The Week of January 14th in Review

Posted on January 21, 2013 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

The Battle of the Bridal Books, namely Bridal Guide versus BRIDES, made top newZ last week, leading to some strong accusations and finger-pointing on both sides. Bridal Guide accuses BRIDES of fuzzy numbers we’ve been watching since the summer along with other sources in the wedding business.

Among the sources there is none more adamant than Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide. Duhe denounced his competitors for various reasons forcing BRIDES to respond. Duhe’s verbal assault spilled over to Facebook while BRIDES took to privately contacting advertisers accusing Bridal Guide of misleading information.

The fact that BRIDES responded at all is amazing to those who worked at the Conde’ Nast publication, citing how any Conde’ Nast property feels they’re above the market and normally shrugs off any negative publicity.

 

eWedNewz continues our investigation into this story and emerging information.

eWedNewz

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2013

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Guide Magazine, Bridal Magazines, BRIDES Magazine, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, General News, Invitations, Jewelry, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Photography, Promotions, Publications, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , ,

More Wedding Business Professionals are hurting than ever; Really?

Posted on January 2, 2013 Written by 2 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Yes, really; they are. The statement is in response to a story at Think Like a Bride that begins:

“I read an article recently saying that the wedding industry is in worse shape than anyone is willing to admit. Really? Then I have a slew of people lying to me. Or maybe my followers are just a little smarter than the rest.”

eWedNewz reader and wedding service provider, Mary Bower, gives her view on what is happening in the business. Coincidentally her views match countless others.

In an ongoing eWedNewz story and further discussions on Social Networks and  in every format including the Wedding Water Cooler most wedding professionals  we’ve spoken with reluctantly agree things are not good. For the few who want to dispute the findings, citing how well they’re doing– they are the exception– not the rule.

To some hopefuls who dismiss all other information, facts and opinions; subscribe to their own methods of collecting, slicing and dicing information, everything is fine or bound to get better. For some the presentation and argument they make boarders on insanity.

We’ve often quoted Christine Boulton, owner of Think Like A Bride, agreeing with many aspects of the wedding business. But many is not all. Boulton cannot dispute she works with talented, successful local vendors who can afford her services. But for the average wedding service provider–  we speak to many as an informational newZ source– the story is quite different. Many were forced to change the way they conduct their business, adapting to the shift in expectations by consumers who want what they want when they want it and refuse to pay full price. In the thousands of discussions over the past five years not one vendor says they’re doing well running their business the same way they did in the past.

Mary Bower relied to the story and had this to say:

Hi Paul,  I read your article and of course, I have to comment :)  I have a niche here in Lansing, MI where I sell wedding invitations, it’s a side business, thank goodness. I give great service, have great lines. But I believe you are seeing a faltering of the wedding industry because of the economy. Young people are being especially budget conscience these days  They are having difficulty landing good paying jobs, leave college with lots of debt (most of them) and they struggle. unlike we did in the 80′s when jobs were plentiful for us in the yuppie crowd.

I am hanging on to my business, moved it back home from a brick and mortar and am hoping for the best this 2013 wedding season.  I could not survive on invitations alone now and am branching out to do other things, such as candy buffets that may reach a bigger consumer pool other than weddings. Each year now, I often wonder what stationery company will call it quits and leave me holding the bag, like Encore did!

I am also working on a new business that is totally not wedding related to fill the gap.  These are crazy times, and the outcome will be fewer wedding professionals getting out of the business.  Some clean up will be good, as many who got into the business after 2008 thought it would sustain them. My God, have you noticed how many people suddenly became “wedding photographers”  or “cupcake bakers?”   It used to be that there was plenty of room for everyone, but now that is shrinking.

As always, I hope for a prosperous 2013, but this year, (I’m) not taking on new lines, sticking with what I have and hoping for the best!

Mary C. Bower

Occasions

Mary is one of the majority of wedding business owners that are telling it like it is on a national scale. Further exchanges with Mary say many wedding-related businesses in her area are closing and getting out, no longer able to keep holding on.

