Boulton’s Brilliant Wedding Marketing Book is a Blast

Posted on April 3, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

By Paul Pannone

 

For over two years we’ve told you about Christine Boulton from Think Like a Bride, quoting her in many eWedNewz stories about the wedding business. In that time we’ve seen Christine rise from a local market adviser to national notoriety, quoted by other established wedding professionals. But now Boulton’s new book, Brilliant Wedding Marketing, takes the guesswork out of what she says about certain subjects covering them in a clear, concise way that no fairy dust seminar can ever come near.

 

Wedding marketing is tough. Christine’s new book makes it simpler to understand.

Boulton’s book follows another controversial book, Bridal Show Success, that irritated show producers around the country by telling the truth about what works in booth design and follow-up campaigns that did not fit into their sanctioning.

Now, Boulton does it again by getting endorsements from other wedding marketing organizations including Perfect Wedding Guide.

“I bought Brilliant Wedding Marketing last week and read it in one sitting!  As a representative of “the wedding media” with my own print publication, wedding website, database marketing program and bridal shows, it’s refreshing to read a book written by someone who just “gets it.”  I’ve read a lot of things out there from so called “wedding marketing experts” but none of them have been in the trenches like Christine.  Let me tell you – from my position – nothing is more frustrating to see wedding vendors waste opportunities to make a sale because they can’t get their head out of the sand.   This book will open your eyes and show you how to make your wedding marketing WORK because it CAN.  No more telling yourself “marketing and advertising just doesn’t work for ME” – YOU have to make it work.  I LOVE how much time Christine spends on company websites – it really does start there and NO amount of ad dollars will work for you if it’s leading brides to a website that won’t peak bride’s interests.  This book is a MUST READ.  I’m going to recommend it to all of our advertisers.  You spend thousands and thousands of dollars on marketing your business, wouldn’t you spend $20 to make sure it works?”

Sale of the books together as a package has helped wedding professionals cut the learning curve on topics like Social Media and improving conversion of leads to sales. But Boulton focuses the most attention on creating and maintaining the most powerful tool she feels is the difference between success and SUCCESS.

“The best money spent is making sure any size company has a really great website. Brides today can look at a site and know when they’re not going to use a company. You have one shot to get their attention. Forget not having a website, you have no chance at all,” she told eWedNewz.

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, General News, Trade shows, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites 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.

 

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

Brooklyn Event Promises Interaction between Vendors and Attendees

Posted on November 29, 2011 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

An event at Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall organized by ECS Events promises  interaction between vendors and about 500 potential clients that are registered to attend.

According to the Events Connection Source website;

ECS’ vision is to help individuals construct their own events by connecting them to the vendors carrying the products they need to produce the finest event for their budget.

 

Brooklyn’s Grand Prospect Hall is the site of an interactive, intimate exchange between vendors and consumers planning their events.

 

 A similar show idea was staged in 2010 where a more intimate and scheduled session between vendors and brides gave ample time to answer questions and sample services. New York’s Maya Kalman executed the event at Gotham Hall, attracting high-profile brides with six-figure budgets.

Kalman told eWNz, “Today’s brides want that kind of personal attention no matter how much or little they’re planning on spending.” 

The Brooklyn event is expected to attract wider budget events but maintain a higher level of service. Wedding shows have come under fire in recent years for herding brides like cattle at the show and then bombarding them with unwanted emails and illegal calls afterward.

eWedNewz will continue to investigate the results. 

 

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Filed Under: Bridal Shows, catering, General News, Promotions, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Virtual Only goes so far in Wedding Planning

Posted on November 18, 2011 Written by 5 Comments

By Paul Pannone

When the Knot (XO Group) announced they were the first to go virtual with bridal shows the move was quickly shot down by wedding experts including Bill Heaton of Great Bridal Expo. Heaton and others argued the move to use technology to replace face to face contact in the wedding would not work, citing the emotions attached to nearly all facets of wedding planning leading up to the actual event.

Bill Heaton and Alan Berg are strong advocates of wedding marketing and have made a great living in the wedding business.

