You have the ring and have set a date, but need to start planning the wedding. A local bridal show is set to feature all the help you may need.

The Eighth Annual South Louisiana Bridal Show is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 7 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd. Admission costs $5 at the door for adults and free for children under 12 with a paid adult.

The show features wedding-cake samples, caterers, reception hall managers, bridal shops, florists, photographers and a local wedding consultant that can show you how to build a budget for your special date.

“At the show, we will have a video that shows a little bit of the services we offer,’ said Danny LeBouef, owner of Designs by Danny in Raceland, who’s been doing professional wedding consulting since 1992. “The seating area will be decorated in the same style as The Royal Villa. I will be there to answer any questions our guests might have.”

LeBouef and his wife, Lacey, also own The Royal Villa reception hall.

Chez Lili, a local bridal shop, is set to showcase many different wedding-gown styles and colors for a bride to choose from.

“The show’s a great way to get to know about us,” said Laura Cancienne, owner of Chez Lili. “We will have seven mannequins showing seven different styles and colors plus a video.”

Source (full article): http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20100305/ENTERTAINMENT/100309809/1262

A directory for Fitness Focused Brides and Bridal Fitness Providers

Seattle – March 4, 2010 – The Healthy Bride today announced the launch of the wedding industry’s first Bridal Fitness Directory, www.healthy-bride.com.

The directory was started by Christi Masi, an award-winning fitness trainer and founder of  The Healthy Bride, a Seattle-based personal training and nutrition consultancy helping brides feel and look great on their wedding day.  Designed for the bride and bridal fitness providers, the new site has information, workouts and information to suit all brides from the D-I-Y Bride, to the bride looking for support and encouragement from a Bridal Bootcamp or a personal trainer.

“I wanted to provide a place where a bride can get solid, helpful information on bridal fitness and wedding weight loss from experts in her area,” said Masi.  “With the site, anyone can find a personal trainer or bridal bootcamp program in her area within one click of the home page”

The site is also designed for the bridal fitness provider to find information, support and products to help them with their business.  In addition to the directory, Masi offers assistance to those wanting to start their own bridal fitness business in an E Book “How to start your own Bridal Fitness Business”. When she started The Healthy Bride in 2004, bridal weight loss and fitness was an emerging industry; but is now in a period of rapid growth.  As the Wedding Report states the market value for bridal diet, weight loss, and gyms was $271 million for 2009.

“I love the bridal fitness business, and want to help others get into the business.  Brides-to-be are very fun to work with – they are happy, healthy and motivated!  I want to help other fitness professionals achieve success in this rewarding industry by sharing what I have learned.” Masi co-authored the book with Monica Sansaver, a recent bride and Seattle University MBA graduate.  “Monica really helped put my 7 years of experience into an operations manual that will jump start anyone wanting to get into the bridal fitness niche”

The Healthy Bride Directory will offer 3 levels of vendor listings: Free, Gold ($15 per month) and Platinum ($30 per month).  The site will allow vendors to link their listings to their Facebook and Twitter pages and also upload photos and videos.

Brides-to-be can also keep up with fitness and nutritional tips at The Healthy Bride blog at www.healthy-bride.com/blog.

The Healthy Bride®: A Leader in Bridal Fitness

The Healthy Bride (www.healthy-bride.com) was founded by Christi Masi to help prepare brides-to-be (and a groom or two!) for their big day through individualized fitness and nutritional regimes developed exclusively for their particular goals.  Based in Seattle, The Healthy Bride offers bootcamp-style classes and nutritional counseling for brides in the area, as well as a online and localized resources for brides-to-be nationwide, including free workout podcasts, a fitness blog, workout accessories, and Christi Masi’s “Healthy Bride Bootcamp DVD” and her book, “The Healthy Bride Guide,” also available on Amazon.com.

About Christi Masi
Founder of The Healthy Bride, Masi’s focus is on training women to successfully meet life challenges. An avid, international mountain climber, her professional background includes 11 years of sales and marketing at Starbucks Coffee. Christi’s outstanding leadership ability and natural enthusiasm has motivated women to complete triathlons, half marathons, and summit climbs of Mt. Rainier. Not to mention health and fitness goals for pivotal life moments like weddings!

