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Wedding planners back on growth path
Couples hosting a few guests are advised to leave planners out on the account of costs. Photo/REUTERS
Posted Thursday, July 8 2010 at 00:00
Not anymore; there is a slow but definite change of roles.
The middle and upper classes are doing away with committees and embracing professional touch — at a cost.
“The general change in socio-economic trends has seen the wedding industry develop to accommodate more players ,” said Hope Mwinzi, a wedding planner and publisher of Raspberry Weddings magazine.
The cost of nuptials is rising, with costs averaging Sh1 million compared to Sh500,000 five years ago.
Wanjiru Kariuki, who is the online administrator of a website providing wedding content, says planning has become detailed, involving, and getting more complex as tastes change.
“If well managed it can register good returns. You, however, need to have a lot of professionalism, uniqueness and innovation to give your clients what they want and more if you want to get into this business,” she said.
Wedding experts advise that one has to ensure that everything is in place: the venue, the caterers, décor, transport and other ‘small’ bits for a successful staging.
Ms Kariuki says the cost is a status affair.
“Weddings to most people are a sign of a person’s social class; so, it is the image that one is trying to portray that will determine their budget,” said Ms Kariuki.
While one couple will spend Sh200,000, another will budget with Sh15 million according to taste.
Some elements are constant while others vary. Hiring vehicles, officiating fees, and photography usually do not change while catering, entertainment, the venue and the décor change.
The variables determine the budget line. If a couple, for example, wants the reception at an exclusive five-star restaurant with a live band and rare blue roses, they have to produce more for the colour and ambience.
Sometimes a couple can find it difficult to stick to the budget owing to new demands along the way.
This presents a headache to planners who have to play with the figures without compromising quality.
According to Ms Kariuki, this is not uncommon and one needs to be prepared for it.
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