No Good Deed Goes Unchallenged; Lang gets Lip from Critics

Posted on April 8, 2012 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

The war on bogus wedding website’s continues to move forward reaching out to political and financial sources that have all given positive sign they would back the campaign. In just over a month hundreds of thousands of dollar commitments assembled from wedding industry members awaits deployment to combat the assault from foreign forces.

 

The campaign against the Chinese assault on the wedding business gains the attention of other parts of the wedding business, including busy bridal show producers. William Heaton, CEO of the Great Bridal Expo, reached out to eWedNewz to give a statement of support. We will be looking for his dollar commitment to the campaign in the weeks ahead.

 

The movement is gaining traction in other parts of the wedding business, apart from dress manufacturing. Following a meeting in New York, Lang’s vision of unifying an entire industry reached out to floral, men’s apparel, entertainment, etc., even to bridal show producers. The biggest of them all, The Great Bridal Expo’s CEO, King fish, William Heaton, sent a message of encouragement.

 ”I say Godspeed to the legitimate bridal apparel industry and their effort to rid the world of these predatory marketeers,” writes Heaton.

 

The positive so far outweighs any negative given by several sources. The biggest critic, Larry Warshaw, was put on notice last week by Steve Lang and his legal team, after yet another tirade. Warshaw’s agenda includes seeking foreign help from European countries to help stop the infiltration of products into the US market.

Nick Yeh of Impression bridal weighed in on the newZ involving Warshaw and fellow manufacturers.

“As part of this industry, we all have an obligation and responsibility to doing what is best for the industry. There are simply too many manufacturers that choose not to get involved and want to live in the dark as this is a global problem; which they have no control over. I appreciated Steve’s efforts in taking this on.

There been few emails going back and forth between us. I believe he is very confused. Ultimately, our approach is the same with him (Lang’s); getting US customs involved. Yet, he (Warshaw) still thinks our directions is wrong. He stated we should get behind the “European initiatives”. I asked him to clarify how it will benefit the US industry. No response on that. Simply. I do not know what his problem with “us” could be. Our goals and directions are exactly the same. It seem like European custom is working on a faster pace,” according to Yeh.

Yeh’s message to Lang is taken under advisement by Lang who told eWedNewz he valued the suggestion; to convey to US custom official what is happening in Europe and even alert the US officials of the speedy way some of the European countries are reacting.

eWedNewz continues to watch Warshaw’s rants and other suggestions from new sources for the slightest sign of legitimate objections.

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Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Coverage, Ongoing Story Investigation, retail, wedding industry, 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: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Alfred Angelo and Jos. A Bank Team Up with Tuxedos

Posted on August 29, 2011 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

The slow but steady move into tuxedos continues at Jos. A. Bank, hindered by a sluggish economy and even worse climate in the men’s tailored suit business. Reports say limited success in the current traditional arrangement with formal wear supplier, Jim’s formal wear, prompted the move to partner with a major dress company, Alfred Angelo.

According to a release, “Jos. A. Bank will be the tuxedo rental vendor of choice in 53 Alfred Angelo Signature stores in the US.  In turn, Alfred Angelo will be the exclusive wedding gown partner for JoS. A. Bank.  The venture also includes partnering on bridal shows, select marketing collateral, web content, blogs, and social media.”

Sources near the story say the move will mirror a tuxedo referral arrangement just like David’s Bridal and Men’s  Wearhouse.

A planner in the Wedding Water Cooler said,”The GM from Jos A. Banks here called me for a meeting next week regarding some big news. I’ve helped them in the past with events for grooms.”

 

 

 Organizations like the Great Bridal Expo stand to benefit from arrangements like Jos A Bank and Alfred Angelo, as combined advertising and marketing budgets increase their bargaining power and earning potential.

 

 

The news of the Jos A Bank and Alfred Angelo collaboration is of special interest to promoters that feared the dominance of single organizations in the past– in this case, Men’s Wearhouse– that hindered their ability to negotiate prices for their services. In an eWedNewz story in May we reported:

For marketing and advertising, Bank has promoted formal wear in their television commercials for over a year. eWedNewz intelligence learned of Bank’s interest in partnering with The Great Bridal Expo® before its owner, Bill Heaton was even aware. “You were right and knew it before we did,” said William Heaton after the deal was finally completed.