In an ongoing poll 31% of responses so-far say the wedding business is deteriorating. 20% say the wedding business is stuck in neutral.  11% feels the wedding business has not yet hit bottom for a 62% total negative connotation. On the positive side 13% says the wedding business has hit bottom and is climbing nicely. 20% of response so-far say the wedding business is recovering but very slowly.

What do you think?

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2013

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Shops, Data, Economic news, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, facts and figures, General News, Invitations, Photography, Poll, Research, retail, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: ,

The Wedding Business Rocked by Market Facts and Truth

Posted on December 27, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

In the closing days of 2012 the wedding business is buzzing because of newZ involving major companies who are bailing out of the business, bringing investors in to shoulder the financial burden and responsibility of trying to run a profitable business in the shrinking wedding market.

Yesterday’s story, The Wedding Business in Worse Shape than First Thought, drew reaction in all social media formats and plenty of private response from industry veterans who would like to dispute the newZ– but can’t.

 

 ”I’ll also bet that few if any of the existing US manufacturers close this year or next, the number will represent an insignificant percentage of the total. Is there anyone out there who will take the bet?” says Jim Duhe.

 

Jim Duhe gave his usual response in his own style saying;

 ”Your story isn’t a cheerful launch pad for the start of the new year. Certain aspects may or may not be accurate but I’m not alone in refusing to accept that the sky isn’t falling — at least not quite yet.  The average age of couples who wed has increased each decade since the turn of the 20th century.  When I joined the bridal industry in the 1970′s, we advised advertisers that “brides are older, better educated, and more affluent than ever before in history.”  It was a documented fact in the 1970′s.  It was equally true in the 1980′s.  It was true in the 1990′s.  It was true in the first decade of the 21st century.  It’s still true today.

However, age, education, and affluence don’t necessarily mean that a death knell is replacing wedding bells or that traditional weddings no longer represent a preferable life style choice for a meaningful number of Americans. Research conducted by Bridal Guide and all other publications as well as by prominent on line bridal sites like The Knot indicates that the number of destination weddings that take place in foreign countries is substantial.

Because foreign countries are not required to report the number of US citizens who marry to the Departments of Health, Education, and Welfare, it’s difficult/virtually impossible to determine the exact number of Americans who marry annually.   Therefore, it’s difficult/virtually impossible to verify that the total number of American weddings has declined substantially in recent years.  Regardless, many people who select to have a destination wedding continue to purchase bridal apparel in this country. They still create wedding gift registries in this country.

Long range business success requires much more than keeping up with trends. It’s essential to run one step (or more) ahead of them.  Conceptually, the challenges to bridal retailers created by online bridal apparel sales in 2013 aren’t  dramatically different from those offered by direct mail purchases (JC Penney, Sears, et.al.) in the 1980′s.  However, direct mail bridal apparel had an Achilles heel that online retailers don’t have: return policies.  The vast majority of online sales are generated by companies that are headquartered in foreign countries.  These companies can’t be forced to comply with US laws regarding merchandise returns.

Because the majority of China/direct sites offer positive consumer reviews (that may or may not be complete fabrications) consumers are lulled into a sense of security in their buying decision.  Unfortunately, prominent “money back guarantees” offered by China/direct companies generally are unenforceable.  There’s little if anything that a consumer can do to secure a refund for merchandise that is unacceptable or substandard.   Unlike complaints posted on Google, Wedding Wire, and others sites, there is no place for a consumer to publicize a complaint about a China/direct web site purchase.  It’s a perfect storm for China/direct sites:  on site comments are consistently positive; there’s no way for anyone to complain publicly.

Frankly, I don’t have answers to many of the questions that plague independent bridal retailers or tuxedo rental specialists.  However, that doesn’t mean that answers don’t exist.  It may well be that the number of existing independent bridal apparel stores will suffer from attrition. That’s a distinct possibility.  However,  I’ll bet you that new bridal retailers will launch in 2013, 2014, 2015, and beyond.