 

But with the lingering effects of the recession attempts to streamline parts of the  wedding business with technology could be seeing an uptick.

According to Web Event Planner, “Virtual trade show provides a grassroots search engines creation for community and industry professionals”, say Louis Godin Virtual Event Planner for AreaTradeShows.com and http://www.WebEventPlanner.com, “who better to organize a search engine then a community or industry professional. Someone that knows the local area or industry and can recommend professional within the community or profession.”

People like Bill Heaton market the use of very elaborate shows and insist the core of success is face to face interaction between vendors and brides. But with companies like the XO Group and others pushing the envelope, won’t bridal shows and planning eventually migrate entirely to the Internet?

Not so fast says David Fuhrer; not in the case of trade show consolidation anyway.  ”Micro-Targeting an SE for a specific industry is solid concept that has existed for several years. Actually executing upon the promise is an impossibility. The algorithm to parse through all of the content and make search more efficient is what Google is burning the candle at both ends to achieve– and they have made search more efficient.

Making search targeted is literally impossible at this moment in technical time. I know of Corporations who have dedicated enormous sums of time & energy to target search in the Medical Industry; the result has been failure,” says Fuhrer.

What about on the consumer side? Wedding planning tools and checklists online are plentiful and with brides planning their own wedding the shift should be easy to read. Once again, not so fast.

An eloquent account of why a real, human wedding planner should be hired is given by Leila Khalil that favors the face to face, human aspect of weddings. Khalil gives specific reasons to why a professional planner is an essential part of a successful event.  In her story she takes her swipes at just about everyone, including the caterer saying;

“A venue coordinator/catering manager is NOT a wedding planner. Stay tuned in the next few weeks to find out why.”

 Khalil’s story drew praise from most members of the Wedding Water Cooler including Chris Jaeger that submitted the piece for review.

“It’s nice to see something well written, positive towards the industry, and helpful for brides and grooms,” according to Jaeger.

The discussions all but nullify the idea that wedding planning can be taken virtual. Sandra Aaron puts the pros and con of “everyone” using a wedding planner into perspective; 

“It’s a good article and coming from Leila it makes sense. She’s a publicist for wedding planners. So writing something like this is her job.

Where I have a problem is all the thousands of articles and/or blog posts I see written by wedding planners about why people should hire wedding planners. It’s desperate. It reeks of trying to create an industry out of something that’s not there. Someone who wants to hire a wedding planner doesn’t need to be convinced to hire a wedding planner. I firmly believe that not everyone needs or should have a wedding planner. Yes, it’s helpful; but not everyone can afford one and many people have a good enough support system made up of family and friends that they will have people they trust available to handle any problems. It’s about comfort and trust. Let’s all remember that before the first wedding planner put up his or her shingle there were many happy brides who somehow managed to have perfectly lovely weddings planned by their mothers.

As Leila says you get what you pay for. If your budget can’t allow you to hire a reputable wedding planner then I believe people are better off having someone they trust looking out for them on the day as opposed to hiring a wannabe wedding planner for a dollar store price. I’m certainly not directly this towards Leila; because she not only has a stellar reputation; but as I say promoting wedding planners is her job. I am pointing this mini-rant towards wedding planners who are so desperate to create a market for themselves they don’t care if someone needs or can afford a planner.

Alan Berg said something that resonated with me when he spoke to ISES Toronto in October. He was talking specifically about web sites; but it’s the same issue. He said it’s not your job to sell your industry. That’s the job of your industry association. It’s only your job to sell your product/service. It’s absolutely the same with wedding planners It’s not a wedding planners job to convince someone to hire a wedding planner. It’s the wedding planners job to convince someone to hire themselves specifically.
That’s my take on the subject and yes I know I’m a wedding planner so am probably more likely to ruffle feathers by saying not everyone really needs one; but it’s true. The industry will grow with time; but we can’t force it.”

Discussions with other Wedding Water Cooler members said each wedding is unique and planning should be approached with that in mind. All agree the balanced use of technology and traditional methods of planning should work together– not against a common goal.

Only one member of the group told eWedNewz they’re not a fan of Leila Khalil and all she proposes.

