When do you start booking your weddings for the next year?

I guess this is more of a poll than anything. I'm in the Minneapolis/St. Paul

area, so I know it differs from place to place as well.

 

Here's the deal... last year, I had at least 10 weddings booked for the

following year (now the current year, 2008). At this point and time this year,

I have only 1 booked for 2009. Granted, I am more expensive, and I have cut

back on my advertising since I don't plan to take on as many weddings in 2009.

Should I be concerned or is this normal? When do you typically start having an

influx of clients for the next year?

 

Thanks!

Jackie

Started a few months ago.

 

Don't worry about it. Think of how many weddings you had to turn down because you were already booked for a date. Out of that number of weddings there is a good probability that one of them will book you.

Around here, MI brides book anytime from 6 months to 18 months. Most book around 9 months. IMO its still on the early side for 2009, but not out of the question.

 

Don't worry.

I've booked exactly one for 2009 so far.

I have none (at least with the retainer paid) so far, but a few inquiries have passed this way of late.

 

I guess my normal time to begin booking for the next year is about May to June of the previous year.

I currently have one booked for 2009, and one committed but no retainer yet. Brides around here usually start booking in September for the next year. I never worry because I know they will come.

My brides usually book, 1-4 years ahead. The better they plan, the more stable their lives, the more they appreciate a pro, and will pay for it, J

I have just one booked for 2009. Every year around the fall my wife gets worried that our

next year's calendar is sparce......but, miraculously, it always fills up.

 

This has been going on for almost 30 years. I tell her not to sweat it, but still she does.......

When? As soon as I can!<p>I have 4-5 booked for 2009 so far, which is unusual for me, but I'm not complaining. One of them is for Oct 09. I normally don't book this early for the next year.

I am also booked in 09 already, January. I think it's great brides plan ahead. I also feel VERY obligated to state that the deposit is not refundable. Sadly lots of things can happen in a year. Hasn't happened to me bu I've heard stories!

I've got three booked for '09, two of those are in September which is one of the busiest months around here. I'd say I'm ahead of the game from this time last year and I have 27 booked for 2008.

 

Sam

I don't think we ever turn down a wedding or an event. We have 1 booking already for a car show in 2010. We have several proms booked on 2009.

I have one booked for 2010 already and believe it or not, an inquiry for 2011.

Thanks everyone!