Conversations with Heaton in the past suggested a better overall negotiating position for his Great Bridal Expo, since Bank decided to participate in his shows and drive bidding higher for the runway portion of the show. We asked Heaton whether the current collaboration between JAB and Alfred Angelo would have any further impact on how he would price the runway. Heaton apparently did not wish to respond to the questions involving this story.

Sources told eWedNewz the partnership between Alfred Angelo and Jos A Bank will split the cost of the GBE shows, along with all other marketing, confirming their public announcement.

 

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It’s Seminar Season; Will You “Double Your Wedding Business”?

Posted on August 2, 2011 Written by 14 Comments

By Paul Pannone

It’s the middle of summer and the time for seminars with cheesy titled events that began promoting themselves the day after the last one ended a year ago. With “Double Your Wedding Business” as the battle cry, eWedNewz discussed the claim with the Wedding Water Cooler discussion group asking over 30 members what one member asked us; is it legal to make such a claim?

Beware of seminars and sources that claim to hold the “secret” to success. There’s no secret; hard work and knowing your market are the key elements to being successful.

 

Wedding Planner, Diane Freeland, told other Cooler members,” I do not think they are legally claiming that you wedding business will be doubled by attending the Wedding MBA.  It is an attention getter or tagline like “Best Pizza In The World”. I (think) they are trying to attract attendees, plain and simple. They are not guaranteeing that your business will double.

If I attended and my business did not double, can I file a lawsuit based on that line- don”t think so. I think hey are saying that the conference can provide you with the tools to double your business.  Some may and some may not So, should they say “Potential to Double Your Business” to play it safe.  Potential is not really a “buzz” word.”

Cooler members talked over valid points considering business maturity and, most important, whether a local market’s potential to allow sales volume to double exists. Specifics discussed among WWC members concluded the tagline’s meaning goes with a grain of salt.  

Wedding planner, Wendy Hartigan,  told the Water Cooler, “I agree with Diane.  And, I can’t imagine anyone that would believe their (wedding) business would double just because they attended. I know some of the people that attend this conference and speak – I know I wouldn’t learn anything from any of them! Maybe it is just an excuse to raise money “for a good cause” and to have a vacation full of wedding experts.”

Esteemed speakers scheduled to appear at the event includes Bill Heaton of Great Bridal Expo. Heaton and other members of the Water Cooler support industry events that give ”take away” information” to vendors that invest time and money to be part of such wedding industry gatherings.

“Clearly, there is much more to this but I essentially agree with Diane. Personally, I know of several instances where a business owner has significantly increased their business revenue by putting new ideas picked up at one conference/seminar or another; MBA is just one of those,” said Heaton.

 

Bill Heaton, an avid proponent of face-to-face marketing and wedding industry icon, believes in pressing flesh.

 

Steve Lang of Mon Cheri also believes in the power of education. For Lang there is a direct correlation between the success of his accounts (stores he sells to), their general health and ability to buy.

“I have been teaching stores for years and it works. I just invested in a 3 acre facility to create the Bridal and Social Occasion University. Why would I do this? Education works and is an investment that pays dividends over a lifetime. I have been conducting this  three-day seminar for years all around the country and have put thousands of people through with great results. Because of the results I now have a permanent facility to teach stores and offer accreditation to owners and staff. You see, it is all a circle; the most advanced nations became that way through education. I invest so much in my stores because it is an investment in myself and my employees as well,” feels Lang.

Lang told eWedNewz this year’s seminar is in Atlanta December 5-7 at the Bridal Mart. Afterwards monthly seminars planned in Mon Cheri’s new facility will begin.

eWedNewz watches the growth of targeted events bypassing “industry” formats. An example includes the more focused approach by Kelli Gonzalez. Gonzalez, supported by manufacturers that want to see healthier stores in the same way Lang approaches his business, has heavily promoted an event in August in Atlanta. The event will draw independent formal wear operators wanting to see new lines and buzz items from all over the country.

“It doesn’t matter whether I get the message across or my competition, as long as the right message of marketing and advertising reaches the store owners,” according to Gary Swartz of Perfect Wedding Guide. ”I too lose money staging these events but I always hire speakers that give attendees good take away product and feasible information. That’s why I hired dynamic speaker, Christine Boulton for our next seminar,” he told eWedNewz. 

