After the pandemic eased, wedding-industry watchers predicted that this would beWe conducted an informal poll of dozens of local industry pros. Almost half reported booking at least 25 percent more weddings than usual this year. In reality, the increase is probably much higher: Many have been declining events because their schedules are full. “It’s the first time I’ve had to turn away so much business,” says Sarah-Jane Bennett ofPhotograph by Birds of a Feather Photography.
’s Renae Ouellette. “And in the past it was typically only Saturdays and never in July or August. People don’t care anymore—they just want to get married.”Inflation is one—clients expect prices to stay the same while costs balloon. Plus event-planning timelines are tighter given ongoing pandemic uncertainty, and frustrated couples whose ceremonies were