
To Whom It May Concern:The above information is based on October 2008; most of the business that month were elopements from out of the country.
Sincerely,
Rev. Barbara Concoby
Aloha Wedding CeremoniesOfficiant Minister Services
Our business is down 30 - 50% from last year, but last year was a record year for us.
11/17/2008
Business is up marginally from last year. But it is mainly because of our intense sales effort, and the political work that we had for the primary and general elections. Without the political work we would be down for the year. Our wedding, bar mitzvah, and holiday party events have largely be scaled back.
11/18/2008
ONe thing I have found that has helped some is to give away Sample Candy Favors and in turn it has generated me a little more business!
11/18/2008
I usually start booking weddings in Oct-Nov for following spring. Have not had ONE booking. Economy here in Idaho is VERY bad. Not even getting my usual destination Brides coming over from Washington. If this keeps up I'll be looking for a Wal-Mart job!
11/18/2008
I have'nt received a call since the election. R
11/18/2008
I have become a lot more flexible in my pricing (obviously adjusting downward); I've also been investigating publicizing in a wider range of settings (community bulletin boards, senior apartment complexes) as I don't play just weddings. I've also been running ads on Craig's List, which are free, and have been getting more inquiries than the costly paid ads in local publications. It's still pretty tough, though....
11/19/2008
I have kept my prices very reasonable and work hard with my clients to meet their budget. As a result, more of my business is coming from "word of mouth" than any other form of advertising. I am also working closely with wedding coordinators by offering their client an exclusive discount that is not offered by us anywhere else.
Mariah Walton
Simply Flowers
11/19/2008
My worst October in years
11/19/2008
I think this will really thin out the ranks. I've already lost some competition - they need to make a living.
11/19/2008
Bad time of year always. I'll know better by mid Feb
11/19/2008
This is generally a slow time of year for inquiries, however its slower than usual. I expect January 09 to be the true barometer.
11/19/2008
People are still getting married, but they are price-shopping more.
11/19/2008
Officiant and Wedding planner. Very slow! Moved from Hawaii as business is so slow... Having fun networking and getting creative with my marketing directions. I believe the current economic crunch will pass and joyfull couples will be soon ready to plan and start their lives together!
11/19/2008
I have had to lower my fees this last year. Most private events 75% were all last minute bookings (within 2-4 weeks prior, as opposed to 4-6 months in advance)
11/20/2008
Holy living crap....it is so bad I have actually thought seriously about getting a J.O.B.
11/20/2008
As we know the consumer is out there also with ther digital cameras. They are getting some of the business also. We as profesonals must take care of our customers and educate them. Keep them happy and they will come back all the time. We have to promote our product as well.
11/20/2008
My prices are at the higher end of the mid market.
11/20/2008
I'm seeing way too many inexperienced (i.e. - bad business people) slashing their prices and essentially paying others to shoot for them! They are bidding so low that they are working for about $5 per hour. I'm hoping to survive long enough to watch them all go out of business.
11/20/2008
The phone's not ringing at all. If something doesn't happen very quickly, I will be out of business after 25 years.
11/20/2008
Offer other services and pass them on to other vendors for a finders fee. It has helped us a lot to offer a one stop shopping experience.
11/20/2008
Just hang in there, stay current on your marketing, get a blog if you don't already have one and keep your customers happy!
11/20/2008
Instead of raising prices to reflect my increased costs I have lowered prices to reflect how hurting people are with the economic woes.I'm finding that people appreciate the recognition of tough times.
Jay
11/20/2008
Make friends with other vendors, network more.
11/21/2008
In times of economic struggle, people are even more focused on things that are important to their families. People pull together in the tough times, even in the planning for tougher times, by cutting out things that they don't need and spending more thoughtfully on the things that mean the most to them. This is a good thing in the photography business, because family, traditions and those memories are so important. We talk to new brides and her parents about the "first family heirloom", which is the wedding album. The images from that day will be what they have left to leave to their children and grandchildren. Even when times are tough, families will pull together to invest in portraiture.
Lori Nordstrom
Did a bridal show in Sept. Handed out 200 brochures and had tons of traffic at my booth. Only got one phone call for consultation and fortunately I booked the wedding. Otherwise I am getting zero calls. Last year I had atleast 4 calls a week.
11/21/2008
Network, Network, Network! In order for us to survive we need to help each other out.
11/21/2008
The trends we've seen are that couples are booking closer to their date and seem to take more time with the selection process. We're still booking the same number of jobs and have even increased our price, but the market is behaving differently and is more difficult to predict.
11/22/2008
I have had my own, new shingle out for little over a year now and I have only recieved one phone call for a quote for Christmas parties. Last year, just shortly after opening my own mobile dj business, I did 4. So things are very different this year from last.
11/22/2008
I have noticed that inquiries and traffic are considerable down. People are shopping for much smaller events, 25-50 people instead of 100-150 people. People are shopping & shopping and waiting to make commitments.
11/22/2008
Our city has closed or moved over 40 businesses since 2000 and more are closing. Manufacturing is our mainstay or should I say...was. I;ve kept my prices as low but a fair compensation to have some affordability for my customers. Also, Great Quality, Customer service, reputation keeps them coming. Small orders are better than none!
11/22/2008
I play weddings and Funeral services I can adjust my price to fit both occasions.people will alway died and always get married to a bagpiper..I am a team play,I can adapt and over come most things TG...Thing of me if you need a Bagpiper..Good Luck
11/23/2008
not only are my booking way down, even from many years regulars, those that are calling are grinding really hard on the prices. I've been trying to hold my prices, but way too many non-professional DJ's are getting some of my work for ridiculous prices, and, providing ridiculous performances
11/23/2008
October was our best single month ever, and November is going great so far.
11/24/2008
Do more than one thing, so when one fails, the other can pick up some of the slack.
11/24/2008
I think that we have benefited by some of the clientelle coming to us that usually orders more gourmet catering....
11/24/2008
Be flexable with budgets. Brides are coming in wanting to cut out centerpieces and I have come up with elegant, budget friendly centerpieces that they wind up going for. Better a little than none at all!
11/24/2008
Get out of your office and vist your clients. Take a small gift, cup of coffee, etc. Get in their face!
11/24/2008
advertise advertise advertise
11/24/2008
Had to lower fees a bit to attract Brides.
11/24/2008
Flexible and show value.
11/24/2008
I received very few inquiries in Oct & up until now in November. I'm beginning to get nervous and worried about next year.
11/25/2008
The economy has mainly effected our corporate business. December is traditionally a month where we will do an incredible amount of events and it is turning out to be just average at best. Wedding or 2009 are actually doing just fine (for now).
11/26/2008
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