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and affluence don’t necessarily mean that a death knell is replacing wedding bells or that traditional weddings no longer represent a preferable life style choice for a meaningful number of Americans.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?

 

 

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CTO and Marry Caribbean Gives Couple a fantasy Wedding, with a little Help from their Friends

Posted on June 19, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

On June 6th, 2012, John Gordon André Millard and Tricialouise Gurley tied the knot at New York’s Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Station. Millard, from Montreal, Canada, and Gurley, from Baltimore, Maryland, USA, said “I do” during Caribbean Week in June. The two met on the internet in July 2011 and were selected after a contest promoted on www.MarryCaribbean.com, the internet’s most complete listing of Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon resources, gave them a wedding most couple can only dream of.

 

New York’s Vanderbilt Hall inside Grand Central Station was the setting for this year’s wedding.

 

As any wedding Coordinator will tell you, they can only be as good as the vendors selected. Jacqueline Johnson was in charge of selecting the vendors and tapped the best she could find in their categories:

Honeymoon to St. Kitts courtesy of Marriott Hotel/American Airlines. The wedding gown provided by Steve Lang/Mon Cheri The men’s formal wear and accessories by 1888MyTuxes.com/Galleria Favors and Invitations. Wedding Rings by Munalichi bridal & Garvey Lundy Jewelers. The First Anniversary trip – Jamaica/Jewels Dunns River Resort & Spa/Island Routes Catamaran Cruise. Procreation Trip: Lighthouse Bay Resort. Photography by Curacao/Roger Gibbs. The Bridal bouquet/Flowers The British Virgin Islands. The wedding cake designed by St. Kitts. Glasses/plates/forks – Global Bridal Group. The Officiant (Anguilla) was Judge Sam Walker. St.Vincent & The Grenadines/Abena Amory-Powell supplied the music and the hotel stay in New York courtesy Islands of the Bahamas.

 

….and they lived happily ever after.

 

According to Jacqueline Johnson this was the first year of full co-operation by every Caribbean Country since the global crisis.

“We’re very encouraged by how things are progressing and I’m so very happy that we were able to make a very special couple as happy as they are. They were lovely to work with and so were all the vendors that contributed to a truly fine affair ,” said Johnson.

Johnson told eWedNewz plans for next year’s wedding are already underway, even though it’s a long way off. Next stop is Chicago next week for Johnson, as she continues her grueling schedule of events to promote the Caribbean and the premier destination for honeymoon couples.

 

 

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Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, eWedNewz, Florists, General News, Jewelry, Men's formal wear, Officiants, Photography, Promotions, Publications, tuxedos, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, wedding websites

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.

 

 

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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: , , , , ,

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?

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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: , , , , ,

Wedding Wire losing Support and Dollars

Posted on May 17, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Ongoing coverage of the battle between Samantha Goldberg and Wedding Wire has attracted national attention to the issues surrounding what many say is a flawed rating and review system of vendors. Goldberg has been very vocal and delivered four-letter descriptors towards Wedding Wire that would make the most seasoned hooker blush. But not everyone is cringing, in fact, Goldberg’s use of the F-bomb assault enhances the passionate feelings surrounding scammed brides that trusted the services of Wedding Wire and find themselves  victims of unscrupulous people using the website as a cover for their practices.

In response, Wedding Wire’s Sonny Ganguly was forced to deliver a canned, corporate response, infuriating eWedNewz readers and paying, featured participants of the website.

 

Reverend Will Mercer has ended a long-standing relationship with Wedding Wire, feeling their rating system is difficult to understand.

 

Reverend Will Mercer is one long-time supporter of Wedding Wire that came forward to denounce their current rating system. He  issued the following statement to eWedNewz:

“I just read the (eWedNewz) post on Google + regarding the Wedding Wire rating system. I’ve just told WW that I will end all of my advertising with them at the earliest possible date because their review system has allowed 5 imperfect reviews to destroy my work in obtaining 82 perfect reviews.

I had one crazy couple right after I had surgery for gall bladder last summer that decided to take me to task for nothing other than their lousy attitude. My work has never warranted a “1.7″. I replied to the review but had to live with it. In addition to that one I have 4 other reviews in the 4.2 to 4.8 category — in some measure due to the mistakes made by reviewers in marking the form. Nonetheless, I hung in with a 5.0 average for publication purposes until April when I had a well-meaning lesbian couple give me a 4.2 (even though their comments warranted a higher score). That shot my entire average to a 4.9.

