The Week of April 29th in Review

Posted on May 6, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

The top story for the last week of April involved a new charity partner for FLOW Formal Wear called Heroes in Transition. “HIT” joins the growing number of military causes benefiting from the sale of new, selected merchandise supported by the tuxedo rental business.

A trending story about wedding planners made its way up the chart last week, as concerns about hiring unscrupulous wedding professionals grows among unsuspecting couples planning the most important day of their lives. Couples looking for new trends and ideas are associating with planners who will help make their day memorable and unique, avoiding planners who want to make the day about themselves instead of the client they’re supposed to be representing.

For the first quarter of 2013 brides were on the internet doing their homework finding out how much wedding goods and services are before talking to any providers.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, General News, The Week in Review Tagged: , , , ,

The Week of April 15th in Review

Posted on April 21, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

The week of April 15th, 2013, will always be remembered for the tragedy and terrorist activities in Boston. Thoughts and prayers go out to victims and families of the terrorism.

Couples living in today’s society continue to move away from tradition and how weddings were once planned. An ongoing poll shows 62% are mindful of tradition (guided) while 24% say they’re paying for their event and will make their plans their own way. Combined, 86% of respondents so-far will plan their wedding to make them distinctive and unique.

The poll fortifies a new forecast by Sheryl Davies, owner of Bridal Talk. Davies, a wedding industry veteran, has managed to keep up– and ahead– of wedding planning and becoming a progressive thinker. Her show this Sunday hosted like-minded vendors who are keeping pace with consumer demand requiring the skill and knowledge to make their events elegant, memorable and affordable.

In other newZ Samantha Goldberg will be helping to promote destination weddings to Caribbean nations.

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

 

 

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Magazines, Business, Celebrity, Destination Weddings, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Poll, Uncategorized, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

The Biggest Wedding Trend in 2013 is to Buck the Trend

Posted on April 15, 2013 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

 

Expression and individualism are reported to be the growing trend in wedding planning over the past several years reaching new heights in 2013. The changes that began decades ago brings us to the new normal of wedding planning and marriage in general. For the past few years this newZ source has fought to find credible sources who consistently stay on track with the changes but who can also be real about those changes and not sprinkle fairy dust to tell the world what they think it wants to hear.

 Couples who decide to marry  no longer want the drudgery of planning and adhering to traditional protocol.

 

Among the leaders is Sheryl Davies, a long-time wedding industry veteran who has seen the changes but also knows why they came about. In her latest post  she tells of what’s coming and where we are.

Every bride envisions her wedding day as being the stuff that dreams are made of.  And this season is no different, as we find weddings steeped in beautiful details, wrapped in fabulous fabrics, sparkling gem accents and featuring stunning bouquets and centerpieces. There will be delectable and creative cakes and unique locations to round out the day.

Today, it is more important to couples than ever, to be true to who they are; rather than follow the traditions of the past. No longer do you have to be pushed into a scenario that isn’t totally you!

The biggest trend in 2013 is to buck the trend; each couple can do what makes them happy and what reflects their personalities.  Most nuptials today are a reflection of the bride and groom, their lifestyle and what makes them comfortable.

It is evident in such practices as “First Look”, when the couple and their wedding party meet for a photo session, prior to the ceremony.

Alternate bridal registries and dessert bars, pizzazz lighting and cart service add to this list. Today’s gorgeous bridal fashion, over – the- top decorated  theme receptions, delicious food, stunning photography and musical and lighting wows are all part and parcel of what makes wedding receptions the event of a lifetime for marrying couples and their guests.

Bridal fashions have come a long way and are bedazzling with gowns in many colour palettes from red to black, blush pink, vibrant blue to mint green. This year, sleeves are in, lace, chiffon, satin and silk are favourite fabrics.  A huge trend in gowns has them encrusted with beautiful trim that catches the light with a high shine and a lot of bling.