As always, we continue to warn business owners to choose their seminars and where they invest hard-earned dollars wisely. The fluff and fairy dust that once fleeced business owners is dwindling but we are still investigating allegations of how wedding personalities posing as “mentors” are unable to deliver on claims– while prospering on the hopes and ignorance of unsuspecting upstarts.

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Bridal Shows, General News, Men's formal wear, Promotions, Proms, Social Media, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

An Older Generation Catches Up to Today’s Consumer

Posted on July 8, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

If you think back to a time when life was simpler and you made a lot of money in the wedding business as you read this piece, let’s face it; you’re old. It’s alright being old, it happens to all of us. But what’s not alright is to think old or, according to some, to think at all. Times have changed and they’re never going back to what once was.

If you ask progressive thinkers like Sheryl Davies, a pioneer in the wedding business and the Canadian market, she’ll tell you,”Who would want to go back to those days? It was the dark ages compared to today. So things have changed– dramatically. That’s the exciting part that keeps me invigorated,” says Davies, well past the age of her current constituents.

Besides all he other obligations of running a marketing company, Davies, by choice, is responsible for organizing Blues Fest in Windsor, Ontario, giving back to the community that’s enabled her to enjoy success in the wedding business. An active Wedding Water Cooler member, Davies weighed in on the current discussion about how the market has changed.

Can you guess which one is Sheryl? It’s the one with the smile. Still can’t guess? Good, because nothing more than a birth certificate separates her from a new generation of wedding vendor-advertiser legion she’s able to connect with. 

 ”The wedding business has been static for 20 years but it moved along and people married and were by and large happy with their suppliers and the products that were available to them for their wedding day.

When wedding TV shows begun, the middle class bride saw a world that she had never been privy to and flipped at the opportunity to be like “them” until she realized that weddings of that nature cost much more  money than she could ever fathom. These shows became a feeding-frenzy for every woman with a bridal dream since childhood.

When the economy tanked and borrowing was halted and people lost their jobs, they also lost the opportunity of hosting a lavish, celeb-style affair. No more 2nd mortgages to pay off for years to come. The velocity of money just stopped!

The complaints began when the unemployed decided to turn their hobbies into wedding services while quickly diluting the marketplace. Comparing apples to apples has become almost impossible because all they want to do is earn a dollar. Established good wedding professionals have been snookered by amateurs who are professing to be knowledgeable to that bride who knows nothing about this industry.

Weddings have always been a milestone. one which parents saved for until their daughter was of marrying age. Today, they aren’t contributing the total amount because their daughter is 30 years old and an adult.

People have lived beyond their means for 2 decades and it’s now coming back to bite them in the tush. This generation’s values have changed and they want it all but don’t have the means to pay for it.

Turning things around will take an attitude change in the brides and a cleansing of the wanna-be providers. It’s not major but it is certainly an adjustment. Most of my clients are happy with their business today but some may falter because of bad decisions, bad management and bad business practices. There is a regular culling of the herd, but it is more evident today,” according to Davies.  

 

 

“Now I think I’m going down to the well tonight and I’m going to drink till I get my fill. And I hope when I get old I don’t sit around thinking about it but I probably will. Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture a little of the glory of; well time slips away and leaves you with nothing mister but boring stories of glory days.”

Bruce Springsteen

 

Celebrity planner, Samantha Goldberg, told eWedNewz, “The wedding business is, without a doubt, in a state of change. I don’t mean this in the negative sense . Those who have worn many shoes and have never needed new soles received a nice slap in the face. Those who have worked along with the various changes in the event industry/economy are the ones that will ALWAYS survive. Change sucks when you are doing well and have to change your entire program to meet the needs of a new customer. It’s all relative; the customer that used to pay for your yacht still does. The difference now is you must now work harder for it.”

 Samantha Goldberg’s career spans two decades but that doesn’t make her old. In fact, Samantha will never grow old. The earth and universe will decay and crumble around her before that ever happens. The same holds true for others in the Wedding Water Cooler including, Jim Duhe, Bill Heaton, Andy Ebon, Jacqueline Johnson and Christine Boulton. 