Christi’s credentials include ACSM- HFI®and NSCA -CPT® certifications and a BA in psychology from the University of Washington.  Modern Bride Magazine awarded Christi designation as a “Top Trendsetter of 2006” and Seattle Bride Magazine has awarded The Healthy Bride Best Bridal Fitness Program 2007, 2008 & 2009.

The Healthy Bride® is a registered trademark of Cloud Nine Women, Inc.

Media Contact:

Christi Masi
206-755-9683

Source:  http://www.healthy-bride.com/blog/bridal-fitness/the-healthy-bride%C2%AE-launches-first-bridal-fitness-directory/

Aiming to maintain the growth that led to record 2009 sales and profit, Urban Outfitters Inc. yesterday disclosed plans to start another retail brand next year, this one aimed at the $60 billion wedding industry.

The Philadelphia specialty retailer, whose Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie stores target an upscale clientele, said it planned to launch the as-yet-unnamed bridal business by Valentine’s Day 2011, first online and later with a store opening.

“We think this is going to be a meaningful business,” Glen T. Senk, chief executive officer, told analysts yesterday while reviewing the company’s 2009 earnings, which included record sales of $1.9 billion and record profit of $220 million.

“Anybody we talk to about this goes, ‘Wow, that’s exciting,’ ” he said.

The idea for creating a brand aimed at weddings - featuring heirloom gowns, accessories, intimate apparel, decor, and gifts - grew out of the company’s existing business, which often catered to brides and their entourages, Senk said.

According to the company’s research, matrimony means money: The average wedding costs $45,000 to stage, and the bride alone spends $4,500 on clothing and accessories.

Bridalwear is a niche that suffered badly last year in the economic downturn; many high-end boutiques closed.

But for Urban Outfitters, the new line could represent a happy marriage with its long-term strategy to expand sales and profit by nurturing six to eight “meaningful” brands - while not allowing one brand to grow so large that it loses value. Along with Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie, the company operates Free People stores, a Terrain garden center in Glen Mills, and the Leifsdottir wholesale line.

Source (Full Article): http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20100305_Urban_Outfitters_to_start_a_wedding_brand.html

At least 5,000 brides-to-be were jilted before ever reaching the altar - by the organizer of a weekend wedding extravaganza that cops said was scamming on their dreams.

And bridal vendors took an even bigger hit, thinking they could showcase their services at the “Boston 411 Home and Bridal Show” at the Hynes Convention Center this weekend.

Lavishly promoted on www.weddingwire.com, Facebook and Twitter, the show was a cleverly dressed-up sham, cops said.

“Everything looked legit. We don’t know how many victims are out there. That’s the problem,” said Detective Steven Blair of the Boston Police Special Investigations Unit. “It was probably one of the best Web sites I’ve seen.”

Police don’t know exactly how much was scammed from blushing brides and would-be vendors. They are looking for suspects but would not say who they are, how they are tracing them or where they might be.

Trusting brides prepaid $10 to $15 for tickets - believing a portion would benefit earthquake victims in Haiti. Blair said at least 200 vendors are out $50,000 after using credit cards to reserve booths for $350 to $4,000. Many booked hotel rooms and were flying in from around the country.

Scam victims the Herald spoke with - including Massachusetts Convention Center Authority executive director James Rooney - all dealt with a woman calling herself “Jamie Edwards,” police and victims said. It unclear whether that is her real name.

Rooney said the woman contacted a Hynes sales manager in October about available dates and a booking contract was sent to her at a Boston address to review. It came back as undeliverable.

“There were excuses,” Rooney said. Last week, he said, “Our sales manager just smelled something was wrong here, went online, found the Web site, and was horrified.” They called police in a desperate bid to stop the scamming of the brides.

“Jamie Edwards” did not respond yesterday to calls the Herald left on her voice mail.

DJ for hire Jimmy Jay, 60, of Weymouth said he sent Edwards $335 and lent his voice to a radio promo for the event in exchange for a booth.

“It blows my mind. I’m a pretty sharp cookie,” Jay said.

Kelly Delaney, owner of Cakes for Occasions in Danvers, said she never responded to e-mailed invites she received last year from Edwards. Yet, Cakes for Occasions was prominently featured as a vendor. “We had no idea,” she said.