For the first time, the details in the back neckline of the gown are stunning. The biggest trend this year is the bridal gown. As predicted last season, Bridesmaid gowns continue to be different colours, and styles, which make them flattering to wear again, after the wedding is over. The new Pantone colours for 2013 highlight the dusk and inky blues, poppy red, shades of greens in jade, emerald and lime tones and a carry forward from last season, palettes in the orange and purple family with Nectarine and African violet.  Neutrals like white and cream continue to be strong with gray as a contender, too.

Headwear continues to look big for next season’s brides; lace caps, birdcage fascinators, veils (short and long), and flowers in the hair. Hats and gloves are also on the horizon and set to make a big comeback.

One of the most important accessories to come on the scene in the past few years has been the bridal shoe.  They are adorned with jewels, bows, lace as they peek out from under her bridal gown. Bridal bouquets are real or silk and full of jeweled accents and, they can be rhinestone bling or ribbon handled as they create a classic and timeless feeling. Backdrops are becoming huge and will continue to grow in popularity.

Backgrounds behind the head table can be comprised of ribbon in multi-colors, yards of lace or garlands of flowers to add a sense of style and glamour to the reception. Always a compromise, wedding planning for this upcoming season offers so much choice that it will be easier to find exactly what the bride is looking for. Nostalgia continues with vintage, rustic and retro themes that are beautiful and full of elegance.

After hours and hours of planning, a couple needs to remember to enjoy their day with their eyes fixed on their future life. Their individual wedding style will be the foundation of the life they build together.

Davies also agrees  rental tuxedos are on the rebound and sees an increase in activity due to upgrading of products via fit, fabric choices and recognized branded products over no-name, unknown items.

50% of an ongoing poll so-far says wedding plans are guided by tradition. What do you think?

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Magazines, eWedNewz, General News, tuxedos, Uncategorized, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,

Chinese Get more Aggressive while American Gown Makers Look on

Posted on April 4, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

On the first anniversary of an unprecedented meeting in New York the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association convened members of the wedding media to update them on the progress of efforts to slow down the rampant piracy of American goods and conceptual property. Members of the ABPIA board gave the gathering a realistic assessment of the current status saying the campaign enters another phase of an expected long, arduous process.

Bob Cahoon of Maggie Sottero gave the media gathering in New York his honest assessment of a very difficult situation. Steve Lang looks on.

Steve Lang took his usual place at the start of the meeting but yielded midway to Bob Cahoon, president of Maggie Sottero and board member. Cahoon reiterated what Lang has been telling eWedNewz and the wedding industry for over a year staying consistent with the message. Both Cahoon and Lang went beyond the usual rundown of what’s been done so far and stressed how the battle becomes more difficult with each win.

“They’re not going to just sit still and allow us to gain any ground; to the contrary they’re becoming more aggressive and tenacious in their efforts, ” Lang told eWedNewz.

According to Lang the battles won so-far were only preliminaries of what is to come. The illegal use of imaging and explaining how it hurts manufacturers is a difficult legal battle. Now the greater use of technology changing the face of models, creating an entirely different image, makes convincing a judge of a crime more difficult.

Exuberance of a year ago turned serious this time around, as Lang and the ABPIA fight an uphill battle for support from an industry whose nation is under siege. Lang cited a  New York Times story of how the middlemen and layers of overhead are being stripped away from the chain supply of manufactured goods. Lang and Cahoon admitted retailers are part of the traditional structure and conduit between their products and consumers. But rising cost of operation inflates prices  and is forcing some stores, including Vera Wang, to figure out how to stay competitive while boosting revenue.

“We know all the challenges that exist; they’re not going to go away. All we can do is adjust our businesses to the realities that are out there. The best we can hope for is to slow down the deterioration that is taking place,” Lang told the gathering.

An ongoing poll shows 71% of combined replies so-far think the chances of beating online piracy are fair-to-excellent. 26% of combined replies say chances are poor-to-impossible.

 

Only 5% of current replies say they would not join an industry organization. An overwhelming majority say they would support an organization that was well-run, offered good benefits and was not too expensive to join.

