Fastlane Wedding Events?

**jas0441** · Dec 13th, 2011, 11:59 AM

I own a boutique winery in a tourist area. There is a tremendous need here a for wedding/event venue. I am asked all the time if we 'do weddings'. I'd like to capitalize on this need and I think there is money to be made in the wedding business. I will have to invest in a new building or luxury party tent, kitchen and catering equipment, etc.

My question is: can a wedding/event venue be fastlaned? I could hire someone to manage it for me, but is that just another slow lane idea?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

**Gary** · Dec 13th, 2011, 03:48 PM

It may not be fastlane, but it could certainly allow you to wring out more dollar/square foot out of your current business. The upside to getting into the wedding business is the complete abandon at which people spend money, and if you're planning on supplying the food and beverage as you alluded to, most of that money will be in your pocket, not vendors. The downside is the family's emotions and the singularity of the event (nothing can go wrong). If you're fine with that pressure, push onward.

I wouldn't hesitate to do it. One piece of advice: buy used kitchen equipment. At 50 cents or less on the dollar versus new, it'll help keep your investment low so you spend more on marketing your new service.