Wedding Water Cooler Members Struggle to stay on Wedding Topics

Posted on November 14, 2012 Written by 1 Comment

By Paul Pannone

Because of the recent events in the country over the past several weeks wedding-related topics seemed to have taken a back seat to higher issues plaguing society. The hurricane disaster, the election and aftermath that has further divided the country has taken the attention away from trivial problems of the wedding business and caused many wedding industry people to get more involved in charitable activities and others to use the disaster as a reason to tailor marketing and try to scam dollars in any way they can.

 

New additions to the Wedding water Cooler includes retailers who’ve moved past their front door and been involved with all sides of the business.

Wedding Water Cooler members have tried to get back on topic sans the normal rhetoric and internal bashing. The addition of several new members could be a reason for the better behavior– but I doubt it. Members of the group did not escape devastation, citing down trees and power outages in their homes and businesses. Some opined on how this hurricane and devastation differed from Irene, hitting the metro New York and New Jersey area, getting more coverage.

Industry veteran and co-founder of the WWC, Christine Boulton, wrote a story involving wedding planners and the different roles they play. The story struck a nerve in the group and steered discussions back on track to the more trivial part of life– the wedding business.

Boulton’s story sketches out the roles played by planners in the following structure:

The Architect:

The architect designs everything from the structure to the appliance placement to the general layout of the landscaping. To translate this to wedding planning you start with nothing and design the whole package from location to lighting concept to the style of the invitations.

The General Contractor: 

The GC takes the plans and makes them happen. She hires the subs and creates the schedule. She keeps everything on track and budget. The translation: you take the brides concept and find the right vendors to make it happen. You make sure that they are all on the same page and working on schedule, that the flowers are delivered at the right moment and that the cake gets cut when the photographer is in place to catch the shot. You are the field general, implementing someone else’s plan.

The Stage Manager:

The stage manager comes in last, after the walls are in and the floors are in place. He makes sure that at the time of performance  timing is adhered to, that the props are all in place and that everyone hits their marks. This translates to weddings as someone who comes in after all the vendors have been hired and the major decisions made. You manage the actual day of, you work with what they are given to make the brides vision happen.

Boulton’s piece was hailed by planner members including  Khalilah Olokunola who said:

“Best damn article I’ve read in a long time regarding the roles of planning – I plan on sharing the heezy jeezy out of this! If more planners understood the different roles we would have less drama a better interpretation of what the industry and individuals have to offer. I’ve pondered throwing in the towel a few times this year, most recently last week because frankly it stinks and I’m so tired of the fly by night pop ups who do this just because they feel like it and not from because its fueled from a passion that started inside to create . I’m damn sure positive that I’m different , I look different, talk different and design different…heck I have different ideas of what fabulous is and isn’t - We all do ….The problem in it all is that you can’t market people who don’t really know who they are – I hope this article sets them free ….”

New addition to the group, Jacqui Wadsworth added:

“In our area, I’ve watched several women in the wedding business “become” wedding planners.  Their chosen fields weren’t apparently producing enough income, so they decided since they were photographers, or small bridal show event people, that they should “add-on” a related field in the form of wedding planner.  I’m keeping my eye open to see how this pans out for them.  I’m afraid that trend may be getting larger as everyone who loves the bridal market that can’t seem to make ends meet, looks for another way to do so.  I’ll keep you posted on my findings.
Meanwhile, I’m glad to hear what true wedding planners are doing.  Thanks!”
Wadsworth told eWedNewz she feels comfortable in the WWC since joining the group this month. So far Wadsworth has been the most-vocal of the new additions, taking her experience in retail, wholesale and combining the best of both worlds to start needed changes in the industry..
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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , ,

Warshaw Calls Lang Loose Cannon; Wages War Against the Wrong Enemy

Posted on March 25, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz coverage of a fight against Chinese websites has taken an unforeseen twist, possibly hampering efforts and causing further confusion in a very difficult situation. So far Steve Lang of Mon Cheri has taken a leadership role to fight pirating by the Chinese and received pledges from major manufacturers resulting from pleas for help in the fight. Lang has already collected tens of thousands of dollars and met with key sources in shipping and politics, laying out a succinct plan supported by many wedding industry sources. Still the fight ahead of the group is not an easy task.

“I wonder how much attention this can really get when you hear about problems like  counterfeit drugs infiltrating our society. Who really cares about fake wedding dresses bought by greedy little spoiled brides?” said sources within the wedding dress business. Regardless of what they personally think these skeptical sources say they support Lang and wish him well.

In what’s turning into a political cat and mouse game, Larry Warshaw says Steve Lang is a loose cannon.

