Weddings are good business for venues, hairdressers, bands, fashion stores and other wedding service providers. Although costs have risen enormously, the Austrians are not cutting back on this event.
May is one of the favorite wedding months of Austrians. Last year, 47,482 dared to do so, an increase of 15.5 percent. After a dip during the Corona period and subsequent teething problems, the wedding business is now running at full speed again. “The order books are now quite full,” beams pastry chef Klaus Hanauer, who delivers around 300 cake creations for weddings in a good year. In the east of the country, Sacher cakes are still the most popular, but variants with mascarpone cream are also popular. Prices start at six euros each; the more elaborate the decoration, the more the masterpiece costs. Cakes with a wow effect are especially important for customers with a migrant background. That is why it is common for these sweet models to have 12 “tiers”. For comparison: classic orders amount to a maximum of half.
Desserts are only a small part of wedding costs. Anyone who gets married in this country can spend between 14,000 and 18,000 euros. In addition, there are the costs for wedding rings and honeymoon, each of which is very individual and can therefore cost a lot of money. The planning is often done a year in advance; wedding locations in Styria are particularly popular.
On average, 88 guests are invited. The largest financial part is clearly the restaurant, which often accounts for half of the investment. “You now have to pay more than before because it is a service,” says wedding expert Bernhard Fichtenbauer, who also points to higher staff, gas and electricity prices. However, weddings are often zero-sum games because the guests usually bring as much money in gifts as the bride and groom pay for the event. Fichtenbauer: “It is expected that the gifts will be awarded this year “adjusted for inflation”.
When it comes to wedding dresses, pearls are currently in fashion. “Either completely or only at the top and also in the accessories and veils,” says Christine Hülser, head of the Upper Austrian bridal fashion store Hänsel und Gretel. Lush princess dresses are just as popular as sexy models with a slit. Schüttlinger: “The dress must be light and easy to wear.” Despite the price increase, most models are available between 1,300 and 2,000 euros, suits for the groom start at 499 euros. Shoes cost 150 to 250 euros, veils start at 69 euros and go up to 900 euros. Many brides also change clothes in the evening and continue to party in a second outfit until the early morning hours.
“The wedding industry is very important for the industry,” explains dealer spokesperson Frank-Thomas Much. When it comes to rings, there is a demand for timeless designs for both men and women. Money gold remains the most popular and the models are no longer as wide as they used to be. Prices are now slightly higher due to the increased gold prices, according to jeweler “Von Köck”. It is not the size of the diamonds and colored gemstones that count, but rather the quality and international certification.
High season also in the guilds of pedicures, beauticians and nail salons: there the trend towards natural nail shapes and colors continues and foot care is becoming increasingly important for summer weddings. French paint finishes remain popular because they reflect elegance and style. Make-up artists are in great demand, especially at weddings: after all, the bride’s make-up must remain flawless all day long and experts also recommend waterproof products.
Many couples postpone their honeymoon until later because they don’t have the change they need after the big event. “Couples spend more on their honeymoon than on a regular holiday,” says Martin Fast, boss of Dertour Austria. Newlyweds who are attracted to distant places like to fly to the Mexican Caribbean coast, the Maldives or Mauritius. Closer destinations include Turkey, Madeira or Greece in particularly exclusive hotels. On long-haul flights you can count up to 2,800 euros per person, on medium-haul flights you can count on around 1,500 euros – of course there are hardly any upper limits.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