Experience intersects with upcoming talent that understand change must be embraced, not shunned. eWedNewz watches the interaction between the new and established and we’re happy to report the process works.

“This industry needs some serious education for new professionals a reality check for those in the business that feel they magically ‘made it’ in ’5 easy steps’. It takes a lot of continuing education, networking and really understanding business evolution and the wedding industry to stay  in business much less continuously have a ’6 figure salary’,” according to Dee Dee Newell.

The weeks and months ahead look promising, now that a forum of experts span the political gamut. Experts not restricted by the political corrective stigma found in every corner of the wedding business– and the planet.

Since May, discussions are no longer exclusively driven by crummy data studies cutting off the creative blood flow. Divides that separated a new generation of consumers from having what they want– and what they’re willing to pay for– may finally be bridged, now that common-sense and mutual respect discussions allow experts to agree and disagree freely. Governed by only one rule; NO RULES, is working and working well.

Thoughts? Post them here or contact Paul@ewednewz.com or 516-312-0090

 

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Publications, Research, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

Hey Grooms; “It’s Your Day Too!”

Posted on June 22, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

Grooms of the world unite, as more of them want to get into the thrill of their big day. No longer are the guys simply showing up and standing at the altar like dummies. That will probably come after the affair. But in planning the big day, the boys are becoming men and seizing the moment by offering their ideas and wishes, along with their money.

As the news spreads, wedding planners wanting to seize their part of the market announce new programs that exclude the women. Leading the pack is new talent that find it difficult, if not impossible to break into a business governed by politics, fairy dust and at times, meanness.

One that stands out is Diane Freeland. We discovered Diane over a year ago; struck by her charm, wit and sense of innovation, we’re watching her grow. She’s written an article to go along with her announcement this week that shines the light on the groom as an equal part of planning the biggest day of his life.

 

 

By Diane Freeland

Some wedding trends come and some wedding trends go, but there is one trend that is almost certain to stay. During the past few years, grooms have really been stepping out of the shadow of the brides and taking a more active role in the wedding planning process to ensure that their wedding day is truly a day to remember.

In the past, the bride asked three things of the groom: shower, shave and show up on time for the wedding; and he was all too happy to oblige with these simple requests. But, as times change, so have the dynamics of planning a wedding. Women have become busier with careers, family or other obligations, so they are unable to devote as much time to planning the entire wedding themselves.

Industry professionals are reporting that an increasing number of grooms are becoming more involved and are enthusiastic about the wedding planning process.  Tywana Tyler, owner of Events Simply Beautiful, a full service event planning company in Maryland, states 40 percent of grooms are very involved in the weddings that her company plans.  Shelby Tuck-Horton, owner of Exquisite Expressions, an event planning company, also in Maryland states 75 percent of grooms are involved in the wedding planning.   She cites one reason as grooms are older, ranging in age from mid 30s to 40s and are paying for the wedding along with the bride.  Bill Heaton, executive producer of the Great Bridal Expo, reports that up to 40 percent of grooms are now attending their bridal expos. As a result, they have now incorporated a “Groom Pavilion” as part of the expo.

Traditionally, the bride’s parents were responsible for financing the wedding.  That is no longer the case, so grooms are going beyond selecting groomsmen and tuxedos and only being interested in the bachelor party. They are now interested in how resources get allocated and the overall success of the event. Grooms are also assisting with selecting vendors, running errands, making decisions and more important, taking some of the stress off of the bride.

Of course, there are some decisions that grooms still do not have much interest in, such as ivory or white, satin or polyester, hydrangea or cymbidium orchid. However, they are making more decisions when it comes to entertainment, site, transportation and menu.

As grooms are becoming more involved in the wedding day festivities, more emphasis and attention focuses on their needs. To show this emphasis, websites, articles, books, seminars and other events exist to cater to grooms and cover topics such as: personalizing their wedding attire, selecting special individualized gifts for the groomsmen, choosing quality vendors, delivering a touching wedding toast, staying out of trouble with the bride, planning the perfect honeymoon and having fun!