 

eWedNewz has learned of a relative unknown in the wedding dress business compared to Lang named Larry Warshaw. Warshaw of Justin Alexander dresses has badgered Lang and his efforts in meaningless attacks over the past few weeks, splintering off on his own covert actions. eWedNewz watched Lang reach out to all members of the wedding community including Warshaw only to be criticized and even attacked over the weekend.

According to Warshaw he’s been in contact with sources he feels can help stop some of the piracy and now claims Lang’s efforts are jeopardizing his efforts. In communications with Warshaw he rejects the open approach by Lang to inform and update supporting contributors of the campaign calling Lang a loose cannon.

In an email to Lang Warshaw says:

Hi Steve,

Exactly what I asked you not to do. We have people walking into these places. The White Knight Strikes again. You are damaging the efforts and research we are doing overseas. Honesty, you are a loose cannon.

If anyone on my team walking in and doing research gets hurt because of the random alerts you send to factories and subcontractors you will be held personally responsible. Why don’t you walk in yourself on your next visits, and do the dirty hard work.

You react, with callous disregard for people trying to service the industry, and help all of us. Perhaps your litigators should contact me. They need to be put on notice.

Larry

When eWedNewz Twittered about the exchange supporters of Lang were stunned and wondered how anyone could oppose the hard work he’s doing.

Khalilah Olokunola responded to the attack saying, ”How arrogant and narrow minded of this guy to make an entire industry about him and his staff…Doesn’t he understand Steve is frying larger fish to unify the industry and create accountability among vendors. If there is danger …he just quadrupled it by putting everyone on panic mode with his “If something happens” – I know for a fact Steve is on top of things and sincerely cares about the industry and is willing to help those apart of it!! I sent him an email last week and he responded immediately and connected me ….Thank You Steve ….”

Overwhelming support of Lang’s efforts are heard in every Social Media channel, as major manufacturers pony up hard dollars to back him up, while Warshaw and the IBMA board continue on their own agenda.

No one disagrees Lang’s lust for the spotlight but also, no one can contest his knack for doing business and success.

Wedding analyst, Christine Boulton, said, “ Steve, you tend to ruffle the feathers of those that would rather maintain the status quo so they have something to whine about. In other words, you take action and get things done. BRAVO.

Has this person been open about what ever it is you are “damaging his efforts and research” on? Because, frankly I see what your plan is but I am clueless on his.”

In response to Warshaw’s inflammatory remarks Bob Cahoon of Maggie Sottero urged harmony and the hope of all sides working together:

Larry,

With all due respect, I’ve been emphasizing and re-emphasizing this issue with our factories and their responsibility in this regard for three and a half years.  We’ve had to take very decisive action on account of failure on the part of a factory to adequately protect and police our IP internally and externally.  We can’t afford to diminish our efforts in this regard in any way….they are responsible (and accountable) to ensure that our designs and our products (and potentially yours, Steve’s or any other legitimate manufacturers’) are protected.  The more they do their due diligence to ensure that their sub-factories aren’t compromising our IP and shipping things out the back door, the better we all are.

I very much appreciate your zeal, your passion and your efforts on this issue.  I likewise very much appreciate Steve’s efforts and trust that all parties that have come together to wage this battle (here and abroad) will work cooperatively and respectfully.

Unless I’m missing something in the translation, the tone of this and some previous emails don’t build my confidence, particularly when it’s broadcast to such a large distribution list.  We’ve got plenty to tackle and have to work it around the globe collaboratively,  cooperatively and constructively.

Thanks and kudos for what you’re doing.

All the best,

Bob Cahoon

Maggie Sottero

 

The call to work together in a more unified way is heard from other sources in the dress business. eWedNewz continues our coverage and welcomes your thoughts.

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Magazines, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, eWedNewz, General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, wedding industry Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

America; the land of Thieves?

Posted on February 26, 2012 Written by 2 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

The growing discussions and debate involving Internet piracy continues to move ahead leading to other areas uncovered by members of the Wedding Water Cooler. Group members picking up tidbits of information along the way share their thoughts in a private forum. Some of the ideas and statements shared with you, our valued readers, are to make you aware of what’s going on.

Last week several statements got quoted and influenced other segments of the wedding business, warning of impending problems of new phenomena like Pintrest. Event stylist and Water Cooler member Khalilah Olokunola shared information about Pintrest’s policy and added she would be very careful of using the latest craze.

“I bet I won’t pin any of my ideas or images especially when that gives Pintrest the right to profit from them not me,” says Khalilah.

 

Khalilah Olokunola told the Wedding Water Cooler she’s not ready to give Pintrest– or anyone– the right to profit from her work.