I have since garnered another six perfect scores and still cannot reactive that average I have held ever since I began with WW more than 2.5 years ago. They keep telling me to get more reviews and have now told me I will need 7 more perfect scores to overcome the situation I am in.

I spend a lot on WW. I am their highest ranking officiant in Manhattan from the number of reviews I have. I pay to be a featured vendor and a spotlight vendor as well, and for this they let me swing in the wind because of one unbalanced couple that decided they could take a totally unfair shot at me and make it stick.

I’m done with them. If you want to talk about this at any point, I’d be happy to do so. Other systems in businesses far more important than WW allow the vendor at least the benefit of the doubt in one situation here or there. I offered to sacrifice three of my perfect scores to have them remove my lowest single score. No willingness to even discuss the matter.

I don’t need to pay them in excess of $2,000 per year to be held in such contempt by them as a business partner,” according to Rev. Will.

 

A current offer from Wedding Wire, seen as an attempt to replace some of the revenue they’re losing to unhappy customers, expires at the end of the month.

eWedNewz continues our investigation and coverage of this story and welcomes your thoughts.

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Advertising and Marketing, Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, General News, Officiants, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, Social Media, The Internet, wedding industry, Wedding planners, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , ,

The President’s View on Same-sex Marriage Comes Out; what do Wedding Water Cooler members say?

Posted on May 10, 2012 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Facing a new low in approval rating earlier this year president Obama took a shot at jump starting his popularity, especially among liberal voters and supporters of same-sex marriages. Members of the Wedding Water Cooler were asked for their thoughts.

 

With political pressure mounting president Obama announces his opinion of same-sex marriages.

 

June Hoffman, an Indiana Officiant asked Weeding Water Cooler members for their thoughts:

“Hi Coolies~

I could hardly believe the radio today when they reported President Obama’s new stance on same – sex marriage. I had to read it myself. Legalizing marriage for same-sex couples could potentially have a huge impact on the wedding-world economy. As Officiants/DJs/MCs, we’ve performed commitment ceremonies and receptions in the past. I know that there would be a huge spike in weddings if this becomes legal. Same-sex couples have the same challenges and dreams as other couples. Times are changing indeed.

President Obama is the first president to endorse this type stand. It would sure do wonders for the bridal gown and tuxedo businesses as well as all other facets of the wedding community [?].”

Certain members of the Wedding Water Cooler– one’s with brains that work– gave their thoughts on the subject that varied from opposition to thanking God for the president’s action. Strong arguments on all fronts presented in a professional way gave similar conclusions favoring personal belief and individuality that resists government intervention.

Peter Gould told Coolies, “Personally I think the government should get out of sanctioning a religious ritual such a marriage, and abide by separation of church and state. I realize that for legal reasons, and there are many we need to recognize some sort of domestic unions and partnerships for all gay or straight, and those that want to have a marriage do so separately in their religion.”

Liz St. John lightened some of the heavy thoughts with some levity pointing out;

” Just an observation here – (though I believe that ANYONE that would like to be married, should be able to make that mistake).

We now have one candidate for president the believes that two people should be able to marry regardless of sex and one candidate that believes that one man should be able to marry multiple women.. Very interesting time to be alive.”

But back to business, Jim Duhe told the group;

“While I personally always have supported same sex marriage, I think that we’re still a long way from having no resistance on this topic.  Look at what just happened in North Carolina.  The battle is far from won.  Obama isn’t a shoe-in for the next election. None of that means that I’m not optimistic.  I want same sex marriages to be a reality because they are the right thing to do.  I hope that they have a positive impact on our industry but I won’t count the money until I see the cash in my hand.  I’m not sure how I’d react if I were personally impacted by this ruling.  I don’t believe that I’d jump up and marry tomorrow but that’s a hypothesis.  I’m not sure what I’d do. “

On the more opininated side Samantha Goldberg who is also from Chicago, told WWC members;

“Not an Obama fan….

1.How he walked into office with accepting the Nobel prize..

