Packages - your opinions please

[rickryan.com]

Asking your opinion(s). I'm now offering elopements or "mini-weddings". I've had them priced on 2 separate pages but just consolidated all packages down to a single page, which is now much more mobile-friendly (I'm currently seeing 90% mobile traffic). I'm thinking to start another series of FB ads with "Weddings from $1000" as a tagline. I'm wondering if my page is clear enough or do you think I'm going to have a torrent of girls who are demanding a full, weekend wedding for $1k? Would appreciate any thoughts you guys have. Thanks in advance.

Packages | Ryan Acres | Oneonta Alabama wedding and event venue

Here are our standard packages and optional add-ons. Everything can be customized to exactly what you need. We offer DIY options, or all-inclusive (easy). Very affordable and with easy payment plans available. Wedding & event venue, up to 200 guests and climate-controlled. Venue+DJ+Lighting...

www.ryanacres.com

 

[sawdust123]

The link to your site didn't work for me so I can't see what you are saying about your "elopements." However, I have never heard of such a wedding package. The novelty of the concept could be a good traffic generator. Are these mid-week events of a limited attendance or something different? I would just make sure it is something pretty obvious so you avoid making people feel like you are pulling a bait and switch with your marketing.

 

[DJ Forbes]

This is all just MY OPINION... and you're the only DJ I know that has their own Venue, so what may make sense to everyone else, may not to me. Here are my thoughts on looking at your packages page for the first time...

1. It's all confusing to me. It would be easier (for my brain) if there was a separation between venue rental and venue rental for weddings.
2. Wedding package - I think it would make more sense to see a price that includes the basics. At least the DJ should be included, if you're trying to book that as well.
3. The add-ons seem like too much for me to think about... are they entertainment add-ons, are they catering add-ons... It's nice to know it's all available, but maybe separate them out a little.
4. The Elopement and Mini - is there music available for the ceremony? Why should I pick your venue for this? (Don't get me wrong, it's a good value for what you are offering, but as a guest to your site, I think to myself... why pay $1,000 for 2 hours here when I go to a state park or somewhere for nothing....? Make me want it more).

I think you have a lot of great options.. but they become a little over-whelming at first glance. Again, I don't mean any disrespect at all.... these are just my Opinions. You've been in this business a LOT longer than I have and obviously know what you're doing.

 

[sawdust123]

The link now works for me. DJ Forbes has a point about the confusion of the packages. I would present the options as a matrix like this.



The way the information is presented on the site makes the customers assemble this matrix for themselves.

 

[rickryan.com]

The link to your site didn't work for me so I can't see what you are saying about your "elopements." However, I have never heard of such a wedding package. The novelty of the concept could be a good traffic generator. Are these mid-week events of a limited attendance or something different? I would just make sure it is something pretty obvious so you avoid making people feel like you are pulling a bait and switch with your marketing.

Wix went down for a few minutes. It should be working now. https://www.ryanacres.com/packages

Yes, the packages are completely different. The elopements are Mon-Thurs only and have a limit of 10 guests for the $1k package and 20 guests for the $2k package. They're also very limited on time allowed. The other consideration is that elopements can happen quick and don't have 12-18 months lag time. It makes it possible to still fill in some 2022 dates, even at the first of October. I got the concept from some friends who only do elopements in Nashville. They're booking up to $30k per month for events that run $500 for 15 minutes up to $2k for 2 hours. The elopements simplify the wedding for the clients and they still get good pictures off it. My full wedding packages are up to 200 guests, all day (or all weekend), complete with all the trappings. I guess I'm going to have to just try this and see what happens. At the very least, I'm hoping I can get some inquiries and tours going. For the past couple of months it's been sparse. For 2023 I'm currently sitting at 5 events. My goal is 20. Still haven't decided if I'm going to accept any more mobile DJ gigs or not.

 

[rickryan.com]

This is all just MY OPINION... and you're the only DJ I know that has their own Venue, so what may make sense to everyone else, may not to me. Here are my thoughts on looking at your packages page for the first time...

1. It's all confusing to me. It would be easier (for my brain) if there was a separation between venue rental and venue rental for weddings.
2. Wedding package - I think it would make more sense to see a price that includes the basics. At least the DJ should be included, if you're trying to book that as well.
3. The add-ons seem like too much for me to think about... are they entertainment add-ons, are they catering add-ons... It's nice to know it's all available, but maybe separate them out a little.
4. The Elopement and Mini - is there music available for the ceremony? Why should I pick your venue for this? (Don't get me wrong, it's a good value for what you are offering, but as a guest to your site, I think to myself... why pay $1,000 for 2 hours here when I go to a state park or somewhere for nothing....? Make me want it more).