 

The discussions in WWC are broadening to other areas of thievery, all identified and classified  under the same unscrupulous but unstoppable acts now ravaging American society. The troubles, featured in a detailed description by Jim Duhe, says the problem is nothing new, while alluding they’re unsolvable unless drastic action and government intervention takes place. In his statement Duhe points the finger at forums and newsgroups that accept advertising dollars, look the other way and perpetuate the problem.

“There’s an internet retailer who offers counterfeit goods through an ad on the Huffington Post.  The ad includes an image created by Allure Bridal.  The image is pirated — published without Allure Bridal’s consent.   A bridal retailer complained to the Huffington Post about the ad and was advised that the problem would be addressed.  The ad remained on the site as of two days ago.  Allure has been notified and probably has taken legal action by now.  One problem down; hundreds more to go.

The Huffington Post, like Google, like eBay, like any number of sites — would have the public believe that they would never willingly accept ads from counterfeiters.  Unfortunately, ads placed on these reputable sites lend credibility to the claims of the counterfeiters.   Huffington Post, et.al., argue that they don’t have the time or expertise to police the content of every ad included on the site.   Meanwhile, people who live in the real world know that the number of sites that allow all sorts of counterfeit merchandise ads is growing — not shrinking.  There are counterfeit gown ads on the majority of the bridal blog sites.   In my opinion, counterfeit merchandise advertisers represent revenue — plain and simple.   The Huffington Post and others won’t walk away from the ad revenue voluntarily.  Don’t expect Google, Huffington Post, or any other major internet resource to react to complaints about counterfeit bridal apparel in the same way that Bridal Guide or any other bridal magazine would.

It’s unlikely that anything will change until there is legislation to protect consumers and businesses against the counterfeit problem.  Even when laws are in place, however, there is no guarantee of redress.   The sale of counterfeit copies of name brand handbags, for example, has been illegal for years.  However, there are vendors on every other street corner in Manhattan selling counterfeit handbags year after year.  There are retail stores that specialize in selling counterfeit merchandise in downtown Manhattan.  These people are operating in plain sight.   If I can identify them, there’s no reason why the police can’t find them.  More importantly, the police should have no problem arresting them.  Regardless, counterfeit merchandise vendors show up on the same street corners day after day — year after year –  as if it’s a permanent, full-time job with a retirement plan.  Retail store fronts are open daily to sell counterfeit merchandise.  Who is there to stop them?

The example discussed on NBC (recently) had to do with the production and sales of counterfeit Rosetta Stone DVDs.  However, there’s no theoretical difference between a counterfeit DVD and a counterfeit handbag or “replica” bridal apparel.  Yes. There are distinct quality differences between the original and the copies.  Yes.  There are substantial financial risks to the consumer.  Yes.  There’s an issue with lost sales tax and tariffs.  Yes.  There are all sorts of copyright infringement legalities.  However, the internet remains the Wild, Wild West.

Huffington Post, Google, eBay and anyone else can ignore a random complaint.  That’s the point.  The laws regarding this sort of thing are still fuzzy.  One site closes on Monday — another opens on Tuesday.   I’m suggesting that no one can ignore thousands of complaints.  It’s important for us to stand together in launching complaints against counterfeiters,” according to Duhe.

So far an ongoing eWedNewz poll shows an overwhelming majority (88%) of respondents so far say it’s not right to take anything and claim it as your own. What do you say?

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, General News, Ongoing Story Investigation, The Internet, Uncategorized, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

The Wedding Water Cooler talks about Internet Thievery

Posted on February 23, 2012 Written by 3 Comments

By Paul Pannone

The floodgates opened on the topic of Internet thievery led by a story on eWedNewz; many responses and reported cases led to this follow-up story.

The story, given to members of the Wedding Water Cooler story, were asked to give their opinions. Be it far from having to ask a Coolie anything and not get verbose replies.

The first salvo came from Coolie, Jim Duhe. In his usual questioning way he replied:

“Isn’t it strange that you decide to publish the piracy story at the same time that the Huffington Post decides to publish a piece about it?”

 

We assured Duhe there was no prior knowledge of the Huffington Post piece; we’ve developed this story for months and decided to break what we have because of an anonymous source making allegations against the photography website SnapKnot.com. We’re still waiting for a reply from them.

From a town known as Oyster Bay, Long Island. Came a boy with a rock in his hand and some great advice for life.

 

According to a photographer member of the Wedding Water Cooler thievery of images is rampant on the internet. It requires an enormous cost of time and effort to protect creative property– or risk being labeled an easy target for others to prey on. Some say even if you win the results are still not rewarding.

“Even if you do win, as I did in the court of Law, then you have to deal with the “Thug” afterward because these low down scum buckets have no character, what so ever,” said one member from Maryland.