Source:  http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1236529

Wedding Industry Statistics from The Knot

In 2009, $28,385 was the average wedding budget in the US (not including the honeymoon) reflecting less than a 5% decrease from 2008.

“As the economy continues to affect consumer spending, brides remain committed to planning a memorable event and are thoughtfully cutting back,” said Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot Inc. “Approximately one third of brides who had a wedding in 2009 said that the economy had impacted their overall wedding plans.”

Category and Average Spend 2009 *
Reception Venue - $12,838
Reception Band - $3,288
Reception DJ - $892
Photographer - $2,444
Videographer - $1,481
Wedding/Event Planner - $1,728
Wedding Gown - $1,134
Florist/Decor - $2,093
Invitations - $509
Wedding Cake - $559
Ceremony Musicians - $451
Catering (cost per head) - $63
Wedding Day Transportation - $692
Favors - $292
Rehearsal Dinner - $1,163
Engagement Ring - $5,847

*Respondents who hired professional vendor, purchased items, or had them professionally made

For more information and the complete press release visit: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/the-knot-unveils-2009-real-weddings-survey-results-2010-02-17

http://www.theknot.com

The national marriage rate has decreased to nearly half of what it was in 1970, according to the National Marriage Project, a nonpartisan research initiative based at the University of Virginia.

The national marriage rate has fallen from 76.5 marriages per 1,000 unmarried women 15 and older to 40.7 marriages in 2005, according to the group’s research.

The economy and the fact that more couples decide to cohabitate aid in the decline in the number of marriages, said Brad Wilcox, director of the National Marriage Project.

According to census figures, the number of cohabiting couples in 1970 was slightly more than 500,000, while in 2007 that number was more than 6.4 million.

The State of Our Unions Marriage in America 2009 (.pdf)

http://www.virginia.edu/marriageproject/

Original article: Here

Wedding Themes & Inspirations:

• Enchanted Forest: The spring bride of 2010 is inspired by the earthy (yet heavenly) feeling of an ethereal wedding. Soft, romantic elements and pastel tones are perfectly accented with fanciful details.
• Sweet Nostalgia: The “Mad Men”-obsessed bride-to-be is in love with 1950s and 1960s flair for her big day, gathering inspiration from refined-retro style, carnival-chic food and playful decor.
• Jewel Tones: The glamorous bride loves 2010’s rich jewel tones for a luxurious fall wedding. Plush and pretty peacock inspiration is refined in an elegant but decidedly bold new way to incorporate this look.
• Dark Romance: For winter 2010, vintage Hollywood glamour and dark fairytale romances are all the rage, with rich red hues, black and white accents and sparkling chandeliers making everything glimmer in a subtle and sophisticated way.

 

Fresh Color Trends

• Expect to see both classic and fresh, new palettes appearing as top trends for wedding colors, including bold turquoise, coral and peach tones, vintage violet, pumpkin, champagne, pink, ivory and golden yellow.

 

The Rise of the Localista

• In today’s economy, many couples will move away from the exotic in favor of the practical. Expect destination weddings to take on a new twist with the rise of the “localista.” This bride will plan a local “destination wedding” at a nearby location to celebrate the unique personality of the couple, but also allow easier access for friends and family. 

By Ian Boydon

 

A BUSINESS has been created in Kendal to cater for non-religious couples looking to tie the knott.

Inspirational Ceremonies has been established by Debra Jessett, of Kendal, who has been trained to conduct non-religious wedding ceremonies by the British Humanist Association.

Humanism is a philosophy of life and ethics, based on a concern for humanity and the natural world. However, those who wish to have a Humanist wedding do not have to be Humanists themselves.

“These days ceremonies can often seem impersonal so I want to offer something that is both individual and meaningful to those involved,” said Mrs Jessett. “I spend several hours talking to the couple before putting together a script. This usually involves writing ‘their story’. The feedback I have had from couples is that this is what has made their ceremony really special.

As well as choosing your own words and style of ceremony, it can be held anywhere, including your own garden, a local beauty spot or even on top of the fells.