 

What do you think? Post your views or contact Paul@ewednewz.com – 516-312-0090.

 

 

 

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Filed Under: bridal, Celebrity, DIY, Economic news, General News, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PRESS RELEASE: Aisle Style: Looking at 2012 Weddings

Posted on September 12, 2011 Written by 5 Comments

 

PRESS RELEASE

Aisle Style: Looking at 2012 Weddings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SEPTEMBER 10, 2011

Brides today want their wedding day to be as unique as they are. And this outside the box thinking is setting new trends for savvy brides in 2012. Designers are artfully combining bright colours with staple neutrals: much like an artist would paint a beautiful work of art. Warm bamboo, honeysuckle pink, cedar green, deep teal, purple‐hued phlox, coffee liqueur, warm camel nougat and quarry are top shades for the upcoming season.

Wedding dresses have a lot of lace; a trend we forecasted six months ago. There are ruffles, beading and  coloured sashes that are sexy and white is not as popular as soft beige, light blues, pink and even soft‐toned greens being introduced into the finest bridal lines. Styles for gowns are sleek with brides not seeking out the traditional ball gown.

Vintage is still strong and  there’s no chance of finding their dress duplicated. They make a statement and are stunning in their design.The venue is still a hot location, with couples seeking old buildings that have been re-purposed such as old train stations, raw factory space and combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces. Local farms and vineyards provide a rustic charm and the outdoor photo opportunities provide endless opportunities.Wedding environments will be more laid back; bookings with nature settings are popular locations. Beaches, parks, homes and other outdoor settings are also being utilized.

Birdcage veils have been in style for many seasons now and the Royal Wedding provided the fascinator, an edgy, over the top headpiece. Headbands and feathers are modern options to a traditional veil. No bride will be bare-headed in 2012 with everything from glittering tiaras to extra-large flowers in contrasting tones.
Shoes, once dyed satin white can now be bold red, purple or blue, peeking out from under that dream dress. Add a feather clip for a touch of fun.Other ideas include button or feather boutonnieres, multi‐mini cakes as centerpieces, catering carts, such as martini bars, crepe stations, sundae bars, pastry tables and lemonade stands are vying for the bride’s attention.

Photo booths continue to be a popular feature for guests.Social media is centre stage with computer stations being setup for guests to leave comments. Webcasting to guests who couldn’t attend the day is heartfelt and, as the day unfolds, hash tags for Twitter are in sync with today’s online culture.

Venues should expect to receive requests for longer cocktail hours, rental companies will see an increase for lounge furniture and guests can expect the unexpected. Ceremonies will have a steady increase in personalization, focusing on the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions as part of the wedding day celebrations. Vows are being written and choreographed by couples with assistance from an Officiant.Themes such as vintage, diamonds/pearls, romance, garden style, retro 50, 70’s and eco-friendly are huge.

Cakes are bold this year and 2 layered cakes are back with tiers of different heights. Cupcakes are still huge, with innovative flavors and colors.Grooms are more involved in the planning with their brides, and they are contributing their time and ideas into their day; it’s a new culture in the industry; one that until recently has been entirely female.

The 2012 wedding season will find couples saying, “I Do” in a world of different ways. Many will continue partying well into the night with an after party, which is becoming a popular trend. This party has no rules or wedding checklists and is entirely up to the couple.Wedding Guide Preferred Vendors are dream makers; the go-to service providers with big shoulders and creative thinking. They can make a wedding come to life with all of the above ideas. This area is cosmopolitan irrespective of its size and anything and everything is possible for the next season bride!

MEDIA CONTACT: Sheryl Davies Publisher/TheWedding Guide Windsor/Essex County Proudly serving local brides since1992

President: DMS Communications

Voice: 519.252.8463

Facsimile: 519.252.4358

URL:http://www.bridaltalk.theweddingguide.cahttp://dmscommunications.info

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, catering, Florists, General News, Invitations, Publications, retail, Social Media, The Groom, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Venue, wedding websites Tagged: , , , ,

Wedding Plans are Still Inspirational

Posted on July 26, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Since 2010, one of the biggest stories facing the wedding industry involves  wedding web sites and the over-saturated supply of wedding related goods and redundant information available to brides. Replies to a recent eWedNewz story that asked where we stand on technology spawned discussion in both the Wedding Water Cooler and from readers that agrees things have changed.