2. He is not as sincere as one thinks..I am a Chicago native and that is where he lived for a long time.

3. He thinks he was responsible for Osama? LMAO…I have swampland too..

No comment… Sorry if that sounds cold- He could careless about gay etc.. He is trying to regain what he had when he accepted the role as “President” he lost many believers..that is fact…He’s lost the trust …so what does someone of this caliber due when they begin to lose this? They go for areas that the public fights for…to save his ass…” said Goldberg. So much for “no comment”.

Analyst and creator of the Wedding Water Cooler, Christine Boulton had this to say;

“ I think that the right to marry should be a universal right but it must be fought on a state by state basis. Woe be to the politician that puts forth the reported constitutional amendment to define marriage as “between a man and a woman” that it is rumored certain conservative Senators and Representatives are proposing. They risk their reputation with all but the very conservative fundamentalist religious types. (btw, it isn’t just Christians, it is the fundamentalist side of ALL religions)

One thing that President Obama said that was I think the most salient thing he has ever said, it was his children that helped to shape his new view. When in the course of conversation with his daughters it became evident that they saw no difference in the parents of their peers that were same sex couples, if fact, didn’t find it odd in the least, that he changed his view.

That my friends is what will make the change. How we raise or children. If we raise the next generation to be open and accepting, gay marriage will become open and accepted. If on the other hand, we raise them to be bigots, then we will see more repression. Just the opinion of one person.”

Jacqueline Johnson commented;

“I guess I am the only one left to comment on this very important matter.  I applaud the President for having a new revelation on life and addressing the fact that if a couple desires to pledge their everlasting love and loyalty to each other – they should have the right to do so.  Whether it is to get votes or not (no one can tell what is in the heart of anyone) he changed his mind from 3 years ago and now trying to correct a wrong.

I make it a rule not to comment on religion on politics outside of the home - as you always manage to offend someone.  However, the President did inherit a country in serious financial trouble, and while some of his actions I do not agree with, he has done the best job he knows how to: to steer a massive ship fraught with some of the most mean-spirited people you can find in this century.  From a woman’s right to healthcare: you have old, narrow-minded men dictating how we should all live and care for our bodies.

And yes, whether we like it or not, he did give the okay to have Osama Bin Laden taken out.  If the mission had failed, he would be blamed mercilessly for putting the lives of Americans at risk – and how naïve he was to undertake such a mission.  It happened under his watch – so he either gets the blame or the credit.

As one who knows the sting of racism first hand, I believe in live and let live. Gay, lesbian, heterosexual, we should all live our lives in a dignified manner.”

Johnson wrote about the value of the growing GLBT market, challenging the narrow-minded thinkers of the wedding business to embrace, not shun them.

eWedNewz gives the last slot to Marcinho Savant who had this to say in part:

“Some people must be unaware that at certain times throughout history, same-gender unions were, in fact, blessed by clergy and clerics. Life did not begin with the narrow scope surrounding the years we may personally remember— or whatever we may have personally been trained to believe. How lucky one must be to believe that one’s opinion is absolute and correct— beyond questioning, investigation and unimpeachable. What a luxury it must be to be able to smugly discount the pains of other souls. Thank God SOMEONE questioned something or we’d still believe the world was FLAT.”

 What do you think? Do you agree with Obama’s decision to become  the first president to endorse same-sex marriages?

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: eWedNewz, GLBT, Officiants, Poll, Same-sex marriage, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

After Forty-Years a Wedding Wish Comes True

Posted on February 12, 2012 Written by 4 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

On Friday a forty-year wish to have the wedding of their dream was granted to Pasqual and Maria Ortiz at Ravellos in New Jersey. Pasqual and Maria have known each other that long and married in 1990 in a community service but could never have the formal wedding they both wanted– until now. The couple’s love story is a beautiful, romantic tale that turned into a race for time, as both suffer from health issues.

 

After decades of waiting Pasqual and Maria Ortiz get the wedding they’ve always wanted.

Officiant Ruthann Brown said on Face Book, “ The surprise wedding I was speaking of was held Friday for a couple who married quietly many years ago and always wanted the nice wedding. Knowing that medical reasons would shorten the timeline, their daughter asked for help in making their dream come true.