The design of the wedding reception is also taking the groom into consideration by inventing a “groom room.” Some brides surprise the groom with his special space while some grooms help customize the space, transforming it into a “Lion’s Den,” “Man Cave,” “Tuxedo Tavern” or whatever name he selects. His playground, designed with him in mind, can include rich, dark, lounge furniture, cigar and brandy bars as well as a gaming station complete with video games, darts, even a pool table—the possibilities are endless, and let’s not forget the groom’s cake, expressing his favorite hobby or sport. The groom, his attendants, family and friends will no doubt feel like men and little boys all on the same day.

Yes, the wedding will always be the bride’s day. But, it is important for grooms to now know that “It’s Your Day Too!”

Diane Freeland is a certified wedding planner and owner of Events of Sophistication, an event planning company servicing the MD/DC/VA areas. She is also the designer of “Cigars & Cufflinks”—It’s Your Day Too!, an event designed especially for grooms and their male guests.

For more information on “Cigars & Cufflinks”—It’s Your Day Too!, please contact Diane at dfreeland@eventsofsophistication.com. Feel free to visit the website at www.eventsofsophistication.com

 

Diane Freeland’s involvement with charitable events, including The Magic Wand Project helped many underpriveledged kids that could not afford dresses.

 

   

eWedNewz watches, as Freeland discusses possabilities that could bring national attention to grooms becoming more involved in wedding plans. eWedNewz will release more details, as they become available.

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Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shows, eWedNewz, General News, Men's formal wear, Promotions, The Groom, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , ,

Finally, the Groom Gets Noticed

Posted on June 9, 2011 Written by 2 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

For various reasons led by finances, grooms are getting more involved in wedding plans. According to growing reports, the male part of decision-making is directly tied into shelling out money to pay for the event; leaving him to want to see exactly what he is paying for. 

“A part of me wonders if part of the increased interest from grooms is because they are contributing to the costs. I¹d probably guestimate that lately that close to a third of my inquiries come from grooms. Then from the ones who end up hiring me they are interested in getting value for their buck so like to be involved in the negotiating process with vendors. Some of these guys are way better at getting deals from vendors then I am. The grooms who get involved in the process where the bride or her mother has been the initial one to make the inquiry are more interested in individual aspects of the wedding,” according to Sandra Aaron of Mindless Sophistication.

Discussions with other planners also point to the changes that have taken place over the past two decades of who pays for what. Since eWedNewz published a story about grooms getting more involved in wedding plans there has been a broader discussion involving the role of the groom and is even leading to national bridal shows considering reformatting portions of the show to include the male aspect of planning.

Several discussions this week with William Heaton of The Great Bridal Expo conclude the show can no longer reflect the minor role played by the groom in years past. “It has changed over the course of time and now we need to adjust to the changes that have taken place;and we intend to,” according to Heaton.

 

Sophisticated Groom says they’re see the trend of grooms taking a more active role in planning the biggest day of their life.

 

Kevin Powell of www.SophisticatedGroom.com told eWedNewz,” Sophisticated Groom magazine has seen the trend and knows it will continue to grow. Men know the wedding is important for the growth of the couple and want to be involved for several reasons. Our surveys and discussion with readers has shown that men want to know everything from wedding colors and trends to fabrics and patterns to a broad relationship tips beyond the wedding day.”

Wedding vendors that deal with groom products contacting eWedNewz say they agree with the trend. But also, major wedding dress manufacturers say they see the benefit of tying in their dress products with men’s formal wear. Bridal publishers and longtime supporters of men’s formal wear say they’re hearing it from their end as well.

Jim Duhe of Bridal Guide Magazine told eWNz, “It had to happen because when editors initially moved away from traditional looks it caused disruption in the marketplace. Many were quick to follow the destination trend. Now, that has slowed significantly; we can expect a slow revert back to formality. Nothing ever stays forever,” according to Duhe.

Duhe stopped short of saying there would be a full-scale recovery and revert back to formality but did feel any turnaround first begins with the end of one trend and slowly eases into a new direction.

What do you say? Is informality here to stay or will we see a return to elegance?

eWedNewz

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Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, eWedNewz, General News, Men's formal wear, The Groom, Uncategorized Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Grooms Get More Involved In Wedding Plans

Posted on June 7, 2011 Written by 5 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

Gradually and over time grooms are more involved with wedding plans than ever before. For various reasons many are choosing play a greater role in planning the day. In the past the groom had very few responsibilities beyond getting himself and his men fitted for formal wear. But that is no longer the case and respected eWedNewz wedding experts tell why.

