Wedding Venue Trends with Sophie Linin

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, ROYAL MUSEUMS GREENWICH

What types of venues/ locations are going to be big in 2020?

Clients are looking for venues that can offer experiences that make the day extra memorable for everyone. They want something that is going to make their guests feel really special and of course, they want something really photogenic so that their guests will be able to take loads of Instagram ready images. Couples are also engaging with us a lot more about sustainability, ensuring that the venue they pick is one that is as environmentally conscious as they are.

Are there any unique venues and locations that will be on the rise in 2020?

I think we will find that venues offering less traditional, more playful options, like sunrise and sunset weddings at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, being more popular with couples. Venues with multiple spaces will be popular, with couples looking to be able to choose what they do with each space as well as offering guests more of a journey. Outdoor event space will be import ant too.

What types of venues are couples staying away from in 2020?

Our couples don't want to have to transform a space; they want the space to have its own unique and quirkiness already without having to spend huge amounts of money dressing it. That way they can focus on adding the personal touches and using decor to highlight the venue's features. They also don't want venues that feel too restrictive or austere, wanting to have freedom and flexibility to have their day, their way.

Standing Out

Heat her Jones of Went e Vineyards says...

Venues are adding bells and whistles that make them stand out from other area properties. Knowing what your competitors are offering and discovering which new elements you can offer will set your event space apart from ot hers.

Sophie Linin of Royal Museums Greenwich says...

Venues that are standing out are offering more than just the traditional wedding packages. Venues are listening to their clients and building bespoke options from scratch, looking at better costings on different days of the week and offering more intimate as well as larger and grander options. Welcoming all types of couples makes a venue stand out as well as being proud to engage with local suppliers in sust ainable and et hical ways.

Pamella Dunn of Pamella Dunn Events says...

The more personal the offering, the more likely clients are to consider a venue. If the marketing, and the social media presence is engaging and resonates with couples, they feel confident they will have the wedding they hope for. With venues mindful of the environment, that have banished single use plastic, and are keeping waste to a minimum being a draw for eco conscious couples.

On the way out

Sam Lloyd of The Wedding Owl says...

With the recent, shocking, and to many couples crushing news of the collapse of Thomas Cook, coupled with the fallout from Brexit, we are predicting the growth in dest inat ion weddings will inevit ably slow down.

Staycations became popular in the UK in 2009 as a weak pound made overseas holidays significantly more expensive. So we are likely to see a new portmanteau 'Wedcations' entering the wedding industry dictionary.

Pamella Dunn of Pamella Dunn Events says...

Traditional hotel weddings have become less popular in recent years, especially where more than one wedding is held on one day. Strict packages, too numerous restrictions, high accommodation, and food and beverage costs see clients look elsewhere. Often due to cost but also to ensure their wedding does not look like every other wedding.

Heat her Jones of Wente Vineyards says...

Couples are steering away from venues that do not transform easily to reflect their ideas and style. On the other side of the coin, couples also are not looking for a completely blank slate when it comes to their wedding space. Instead, they are holding their wedding in a place with great features that will enhance their style. Venues and wedding locales with natural beauty (i.e. estates, vineyards, gardens, historic buildings, etc.) are particularly appealing, allowing couples to experiment with de?cor, without having to start from scratch or worry that their vision will clash with an existing theme.