Wedding Water Cooler member and local Philadelphia Planner, Wendy Hartigan, told eWedNewz, ” My experience with brides is this- they “shop” on line, get ideas on line and buy things on line like hair adornments and favors. But, the vast majority want to SEE the product, touch the fabric, see the centerpiece before they buy it and meet the vendors face to face. So, while they may use their Iphone to get started or play during a boring meeting, they are still hands on when it comes to the details. As for email blasts and wedding web sites- BAH! No good has ever come my way from either of these sources.

eWNz readers say they’re watching the changes taking place at many wedding websites that are adjusting to the market. The most obvious and most often mentioned is the Knot, now part of the XO Group. But most feel the moves made by wedding websites are for business reasons and do nothing for the consumer. It is further said the role of wedding web sites are to alert brides about current trends, provide information and give them styling ideas. Some industry sources say we may have hit a wall and could have a difficult time improving what already exists.

Helen Driscoll has a background in DIY and Eco wedding stationery, letterpress printing and calls herself a pioneer in eco papers, letterpress and DIY since starting her company in 1995. Commodity products like invitations that can easily be ordered and shipped via the internet are most-thought to be a challenged segment of the market. Yet, Driscoll commented:

 ”(I) Still think that the dreaming phase of wedding planning happens via print mags, blogs and websites and some brick and mortar. Imagination needs to expand, and just don’t think small mobile devices work with the human imagination. Wedding blogs do such a good job at the dreaming state (called inspiration!!!) — but really not sure how much of that happens even on an iPhone. iPad is quite good, large enough screen to dream, and great interactivity,” according to Driscoll.

With all the latest technology and advancements made in the past decade, many wedding sources say they’re finding a return to good-old, basic common-sense and even some legwork that is contrary to what owners of wedding web sites proposed. Many wedding web sites struggle to keep advertisers that say they can no longer justify the cost of participation. Many are creating their own local marketing and even hiring in-house personal to interact with brides instead of paying for listings and advertisement on national web sites, phone apps, etc.

“Mediums and formats evolve all the time but the real planning of the wedding stays the same,” according to Sheryl Davies. 

 

Wedding Water Cooler member, Sheryl Davies, told eWedNewz, “The mediums and formats evolve all the time but the real planning of the wedding stays the same. It’s always been an emotional process and the bride still wants to take her time, see what’s available and may not always be wowed by the latest trends– but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to know about them,” she told eWNz.

 

 

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Filed Under: Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shows, Data, DIY, General News, Invitations, Publications, Social Media, wedding industry, Wedding Venue, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Same-sex Weddings Start in New York but what’s the Upside for Vendors?

Posted on July 25, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Thirty days after same-sex marriage became law in New York nuptials pronouncing ”you’re married” began a minute after midnight on Sunday, July 34th, 2011. But whether the flood of requests for marriage licenses represents a boon or bust for the wedding business is unknown.

764 (added) weddings took place on the first day of eligibility in New York City, setting a one-day record. Great for equality and human rights but what does it actually net for wedding vendors and professionals? According to sources many of the weddings assembled last-minute used goods and services composed mainly of DIY, self-service and makeshift items– which is again great but– what about the value to vendors?

Equality proponent, Marchinho Savant, says he is taking it slow, based on the current lack of enthusiasm shown towards planned celebration of same-sex events.

 

Wedding sources that asked to not be identified questioned the value of  bouquets made up of flowers picked in the garden or simple champagne toasts held at neighborhood restaurants.

The questions are consistent with expert sources, including Marcinho Savant, proponent of equal rights. In an eWedNewz exclusive interview, Savant said he prefers to err on the side of caution with his business, instead of getting caught up in the trappings of overexhuberence.

