California's recent move to legalize same-sex marriages could mean big bucks for the state's florists and other wedding professionals.

According to the Wedding Report, Inc., the number of same-sex marriages in California could go as high as 33,800 in just the first year, generating $1 billion in new revenue for the wedding industry.

"There are an estimated 112,700 same-sex couples in California today," said Shane McMurray, CEO and founder of the Wedding Report, Inc. "We believe that in the first year alone approximately 25 percent to 35 percent will get married."

Over the course of three years, McMurray predicted, the number of same-sex marriages could reach almost 50,000. Other experts put the number even higher since couples from other parts of the country will likely travel to California  to  marry. A recent  UCLA Law School study, "The Impact of Extending Marriage to Same-Sex Couples on the California Budget," estimates  "in the first three years that same-sex couples are allowed to marry in California, 67,513 couples from other states will travel to California to marry."

On a much larger scale, Forbes magazine predicted back in 2004 that if same-sex marriages were legal nationwide, couples would spend $16.8 billion dollars over a few years on wedding-related purchases. The category of flowers and décor, for instance, was estimated to see a $816.6 million bump in business in just one year.

Although, nationwide legalization of same-sex marriages is unlikely, florists in states like California, where the nuptials are recognized, are set to reap the benefits. They haven't seen any pre-orders from same-sex couples yet at the Rosebowl Florist and Wine Shop in San Francisco, but once the law goes into effect, "we are expecting an increase (in business) because we are close to City Hall," says floral designer Emil Yanos. The shop's location already draws a fair amount of last-minute business as couples head to the altar.

"Sometimes they plan," says Yanos, "sometimes they just run in" to pick up a bouquet on the way. 

--Morgan Schimminger
mschimminger@safnow.org

 

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