Some members of the WWC say they’re resolved to the common practices that happen every day. Some feel the best we can hope for is an eventual leveling off, governed by legislation.

“Stealing happens everyday and we all know full well that our industry is packed with thieves. We see it in fashion, writing, stylized shoots, real weddings and on websites, and with the internet full speed ahead-I can only see it as continuing in pattern. The problem with the situation is many people who are victims of copy right infringements – either don’t own the photos themselves, have a not copy written or even worst won’t pursue these fools who think they can.

I’ve been stolen from a few times. Imagine receiving an email on this weeks best submissions and seeing your work featured under someone else’s name; not once but twice. I realized that they did it again because I talked a lot and didn’t follow-up on my trash but the second time whirl wind for their asses.

It becomes annoying when you work hard to make any kind of success, create an amazing product or write a book etc and some fool takes it BUT the worst part of it all is that it will continue,” says Khalilah Olokunola.

The discussion in the WWC sparked wedding analyst/marketer, Christine Boulton to write her own piece on some of the new tools making their way onto the market. Her latest interest, Pintrest, is a hot topic of discussion. In her story Boulton writes about the current discussion but already jumps to the bottom-line saying;

“Let’s add to the conversation the very nature of the internet and the effect it has on the generation that are our current brides and grooms (and most likely all the ones to come after them) The internet is inherently about sharing and connecting. Today’s generation of brides grew up with torrents and Pirate Bay. They view any content on the internet as fair game. Convincing them otherwise is going to be a bitch, to put it lightly.”

Bolton herself was the recent victim of some low-level thievery. Her stories and ideas were lifted by one,  Rose Haller, and amplified in a Linked In forum. At first Boulton refrained from taking any action. But with a slight nudge by eWedNewz– and I mean slight, she took action and received the following apology from Haller:

“I am so sorry! I highly respect you and your great work.I have Deleted every LinkedIn discussion and comment that I could find that had I posted on LinkedIn with any mention of you. If you find any I missed just let me know & I’ll delete it.After you said “Thanks” to my first use of a written quote on LinkedIn that I had used- I did make other comments. That has stopped.I apologize and I will not use your name or quotes again.”

Rose Haller

 

Like we tell everyone faced with injustice: fight. And never take any shit from anyone. Thanks Billy!

eWedNewz continues to investigate this story and welcomes your view. Please take a moment and take the poll:

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Filed Under: Current Events, General News, Hall of Shame, Ongoing Story Investigation, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , ,

The Wedding Water Cooler’s Hall of Shame

Posted on February 14, 2012 Written by 5 Comments

 

By Paul Pannone

A steady stream of stupidity has the members of the Wedding Water Cooler  considering a Hall of Shame to underscore some of the antics in the wedding business that some say is hitting new levels. As the wedding business slowly recovers from years of decline members of the group say they expect the sprinkling of fairy dust to rise along with the activity. Before this happens some of the members move to take a preëmptive approach before other members of the business waste their time and money on worthless causes.

 

Members of the Wedding Water Cooler say they’ve had enough fairy dust and reckless behavior in the wedding business.

 

WWC member, Khalilah Olokunola, announced, “I’m convinced that we need to start a “Hall of Shame” for the Industry. A Place where we put people who ignorantly believe that the price of our hat is the size of our brain. BS comes in all shapes and sizes buts its quadrupled in the event industry.”

Discussions about how the Hall of Shame would work includes giving constructive criticism on why a professional is chastised or inducted. From the start the Coolies have picked apart some of the people of the business– including members of the group– for the roles they played at positions held at other companies.

Coolies are not above criticism.  In 2011, Stacie Francombe joined the Cooler and was savagely, verbally beaten by Samantha Goldberg. Francombe founded Get Married until replaced by Anita Brady as CEO and was later removed from the company. The failure of Get Married was a complicated chain of events that Francombe will always be associated with. Currently she’s lying low, trying to rebuild her career. But the list of wedding marketing scam artists is a long one, according to WWC members.

Goldberg is on a mission to expose what she feels are wrongful practices in many areas of the wedding business. In December, Samantha Goldberg shook the business by taking on Wedding Wire because of a negative report on her profile. Her statements and actions shook the business, sending Wedding Wire into silence where they’ve remained for the first quarter of 2012. Goldberg says she’s not done with them after being shot down. Goldberg did receive strong support and gained followers that criticized the Wedding Wire system, feeling it’s flawed.

The daily discussions in the cooler led by Goldberg pick apart misinformation in a way that would be deemed “unprofessional” by nearly every other forum . Heated discussions and even infighting at the WWC are legendary, as several members resigned without reason. It is highly suspected the ones that took flight didn’t like the questions raised– probably because they have a guilty conscience. Members say the hardest task would be to handle the amount of crooks in the business.

