This article analyzes the trends in the wedding venue industry after the COVID-19 pandemic, examining the current situation and future prospects using various statistical data.
Key Points
1. Activity Status of Wedding Venue Industry
- The wedding venue industry index in the Tertiary Industry Activity Index has been on a long-term declining trend since 2013
- Significant decline in 2020 due to the impact of the novel coronavirus
- While recovering thereafter, it has not returned to pre-COVID levels
- Sales have remained flat at approximately 80% of pre-COVID levels since 2022
2. Structural Changes in Sales
- Number of cases handled continues to decline from pre-COVID trends
- Unit prices have increased due to higher costs for food materials and utilities
- Trend towards reducing guest numbers while improving food quality per person
- Sales maintain year-on-year flat levels due to unit price increases
3. Trends in Marriage Numbers and Marriage Rates
- Temporary increase due to "Reiwa marriage" boom in 2019
- Increase in 2022 as a reaction to the COVID pandemic
- Long-term declining trend continues for both marriage numbers and marriage rates (marriages per 1,000 population)
- Progression of declining birthrate, increasing unmarried population, and late marriages
4. Seasonal Wedding Demand
- October and November are most popular (mild weather, "Good Couple Day," many holidays)
- August (Obon/summer vacation) and January (New Year) have fewer cases
- June Bride is less popular in Japan due to the rainy season
- Analysis based on monthly average data from 2015 to 2024
5. New Forms of Weddings
- Increase in "No Wedding" couples who register marriage but don't hold ceremonies
- Small weddings with only relatives and close friends
- "Modest weddings" choosing restaurant weddings or photo weddings
- Possibility of expansion of new formats utilizing diverse plans tailored to individual preferences and online options
The article concludes that while the wedding venue industry is recovering from the COVID pandemic difficulties, new forms of weddings may expand further as market contraction is expected.