“I prefer to stay sane, measured, strategic and grateful for our little constant flow.  As of this moment, other than a slew of post-NY marriage equality ruling inquiries (dozens), our booking meter remains steady— as if NY’s ruling was a mirage.  Or, perhaps, couples are biding their time to avoid, at all costs, another California wherein 18,000+ same-gender-loving couples won, and then LOST, their right to marriage equality— at the hands and at the whim of their neighbors,” Savant told eWNz.

 

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Hot Discussions in the Wedding Water Cooler Burning Down The Building

Posted on July 14, 2011 Written by 10 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Discussions in the Wedding Water Cooler heated up this week, as long-time rivals face each other to give their views on topics involving the treachery in the wedding business and branding.

It’s getting hotter than hell in the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group. Four-letter bombs and seething rivalries get to the core of issues faster than pleasantries and BS.

 

Since the Fourth of July discussions dominated by planners comparing notes and giving their account of the wedding business watched by eWedNewz clearly shows unrest in the business. Some asked for help from other planners in non-competing markets and what their findings have been.

“With so much competition presenting itself in all categories in the Wedding Industry, do you think that integrity is a rare and faraway thought these days? I’m really starting to wonder. Time and time again I see people who claim to be gracious and ethical come across as hypocrites. It’s really mind-boggling. Is anyone else noticing this?”

Water Cooler members weighing in agree there are less than desirable actions in the wedding business. The word hypocrite appeared most often, citing the professional façade used by many. But the backstabbing tactics and in some instances, the cultish environment of part of the business is disturbing.

One Canadian planner said,”There are some real hypocrites out there. Fortunately there are also some great people. It’s just a lot easier to notice the bad examples then the good ones.

Others added, “From my experience there are some horrible, horrible people who are greedy. Some are worthless with behavior, racketeering and downright thievery that is the basis for their existence. But then again there are some wonderful people who think nothing of extending themselves and willing to help in any way they can. I guess at the end of the day there are always lowlife and bottom feeders in every industry.”

After several days of venting the discussions finally turned productive with some planners offering possible solutions. 

One planner from the New York market said, “I’m not sure if Integrity has been lost but it has definitely lost its place among necessities for ppl in the industry. People talk about Old school wedding traditionalists and I think most of us can agree without what’s considered “old school wedding insiders” we would have no industry!

Now a days so-called planners are fresh out of highschool with prom planning experience or a giddy former bride that had the not so bright idea to use candy that matched her wedding colors (WOW)!  Integrity is a foreign word to most, a second language to some and not in the vocabulary to others-They manipulate the process that has worked for years by over promising and under delivering, telling tall tells and using photos of some other planner/designers event. Even worst they raid Craigslist in hopes of not being flagged offering FREE services. If you’re not making money -Is there a business? What the hell do we do it for!

I can be extremely brutal of the process here in NC -I’m a Brooklyn native, still have my NY accent and I expect more! Until there is a process in place to remind so called vendors that the industry is not for the faint or a place for fools -we’ll continue to have 1 hit wonders and 1 night stands. Anyone remember the Channel 2 Shame on you? We need that for the industry.”

Some ugly and heated exchanges resulting from Steve Lang joining the WWC became unavoidable. Critics of Lang began protesting to respected sources in the wedding industry, crying foul over his acceptance when it was announced. Some feel the platform enables Lang to “spread his propaganda” to an even wider audience than he now holds. eWedNewz continues our investigation into Lang and Mon Cheri that has so far turned up nothing more than a passionate person that loves his family, friends and protects the golden goose that feeds them all.

One of Lang’s critics took his challenge to make a difference in the wedding business seriously. Jon Saltzman, owner of a unique bridal store in Florida, gained acceptance into the invitation only group but could be overwhelmed by his decision. Lang and Saltzman have a deep-rooted history that eWedNewz is investigating, centered around opposing views about the wedding industry. Their differences pit the two against each another but is sparking wild, unabashed discussions and what Saltzman calls “unprofessional behavior” that includes the use of “cuss words” in the Wedding Water Cooler environment.