“The list would be huge.  I wouldn’t want the list keeping task.  There should be some way to warn people away from the crooks and incompetents,” according to Jim Duhe.

For the sake of consumers and as good a place to start as any, I would personally move to reward formal wear locations that rent garments that have far exceeded their usefulness a special place in the WWC Hall of Shame.

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, bridal, General News, Men's formal wear, Ongoing Story Investigation, Paul Pannone, The Groom, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

You Say You Want a Revolution? Get a Job First

Posted on October 12, 2011 Written by 1 Comment

 

By Paul Pannone

eWedNewz readers and members of the Wedding water Cooler weighed in on the occupy  movement that’s taking the country by storm. Splintered groups, fragmented information and leadership, coupled with the lack of a clearly defined message alludes some eWNz readers that raise questions but say they’re getting fewer answers.

 

 

 So far, no clear leader in the movement has delivered a lucid message.

 

 ”I dig a little deeper each day to understand exactly what the Occupy Wall Street movement hopes to accomplish by its efforts. I’ve talked to ordinary people who work on Wall Street to determine if they can provide answers. They can’t. To them, the movement is a grand inconvenience. Based upon comments by people I know and trust, I should support the movement but I won’t — many people won’t — until someone serving as a spokesperson makes as statement regarding the goals and objectives of the movement.

Since I don’t know what or who started the movement, I have no idea when or how it will end. OK. Fine. The news media tells us that it’s about “the people” taking control of the government and financial institutions instead of the other way around. Is this speculation or fact? Further, there’s no way for this kind of change to happen with the stroke of a pen. Does that mean that Wall Street will be occupied for the rest of my life?,” says Jim Duhe  of WWC.

 

Duhe another Wedding Water Cooler members try to listen and understand what the confrontation is all about. On the far side of conservatism, people like Sean Hannity simply dismiss the movement, interviewing guests that are unable to express themselves. When they trip over their words, Hannity steps on what they say and makes them sound foolish.

 

The Beatles sang about Revolution in the late 1960′s. They had two songs called Revolution. This one gave a succinct, lucid message: change. 

Revolution #9 is a mangled mess of ideas, thoughts and garble; same band, same theme but fewer people understood this version, unless of course you took some LSD before listening.

 

Conservatives like Hannity, Mark Levin and others placate to their audience that support and share their views but do not take the time to at least listen to what’s being said by their guests that may oppose them.

 

 

Some of the most creative people in the Wedding Water Cooler, including Samantha Goldberg, seems torn with the movement.

“This becomes a very difficult subject. Those who do well, sadly, are taking the biggest beating. The majority of what we have today is either old money or boomer dough. There is no “middle”. I have a problem watching those who may not be as fortunate (as me) but yet continue the same “360″ in life; never-changing, except to complain more. They have always been reactive, not proactive. They’re the same old thing type of folks and yet want more for doing the same old thing. If you continue that way you might as well dig your grave now’ according to Goldberg.As sympathetic as Goldberg is to the less fortunate, she supports fellow WWC member, Khalilah Olokunola that said Sorry but if you don’t have a job blame yourself. “It’s the truth..whether they want to believe it or not,” feels Goldberg.

 The biggest question so far is how do the protestors find the time to do what they’re doing. Shouldn’t they be looking for a job and if they are employed how do they keep their job?

 

 

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The Wedding Water Cooler gets Political

Posted on October 11, 2011 Written by 6 Comments

By Paul Pannone

Wedding Water Cooler discussions are taking a break from the wedding business to take a look at current events around the country, dominated by a movement to Occupy Wall Street. The discussions began when Sheryl Davies (in Canada) mentioned what was happening in New York weeks ago.

“This movement is going to keep growing and take shape, you watch and see,” predicted Davies.

Davies’ prediction grew every week since, with movements and support in major cities. Yet no clear path or demands have been defined causing some of the more skeptical Coolies to remain neutral. 

 

 Feed the hungry…….

“I’ve never understood people who have the time (or money) to gather in huge numbers to demonstrate anything.  The people who are demonstrating on Wall Street came from all over the country.  If they’re broke, where did they get
the money to travel to NY?  Unless Jesus is there to feed the masses, these people also have to have the money to feed themselves.  Who is funding all of this?

I don’t disagree that the directors of major companies are vastly overpaid and way out of control.  Compensation packages that total tens of millions of dollars annually are insane.  I’ve never met anyone who is worth an annual salary of million dollars.  Maybe Steve Jobs was worth it but I never met him.  