Seasoned bridal industry experts predicted that there were far too many bridal manufacturers — that there would be a “fall out” in the 1970′s — in the 1980′s — in the 1990′s — in 2000.  These predictions continue today. I’ll bet that there will be more bridal brand names in 2013 than there were in 2012.  There probably will be even more in 2014.   I’ll also bet that few if any of the existing US manufacturers close this year or next, the number will represent an insignificant percentage of the total. Is there anyone out there who will take the bet?”, said Duhe.

Duhe’s statement started strong but seemed to fall asleep by its end. So did that of Christine Boulton, who called to discuss the story. Boulton proposed there are clients who are doing well in the wedding business. We never suggested there weren’t. But Boulton could not argue there are fewer wedding industry professionals doing well than there are doing terrible. In fact none of the discussions could challenge any of the central points of the story. Simply put, the increasing challenges against a shrinking (traditional) market will not lead to a happy ending.

The story dates back to 2009 when companies like David’s Bridal sought positive data, wanting to know when the wedding industry would recover. No such information existed but through hocus-pocus hypotheses (guessing) there would be a spring-back in the wedding business. To date it doesn’t seem likely.

An ongoing eWedNewz investigation concludes the data failed to include variables, including the languishing economy that will continue to plague a full recovery in spending for traditional wedding goods and services. The results, exacerbated by growing competition in all areas of the wedding business, dilutes the ability to command higher prices from consumers. The decline of over four years with no end in sight resulted in decisions by major wedding companies, including owners of David’s Bridal, Leonard Green and Associates, to divest themselves from a majority stake in the wedding business.

The statement is supported by an overnight shift since the story released. An ongoing poll feels the wedding business is deteriorating (29%), stuck in neutral (15%) or is yet to reach the bottom (13%).

What do you say?

 

 

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Breaking Newz, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, catering, Data, DJ Disc Jockeys, Economic news, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, Florists, General News, GLBT, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Men's formal wear, Officiants, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Photography, Poll, retail, The Groom, The Knot, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , ,

The Wedding Business in Worse Shape than First Thought

Posted on December 26, 2012 Written by 9 Comments

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWedNewz investigation shows the wedding business is in worse shape than anyone is willing to admit. Information and interviews across all channels of the business, including the part reported to be the most important; the dress business, shows severe damage caused by the collapse of the economy in 2008 and a slow recovery through 2011 and most of 2012.

Like brides, dresses come in all colors, not just white. Tuxedos have been replaced by black suits, navy and tan colors and everything you can imagine.

eWedNewz watches trends that includes the longer wait of men and women deciding to get married. The average age for first-time marriages continues to rise.

“The median age for a man’s first marriage was 28.2 years in 2010, up from 26.1 in 1990. The median age for a woman’s first marriage was 26.1 years in 2010, up from 23.9 in 1990,” according to www.infoplease.com  sourcing  U.S. Bureau of the Census information.

According to Census information the combined average age of men and women since 1960 has increased nearly 21% and has continues to rise world-wide. World trends show an even greater increase to resisting marriage. In the UK the average age for men and women hit 30 years this year citing Pew research while exploring probable causes.

Shedding tradition and traditional values continues to affect the number of marriages but also the formality of those weddings that do take place. Stylish, non-traditional weddings express the thoughts of couples who no longer want to be told what to wear, how to feel or plan their day.

Trends and shifts from normal wedding business finds those who plan to stay in the business are forced to change their operations to adapt to the shrinking numbers. Khalilah Olokunola of A Boxed Event and member of the Wedding Water Cooler shared her thoughts in the controversial forum:

“Many vendors I know have tripled up-not fine tuning their business to meet the demands of the changed times but instead (add) a whole new business . IT seems acceptable in some circles to be the baker, designer, director,planner and videographer- and no I’m not making that up there is a business that offers that.