So far, Lang, the perceived devil incarnate by competitors in the wedding business, acts like the cat that swallowed the canary. Perhaps because his business is growing exponentially Lang finds the current exchanges comical or perhaps he feels Saltzman is doing a fine job of showing his ineptness in arguing point by point discussions when it comes to branding. 

Saltzman has reportedly been chased from speaking engagements in several markets including Las Vegas and Chicago for unknown reasons. eWedNewz suspects support for Lang in these arenas. eWedNewz will continue to dig deeper into the story.

Apart from the entertainment factor, Saltzman’s view of non-branded products versus branded– he feels there is no need for branded products in the wedding dress business–  is feared harmful to those that follow his logic from wedding experts. WWC members citing Jon’s position say bridal store owners subjected to his point of view could be totally misled, if they totally ignore the power of branding.

Wedding expert/analyst Christine Boulton weighed into the discussions saying, “Many brides set their heart on one specific designer and it defines their vision(and their shopping). I am not saying that the Maggie bride, the Reem bride or the Vera bride can not be sold a private label gown, only that she will select the salons to visit based on whether or not they carry the line she is seeking. That is why branded lines and the advertising that goes with them is so important.

Yes, a savvy, well-trained sales associate may well be able to sell her a private label gown, but she will have found the salon based on the branded merchandise they carry. I store that carries only non-branded merchandise won’t even be on her radar.”

 
Boulton’s assessment of Saltzman’s myopic view of brands concurs with other respected notables of the group including Jim Duhe, Samantha Goldberg and others. eWedNewz continues to press Saltzman for his expanded view and to answer the question of whether he feels brands are totally irrelevant in all markets, stores and scenarios beyond his own world. In several instances, Saltzman has totally side-stepped direct questions about the importance of brands.

Personally, Saltzman has not been able to get past four-letter words used by this reporter in a style I call my own, posting excerpts of conversations in his own forum with no explanation of what he hopes to do. Such is life for the narrow-minded of the world.

eWedNewz continues to watch the Wedding water Cooler, where plans to turn up the heat even further could burn the place down. Finally the wedding business could get some answers in plain, simple terms instead of passive, polite information used to sell something.

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Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Calvin Klein, Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Paul Pannone, Publications, retail, Social Media, Uncategorized, Vera Wang, wedding industry, Wedding Venue, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Events of Sophistication Announces Cigars & Cufflinks for the Groom

Posted on June 21, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Growing interest in grooms taking an active part in wedding planning opens the door for wedding planners to discuss the often neglected (male) market and what appeals to them. Because couples pay for most of the wedding, the groom’s vested interest in money allocation becomes a primary reason they’re paying closer attention.

According to Sophisticated Groom Groom’s interest and involvement is at an all-time high; growing financial commitment creates active grooms. Discussions with Kevin Powell of Sophisticated Groom told eWedNewz, “They’re no longer just showing up, they are getting involved.” In the publication’s marketing materials they base their finding on information from sources that include the Association of Bridal Consultants, Bridal Guide, Fairchild Bridal Group “American Bridal Report”, Fairchild Bridal Group “American Weddings” Survey 2005, National Center for Health Statistics, US Census Bureau, The Knot, The Association for Wedding Professionals International, Bride’s Millennium Report: Wedding Love & Money, Bride’s magazine, Powell II the People Media, LLC, NPD Market Research and other credible sources.

Planner, Wendy Hartigan, and a rising  sources are writing about the growing involvement of grooms welcoming their response. Members of the Wedding Water Cooler say they’re taking a proactive stance to take full advantage of the trend by creating interesting programs designed just for grooms.

Diane Freeland of Events of Sophistication, a certified wedding planner, got her start in event planning more than 20 years ago as an administrative assistant at the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), an organization that plays an integral role developing Baltimore City’s business community. Today, Freeland is busy networking with others to service niche markets and was recently smitten by the growing groom trend.

This week, Freeland announced,”We  are pleased to announce Tuxedo House and Crowne Plaza Baltimore North-Hunt Valley as sponsors of “Cigars & Cufflinks” – It’s Your Day Too! – our specially designed event for grooms, future grooms and their male guests. Sorry ladies, this one is just for the fellas.”

