In an era dominated by social media, its influence permeates every aspect of our lives, including the wedding industry.
As couples embark on the exciting journey of planning their big day, managing expectations versus budget has become an intricate dance. This blog will explore the positive and negative effects of social media, and how to manage wedding/client expectations, while offering insight on overcoming the common hurdle of "sticker shock."
The Positive Influence of Social Media:
Inspiration Galore: Social media platforms, like Instagram and Pinterest, serve as treasure troves of wedding inspiration. It’s like opening Pandora’s Box, full of dazzling ideas that seem too good to be true. The creative possibilities are endless! Couples can explore themes, color schemes, and décor ideas, fueling their creativity to help them envision their dream wedding.
Vendor Discovery: Platforms like Facebook and wedding forums facilitate the discovery of talented vendors. Couples can read reviews, view portfolios, and connect with vendors who align with their vision. Looking for a gelato cart, a live painter, custom signs, or a professional fireworks display, then look no further than the world wide web.
Community Support: Social media communities allow couples to connect with others going through the same journey. They can seek advice, share experiences, and find support, fostering a sense of community that can be incredibly reassuring during the planning process.
The Negative Influence of Social Media:
Unrealistic Expectations: The curated world of social media often showcases picture-perfect weddings, creating unrealistic expectations. Couples may feel pressured to replicate extravagant ceremonies, leading to disappointment when faced with budget constraints. I mean, can we just talk about the wedding for the social media influencer, who shut down a street in SoHo for her rehearsal dinner? Let’s be honest, there are very few couples that will ever be able to entertain the thought of shutting down busy streets for rehearsal dinners, or buyout grand chateaus in France for weeks at a time. While everyone wants to have an unforgettable wedding day, some of the extremes seen on social media are simply that - extreme for the average couple.
Comparison Trap: Social media encourages constant comparison, potentially fueling a sense of inadequacy or inferiority. Couples may feel the need to keep up with trends, or outdo others, even if it means stretching their budget beyond its limits. This comparison trap can even occur with friends, or family members who were recently married. Thus creating unnecessary tension throughout the planning process. Couples may think about dinner from a friend’s wedding last year, the music from their cousin’s reception, or the adorable personal details that their sister-in-law included in their wedding welcome baskets, and quickly spiral into a “how can ours be the best” mindset.
Sticker Shock: A common challenge arises when couples confront the reality of wedding costs, commonly referred to as "sticker shock." The shock of realizing the financial commitment required to achieve their dream wedding can be overwhelming! The majority of couples do not realize the cost of flowers, catering, rentals, and so many other details that make viral inspiration so dreamy. Not only can the price be a shock, but what couples hear on blogs, or Tik Tok, about wedding costs may not be accurate to the city they are getting married in. This leads to misconceptions about what can fit into their budget.
Managing Wedding Client Expectations vs. Budget:
Open Communication: Establish transparent communication with clients from the beginning. Discuss budget constraints, and set realistic expectations. Encourage couples to prioritize elements that matter most to them, ensuring a focus on what is truly meaningful.
Education on Costs: Provide clients with a breakdown of typical wedding costs. Educate them on industry standards, and help them understand where the bulk of their budget is likely to be allocated. This can mitigate sticker shock and empower couples to make informed decisions.
Customization Within Budget: Highlight the importance of customization. Emphasize that a memorable wedding doesn't have to be synonymous with extravagance. Creative and personalized touches can elevate the overall experience without breaking the bank.
Embrace Realism: Encourage couples to embrace imperfections, and the uniqueness of their own love story. Remind them that real weddings are not staged photo shoots – they are genuine celebrations filled with love and joy.
While social media can be a double-edged sword in the wedding planning process, its positive aspects can be harnessed with careful management. By fostering open communication, providing education on costs, and embracing the beauty of realistic expectations, couples can navigate the challenges of budgeting, and create a wedding that is both magical and meaningful. In the end, the true essence of a wedding lies in the love shared, and that is a priceless element that transcends the constraints of any budget.
Author: Riley Gersch, owner of Elegant Affairs by Design, located in FL.
Riley is a CWP Society Certified Educator, and holds the following certifications from the CWP Society. Certified Wedding Planner, Certified Wedding Design Consultant, Master Certified Wedding Planner. Awards: 2022 Wedding Planner on the Rise