Gone seems the days where you have to have skill and experience before you could add a title to your name. If you truly want to be successful you have to work hard, hustle hard and accept constructive criticism from more seasoned veterans. Geez I do all the time , I’m a coolie.

With brides and other “socialistas” decreasing their average budgets we all find ourselves redeveloping our business plans and offerings but still maintaining our integrity by offering the better bang for your buck,” says Khalilah.

Khalilah and others say the wedding business is flooded with services and products, challenging the pricing ability for vendors who seem to increase faster in numbers than the market shrinks. Plainly put there is no more need or room for another DJ, gown manufacturer, limousine company or any of the products to create traditional weddings. There are even too many catering facilities who’ve been forced to service a broader spectrum of events to keep rooms, kitchens and workers busy.

While investigating the story about the wedding dress business we’ve uncovered a growing number of outside sources infiltrating the business forcing manufacturers to take action. Recent advancements in the fight against pirates who’ve crippled the wedding dress business received no credit from skeptics who say the damage is too deep, too wide-spread and can never return to normal levels.

Across all channels eWedNewz watches and reports the changes taking place at places like David’s Bridal down to the smallest bridal stores who say they’re ready to throw in the towel. Decisions to sell majority equity stakes to investors like the one involving Jim’s Formal Wear become more and more common-place. Store closures servicing the wedding business are expected to increase, as manufacturers and suppliers tell eWedNewz they can no longer manage growing debt because accounts can’t meet their obligations.

Newsstand sale of bridal magazines continues to plummet giving some ammunition to pundits who say digital is killing print. But a closer look by eWedNewz shows grandfather wedding websites like TheKnot.com are also taking a pounding. eWedNewz exposé  stories about scandal, sexual debauchery and reported mismanagement of resources culminated in the death of morph digital/print companies like Get Married. So-far the rebirth of the company failed to come close in recapturing the glory the original launch created before the crash in 2008, now that the wedding business is older and wiser about the fairy-dust that surrounds them.

Planners of all sizes, including celebrity, say they’re looking to exit the business or expand into a broader range of services, no longer able to cut costs or charge enough fees to make it worth their while. Even “Wedding Market Gurus”, A.K.A, snake oil salespeople, are finding it difficult, if not impossible to charge speaking fees they did just a few short years ago. Most avoid our questions and keep pounding their drum of bullshit, acting as though everything is fine, while others see the changes and become alarmist, claiming to have the answer in some seminar or class.

Even hopefuls who thought the addition of Same-sex marriages to the wedding market, backed by the leader of the free world, say the events has so-far been just a small blip on the screen.

Olokunola again gave her view on how some of the troubles could be fixed:

“When the people who govern wedding magazine, trade shows and associations get real maybe– just maybe– it’ll get better. It’ll make it harder for scammers to scam and players to play and when we stick together as a whole. I believe a shift will take place towards an up direction and its there that the industry can begin again,” she said in the WWC forum.

Christine Boulton of Think Like A Bride told the Cooler how some companies are successful in the very tough business climate.

“There has been some serious restructuring in our business over the last four years. Business owners have changed their thinking; they are going after new markets and they have stepped away from an attitude of arrogance. In short, they stopped thinking of themselves as “artist” and begun to see themselves as businesses.”

Endless discussions clearly show the end of the wedding business as it once was. Is it time to stop discussing and look at what the information clearly tells us?

 

In an ongoing poll 32% of respondents so-far say the wedding business is rebounding but slowly.

What do you say?

 

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Guide Magazine, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, BRIDES Magazine, catering, Celebrity, Data, DIY, DJ Disc Jockeys, Economic news, eWedNewz, eWedNewz Exclusive, Florists, General News, GLBT, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Martha Stewart, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, Photography, Poll, Promotions, Publications, Research, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, The Knot, Trade shows, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

New Editor of Get Married Departs from the Usual Assholes of Taylor and old Format

Posted on July 19, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

In a fresh start and what could really be a new approach for the re-launched Get Married website continued this week, as Heather Dempsey replied to an email thanking her for being open about the new endeavor.

