The Wedding Industry in Utah 

Nothing says “Utah Wedding” like a client calling about a wedding in 3 months. If you are a vendor in the wedding industry in Utah, then you will know this statement to be true. In the United States, the average age for a man to get married is age 30, and for a woman, it is age 28. While the average age for men and women in Utah is 22-25 years of age. 

With the average age being considerably lower, there are many couples in Utah who are still in school when they become engaged and begin planning for their big day. From the beginning of their engagement until their wedding send off, 3 to 5 months of planning is considered “normal”.  Generally, there are spikes in bookings in mid-December to early January, and from the middle of April to the end of August. This is because many of the couples getting married are students and they are trying to plan for weddings in between their school semesters. Summer is obviously the peak for the wedding season and is booked out for almost every wedding vendor.

The wedding industry in Utah is booming, thanks in part to its diverse offerings. From rustic barns to elegant ballrooms, couples have endless options to choose from. According to recent statistics, Utah has one of the highest rates of marriage in the country, (which might not be too surprising) and it has spurred a vibrant market for wedding-related services, including venues, catering, photography, and floral design.

Breaking into the Wedding Industry As a Vendor  

What does the wedding industry in Utah look like for those wanting to break into it? A lot of people say it is oversaturated and that there are a lot of vendors already competing in this very lucrative market. Maybe there is, but it’s all about what sets you apart from the competition. Some couples may like one style over another, and that is okay. You won’t get every lead that comes to you and that is just how the wedding industry in Utah works. The Northampton House is a wedding venue but we aren’t the perfect venue for every couple. We have a historic, elegant charm to our space. Many couples love this style, but other couples want a rustic farm vibe or princess castle. The history of our building sets us apart from other venues. 

First and foremost, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the unique characteristics of Utah’s wedding market. The state’s diverse demographics influence wedding styles, traditions, and preferences. From intimate outdoor ceremonies in scenic parks, to grand receptions in elegant ballrooms, understanding what couples are looking for can guide your offerings. Researching trends, attending local bridal shows and expos, and engaging with other industry professionals can provide valuable insights into the preferences of Utah couples.

Networking is key in the wedding industry. Establishing relationships with other vendors, such as florists, photographers, caterers, and officiants, can help you create a reliable referral system. Joining local wedding associations or groups, like WIPA, can provide opportunities to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. Collaborating on styled shoots or community events can also boost your visibility and credibility. One of the biggest things that can make a difference is getting on a venue’s preferred vendor list. Almost every venue in Utah has a preferred vendor list. This is a list they have on their website or they give to couples who book with them. It can be caterers, photographers, florists, DJ’s, and so much more. This gets your name out there and many people book preferred vendors because venues work with them often and they are a trusted brand. 

Going along with networking, getting involved in local bridal shows and expos is an excellent way to introduce yourself to engaged couples and showcase your services. These events allow you to meet potential clients face-to-face, answer their questions, and present your offerings directly. Consider creating an eye-catching booth with samples of your work, promotional materials, and perhaps even a giveaway or discount code to draw in attendees. Not only will this help you build your client base, but it’s also an opportunity to network with other vendors and industry professionals, further solidifying your place in the Utah wedding scene.

To stand out in a competitive market, consider what unique services or packages you can offer. Whether it’s specialized decor themes, all-inclusive planning services, or sustainable wedding options, finding a niche can attract couples looking for something distinctive. Additionally, showcasing your work on social media platforms can help you reach a wider audience and inspire potential clients with your creativity. 

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for anyone entering the wedding industry. Create engaging social media profiles on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, where you can showcase your work, share client testimonials, and connect with potential couples. Use visually appealing content, such as photos and videos of previous events, to highlight your unique style and services. Additionally, consider starting a blog on your website to share insights, tips, and trends in the wedding industry, which can help improve your search engine visibility and establish you as an authority in your field. In addition, putting the name of your industry in your Name on Instagram can be helpful. For example, as a wedding venue in Utah, I would want me name to be something like Wedding Venue | The Northampton House. If I was a Utah Wedding Photographer, I would want to put that in my name. For example, Utah Wedding Photographer by Andria Joleen (which by the way we love and recommend her all day: https://andriajoleen.com/). This is a great way for your clients to find you easily on Instagram and social media. 

Tips and Trends

In the past 2 years, we have gotten a few messages similar to this one, “My partner and I are a queer couple and we’re only considering vendors who are open to serving the LGBTQ community. Is that compatible with the services you offer?” This almost breaks our heart to get messages like this. How hard would that be to get a rejection from a company or brand because of your sexual orientation? We have had multiple queer weddings in our venue and it is beautiful every single time. Love is love, and we are happy for each couple no matter their sexual orientation. 

Many couples these days are looking for eco-friendly products. Whether that is in the chairs they use, the cutlery they use or anything else. If there is something you can market in your brand as being eco friendly, then that could help you as well. For us, we are a historic building and that is how we have been able to repurpose this beautiful church building. For florists, many of them in Utah buy from local farmers. They support those businesses while others support their businesses. No matter how you market it, finding something that your clients will find eco-friendly can help your sales. We know this isn’t always the case, and if it isn’t then that is okay too. Just finding a way to market it to your clients is the key. 

More importantly, one of the biggest tips and leading trends right now is creating an experience for the couple. No matter what your service is, it can always be an experiential service. Whether you are a photo booth and work closely with the guests, or you are a photographer who is great to work with and enjoyable to be around. A local Utah catering company called Crisp Catering uses Experience Crisp in their headline. Their food is made fresh in front of their guests, giving them more of an experience along with delicious food. Create an unforgettable experience for your clients and their guests, and they will be sure to remember you, use you again, and recommend you. So make sure to always have business cards on hand because you never know who may be there looking for wedding vendors. 

Start Today

Getting into the wedding industry in Utah can be a bit daunting. But there is a huge clientele here and there are so many people here to help you succeed and grow your business. By doing small and simple things, you can grow your business to be the best in your industry. As long as you are willing to put the work in upfront, you will see the growth overtime. 

Xoxo

The Northampton House