Couples keep weddings local: Economy makes Sauk Valley a popular place

DIXON – Megan Schoenholz and Jason Loescher considered a destination wedding this fall, but they’re planning to say “I do” in the Sauk Valley – and they’re having a hard time finding a place.

The Dixon couple aren’t alone. A yearlong recession has more couples staying closer to home and doing more preparation themselves, said wedding planner Cheryl Sharp, owner of Weddings by Cheryl in Rock Falls.

“Destination weddings were in a few years ago, ... but with the economy, it seems like more people are staying local,” Sharp said.

Schoenholz and her future mother-in-law, Linda Loescher, were browsing the Sauk Valley Bridal Fair. Nearly 50 vendors, selling everything from flowers to portable toilets, set up demonstration booths for Sunday afternoon’s event at Sauk Valley Community College.

Several wedding locations also were advertising at the Bridal Fair. Schoenholz said she has been surprised at how difficult finding an available location can be.

“I was surprised to see how many places were already booked up,” Schoenholz said. “I’m kind of having some anxiety about it.”

Sauk Valley weddings generally cost no more than $20,000, with an average of about $10,000, Sharp said, but the number of lower-budget weddings continues to increase.

Sharp’s services range from day-of assistance to comprehensive planning, and she has changed her pricing structure to accommodate everyone.

Rather than charge a set fee, Sharp charges a percentage of a couple’s budget.

“People shouldn’t be consumed by planning a wedding,” Sharp said. “They shouldn’t be doing any work on their wedding day.”