I think you have a lot of great options.. but they become a little over-whelming at first glance. Again, I don't mean any disrespect at all.... these are just my Opinions. You've been in this business a LOT longer than I have and obviously know what you're doing.

Thank you for the observations. I realize it's overwhelming and that's why I wanted some feedback. At this point, I'm not offering anything but weddings at my place. I'm simply no longer interested in a $500/day venue rental. As for the elopements, yes, the couple can go to a park but they don't get the full package of a wedding venue, photographer, food, etc. It's quick, simple and the bride gets her pictures. I mentioned my friends in Nashville who only do elopement packages. They're doing 3-5 events per day on a regular basis. I appreciate your feedback and will continue working on trying to make this easier to comprehend. Another aspect of it as that I'm realizing my traffic is no 90% mobile devices (phones). The page is somehow a bit easier to take in on a phone and I think that's a good thing.

 

[rickryan.com]

The link now works for me. DJ Forbes has a point about the confusion of the packages. I would present the options as a matrix like this.

View attachment 54129

The way the information is presented on the site makes the customers assemble this matrix for themselves.

I had it in a matrix format, but then Taso/Ross convinced me that I need to have a base-level package that was venue-only and present the other services as "Upgrades". Kinda made it hard to use a matrix. I'm also afraid that if I put everything into a matrix it's going to be even harder to distinguish the difference between a full wedding and an elopement.

 

[sawdust123]

I had it in a matrix format, but then Taso/Ross convinced me that I need to have a base-level package that was venue-only and present the other services as "Upgrades". Kinda made it hard to use a matrix. I'm also afraid that if I put everything into a matrix it's going to be even harder to distinguish the difference between a full wedding and an elopement.

I think if the top items in the matrix are availability dates, attendance limit and hours at venue, you immediately distinguish the cheaper packages from the more expensive ones. People may question the attendance or time limits but you can easily point out that the packages are designed for you to be able to turn around the venue quickly for multiple events in the same day. Otherwise, you couldn't support such low pricing. The more people, the slower the turnaround.

 

[djtaso]

My perspective is from look at things on a computer screen... but if you're going for mobile, you're definitely going to have to change the layout of the text, because it doesn't flow well. Even on your site, it's hard to follow. Not so much because of the detail, but because of the layout. No contrasting colors to separate the packages, spacing is a little tight, etc.

For mobile, I'd maybe have a button saying for pricing on mobile device click here and opens up a pdf in an easy to read format.

 

[EERobert]

I think the way you have it laid out (I looked at it via my iPhone and my computer) looks fine but requires scrolling down. I don't know if you could make the packages collapsable, so they can just click on the package they are interestedin.

Also (and this is minor), I don't know if I'd call it an "Elopement" for ME (and maybe this is just me) I have the perspective of that being a couple that is running away as opposed to what you're offering (smaller, more intimate ceremonies).

There is a VERY rural barn venue near me that doesn't offer nearly what you do, but I bring them up because they offer something similar. They call it "Four hours of Fun" and they offer 4 hours for $400 with the caveat that it is left in the same condition it was found. (I want to stress that this is a very small very rustic venue that doesn't offer nearly what you do so I'm not suggesting you offer your prices at theirs).

I think I would rebrand it from Elopement to something like Ryan's Intimate Ceremonies and then Just the TWO of Us (your $1000 package) and FOUR Family Only (your $2000 package). These are probably very cheesy and corny and I came up with them off the top of my head lol

 

[DJ Ricky B]

Wix went down for a few minutes. It should be working now. https://www.ryanacres.com/packages

At the very least, I'm hoping I can get some inquiries and tours going. For the past couple of months it's been sparse. For 2023 I'm currently sitting at 5 events. My goal is 20. Still haven't decided if I'm going to accept any more mobile DJ gigs or not.

I know others here hate it when I go "Negative Nancy" on here, but I'm gonna say it...

We are in a Recession. I know others hate it when I go "Negative Nancy" here, but I only speak the truth. People are tightening up their wallets at the moment, and are going to hold out a bit before planning an event. If it's not already on your books, it's going to be a slow time coming moving forward for those bookings. At least until the public figures out how bad things are going to get. People had their fun and went on vacations over the summer. They are now just trying to keep the bills paid.

Events for 2023, if it is not already on the books are going to be slow coming. Especially down there in Alabama. People will have the time on their hands to delay their planning right now for their events.

Also, with that said...It's August/September. For me, these are very slow months every year for inquiries. I usually get 3 to 5 for the next year in October, and maybe 1-3 in November. December, I'm lucky to get 2-3 considering the holidays. Then things pick up in late January after football play offs come to an end.