 

Hmmm…. “too”…. Whatever happened to 50-50? Well, it’s a start at least.

 

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2011

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BRIDES ANNOUNCES FINDINGS FROM 2011 AMERICAN WEDDING STUDY

Posted on June 17, 2011 Written by 36 Comments

 

BRIDES ANNOUNCES FINDINGS FROM 2011 AMERICAN WEDDING STUDY

Couples skip sit-down receptions, embrace mobile apps and evites

June 17, 2011 – New York, NY – BRIDES, the #1 brand in the world for reaching engaged women, has once again conducted the AMERICAN WEDDING STUDY, the quintessential analysis of spending and behaviors around wedding planning that provides key insights to the emerging and established trends surrounding this economically charged life phase. 

KEY FINDINGS:

  • Results of the 2011 BRIDES American Wedding Study show couples doing more with less; overall wedding spending has decreased slightly but there are more events surrounding weddings (double digit increases for wedding weekends, destination weddings, engagement parties, and bachelorette parties) and the wedding itself incorporates more elements and more personalization than ever before.

 

  • Couples are blending old with new, preserving select traditions like the first dance and cake-cutting but bidding farewell to sit-down dinners and buffets in favor of cocktail hours and passed hors d’oeuvres. Nearly 10% of all weddings feature a “man of honor” or “best woman”, 14% of couples are married by a friend or family member ordained for the occasion and 11% of couples make charitable donations on behalf of their guests.

 

KEY COSTS: 

  • The average wedding cost is $26,501, slightly more than a 5% decrease from 2009 when the average cost was $28,082 but up $8,000 since 2002.
  • The reception accounts for 36% of wedding costs, with an average price tag of $13,367.
  • Outside of the reception, the largest chunks of money are going to photography/videography ($3,367), wedding rings ($1,495) and flowers ($1,426). 
  • The average wedding cake costs $480.
  • The current average cost of an engagement ring is $4,647, a 27% decrease from 2009’s average engagement ring cost of $6,348.
  • Average wedding dress cost is $1,289, which a 20% increase since 2009 when the average cost was $1,072.
  • The average bridesmaids dress costs $134.
  • Everyone pitches in to pay for the wedding and surrounding events. 
    • Brides- to-be are the primary contributors for the bridesmaid’s luncheon (60%), wedding ceremony (57%), wedding weekend (53%) and post-reception party (47%).
    • Together, 68% of brides and grooms are paying for their honeymoon.
    • The brides’ parents are focused primarily on paying for the wedding reception (58%), next-day brunch (44%) and engagement party (36%).
    • His parents are still paying for the majority of the rehearsal dinner (60%).
    • Their friends take charge of the bridal showers (72%) and bachelor/bachelorette parties (88%).

 

ENGAGEMENT:

  • December is still the most popular month of the year to get engaged (18%).
  • Length of engagement has increased from 14 months in 2009 to 15.4 months in 2011.
  • The majority (63%) of brides-to-be provided input on their engagement ring, with over one in five (21%) actually selecting the ring themselves.  This is an increase of 9% versus 2009.

 

FROM WEDDING DAY TO WEDDING WEEKEND TO WEDDING YEAR:

  • 91% have a honeymoon (14% increase since 2009).
  • 35% have an engagement party (+21%).
  • 22% have a wedding weekend (+38%).
  • 15% have a destination wedding (+25%).
  • 87% have a rehearsal dinner.
  • 86% have an average of 2.3 bridal showers. 
  • 34% have a post-wedding brunch.
  • 24% have a post-reception party.
  • 5% have multiple ceremonies.

 

WEDDING DRESS:

  • She’s buying her wedding dress 9 months before the wedding.
  • Average wedding dress cost is $1,289, a 20% increase since 2009 when the average cost was $1,072.
  • Today’s bride is also spending another $581 on wedding day accessories, jewelry, headpiece and veil.
  • 1 in 2 purchase from an independent local bridal salon, with another 29% buying from a national bridal chain.
  • 84% of brides wear something old, new, borrowed and blue.
  • Close to half (45%) will box up their dress to pass it on.  Another 10% will either sell their dress, give it to another bride or re-cut/remodel to wear again.