The guy who created Costco once said that he would never invest in a company that paid it’s CEO more than $500,000 annually.  I think you’d be hard pressed to find a Fortune 500 company that paid it’s CEO that little,” said Jim Duhe.

Duhe told eWedNewz he remembers the protest movements of the 60′s when he was younger and more energetic. He says he still admires the spunk and tenacity of the American spirit, citing the fact it’s the basis of the country and why America exists in the first place.

The most involved member of the group, Christine Boulton, attended rallies over the weekend in Nashville. Boulton called herself a radical and has always been a rabble-rouser, giving her clients the straight story, sans the political correctness (bullshit) normally found in the wedding business.

“Not everyone involved in the Occupy movement is broke or unemployed. There are teachers and lawyers and MANY freelancers and small business owners that give what time they can to be on the front lines or behind the scenes.  I have been down among them for close to a week now. I volunteer on their IT team. Most everyone I have met is employed. It is less about the economy than about how it got that way. Major global corporation and in particular, the banking and finance industries, are pouring money into lobbying efforts and in effect have bought our politicians.

We want our country and our government back from the 1%. Another misconception is that the movement stands in opposition to capitalism. While a few may, the vast majority believe in capitalism but what the power to influence and control policy and regulation striped from Wall Street and returned to Main Street.

In the early stages of this movement you are seeing a variety of messages, from peace, to environment to PETA. That is for 2 reasons: all of these groups feel the same frustration that our politicians no longer hear our voice and because there is strength in numbers.

At its core, it is about getting the voice of the people who the founding fathers protected back,”

Signed,

Christine Boulton, small business owner and radical

 Water Coolie opinions ran the gamut; not all agree that the protests are warranted or even needed.

Khalilah Olokunola said, “Sorry but if you don’t have a job blame yourself.”

Simply put, it’s every man (or woman) for themselves in the new order. But that’s always been the case. eWedNewz will continue to watch the story and welcomes your views.

 

 

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Filed Under: Anti Fairy Dust, Current Events, Economic news, eWedNewz, General News, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , ,

Wedding Planner Sticks to Original Plan; Brides Not Allowed

Posted on August 1, 2011 Written by 4 Comments

By Paul Pannone

The word “wedding” is synonymous with bride; the event is all about the bride and rightfully so. But eWedNewz  watches the emerging trend to defend the rights of the groom; not that they need defending but simply put, they’ve not had any rights until now. Groom’s thoughts and feeling have traditionally been squashed by the bride and her mother, particularly if the bride’s parents paid for the wedding. But according to recent information, that is changing now that couples are funding their own weddings.

But does it make good business sense to direct all the attention to the groom in any part of wedding planning? It depends on who you ask. For the most part traditional thinking planners take the findings of major wedding intelligence like Great Bridal Expo and find reasons not to carry out the findings. CEO of GBE, Bill Heaton, gave a strong statement in favor of grooms getting more involved in wedding planning. Heaton told eWedNewz of a rising participation rate (up to 40% in some cities) and greater response in all facets of wedding planning.

Should brides be allowed into a groom-only event?

 

eWedNewz learned of a case where one planner is sticking to her original idea to give total attention to the groom; a move contested by a partnership overture that suggested the bride somehow be included. Diane Freeland of Events of Sophistication recently launched a groom-only project called Cigar & Cuff Links with the idea of not having brides anywhere near the event.

“That’s what makes it unique and special for the groom– only. I’ve been contacted by companies that want to partner in the project but want me to change my idea and include brides,” she told eWedNewz.

 

Freeland’s thoughts were posted in the Wedding Water Cooler for comment to see what other members thought. Nearly all supported her decision to stick to her original idea based on the fact there is so much attention given to the bride already. To include her in any shape or form would water down results, according to the replies.

In the same trenches as Freeland, wedding planner, Khalilah Olokunola advised, “Grooms are an untouched market for shows and for most of the industry with the exception of tuxedos. We’ve assumed for too long that they didnt want to be involved but this past weekend’s event proved me wrong. Most of the planning was with Brian; the groom who wanted his own area signature to his career and likes, so the cocktail hour was all about him. Some of the touches - the drink– was called the badge- made with coffee and Kahlua paired with a on site donut bar and yes he is a cop! This is becoming more of a trend; and when the groom doesn’t want it, the bride wants something special for him!” according to Olokunola. 

 In marketing and advertising, Freeland’s decision is supported by statements from Sheryl Davies and Jim Duhe, both in the media business.

Davies said, “Keep the project limited to Grooms only. Brides do their thing and they still don’t come to shows with the numbers of grooms-to-be we are told are helping them plan their weddings. Make it a classy, exclusive event with lots of sizzle and do a lot of promo and if you build it they will come. The key is to make it attractive and macho for the guys. (sorry but it’s a marketing fact) Do what you need to do to make them curious, special and engage them.