Today, believing they were having luncheon with their kids, found out the wedding was all planned and today was the day. With the help of Dream Team Wishes and TV celebrity wedding planner, Samantha Goldberg, this couple was escorted to hair and make-up, slipped into gown and tux, presented with flowers and walked down the aisle for a Celebration of a Lifetime. Video and photographers clicking, exchanging rings donated to the cause and escorted to a banquet, just for them, complete with DJ and cake. They cried through the whole thing (and most of us did, too).

Goldberg, through her charity organization Dream Team wishes,  has been quietly planning the surprise wedding for Pasqual and Maria for months but learned time was no longer on her side. Goldberg sent out a call to action to vendors to quickly get the event planned and staged. She shared some thoughts with her Face Book fans;

“While we were taping, I sat each person down and talked to them alone…to find out the love story of 40 years ago. The husband who said we met placing a bet from my friend..for $50.. I lost as I knew she was the one. Then interviewing the wife and asking her what type of wedding would she have had years ago…What was so magical about their meeting..How he proposed to her…The ring that was lost and the courthouse wedding. I’m not sure what the worst part was….hearing something that we know people search for and knowing this soon will be the end of someone’s story…or watching both cry as the dream was a reality yesterday. Do you have any idea how hard it is to watch a grown man cry or a woman who has only been focusing on this terrible issue….Getting her dream wedding in white cry?”

Goldberg told eWedNewz she plans on revving up her charity to give back to people that are in real need because she wants to help, not for the publicity.

“When someone does something nice it should be because they want to do it– quietly, with dignity and respect. There should be no profiteering or worse, monetary gain,” said Goldberg in an eWedNewz exclusive.

Goldberg says she will have a lot more to say about charities in the wedding business– and how they’re run– in the weeks and months ahead.

“That is a story for another time. For now, this beautiful couple got the greatest gift they could have ever received with their family beside them. I am very happy for them,” said Goldberg.

 

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Celebrity, General News, Officiants, The Groom, Wedding Charities, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue Tagged: , , , , ,

The Week of January 30th in Review

Posted on February 4, 2012 Written by 1 Comment

 

 

By Paul Pannone

The Week of the Big Game had many people distracted from normal business functions putting off for next week what thy didn’t want to get into this week. Top stories carried over from last week propelled by celebrity power and consumers reading the stories.

The top story again this week talks about the changing consumer that shops Abercrombie & Fitch to JC Penny and everything in between.

 

New marketing promotions released this week drives traffic into stores in search of products.

 

Tied into the story new marketing that creates greater demand than the physical ability to meet the demand continues to be of interest to readers.

The Wedding Water Cooler made newZ this week dismissing a regurgitated wedding report that mirrored Punxsutawney Phil seeing his shadow forecasting another six weeks of winter. The Water Cooler looks at real-time information and determines the wedding business is on an upswing. Members of the Cooler dismissed surveys, data and past information set to some mystical algorithm to decide the future. Cooler members caution an overenthusiastic reaction to the newZ but said people who approach business in a serious and realistic way won’t be disappointed.

 

 

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Filed Under: Celebrity, Data, Economic news, eWedNewz, facts and figures, General News, Men's formal wear, Officiants, Promotions, retail, Social Media, The Week in Review, tuxedos, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

Wedding Water Cooler Sees Surge in Wedding Activity and dismisses a Negative Outlook

Posted on January 30, 2012 Written by 1 Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

An ongoing eWedNewz story reveals higher activity in the wedding business and a brighter outlook for 2012 than we’ve seen since 2008 when weddings and spending came to a standstill.

According to Wikipedia

The late-2000s financial crisis, also known as the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) or the “Great Recession,” is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s.[1] It resulted in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments and downturns in stock markets around the world. In many areas, the housing market also suffered, resulting in numerous evictions,foreclosures and prolonged unemployment. It contributed to the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in the trillions of U.S. dollars, and a significant decline in economic activity, leading to a severeglobal economic recession in 2008.

eWN dispelled the long-time idea that weddings are recession proof and somehow the wedding industry is above a direct tie to the economy. eWN reported the statement that was never disputed by anyone. We stand by the statement and welcome anyone to challenge us.