 

The girl next door look of Heather Dempsey replaces the false smiles, underhanded treachery and maliciousness of her predecessors. The assholes at the Taylor Group get the credit for finding and implementing Heather and her style.

 

Invited to make a statement to eWedNewz readers, Heather had the following to say:

“….thank you for the inquiry. We are very excited about how well the new site has been received since it’s relaunch only a couple weeks ago.

We are in a world with inspiration at our fingertips with the internet, Pinterest, tumblr, stylecaster, etc…and GetMarried wants to help brides, planners and wedding geeks find the “good stuff. I have a passion for finding and sharing so that all things are accessible…especially when planning the most celebrated day of your life. The site inspires you to go and do the things you want for your big day – or any other occasion. GetMarried is a place where inspiration meets celebration and becomes you!

I want it to be a favorite place for readers to stop by and see what’s trending, fresh and from a different point of view for weddings and lifestyle. I am also looking to receive submissions for real wedding, engagements, products and inspiration – and so far, the interest has been better anticipated out of the gates,” according to Dempsey.

 

But wedding planners and disgruntled advertisers say they’re not soon taken in by a pretty face and charm so-far exuded by the revamp. Some following the story notice third-rate advertisers on the website and no big names on board so-far.

 

What do you say? Are you buying the “new” Get Married launch?

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2012

Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, eWedNewz, General News, Invitations, Poll, Publications, Social Media, The Internet, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding planners, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Old Website names Revamp and re-launch

Posted on July 17, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Expect a rash of re-launches and regurgitated reshuffling for the fall, 2012, and Spring, 2013, seasons of properties with a value but can’t be sold. These properties will not shutdown, leaving little or no alternative than to try to reinvent themselves. Recent announcements include  Wedding Wire and Get Married.

 

Guess who is back? New, improved, talking to the press and ready to Rock and Roll.

An announcement by Get Married said the following:

MINNEAPOLIS, July 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – GetMarried has launched an exciting new website. GetMarried will be an inspirational haven for brides-to-be, spotlighting fresh ideas, charming details and stylish trends.

GetMarried will offer a comprehensive point of view and provide a forum to exchange ideas, thoughts and favorite things. The new site will feature a blog format to encourage conversation among its readers. Guest contributors will also offer a fresh point of view and new stories on featured categories.

Editor of GetMarried, Heather Dempsey, is excited about the new format and launch. “The focus of GetMarried is on enhancing moments that celebrate love, friendship and all things life has to offer – and most importantly, weddings. The site will inspire you to go and do the things you want for your big day – or any other occasion. GetMarried is a place where inspiration meets celebration and becomes you!”

Complemented by a dedicated Facebook page and Pinterest boards, RSS Feeds and Email, GetMarried is very much a pictorial site allowing photography and design to tell stories that evoke delight, thought and inspiration. GetMarried will showcase real weddings and welcome submissions from its readers.

GetMarried is full to the brim with what brides are looking for. Some regular features include: Today I Love…, ColorCrush, My Pinterest Picks, FabFinds along with how-to advice, real wedding stories, tips, trends, fashion, photography, valuable blogs, planning details and invitations galore.

Heather Dempsey, Editor, gave eWedNewz a quick response to several questions including the ownership and management of the new Get Married.

“Yes, it’s a property of the Taylor Corporation,” she admitted.

The question was ignored and skirted under the first Get Married go-around that included Stacie Francombe, leading to a further eWedNewz investigation and eventually a shutdown of the website. Along the way reports of mismanagement, improprieties, sexual intrigue and a host of nastiness is replaced by a new, fresh approach to the bride, according to new management.

The Wedding Wire story remains to be seen. Extreme pressure and ongoing arrogance seems to be giving way to some improvements to the website.

eWedNewz continues to watch all the major websites try to adjust the higher demands of consumers and the impact of Social Media and private pages used by brides to plan their wedding events.

