Are Weddings Recession Proof?

Survey: Few Caterers Report Spike in Wedding Cancellations, But 50 Percent
Report That Clients Are Cutting Costs in Response to the Slowing Economy

COLUMBIA, Md., April 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A clear majority -- 88
percent -- of caterers and event planners surveyed by the National Association
of Catering Executives (NACE) reported that they are not seeing increases in
cancellations of weddings due to the slowdown in the economy.

Also, nearly 60 percent reported that they were not seeing increases in
cancellations of other types of catered affairs, while 41 percent reported an
increase in cancellations of catered affairs other than weddings.

However, while more than one-half (52 percent) of the respondents in the
survey reported that they are not seeing a decline in wedding spending in
response to the slowdown; just less than one-half (48 percent) reported that
they were seeing declines in spending.

Similarly, just more than one-half reported (52 percent) that more clients are
booking weddings on Fridays and Sundays to avoid premium pricing, and roughly
one-half (48 percent) reported no such patterns. And, a slight majority -- 62
percent -- reported that customers are purchasing less expensive meals and
avoiding luxury items.

"Clearly the economy is having some impact on wedding and event budgets," said
Daniel Briones, NACE President and Director of Catering at the Four Seasons
Hotel in Philadelphia. "However, the survey confirms that the wedding industry
remains strong and people are not canceling their events."

The survey, conducted in March 2008, was distributed to NACE members and
yielded 465 responses.

The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), www.nace.net is the
oldest and largest professional association dedicated to all aspects of the
catering industry.

SOURCE National Association of Catering Executives

David Harrison, +1-410-804-1728, david@harrisoncommunications.net, for the
National Association of Catering Executives