Couples seek 'value for money' in Jersey weddings
Wedding planners say couples are prioritising value-for-money options as costs rise and the number of ceremonies falls
Couples in Jersey are prioritising value for money in wedding ceremonies as costs rise and the number of ceremonies falls, according to island wedding planners. Government figures show 381 marriages took place in Jersey in 2024 — seven more than 2023 but well below the 2014 peak of 522. Planners say the shift is toward more strategic budgeting rather than simply seeking cheaper options.
Wedding planner and events consultant Molly Happer said couples are becoming more strategic when planning their big day. "We're seeing people not necessarily looking for cheaper but looking for better value for money," she said. "What I say to clients is think about the budget as a whole. What is your main priority in a wedding? Is it good photos, good food, the best venue? That's when we know where we can put the majority of the budget."
In its latest annual report, the Office of the Superintendent Registrar highlighted a 22% rise in Register Office weddings. Of the 316 civil marriage ceremonies held in Jersey in 2024, 135 took place at the Register Office — 24 more than the year before. Event planner Mike Ward of The Workshop said the demand for better value has boosted interest in all-inclusive services, with hotels in particular drawing more couples. "People are aware that a marquee wedding can be more expensive because you’ve got to hire the ground, the marquee, the toilets — everything. So there is definitely a move towards hotels," he said. Ward also noted that fewer people are choosing full church ceremonies, a trend echoed by his colleague Sharon Hayes.
The need to save money has also meant couples are taking a more hands-on approach to the day. Ward said, "We’ve had people that have come in and helped lay the tables just to try and reduce the budget slightly." Flowers were another area where careful planning could deliver savings. "It helps, when the budget is tight, to get the right flowers for the right sort of money," he added.
Total marriages in Jersey rose slightly in 2024, to 381 — seven more than 2023 but still far below the 2014 peak. Civil weddings accounted for 316 ceremonies in 2024, with 135 taking place at the Register Office, up 24 from the previous year. The shift toward civil ceremonies and value-focused planning reflects a broader trend among couples facing rising costs and a constrained market for venues and services, planners say.
As costs rise and couples become more selective about where and how they tie the knot, wedding planners expect the emphasis on value for money to continue shaping decisions about venues, suppliers, and day-of logistics in Jersey.