 

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Pirated Products a Concern to many Wedding Business Owners

Posted on June 7, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

By Paul Pannone

The response to a new organization promising to protect, defend and uphold the rights of wedding business owners grows stronger with every mention of the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association. The concept for the organization originally started because of the rampant abuses experienced in the bridal dress business. But an ongoing eWedNewz investigation shows the mission of the new organization is to bring relief, benefits and services to the entire wedding industry at large.

 

Camille Thomas, owner of Illusions Bridal Veils, says she’s been trying fight off online pirates on her own for years. Thomas says she welcomes the help that’s on its way.

An eWedNewz story in March, 2012, listed suspected websites that pirate merchandise, images or both, hurting legitimate businesses. Many reports from business owners say they’ve tried to fight off the abusive practices on their own but to no avail.

Camille Thomas, owner of  Illusions Bridal Veils in Fruita, Colorado responded to the eWedNewz story saying;

“I own Illusions Bridal Veils and these businesses have stolen my pictures as well as many of the other websites listed above.  Very frustrating because this hurts my business and all of my customers business.  I have been trying to get all of these types of sites to remove my pictures for almost 2 years.  Most of them don’t care so the pictures remain.  I went to great expense to take new pictures last year and I am sure it won’t be long until they steal those too,” said Camille.

An ongoing eWedNewz poll shows business owner support an organization that would help them fight off piracy. Steve Lang, the driving force behind the campaign and new organization, told eWedNewz he envisions an organization that would do much more.

“Of course we would fight against piracy; but the industry needs much more than just that. They need valuable information and tools to operate in today’s new business environment.”

According to Lang the bylaws and structure of the organization forms a cohesive way for members and supporters to work together and accomplish what the fragmented wedding business will never achieve on its own. Pooled resources and proper legal guidance are part of the organization, guided by leadership from successful business people like Lang.

Camille Thomas added her support for Lang and what he’s doing for the industry;

“I was so happy to see that Steve Lang has started to fight back against the chinese businesses who are killing our wedding industry.  They have absolutely no regard for laws or the fact that they are stealing other people’s images to sell their own merchandise.  It is impossible for my customers to compete with these businesses when they are selling the same merchandise for next to nothing.  This issue has been the main problem in my business for the past couple years and I will gladly stand behind anyone who has the knowledge and resources to fight this,” Camille told eWedNewz.

The American Bridal and Prom Industry Association has over a half million dollars in cash and media commitments to fund the campaign and organization. According to Lang, the legal team has not accessed any of the money in the coffer; they’ve used their own time and resources and those of Mon Cheri to bootstrap the launch.

The ABPIA meets today to ratify board members, finalize bylaws and other matters including a website to share information with its members.

 

 

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Current Events, DJ Disc Jockeys, eWedNewz, Florists, General News, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Men's formal wear, Officiants, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Photography, Poll, Promotions, Proms, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, Trade shows, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , ,

Average Price of a Wedding Dress Holds Steady

Posted on June 4, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Depending on whose data you believe the national average price of a wedding gown continues to hover around $1,100 dollars.

 

 Pick your poison; the Knot survey results shows the national average price of a wedding dress is inline with other data sources we’re watching.

According to a recent survey conducted by the XO Group reported by Fox Detroit the average sum spent by an American woman on her wedding dress is $1,121. The average price now reported doesn’t differ much from a study conducted by  BRIDE Magazine’s last year when they reported an average wedding dress cost is $1,289; a 20% increase over 2009 when the average cost was $1,072.

eWedNewz continues to follow how online sale of wedding dresses impact the price of dresses in retail store establishments. Most retailers say they’re watching the average wholesale price rise slightly but cannot pass the increase to their customers to absorb the higher cost.

Discussions with planners in metropolitan markets scoff at the number ($1,100) saying their clients spend more on “toilet paper” for their weddings than the national dress average.

eWedNewz continues to watch over companies that supply data to the wedding business that sometimes isn’t flawless.

