What's the connection between weddings and relocation?

I certainly had never considered this question until recently while reading my morning email newsletter from Axios Twin Cities and they noted that this year's wedding season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in decades. They explained that this wedding season is expected to get busy starting April 16 because the pandemic restricted the ability for large groups to attend events this past year.

Weddings and relocation? What's the connection?

Many of those who had been on hold will now say "I do!" The newsletter tapped into research from The Knot and their 2020 Real Weddings Study (COVID-19 Edition), which shared "While just over 4 in 10 couples moved forward with hosting a wedding ceremony and reception in 2020, nearly half of couples moved their reception (32%) or their entire wedding (15%) to 2021 or later...With these postponed celebrations in addition to those originally set for 2021, the months and years ahead will be filled with more weddings than ever before. Plus, a third of couples who wed (with both a reception and ceremony) in 2020 plan to host a larger celebration in the future to commemorate their union with loved ones once large gatherings are permitted again." 

Let's consider for a minute how weddings and relocation have a number of similarities. First, the level of effort of managing your wedding and managing your relocation is immense.  For many, either or both of these processes can be intensely stressful. But most do them with the expectation and desire to take the next step in their life journey, be it down their career path or family path. Second, according to this data from The Knot, the average wedding (engagement ring, ceremony and reception) in 2019 cost $33,900. Compare that to the $62,399 cost for a homeowner or the $21,924 for a renter that Worldwide ERC explains is the average for managed relocation costs. The fact is that both weddings and relocations are very expensive.

Here comes "peak season!" Everyone ready?

Then, there is the seasonal aspect to both, which brings us back to the impending surges for both weddings and relocation. One of the big concerns for the supply chains that support both weddings and relocations is how to gear up for the unprecedented expected volumes that are starting their shifts into high gear right now. Consider this prediction from Redfin:

"In 2021, the number of Americans moving across county lines will surpass 14.5 million, as everyone settles into their post-pandemic ways of living. That will be more than a 25% increase in out-of-town movers from 2018 when 11.4 million Americans moved across county lines. The last time there was this much cross-county migration was 2004, when 15.3 million Americans moved counties. With the increased prevalence of remote work, many families will be able to move to more affordable areas away from the office."

So, if this is correct, the number of Americans relocating will be the highest it has been in 16 years. Are you ready? May is National Moving Month, so peak season for relocation programs is coming! Much like April showers create the right environment for May flowers, now is the time to gear up for what is usually 60-70% of the annual relocation volume in the U.S. This busy moving season occurs between May and September as companies and employees take advantage of the summer break from kids' schooling. The increased volume always creates some challenges, however. In our most recent Mobility Mojo — which is a monthly infusion of relocation news, trends and best practices — we shared some tips for companies and employees to ensure success when moving during "peak season." Sign up for Mobility Mojo here and tap into our guide that explains how to help your relocating employees prepare for peak moving season amid the ongoing pandemic.