 

The Rockin Officiant and new Wedding Water Coolie, June Hoffman, said she dismissed gloom and doom reports.

 

For the first time since 2009 and the lowest point for wedding spending and activity we’re following the recovery and a probable pent-up demand, now that the economy stabilizes. In our ongoing story we’re discussing the topic with all sectors of the wedding business looking back on the past and ahead to the future.

So far in 2012 good reports from wedding shows, especially increasing local activity, suggests an upswing in marriages  ahead. Internal polls and other sources say exhibiting vendors are pleased with attendance.

According to an ongoing poll by Think Like a Bride 44% of respondents say  wedding shows are better this year than they were and only 16% said they’re displeased.

The poll conducted by wedding expert, Christine Boulton, tries to verify the overall forecast for climbing wedding activity. So far the survey says wedding activity is up significantly this year and there’s no reason to think it will end.

“From what I’m hearing the worst is behind us and with everything we’ve learned over the past few years spending habits have changed forever. Brides and grooms are much smarter and less frivolous than ever before. They’re making decisions that are based on common-sense and less emotion. They’re not taken in by what they should be doing, or listening to what some book or family member tells them. Times have changed,” according to Boulton.

Boulton, administrator of the Wedding Water Cooler, provided some information to the contrary and sparked discussions by group members. According to a regurgitated wedding report by Book More Brides, 2012 is not the year of a turnaround.

Members of the Cooler including new ones said they were displeased with the presentation. June Hoffman, one of the newest Coolies, said the following:

“Had the title been something more like “Wedding Professionals Must be More Creative in 2012″ or “Couples Still Picky About Where they Spend their Wedding Dollars”, the doom and gloom would have wouldn’t have left such a bad taste. We get enough daily hits about the bad economy.

I follow “Book More Brides” and have gained a lot of helpful information in the past. This is the first time that I was less than pleased about a BMB article. And I didn’t add a comment to their post about said disappointment because I’m tired of all the negativity and simply dismissed the post. Had they taken the article and actually talked about making lemonade out of lemons, I might have bought a glass.”

Other wedding industry notables supported the Rocking Officiant, including WWC member, Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide Magazine. Duhe, an avid follower of all wedding trends, is an expert in the fashion area. He contested the findings included on the Book More Brides website, questioning how the statements could be that different from what he’s experiencing and hearing in the industry.

“I can’t address all categories of bridal spending but I know for a fact that bridal apparel spending is up. I’d like to know how the sponsors of this study acquired the sample audience.  The Knot, Brides, Martha Stewart, and Bridal Guide use their readers and viewers.  This is a fairly reliable source of thousands of engaged women.  Our research reports may not be a perfect match — but they’re generally not worlds apart.  I don’t believe that any of our studies indicates that overall spending is down,” according to Duhe.

Locally, most wedding planners agree it’s difficult to get brides to spend the way they once did before the recession. But as the discussions continue each region experiences a different rate of recover. Store owners and local business people say they refuse to believe any one national data source has the definitive answer. Most will argue no one knows their local market the way they do.

Wendy Hartigan told eWedNewz, “Here is Pennsylvania and for some of us, the dollars are hard to pry out of the bride’s hands.   But, according to my industry contacts, those with the priciest product are doing the most business where floral and decor, music and venue are concerned.   So, I guess it depends on what part of the industry you are in.”

Attempts to contact Stephanie and Jeff at Book More Brides were unsuccessful at the time of this story’s release.

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2012

Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Data, Economic news, eWedNewz, Florists, General News, Officiants, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , ,

A Single Word Sets Off Allegation of Antisemitism in Festivus Story

Posted on December 27, 2011 Written by 4 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

It’s no newZ that Samantha Goldberg continues her assault on directory listing wedding websites. What is newZ is the sudden flare up alleging an Officiant is Antisemitic by the use of a single word, first thought a spelling error. The word pogrom appeared on a message board in Wedding Wire over the weekend in response to a discussion initiated by Samantha Goldberg.

eWedNewz obtained the Wedding Wire thread showing questions posted by Goldberg and response that led to this story;

I’m working on a project for site+stats. I’ve some questions for any vendor. This is N/A for one site, it’s for all sites.