With that said, your a venue, so I would think your inquiries should pick up sooner than mine as a DJ, so hopefully your October/November/December have more inquiries than what I normally see. Don't sweat at this moment. Now if the next 90 days are terribly slow, than start sweating after Christmas!

 

[djtaso]

I know others here hate it when I go "Negative Nancy" on here, but I'm gonna say it...

We are in a Recession. I know others hate it when I go "Negative Nancy" here, but I only speak the truth. People are tightening up their wallets at the moment, and are going to hold out a bit before planning an event. If it's not already on your books, it's going to be a slow time coming moving forward for those bookings. At least until the public figures out how bad things are going to get. People had their fun and went on vacations over the summer. They are now just trying to keep the bills paid.

Events for 2023, if it is not already on the books are going to be slow coming. Especially down there in Alabama. People will have the time on their hands to delay their planning right now for their events.

Also, with that said...It's August/September. For me, these are very slow months every year for inquiries. I usually get 3 to 5 for the next year in October, and maybe 1-3 in November. December, I'm lucky to get 2-3 considering the holidays. Then things pick up in late January after football play offs come to an end.

With that said, your a venue, so I would think your inquiries should pick up sooner than mine as a DJ, so hopefully your October/November/December have more inquiries than what I normally see. Don't sweat at this moment. Now if the next 90 days are terribly slow, than start sweating after Christmas!

For couples looking to get married, recession or not, they still want to get married. He’s more of a budget conscious venue… so if anything, he might actually be more attractive then ever based on your theory.

Idk if you noticed with the new iPhone and the new Apple wearables, but the ones doing best are actually the most expensive ones in each line. People will spend where they see value… even in a recession.

 

[DJ Ricky B]

For couples looking to get married, recession or not, they still want to get married. He’s more of a budget conscious venue… so if anything, he might actually be more attractive then ever based on your theory.

Idk if you noticed with the new iPhone and the new Apple wearables, but the ones doing best are actually the most expensive ones in each line. People will spend where they see value… even in a recession.

Most people are bad monetary decision makers. The average American is also currently back in the same amount of Credit card debt that the average American had when the pandemic hit.. All of the gains in paying down credit debt made during the stimulus payments of 2020/21 has already been wiped out, AND in general people are in worse shape now in terms of overall debt compared to before 2020, or actually ever before!

I currently do not have a working phone. The Screen on my 3 year old Google Pixel 3XL cracked due to a drop while loading out of the venue on Saturday night. Yesterday, the screen went black all together during my break at work. I ordered a "renewed" pre owned Galaxy S10 Plus from Amazon for $215. It will be here tomorrow, and I CAN'T WAIT! Going nuts without a phone right now! I have heard it ring a few times...Can't answer it. Can't make phone calls. Can't text, or do anything. Sucks!

Spending $1,500+ on a phone isn't something I will ever do, especially when 2-4 year old phones are packed enough with features, and tech for every day use.

 

[DJ Ricky B]

so if anything, he might actually be more attractive then ever based on your theory.

You are right! So, if it remains slow for the next few months being a value driven/budget priced venue then that means people in his area are either playing the waiting game and late/short notice bookings will be a thing for 2023 weddings, OR are simply tapped out, and far fewer wedding celebrations are being planned for 2023. Time will tell on that front.

I hope 2023 is an AMAZING YEAR for everyone, but my heart tells me it's going to be worse than 2022. Maybe not a bad year, but I don't feel it will be a better year than this year has been for events in general.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

The way I see it is like this. I see it as how do brides plan for their special day. Is the day planned out 1 year or more? My thing is who is he targeting his venue to? For example in Taso's case he's targeting his DJ business to those who can pay the price he wants to do an event for a client. He's going after those who can pay the price he quotes them. He doesn't win over every potential client. He just has a good success booking events for the price he charges.

So in Ryan's case it's about having potential clients who will at least consider booking his venue. He has made a lot of great strides in beautifying his venue. So the venue looks like it's worth a nice price. His venue as I see it is for what I call mid tier clients. His venue is not the cheapest and not super expensive as Taso pointed out.

I agree that the package page should look more lively. What I saw was Black and White. Add some flair to the page. Let me ask this. Can a client pay with Cash App or something like that? I'm asking because I just got my Cash App card finally. I find today that's how some clients want to pay today. Some people are afraid to carry cash. The thing is the world is trying to get to a moneyless world. Just use a card for what you want. I still love to pay with cash when I can. I'm just old school that way. I don't like having to be changed extra for using a card.

Let me also say I like the line about the final payment is due 30 days before the event date. No super last minute payments. My question here is how many clients do you see planning for their event at least 6 months in advance?

 

[rickryan.com]

I think the way you have it laid out (I looked at it via my iPhone and my computer) looks fine but requires scrolling down. I don't know if you could make the packages collapsable, so they can just click on the package they are interestedin.