 

WEDDING LOCATION:

  • Nearly half of couples (48%) wed in the city or town where they currently live, with 23% returning to their family’s hometown for the occasion.
  • One in ten engaged couples (15%) have a destination wedding, which is an increase of 25% from 2009.
  • Of those having a destination wedding, they are staying an average of 6 days/nights on location and their guests are staying 3 days/nights.

 

WEDDING PARTY:

  • The majority of weddings (91%) have a maid/matron of honor, one out of ten (10%) include a man of honor.
  • 89% of wedding parties have a best man and 7% have a best woman.
  • In addition to a maid/matron of honor and best man, the typical wedding party features 4.5 bridesmaids and 4.5 groomsmen/ushers for a total of 11 people in the main bridal party.
  • The average bridesmaids’ dress costs $134.
  • 62% of wedding parties also include a flower girl and 53% feature a ring bearer. 4% also include their pets.

 

WEDDING AND RECEPTION:

  • The average number of guests is 152.
  • The majority of brides-to-be (67%) would categorize their wedding as semi-formal in contrast to casual (19%) or black-tie (13%).
  • 38% of receptions are described as classic or traditional. 30% are described as intimate or modern (24%), a 76% and 71% increase over 2009.
  • Traditions are still important:
    • 91% of weddings feature the cutting of the cake
    • 90% of weddings incorporate a first dance
    • 87% of weddings include celebratory toasts
    • 68% of brides throw the bridal bouquet (down from 74% in 2 years)
    • 57% of grooms throw the bride’s garter (- 65%)
    • Only 4% of weddings feature guests throwing rice.
    • 20% now have a photo booth.
    • 11% now make donations to charities in lieu of favors.
    • 3% have started including professional dancers or comedians for entertainment.

 

REGISTRY:

  • 93% of couples register for wedding and shower gifts.
  • On average they register nearly 7 months (6.7) before the wedding – or 9 months after their initial engagement.
  • The average engaged couple joins fewer than three registries (2.7).
  • 82% of engaged couples register through a combination of in-store and online.  Only 17% of engaged couples register strictly online. 

 

GIFTS:

  • Couples spend $582 on gifts for each other. The #1 gift from bride to groom is a watch; the #1 gift from groom to bride is jewelry.
  • They’ll also spend an additional $760 on gifts for parents ($254), bridesmaids ($268) and groomsmen ($238).
  • #1 gift for bridesmaids is jewelry; #1 gift for groomsmen is liquor related (flasks, shot glasses, steins or premium liquor).

 

OTHER FINDINGS:

  • Liquor has increased in importance with 92% having some type of bar, toast or signature cocktail and liquor or alcohol glassware gifts for groomsmen doubling since 2009. 
  • 1 in 5 use a mobile app to help plan, shop for or register for their wedding.
  • 17% use a social media app to plan, shop or register.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 couples are now using evites or emails to invite guests to the wedding or save the date.
  • The #1 theme for weddings is beach, tropical, luau.
  • 14% of couples have a friend or family member ordained in order to perform the ceremony.
  • Only 42% will have either a sit-down or buffet meal.  Instead, couples are opting for cocktail hour (58%), passed hors d’oeuvres (46%), dessert stations (28%), food stations (19%), picnic/barbeque (5%), sushi chef (2%), wine tasting (2%), food trucks (1%) or cheese mongers (1%). 

 

METHODOLOGY:  Respondents were women ages 18+, either engaged or married within the year. The sample included women who have visited Brides.com or Brides magazine subscribers, representing more engaged women than any other media outlet.  A total of 2,985 qualified surveys were evaluated.  Respondents were surveyed between April 15 – April 28, 2011. 

ABOUT BRIDES:

In over 75 years of publication, BRIDES has remained the most widely read magazine in the category and the country’s foremost authority on engagement, weddings, and marriage.  BRIDES, BRIDES.com and 16 brides local magazines are published by Condé Nast, a division of Advance Publications, which operates in 25 countries and is home to some of the world’s most celebrated media brands.

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