“Men are creatures of habit and like things simple,” says wedding analyst, Christine Boulton, of  Think Like a Bride. These days Boulton is thinking more like the groom. In her latest article, Marketing to Grooms, Boulton writes,”Much of the marketing we do aimed at women can best be summed up as ‘wooing’. We strike her emotions and become her friend. She buys the team, he buys a commodity.”

Boulton discussed the changing role of the groom with other experts in the Wedding Water saying, “Men are by nature, different than women. They tend to fancy themselves the “protectors”.  They also tend to see themselves as more knowledgeable. Now that they are entering an arena that is new to them I predict that they will try to “masculinize’ the process. so yes, their behavior will appear to be ’groomzilla” in style. In reality, they are only doing what comes naturally. It will be up to us, as the wedding professionals to see it for what it is; just a different style of doing business, and respond accordingly.

 

Celebrity Planner, Samantha Goldberg, recently covered the topic in the New York Times.  ”I wrote the article for the NY Times on Groomzillas. Add to Christine’s vocabulary “customerzillas” too. Men want things that are unique to them and their personalities. Last year I actually had ten weddings where the groom hired me. I did not see the bride until the wedding. I asked some if there really was a bride, lol,” says Goldberg.

 

Efficient ways of speaking to the needs of the groom discussed, including participation in bridal shows, reveal the he is no longer asked to just “show up”. New addition to the group, Anthony Commisso expressed some concerns saying, “ As a professional, I want both buying decision makers in front of me. I don’t take orders or register people with money at my booth, I simply want the appointment.” Commisso told the group, ” If the groom isn’t present, the bride rarely makes the appointment without him. Occasionally she’ll reach out to him by cell or text to get approval, but again if he’s not there, then she’ll take our collateral materials; you then have to go into follow-up mode,” according to Commisso.

 

 Wedding expert, Sheryl Davies, gave her insight regarding bridal shows. ”We have seen the men increase at bridal shows for the past 4 years. Again, it is the couple’s money that is planning the wedding and men have historically not been a part of the wedding organizing. Today, they are equal partners and in some cases the groom is doing the load of the work himself while his bride-to-be is too consumed with work or school.

In an industry that has always been “women only” it is a new reality for the wedding professionals. I have had one planner tell me there is the potential for groomzillas- as they mark their territory in this ever-changing business,” says Davies.

 

Groom involvement in wedding plans is skyrocketing, according to recent information provided by The Great Bridal Expo.

 

Bridal show expert, William Heaton of Great Bridal Expo was a major reason for today’s modern-day bridal show format. Heaton’s career spans over four-decades in the bridal show business. Heaton’s participation in the discussion group offers unique insight in both experience but also where the future of bridal shows is going.

Heaton too agrees, the role and impact of the groom’s decision to become more involved is turning heads. “We are presently seeing an all-time high of up to 40% Grooms in certain cities of the US at GBE shows. These are major media markets and it is exactly for that reason that we been looking refine show formats to address areas of special interest’ to the men in attendance. From our perspective this is a highly favorable development, and, perhaps for the  Bride too!” according to Heaton.

 

Discussion group members helping one another with this project, providing outstanding information, data and solutions for the male part of wedding planning. eWedNewz continues to watch the group’s progress and will report the findings in the weeks and months ahead.

We welcome your thoughts; post them here or contact me at 516-312-0090 or Paul@ewednewz.com

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Shows, General News, The Groom, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , ,

eWedNewz Launches New Format Backed by Major Wedding Experts

Posted on May 23, 2011 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz launched in May bringing informative, edgy and sometimes provocative information, updating the format to include multiple data sources and a wider array of opinions.

Supporting the lauch are wedding experts that converge via a discussion group conceived by Christine Boulton called the Wedding Water Cooler. Boulton is a part of the shift to broader information citing the need to offer all views of what’s happening in the world. “The old format was good but this one gives readers a broader perspective and different data; that results in a more complete picture,” feels Boulton.