Also (and this is minor), I don't know if I'd call it an "Elopement" for ME (and maybe this is just me) I have the perspective of that being a couple that is running away as opposed to what you're offering (smaller, more intimate ceremonies).

There is a VERY rural barn venue near me that doesn't offer nearly what you do, but I bring them up because they offer something similar. They call it "Four hours of Fun" and they offer 4 hours for $400 with the caveat that it is left in the same condition it was found. (I want to stress that this is a very small very rustic venue that doesn't offer nearly what you do so I'm not suggesting you offer your prices at theirs).

I think I would rebrand it from Elopement to something like Ryan's Intimate Ceremonies and then Just the TWO of Us (your $1000 package) and FOUR Family Only (your $2000 package). These are probably very cheesy and corny and I came up with them off the top of my head lol

Thanks for the perspective. The one thing that I do NOT ever want to do, is offer a $400 ANYTHING. On Elopements, while I understand what you're saying, the word "elopement" is something that most everybody is familiar with and yes, it's different than a full wedding. If I don't distinguish the difference then, for sure, I'm going to have brides saying they want the cheap option for their WEDDING. I want to use elopements to fill in weekday slots, that's all. Weekends will be exclusively retained for full wedding events. Thanks again for the input. It's very helpful.

 

[rickryan.com]

Most people are bad monetary decision makers. The average American is also currently back in the same amount of Credit card debt that the average American had when the pandemic hit.. All of the gains in paying down credit debt made during the stimulus payments of 2020/21 has already been wiped out, AND in general people are in worse shape now in terms of overall debt compared to before 2020, or actually ever before!

I currently do not have a working phone. The Screen on my 3 year old Google Pixel 3XL cracked due to a drop while loading out of the venue on Saturday night. Yesterday, the screen went black all together during my break at work. I ordered a "renewed" pre owned Galaxy S10 Plus from Amazon for $215. It will be here tomorrow, and I CAN'T WAIT! Going nuts without a phone right now! I have heard it ring a few times...Can't answer it. Can't make phone calls. Can't text, or do anything. Sucks!

Spending $1,500+ on a phone isn't something I will ever do, especially when 2-4 year old phones are packed enough with features, and tech for every day use.

Forgive me if this is stupid but, did you not think to take that Google phone to a repair shop? $80-$100 will put a new screen on it and can usually be done while you're eating lunch.

 

[rickryan.com]

My perspective is from look at things on a computer screen... but if you're going for mobile, you're definitely going to have to change the layout of the text, because it doesn't flow well. Even on your site, it's hard to follow. Not so much because of the detail, but because of the layout. No contrasting colors to separate the packages, spacing is a little tight, etc.

For mobile, I'd maybe have a button saying for pricing on mobile device click here and opens up a pdf in an easy to read format.

Good input. Wix has shaded boxes that can offer good separation. Think I'll go try that. One thing I like about wix, you can have completely different UIs between mobile/computer.

 

[rickryan.com]

Most people are bad monetary decision makers.

Especially brides (of all ages). You also made a good point on another post about it being a slow time of year. I'm hustling NOW to try and get my message refined before it hits the fan in November/December. For DJ, I was always at 6 month lead time. For Venue, it's more like 12-18 months. I've taken back the marketing/sales portion from my Events Director. I still feel like a 58-year old male has a hard time connecting with a 20-something female but Ross said it right that I am the one who has the passion to make this work so I'm the best one to make the pitch. I'm also trying to re-work the packaging to make it more effective. Taso was the one who correctly said to change up the basic level, so that you have an extremely attractive price to get them to take a tour. So far, not a single girl is actually wanting the basic. They're all going for the mid or upper tier. I don't want 40-50 events to work, scattered from $500-$10000. I want 25-30 events that have an average net of $5k+. From there, I'll keep working on the presentation and production until I can start raising that average.

On brides and their monetary decisions, I think I'm really starting to see how the cheapest price isn't really what they're looking for. The reality is that everyone has a certain amount of money they can spend for an event, and it doesn't matter whether it's a recession or not. Young brides want the full ride, and they want something big and memorable, so that they're famous with their circle of friends. The elopements are hitting the mark with older brides. Girls who never really got a "real wedding" and $1k-$2k is something that they're husbands/boyfriends will go along with. Yesterday, I noticed that one of my competitors is starting to offer elopements for $300. It's use of their venue and a preacher. While there will be brides who will opt for that cheaper option, those were never my clients to begin with. My task is to find the sweet spot, where I can get my own calendar filled, and hopefully at a price point that makes it profitable.

 

[MIXMASTERMACHOM]

Simple question. Are you profitable right now?