1. Are you a paying client with any of the following sites..Wed Wire, Xo/Knot, Respond, OneWed or? If so, do you have a system via your hosting company that shows the activity? Based on the name of your company, do you feel that after the letter C your not in the proper placement?

2. If you are not a paying client on any of the sites mentioned, when you have a review that is defamatory, not legit or questionable, do you dispute?
WW has a great system to review your post with regard to grammar and changing your response.

3. When you have a complaint that is not valid, one that you know you were ethically 100% correct how was it resolved? If you had an issue with this goal how did you come to an agreement to remove or change language of a disgruntled client? Have you ever had a vendor pose as a client who may be unhappy?

4. If you had the opp of creating a site that would rate via number system say 1-5..No words but just the ability for those who use your services to rate their opinion on your ethics, financial investment, responsiveness etc would that work for you? Or, would you rather the client share their issue good or bad? If you are allowed as many responses as possible (same client), but the listing from the client is not changed. Are you one who would feel this is fair? If not why?

a. Based on so many sites used for leads etc, do you find that your return on investment is great..OK, Fair or Bad. If so why? Why did you choose one site as oppossed to another? What types of support do you think is fair when you don’t pay to be listed but you are being reviewed?

b. In a perfect world, how should a rating system work whether you pay or not? Should it matter?

5. What do you feel about the words valid info vs opinion?

6. Have you ever been given a bad review (from a VALID client) that was not valid if no, defamatory in nature or irrelevant to you specifically?

7. How did you handle it? If most sites today offer you a rebuttal to a complaint do you think the “new” client will ignore the information, ask others in forums about you, or just choose not to use you?

8. Have you noticed a decline in your business due to one negative review which you believe should be eliminated or at least worded in a way that will not allow for this to take business away?
Please send your responses to: info@samanthagoldberg.com

Goldberg’s post was met with criticism by forum members that included Jennifer Reitmeyer of MyDeeJay who wrote,

“Samantha, it sure looks like you’re using the WW boards to try to build a case against WW. Unless you really, coincidentally have a “project” due on the topic of online reviews and defamation the weekPaul Pannoneposted about your plight on ewednewz. (We already read and discussed that here.)”

 

Celia Milton agreed to talk to eWedNewz about her choice of words but later declined.

 

But the fireworks really started when Celia Milton gave her opinion that coincided with others in the group who also felt Goldberg’s questions were not appropriate in the forum.

“Samantha is involved in a well publicized pogrom against wedding wire and it’s review system. Whether deserved or not, it’ simply bad taste to post this here, especially without disclosing your real purpose, which is easily found by googling you. This ugly matter has been all over the wedding boards.

This is an overflowing basket of dirty laundry that should not be sorted into piles here.”

The use of the word incensed Sandra Aaron who felt the use of the word is evil, diabolical and indeed antisemitic.

According to Aaron,” NOBODY uses that word unless they have an ulterior motive and it has been very carefully chosen. She basically just accused Samantha of being no better then a Nazi. In fact a Nazi would have been more of a compliment since at least the Nazi’s were organized about their mass killings. ”

The debacle escalated and spread to the comments section of a lighthearted story involving Festivus but ended in failure.

Wedding Water Cooler sources familiar with Celia Milton feel she is a strong-willed woman and at times is overbearing, outspoken and abrasive. Several email exchanges with Milton involving how eWedNewz moderates reader comments alerted the New Jersey Officiant her word and opinions are not Gospel.

At first Milton agreed to talk to eWedNewz but later declined saying,”  I don’t think that’s necessary, honestly.  I can’t imagine that I’ll say anything relevant to the situation, and it’s probably best for us to amicably part and work on our projects at hand.  As I said, best of luck with this endeavor and your other work.  I hope the new year brings you all you hope for  in every area you’re exploring.”

What eWedNewz is exploring are the basic rights of all Americans; freedom of opinion, speech and expression. While we don’t agree with the actions taken by either Milton or Aaron, we defend their right to say whatever they wish. However, with those rights come responsibility; to respectfully agree to disagree and move on.

 

As agreed, we tried calling Celia Milton to discuss her choice of the word pogrom and other subject matter involving the story. We left a message and are waiting for her to call back.

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: General News, Officiants, Ongoing Story Investigation, wedding industry, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,