Wedding venues
anticipating high season

30 percent annual increase in bookings

Demand on wedding venue services is increasing between 15 and 30 percent each year.

According to Tina Riskala, General Manager at Jardin D’amour, a wedding venue in Aley, demand has increased 30 percent annually. She said that around 50 wedding ceremonies took place last year, and there are around 70 bookings for this year.

“We are performing well. For this reason we will open another wedding venue in a different location,” she said.

A figure of $1 million will be invested in the new location.

Demand at Country Lodge Club and Resort, Bsalim, has increased between ten and 15 percent each year.

Andrew Haber, Banquet Sales Manager at the club, said that around 40 weddings took place last year. We will exceed 50 this season.

“Demand is expected to grow,” said Cynthia Harb, Marketing Manager at The Legend Venue, in Nahr-El-Kalb.

Around 35 wedding ceremonies took place at the venue last year. The same number of weddings are booked so far for this year.

Demand at the BIEL Pavillon is stagnant, according to Jihan Chalhoub, Director of Sales. The venue caters to high-income customers. Around 35 wedding ceremonies were conducted last year.

“The number of the wedding invitees is decreasing. People who used to invite 600 people are now only inviting 400,” she said.

Budgets allocated for wedding receptions, which includes dinner, are also increasing. According to Riskala, budgets range between $20,000 and $70,000. Jardin D’amour provides a package including all equipment except food starting from $10,000.

Prices per person at Country Lodge are between $55 and $88, including food and beverages, and services.

The Legend provides the location, lighting and sound for $24,000.

Rental prices for BIEL Pavillon are between $8,800 and $11,000. This is for premise rental only. Catering prices start at $100, increasing to $190 per person.