Boulton built the eWedNewz platform and remains  technical advisor while continuing  her analytical views about the wedding business. Joining Boulton is a growing list of wedding experts including Jacqueline Johnson, Samantha Goldberg,  Andy Ebon, Jim Duhe, Bill Heaton and many others.

“I look forward to getting to know all of this eclectic group much better as we move forward together in ‘weddingdom’ so please feel free to say hello, or at least, know that I look forward to sharing my couple dozen years  experience in this wonderful space and hearing new ideas, and some rants from this august body. As it is new ideas, and re-sculpting of old, that will determine the success of this forward-looking ‘think tank’ of folks seeking continued success in our ever-changing market place,” commented Heaton in his opening introduction.

 

Heaton joins fellow BSPI member, Andy Ebon, on the conservative views. Balancing the discussions is Celebrity Wedding Planner, Samantha Goldberg.  Goldberg summed up her  benevolence towards peers in the wedding business saying, “I think those who have not done well are not bad people. I think they are not informed or possibly trained on how we work as an industry with so many awesome dynamics.I look forward to sharing ideas and teach what I have discovered and watch them grow. That’s way cool!”


eWedNewz; irreverent, irrepressible but not irresponsible news reporting– with a “z”.

 

Sans the shackles of narrow-minded thinking industry members, eWedNewz sets out to shine the light on the great, good and not so good of a troubled business that’s lost its way.  As always we welcome your views whether we agree with them or not. Regardless, we’re listening and defend your right to express yourself freely. Please be guide by the only rule we have; there are no rules. Oh, yes– and don’t take any shit from anyone. 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Data, DIY, eWedNewz, General News, Promotions, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Great Bridal Expo® Sees Greater Opportunity for Exhibitors

Posted on May 15, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

Wedding marketing and where to put company resources are confusing to most business owners. With so many choices, many decision-makers keep money on the sideline until they find tried and true methods that return an adequate return on dollars invested. Among the best investments better bridal shows offer the best of all worlds. Interaction with consumers and follow-up data give opportunity to recover costs of exhibiting and grow business revenue if done properly and consistently. 

According to surveys, over 75% of brides attend bridal shows in search of ideas for their wedding. An astounding number of brides attend the Great Bridal Expo®, the only national bridal show. CEO Bill Heaton reports a great 2011 campaign and growth in many cities of the tour. Heaton cites consistency in producing the show and the ability to refine the show to keep pace with current market conditions for success.

“It’s as simple as listening to the bride and giving her what she wants,” according to Heaton. A vast part of the GBE success is directly tied to Heaton’s communication skills. In January bad weather forced the rescheduling of a show cancelled in late 2010. Heaton and his team were able to quickly and successful re-book the show to satisfy brides and exhibiting vendors. According to Heaton it’s been over fifteen years since anything like this happened. “It’s been a very strange weather pattern so for us this year. We started with bad weather in southern California, then again in Dallas—both of which sold out and were very good shows for our vendors. We were happy with the results in New York,” said Heaton after the event.

Heaton told eWedNewz  he was unaware such a high percentage of brides attend bridal shows. “As surprising as it sounds I guess it makes sense. We’ve been getting enormous response from vendors that exhibited with us and for various reasons left during the recession. Some tell us they’ve come to realize the value of seeing a bride face-to-face and booking appointments right then and there is a great investment of marketing dollars. It’s a unique feature to participating in bridal show events; the kind you cannot get from print or Internet marketing,” according to Heaton.

Wedding Analyst Expert Christine Boulton wrote an e-Book on Bridal Show Success  outlining a vendor point of view on how to maximize and leverage the full potential of wedding shows. Boulton covers everything from booth displays to after show marketing and follow-up. “Bridal shows can still be a tremendous way to market your business if you pick the right one and use every tool in your arsenal to get it right,” says Boulton.

eWN is watching improvements devised at GBE, expected to offer even greater value to its exhibitors. Both Heaton and Boulton agree there is good and bad in any business and that hold true in wedding shows. eWedNewz is actively investigating some of the better shows and those that are scams. Modern-day Hucksters and snake oil salesmen that give bridal shows a bad name are on our radar. There is more information pending that will release here in the weeks ahead .

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011

Filed Under: Bridal Shows, General News, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events Tagged: , , ,
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