 

 

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2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, catering, Data, DJ Disc Jockeys, eWedNewz, facts and figures, Florists, General News, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Ongoing Story Investigation, Research, retail, The Groom, The Internet, The Knot, Travel, tuxedos, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , ,

American Bridal and Prom Industry Association gets ready to Launch

Posted on May 30, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz has learned of a new association of wedding industry manufacturers and retailers that will include all segments of the business. The organization is the result of a raging war against off-shore sources poaching American consumers and disrupting the wedding gown business.

eWedNewz has learned the support for the new organization garnered in a relatively short time  led to the expansion beyond the dress business. Plans to roll out and run the organization begins this week, as the board assembles to discuss details.

 

Will the IBMA be replaced by the ABPIA?

 

According to sources familiar with the story the board will include Bob Cahoon of Maggie Sottero  and other notable wedding industry members, including decision-makers from the Knot. Retailers for the board are also being considered and finalized at the first meeting this month.

The head of the group, Steve Lang, confirmed the launch and promised a more in-depth interview when all the facts are assembled. eWedNewz readers want to know what happened to the extensive coverage surrounding the war on Chinese websites that began back in March.

“You won’t be disappointed by waiting a week to get all the details, after we work them out at our meeting,” said Lang in an email exchange.

Since returning from a trip to China, visiting 27 factories that make products for Mon Cheri the flow of information was halted. Lang came under criticism by other manufacturers trying to launch their own offensive campaigns against piracy. But with the newZ of the new organization and a war chest of over a half-million dollars, evenly split between hard cash and media commitment value, sources feel all the other attempts will be consolidated under the new organization.

In past discussions Lang told eWedNewz he is disappointed in the IBMA’s lack of performance since its relaunch in late 2011. Since the start Lang told eWN he envisioned a broader wedding industry organization that could include benefits of membership to all segments of the business, not just dresses.

What do you think?

eWedNewz

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2012

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, catering, Florists, General News, Invitations, Jewelry, Limousines, Men's formal wear, Officiants, Ongoing Story Coverage, Photography, Poll, Promotions, Proms, retail, Social Media, The Groom, The Internet, The Knot, Travel, tuxedos, Uncategorized, Wedding Dresses, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , ,

True Wedding Expert, Sheryl Davies, Back in a Big Way

Posted on April 22, 2012 Written by 9 Comments

By Paul Pannone

After a brief hiatus Sheryl Davies resumed her grueling schedule this week sharing her decades of wedding knowledge and expertise with her advertisers and the real boss of the wedding business; brides. Davies’ extraordinary career continues to adapt and morph to the changes in the wedding business, shown by the success of her business; Bridal Talk in Windsor, Ontario.

Sheryl Davies is no stranger to radio and local promotions, as she continues to guide the bride and her business away from a strictly print format.

 

When asked about her secret to success Sheryl always manages to get the point across; we all exist to guide the bride.

“I’ve been around enough to know you don’t tell people what to do; you make your point and then allow them to come up with the right decisions and what works for them. No one likes a dictator,” she told eWedNewz in a recent interview.

On Sunday I joined Davies live on CKLW where she talked weddings with featured advertiser/experts in the floral, invitation and catering fields. Th common denominator between the vendors was the straight-forward way they delivered expert information; never showing anything but true professionalism, style and grace.

eWedNewz has watched Davies grow in her market by leveraging Social Media and move away from an exclusive print format. Davies cites the similarity between the Canadian and American market by saying;

“A bride is a bride, no matter where she’s located. She looks for suggestions and guidance from people she trusts. But caution; that trust has to be earned and doesn’t come easily.”

Listeners from the wedding industry commented how much they enjoyed the clear, easy to understand information and wish Sheryl continued success.

 

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Magazines, catering, eWedNewz, General News, Invitations, Men's formal wear, Photography, The Groom, tuxedos, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,
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