2/16/2006

Oklahoma Winery Weddings

Weddings Offer Big Potential for Oklahoma Wineries

For an event that lasts five hours, winery weddings are a big and growing business.

Local wineries are seeing more and more success from teaming up with area businesses like: caterers, limousine services, gown designers, tuxedo rental shops, entertainers, printers, jewelers, photographers, florists and other vendors to host weddings. If you are wondering just how big this opportunity is check this out: in single year, more than 2 million American couples spend $80 billion on their nuptials...and that doesn't even count the same-sex couples!

That is a heck of a lot of champagne and crab puffs!

Why Wed at a Winery?

Loads of people are getting married at wineries these days and not just wine snobs. Some brides are simply looking for an attractive outdoor location for their wedding or reception site. Others may be looking for an alternative to churches due two family conflict or other reasons.

Also, don't forget that many Oklahoma families want a country theme to their weddings, often with horses! Since most tack rooms don't have bathrooms and the rodeo arena is too dusty... vineyards offer a great alternative.

Whatever the reason, an Oklahoma winery wedding provides both privacy and a romantic atmosphere, on neutral ground, for one of life's most special events. It is no surprise that Oklahoma wineries like Tidal School Vineyards are getting lots of requests.

What's In It For The Wineries?

Weddings offer Oklahoma wineries many chances to showcase their wines. Consider the reception, the rehearsal dinner or gifts to the bridal party to commemorate the event. They may also be interested in a custom label or specially decorated bottle. Wine is commonly given as a gift at weddings, along with such wine related gift shop items as stemware. Most importantly for winemakers, weddings attract a large number of people from the local area and far beyond.

How Can A Small Winery Be More Successful at Hosting Weddings?

Below is a list of tips for Oklahoma winemakers interested in pursuing the wedding market. Also, if you are planning your own winery wedding this list should point out some best practices that will identify the most experienced hosts.

  • Provide some webpages with the common formulas that help couples estimate the amount of wine their event will require.
  • Offer custom wine labels with the couple's names and wedding date.
  • Attend local bridal fairs (such as those listed in the Oklahoma Wineries Calendar) and offer wedding planning as a free or for-a-fee service.
  • Host your own bridal fair to enable couples and their families to meet your staff and vendors.
  • Encourage brides to register in your gift shop and offer special deals on gifts for the Bridesmaids and Best Man.
  • Create a winery wedding planning guide to send to your customers. Include a list of accommodations, clergy, restaurants, transportation services, florists, musicians and local wedding planners.

If you have more ideas on this subject, leave a comment on the blog. I would love to hear from you.


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