“I feel very lucky to live and work in Cumbria and love spending time in the hills and mountains,” said Mrs Jessett. “I can’t think of anything more satisfying than enabling people to celebrate their special day in such a beautiful area.”

orginal article: Here

From his Seymour Street showroom, Vancouver couture and bridal designer Manuel Mendoza pulls out a gown he designed to illustrate a modern, whimsical approach to a bridal gown.

It’s a strapless, satin, minidress with a stiff bird’s-nest style veil adorning the skirt.

“It is almost like this is the hat,” says Mendoza pointing to the skirt veiling. “The whole idea is a hat, but it is down there.”

Bird’s-nest veils exploded in popularity last year, so Mendoza decided to push the trend in a new direction. The result is sophisticated, yet fun and flirty — far from the poofy, princess styles of the past.

“Poof is out,” he says. Brides coming to his shop want something sleeker, something that shows off their bodies more, adds Mendoza’s associate Alison Hartford.

“A lot of brides are coming to us and saying I have seen all the poofy dresses in the shops. Please can I try on something that will show off my body a bit and not be quite as princess,” she says.

Wedding dresses are so charged with hopes, dreams and little-girl fantasies that finding just the right one can take a bride months. Should it be long or short, sleek or full, traditional or au courant, Vancouver is rich with custom designers who offer flexibility and knowledge about selecting a design that suits the bride and the occasion. They can also incorporate old treasures or features that individually define the bride.

But they also are experts at spotting the trends and even leading them. Here is what four Vancouver designers see for the 2010 wedding season:

Mendoza says the trend in short dresses has doubled recently, accounting for about 20 per cent of the dresses he custom designs now compared to 10 per cent two years back.

“It may have to do with the fact that lately there are a lot of brides who want to get married in Hawaii or Mexico or Belize,” he says. ” You don’t want to carry a big dress to those places.”

But if you want a short dress you have to have fabulous shoes, Mendoza says, adding some of his clients have bought the shoes first and then asked for a dress that shows them off. “The shoes are the jewels of the feet,” he says.

Destination weddings have also influenced the fabrics we see in modern gowns, he says, adding that chiffon really appeals to brides who imagine their dresses blowing in the sea breezes throughout their beach ceremony.

The trend is also to a little less decoration, he says, adding it may have something to do with the economy. “Two years ago it was nothing for us to make a $5,000-$6,000 dress. This year, you could cut the price in half. People are more practical.

“I have been hearing from the industry that the high-priced dresses, the $6-$10-grand dresses are almost impossible to sell.”

Patricia Nayel, a local ecobridal designer, echoes Mendoza’s comments regarding short dresses. But she says brides want them for the reception and stick with something long for the ceremony.

“Almost every designer is coming out with short dresses in their collections,” she says, then adds that she hears from more and more brides who want a sustainable dress, but who don’t want to sacrifice style for it.

Nayel uses fabrics that are reclaimed, recycled, organically grown or made using peace silk which allows the silkworm to live out its natural life cycle. She uses reclaimed silk for her most of her linings.

In terms of style, Nayel sees a big trend in mermaid dresses and A-symmetrical shoulders. After U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama wore a one-shoulder dress for her husband’s inauguration, the look took off. Now glorious variations of it are everywhere.

Strapless gowns are still popular, but they are being replaced by gowns with sheer shoulder straps. They give more support to the bust while still giving the impression of straplessness, she says.

“The strapless dress gives you a lot of boob fat,” she says, “because it has to be so tight.”

Recently married herself, Nayel designed a full-length bubble dress with a simple form-fitted bodice. It’s a great style, says Mendoza, if you stand at least 5-foot-9. If not, you’d need skyscraper heels.

Off-whites and ivories have replaced pure white as the colour of choice, all the designers say. It is softer for fair-skinned brides. Nayel loves the unbleached tones for their natural creaminess. “I haven’t seen a bride buy a cold white in a long time unless she has really dark skin,” she says. Black is the couture trim colour, says Mendoza.

Clara Jang seconds that opinion. The designer behind Clara Couture, whose 2008 Miss Universe gown won awards, has also seen the trend to sheer shoulders. Speaking from Hong Kong where she is attending a trade show, Jang agreed with Mendoza that the A-line has replaced the poofy skirt for 2010, but she says European designers are bringing it back and she expects it to re-emerge here in 2011.

“I prefer the more A-line or trumpet dress,” she says. “It shows off the body more.”