 

An appeal to the gathered media to spread the word about the organization was reinforced by board members. Cahoon told the members of the media he keeps track of the perception of the organization’s effort by having Maggie Sottero sales people ask accounts what they think. The results of the surveys were not clear or available for review, but Cahoon mentioned the $100 dollar membership fee was sometimes an issue.

On his own, Lang brought up plans to provide affordable healthcare to the broader  wedding industry beyond dresses. But while poll results so-far show a strong sign of support, actual membership does not show the results.

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Social Media, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, Wedding Marketing Scams Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

IBMA gets new President | Hedy S. Lapkin Executive Director, IBMA

Posted on April 2, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

The IBMA has risen again and lives but eWedNewz once again asks: for how long?

 

The ABPIA was formed by a former member of the IBMA group called Steve Lang. Over a year ago, Lang left the group and formed his own organization, ABPIA, to wage war against Chinese pirates.

 

The IBMA is trying to re-launch their organization naming Hedy S. Lapkin as Executive Director. Hedy and her husband, Ed, owned a big bridal shop in Richmond, VA, reportedly one of the best stores in the country.  Ultimately, the store went bankrupt in the late 80′s or early 90′s.   Hedy took a job with David’s Bridal and successfully transferred from David’s to Priscilla of Boston, selling Priscilla to bridal shops.

Hedy touched base with former members of the Bridal Manufacturing group saying:

Dear Former Bridal IBMA Member,

A new and exciting time is presenting itself to all the members past and present of the manufacturing and related industries for the Bridal Industry.

I am Hedy Lapkin, newly appointed Executive Director of IBMA. As your executive director I have challenged myself, with your support and the support of the existing Board to create meaningful ways to utilize your funds that the organization is holding in reserve.

We can and will be a strong voice with your support for the Wholesale Bridal Industry and be responsible for the funds you helped to create. We will provide benefits for our members and at the same time gain recognition as The Trade Association. It is our desire to listen to your needs, create a call to action, and deliver on the most pressing and beneficial needs and wants to benefit our members.

Many of you as former members paid annual dues while other members were involved and participated in the Las Vegas Market.

The Industry is confronted with a wide variety of challenges, and presently the IBMA is in the best position to represent many of the needs of Manufactures of the Bridal Industry.

eWedNewz has learned that Lang congratulated Hedy in her new role and wanted to continue his membership with IBMA. An e-mail to Hedy reads as follows:

Dear Hedy,

Congratulations on your new position.

I sent you in my application several weeks ago when this mailer came out.  As a previous contributors to the funds sitting in IBMA coffers I want my firm to be a member.

Please email me back a confirmation that we are now members and we will be copied on all meeting dates, happenings  and mailings. Mon Cheri was not sent the email about free membership for those that rejoin by May 1. Another manufacturer sent it to me.   Thanks for including me in future emails and, as requested already, please confirm we are now members again.

I stand ready to help you any way I can if you tackle counterfeiting. The more the merrier.

Sincerely,

Steve  Lang

 

According to ongoing polls so-far:

27%  feel there is a poor to impossible chance of beating online piracy.

71% feel there is a fair to excellent chance of beating online piracy.

 

91% of replies so-far say they would support a wedding industry organization if it offered good benefits, value, isn’t too expensive to join and was properly run.

6% say they would not join an industry organization.

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, retail, Uncategorized, wedding industry Tagged: , ,

The Week of March 25th in Review

Posted on March 30, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

Vera Wang made top newZ this week getting U.S retailers hot and bothered over the prospect of charging brides to try on merchandise and fitting-room shopping time. But, as quick as it came, the Vera Wang organization scrapped the policy, succumbing to internet pressure and bad PR created by the move.