This is a new step forward in the wedding industry and guys tend to travel better in a pack of other males.” 

Duhe’s position  also favors sticking to the original plan, feeling there is too much attention given to the bride.

“There already are more bride/groom shows in this country than are countable.  Does the world need another one?  No AND Yes. I assume that Diane’s purpose in launching CIGARS & CUFF LINKS was to create something innovative and successful. Frankly, I haven’t seen a highly successful “grooms only” event before.  That doesn’t mean that it may not or can’t exist.  It’s just that I haven’t personally seen one. I don’t believe that a “grooms only” program is conceptually flawed. People who attempted it in the past may have had developmental problems or an errors in execution.  Maybe Diane has calculated a way around these issues.  If she has . . . congratulations!  Don’t change it to include brides — build upon it to create an even stronger “groom only” event.  There are many out here who will help you in any way that they can,” feels Duhe.

More applause came from planner, Marcinho Savant, that gave Freeland a thumbs up for sticking to her original plan.

“Sticking to one’s guns indicates integrity, courage, confidence, faith, grit and strength!  KUDOS! There’s a vast difference between sticking to one’s guns, stubbornly, endlessly and CHOOSING to hold on to one’s vision with bold, industry-changing bravery and mettle!  Clearly, Ms. Freeland BELIEVES in and trusts in her market analysis. She trusts in her vision and in her mission. Congrats to her bold foray into uncharted waters!  COWARDS NEVER THRIVE! I hope she makes a zillion dollars and claims her niche in the market.  BRAVA!

In a clear, concise voice, the Wedding Water Cooler learns how to stay ON TOPIC and give correct, lucid information to help its members and give wedding industry members a chance to weigh in on their conclusions.

Now it’s your turn. Should brides be included in a “groom’s only” project? Post your thoughts here or contact us privately at Paul@ewednewz.com or 516-312-0090

 

eWedNewz

All Rights Reserved

2011 

 

Filed Under: eWedNewz, facts and figures, General News, Men's formal wear, retail, Social Media, The Groom, wedding industry, Wedding Industry Events, Wedding planners, Wedding Water Cooler Tagged: , , , , , ,

Growing Unrest in the Wedding Business is Hurting Brides

Posted on June 23, 2011 Written by 7 Comments

By Paul Pannone

There is growing unrest among top wedding experts that say they’ve become weary of unprofessional behavior and questionable ethics. According to experts questionable behavior casts a shadow on the entire wedding industry. eWedNewz watches, as flare ups increasingly made public leads to greater suspicion of all wedding vendors, ultimately hurting the real victim; brides.

Pouting brides always find a reason to get mad at wedding vendors. Some advocates are rallying to make sure they’re not legitimate ones.

 

A new post by Wedding Expert, Christine Boulton, explains what’s happening. “It means that today’s bride is being fed a steady diet that is not always in her best interest. She is being told what to do and what is hot based on what the wedding industrial complex wants to sell. Just take a look at the dramatic rise in staged photo shoots on wedding blogs. Yes, they are gorgeous, I won’t argue that. The problem is they aren’t reality, although they are often presented as such. Most are unreachable by the average bride. I hate to tell you, but not every couple is hipster or shabby chic. don’t even get me started on the wedding gowns shown in the major magazines editorial. I have ranted on that until I am blue in the face.

It is no wonder that today’s bride is turning to alternatives to wedding professionals. As heavily exposed as brides are to over the top weddings they are beginning to believe that they both will not be able to afford a “wedding” professional and that even if they could, said “professional”  wouldn’t listen to them anyway. It isn’t that they are exploring using professionals and deciding against it, they are looking for alternatives first.”

The bickering among wedding professionals that are not scam artists but are guarding their business, protecting it from change and innovation, are pleading their case by giving reasons to why consumers should use their services and totally bypass less expensive alternatives. One case involves a new addition/alternative to video. eWedNewz watched the battle between the old and new taking a neutral position. But words like “should” and “never” just don’t make the grade.

The opinion of one videographer in Nashville to brides warns,”There are some aspects of your wedding day that should NEVER be a Do-It-Yourself project, and one of those is videography.”

Says who? A new company called Story Mix takes a much less authoritative tone and suggests hiring both if budget allows.

“If you can afford a real pro, by all means get the gorgeous video they can provide. And supplement their video of the bride and groom with a fun, personal memento of all your friends filmed by the ones who love you most,” according to a recent post.

