The responses represent a near reversal of the trend reported in a similar survey conducted in 2009, when 29 percent reported that more weddings were taking place when compared to 2008, and 71 percent reported that fewer weddings were taking place compared to 2008.
In addition, in the 2010 survey, nearly 30 percent reported seeing an increase in expenditures per event and 40 percent reported seeing increases in total wedding revenue. This again compares favorably to the 2009 survey, when nearly 90 percent reported seeing a decline in overall wedding spending due to the economy.
"We are cautiously optimistic that our survey results this year will predict a return from the brink of the recession," said Greg Casella, CPCE, president of the National Association of Catering Executives and owner of Catered Too! in San Jose, CA. "Our members are reporting growth in business this year, which is very positive."
The 2010 survey was conducted in March-April 2010, of the entire membership of theNational Association of Catering Executives.