Celebrity wedding planner, Samantha Goldberg, issued a Press release announcing a long-awaited and talked about show . Goldberg made her rounds publicizing the show and has already started calling out organizations and people she alleges are misleading people and pocketing the profits. eWedNewz investigates further.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

 

 

 

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Celebrity, The Week in Review, Uncategorized, Vera Wang, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,

Vera Wang Scraps $500 dollar Try-on Charge

Posted on March 27, 2013 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

Because of a global outcry, Vera Wang has scrapped plans to charge Chinese shoppers a $500 fee. A Day after eWedNewz covered the story about Vera Wang charging the fee and negative global media coverage about their Shanghai store, a Vera Wang spokeswoman announced the charge was being scrapped as of today.

Fitting rooms are still free at Vera Wang and most bridal boutiques for now; but for how long?

 

“Please kindly be informed that Vera Wang has abolished appointment fees at her bridal salons worldwide starting from March 27, 2013,” the spokeswoman said in an email to the Reuters news agency, without elaborating.

The Wang organization claimed the fee was imposed to curtail some of the copying taking place. Their PR department also reported limited knowledge of the fee but quickly shuttered the plan as criticism grew along with media coverage.

Whatever the true reason, the prospect of Vera Wang’s policy sticking was music to the ears of retailers and some manufacturers we spoke with. Most say the Internet has disrupted their business, increasing meaningless store traffic, creating overhead and more cost to accommodate shoppers who want to physically see the merchandise, obtain SKU numbers and style information and then make their buy online for less money. But the rise of knock-off merchandise continues to plague the wedding dress business.

In 2012, China was the top source country for counterfeit goods entering the United States and the European Union (EU) with more than 70 percent originating from China, according to the latest customs seizure reports from the U.S. and the EU. According to the Counterfeiting Intelligence Bureau (CIB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), counterfeit goods make up 5 to 7% of world trade.

Currently, Steve Lang, owner on Mon Cheri, is embroiled in a battle to offset knock-off and online piracy. Lang’s effort includes forming an organization called the ABPIA that is gathering support in and out of the wedding dress business.

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

 

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Celebrity, eWedNewz, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Social Media, Uncategorized, Vera Wang, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,

Vera Wang Chinese Try-on Policy Gets American Retailers Excited

Posted on March 26, 2013 Written by 5 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Vera Wang is making headlines again but this time not with a new dress design but for the honor to try a dress on. According to reports brides-to-be (in China) are being charged almost $500 dollars for an hour and a half appointment to try on Vera Wang merchandise. The fee gets deducted from the price of the dress– if they buy– otherwise the money is forfeited.

We wonder if stars like Angelina Jolie get charged to simply try on a dress before the actual sale. Or do they get paid for mock-up publicity?

 

Reports say the company is trying to keep from getting knocked off, protecting its brand and designs, much like American manufacturers who’re in a fight for survival against dress piracy in China. It’s unknown whether the Vera Wang company is serious about supporting the fight that was recently backed up by a New Jersey judge or if times are just tight for everyone, including the Vera Wang company.

So far the practice has not hit the United States but sources say Vera Wang is watching the PR and backlash. Last year Dolce & Gabbana drew criticism on Social Networks for disallowing picture-taking by Hong Kong natives but not tourists. The unclear guideline raised some issues that no company can afford these days with the rise and instant reprisal brought on by bad publicity over the internet.

In the United States, eWedNewz bridal sources say they’re thrilled at Vera Wang’s attempt to charge consumers to try on merchandise. Facebook responses included store owners who feel they’re losing sales to online dress companies who undercut their prices.

“Bridal Salon professionals spend a lot of time giving “professional advice” what is in style, how to accessories, negotiate, all these girls, not all, but the majority all they want to do is “showroom” your salon, take pictures, and won’t commit to buy, and they have already tried on 50+ gowns. You mean to tell me a gal can’t walk into a beautiful Bridal salon with boutique quality gowns( not you know who)and can’t find anything in their budget?? This is nonsense, because every store has gowns that should be falling off the racks in sales every day!!! Price…it is what it is…you can’t expect to buy St. Pucchi for $1000 including the veil,” said one retailer.