 

Wedding Expert advocates for consumers say they’ve been aware of the problems for years, even before there was an Internet. But none disagrees; with the power of the Internet, transparency will come, whether it’s wanted or not. eWedNewz interviewed Andy Ebon this week. Ebon took to task certain aspects of a new survey from BRIDES Magazine he felt were sorely lacking in substance. Ebon told eWedNewz of his plans to direct more of his attention away from the wedding business and towards the consumer– a move we’ve suggested ad nauseam to previous formats, arrangements, manufacturers and professionals we’ve been involved with for decades.

Planners and experts say there’s been an overstepping of boundaries in the wedding business and brides need to educate themselves before making a final decision.

According to Khalilah Olokunola, the wedding business has become treacherous. “It’s full of cross contamination. You send a bride to a baker and they offer to do your job and more. Pop up Photographers are on the rise, your last 2 brides are now event planners and China is still remaking every gown they can. I wish some vendors would stay in there lane and be inventive in their area of expertise.” 

Data shows over 85% of wedding couples use Internet searches to do their leg work and fact-finding. Therefore,  stories of wedding vendors that involve scams no longer stand a chance. Studies show attempts to rip off couples come from old-time operators that are unaware of how transparent the world has become. Some wedding experts challenging the fairy dust are going on record, identifying what they feel could be the percentage of wedding vendors that really understand the changes that have taken place.

Chris Jaeger told eWedNewz, “The 5% number also corresponds to the number of people I talk with and work with. 95% of the wedding business are whining and in trouble (I call them the Facebook crowd: thinking Facebook is going to grow/save their business!), 5% are doing just fine and approaching me to IMPROVE it and make sure it keeps heading in the right direction.

This is not meant to be a big advertisement, while it may come across that way, but here’s my logic: I work with a caterer who is getting 15-20 inquiries a day. Yes, EVERY  DAY, seven days a week. And he’s in a very, very competitive marketplace (NY-NYC-NJ).

I work with a reception site that is almost 30 miles outside of the major metro area “where brides always want to get married…” and thought differently, used a different approach, and now can’t keep up with the inquiries (sidenote: if you don’t return your calls or inquiries, don’t be surprised if people go to your Facebook wall and post “Hey, WTF I left six messages last week…”).

I work with two wedding ministers/officiants who charge $600 to $1200+ MORE than their competition and both have started to refer business to others because they can’t keep up.

A cleaner I worked with ignored the recession, yes, acknowledge it, but ignored it and did not panic, kept his prices as they were (while his competition offered specials, lowered prices), punched up his marketing, optimized his customer service, invested in training his staff, worked on his online AND offline marketing – and just sold his business for millions. He is literally moving to the islands where he and his wife will spend the rest of their lives starting/operating an orphanage. True story. Christine probably knows these people as they are in her neighborhood.

There are a lot of great successes out there and a lot of good stories and lots of good news. It’s just that no one talks about it. Misery loves company, isn’t that the saying? It’s that 5% number; because 95% are brain-dead, brain-washed, with washed out.

I choose to live in the 5%. I don’t care about what others are doing. I don’t have time to be a generalist and appealing to the masses (because we all know what the masses are). BTW: the 5% out there aren’t interested in what generalists have to say. It’s that 5% number again. I don’t need to stand up in front of a crowd and then have people give me video testimonials about how great I am to put on my blog. That doesn’t appeal to the 5%, if you ask me.”

In defense of the old, aged and decrepid, Jim Duhe has long been an advocate for change. Seriously, Duhe, now in his sixties, was regarded as a forward thinker from the start. Duhe, a radical since his early days in the 1970′s, could finally become main stream, as the rest of the wedding business finally catches up to where he’s been for decades.

“Thank you so much for the accolades– I think? It’s silly to think that we’re ever going to go back to where were once were. Who would want to? There is something to be said for the dark ages; it somehow makes today seem even brighter,” according to Duhe.

 

Proving age has no bearing on brilliant thinking, Steve Lang, owner of Mon Cheri, told eWedNewz,”Jim Duhe is one of the few people in the magazine business that cater to the bridal industry that really understand what both retailers and manufacturers face on a daily basis. I pulled my advertising from any magazine I felt hurt the stores or the dress makers.”

Lang and a growing part of the wedding business that say they’ve tried to fight off injustice plan to band together in like-minded projects designed to promote products and ideas that appeal to today’s consumer in a way that’s palpable to them– without dictating what they “should do”. eWedNewz will be there to cover the progress.

Please give us your opinion, either here or privately. Paul@ewednewz.com or 516-312-0090.

eWedNewz

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2011

Filed Under: bridal, Bridal Dresses, Bridal Shops, Bridal Shows, Data, Economic news, eWedNewz, facts and figures, General News, Publications, retail, The Knot, Uncategorized, wedding industry, Wedding Water Cooler, wedding websites Tagged: , , , , , ,