Similar thoughts given by all responding store retailers shows the deep frustration they feel towards the internet and how it’s affected their operation and ability to charge the needed mark-up to stay in business.

The discussion spilled over into the Wedding Water Cooler where we omitted statements from retailers in the group but focused on those given by sources not in the retail end of the business.

“A few bridal retailers in the US have instituted try-on fees in the past.  However, I’m not aware of any fee that’s as high as the fee that Vera is charging.  The retailer applies the try-on fee toward any merchandise purchased in the store.  It’s a practical and logical policy for name brand retailers.  I could be wrong about this but I believe that Kleinfeld’s has a try-on fee.   It prevents show rooming for internet sites.  In the long run, it may be the only thing that will prevent consumers from going to a retailer to try on a gown that they plan to purchase online.  I doubt that this policy will fly in small markets but I can see the benefit it provides:  it separates the lookers from the buyers; it allows the retailer to concentrate efforts on consumers who definitely will purchase at the store,” according to one WWC member.

Kleinfeld told eWedNewz they do not charge to try on their gowns but do take credit-card and other personal information to book the appointment. But, according to Kleinfeld in New York City, no money is charged to try on their merchandise and there is no obligation to buy from them. It clearly states on their website, picture taking is not allowed during the shopping appointment.

May I take pictures of the gowns while I try them on?

“We do not allow cameras in the fitting rooms while you are shopping. Once you have purchased a dress, you may take as many pictures as you’d like.”

 

eWedNewz will continue to follow this story. We ask for your thoughts and opinion.

 

 

 eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Business, Direct sales online, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, Social Media, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , ,

The Week of March 18th in Review

Posted on March 23, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

In an ongoing story coverage eWedNewz watches as David’s Bridal updates their systems, moving towards reaching today’s consumers digitally and away from standard, traditional methods. The move leaves many disgruntled independent, small business owners shaking their heads wondering how in the world they will ever be able to compete.

David’s Bridal issued a Press Release that basically rubbed the nose of competitors into the challenges they face. Sources near the story told eWedNewz it’s just another chance for David’s Bridal to make noise and headlines , part of the new strategy to leverage online free publicity and grab the attention of brides.

28% of current, ongoing poll says small businesses will not be able to prevail against big box operations like David’s Bridal.

Pascual Ortiz, who married his long-time love a little over a year ago, lost his battle to cancer this week. Samantha Goldberg who helped plan the event told eWedNewz,  ”It’s a gift to have met Pascual he had such joy that day.”

 

 eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Business, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, The Internet, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,

David’s Bridal Banks on Digital as Print Continues to Suffer

Posted on March 19, 2013 Written by 2 Comments

By Paul Pannone

In an ongoing story a Press release by David’s Bridal gives strong indication they’re shifting more focus and resources to online, digital formats; going where today’s brides are. The move is consistent with eWedNewz reporting citing the outgoing CEO’s lack of prowess in the digital age and greater desire to make the necessary changes to keep David’s Bridal in their leadership role.

 

A Press Release from David’s Bridal includes findings from their 7th annual What’s On Brides’ Minds Survey. David’s Bridal found that the 2013 bride will plan, chronicle and culminate all of her wedding details with the help of social media, ranging from Pinterest to Facebook to Skype, banging the steady beat of declining use of print for wedding planning even louder.

According to David’s Press release;

“The big news is that everything has gone digital, and the new tools of the trade are a smart phone or a computer instead of a wedding binder.”

eWedNewz reported David’s Bridal was on the auction block last June, under mounting pressure as a giant leader in a declining market. After shedding losing parts of their business while adding designer brand Vera Wang, sources near the story tell eWedNewz the shift to digital is a natural progression and plan execution to stay in the leadership role in a changing market.

Current poll results show 62% of replies feels Leonard Green was smart in dumping their majority stake in David’s Bridal, 12% say they weren’t. Undecided, 23% say it remains to be seen. With the current Press release we will be watching the poll results very carefully.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2013

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Poll, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , ,
« Older Posts