Jang has also noticed a new practicality in brides. They often bring their dresses back after the wedding to have Jang hand dye it or cut it short so it can be used again. She includes that service in the price of the dress.

In her newest designs, Jang incorporated pleating to the bodice to give it a lovely sense of playfulness.

Swarovski crystals dominate the embellishments this year. “They love that bling bling,” says Mendoza. But feathers have also made a big splash, according to Jang.

Shelley Klassen, the designer behind Blushing Designs, estimates that about 10 per cent of her custom business is bridal. Many are clients who were drawn to her party dresses and want something similar for their wedding. They feature simple designs using fine fabrics.

“Some are quite short, some just past the knee, some long,” she says, adding that many of her brides take their weddings to tropical beaches and desire light billowy fabrics.

Klassen has also moved on from the strapless styles of the last few years — at least when she can show her client a better way. Some, however, still prefer a strapless dress.

Bridesmaids and guests often find appropriate dresses at her shop Blushing Boutique.

Vintage is also growing in popularity, says Alison Hartford. Brides want the dress have a story, to incorporate elements from their past or their mother’s or grandmother’s past.

“What makes a dress original is the conversation between the designer and the bride,” adds Mendoza. “It is always nice if the designer has the whole story.”

This weekend’s show is one of two this spring in Visalia. The other, “A Wedding Style Soiree,” will be March 14.

These shows give couples a chance to comparsion shop and to see what is popular in weddings, said Debbie Mancini, whose business Mancini Production Inc. sponsors “A Bridal Odyssey.” She said brides and wedding professionals are getting more creative than ever because many couples are working on tight budgets.

“There are some things you can cut back on and be OK, but there’s some things you can’t,” Mancini said.

Wedding dresses have proved to be one area in the budget brides aren’t budging on, said Silva Kassouf, owner of Elegant Brides in Fresno.

“For some reason, when it comes to the dress, they’re still looking for their dream dress,” Kassouf said. “They do ask if there’s anything lower, but they will still buy the dress they want.”

For their dresses, brides are turning to ivory with less beading and more details in the material, she said.

“There’s a lot of asymmetrical draping, and ruching, and for fabrics, taffetas are really in,” Kassouf said. “Also what’s popular is dresses with a lot of tucks, which are pickups on the skirt.”

Vintage style featuring lace is also in demand, though a lot of lace with beadwork is not, Kassouf said. Tiaras are no longer all the rage, and are being replaced with hairpieces such as broaches, feathers and flowers.

As for color schemes, she said brides are requesting jewel tones, Tiffany blue and gold — a marked contrast to the more subdued browns and beiges popular last year. These dresses tend to be on the shorter side at tea length.

Also minimized this year are the cakes — many couples are using cupcakes in place of a large wedding cake.

“Cupcakes have become a big deal. They’re using the cupcakes in tiers and still might have a small cake for their pictures,” Mancini said.

Source: www.visaliatimesdelta.com

Original article - Here

Blue Ridge Bridal Shows is on a mission to change the image of a traditional bridal show with a “Hi Tech Digital show” held at The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (ADC) on Sunday, January 24, 2010 from 12-4 pm. This hi tech show is open to the public and will be held at ADC located at 181 Kernstown Commons Boulevard in Winchester, VA 22602. Admission to public is free.Brides are encouraged to register to win prizes including a Honeymoon. This show is ideal for attracting brides from Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia as well as the metropolitan areas of Frederick, Montgomery County, Baltimore, and Washington DC.

The Blue Ridge Winter Bridal Marketplace Show (BRBS) at ADC will showcase leading wedding venues, accommodations, and wedding professionals. For the first time, this wedding show’s emphasis will shift two four theater screens. This is not an “arena” event. The participating wedding professionals will show potential brides and grooms on a 20’ x 50’ cinema screens beautiful wedding destinations in the Blue Ridge Shenandoah Valley. These vary from country inns, golf clubs, restored hotels, museums, vineyards to very unique locations like Shenandoah Caverns and America On Parade to the Charles Town Races and Slots. Also attending the show will be leading experts available to assist the bride in planning a spectacular and unforgettable wedding in the Blue Ridge. All of this will be presented as a Hi Tech Digital Wedding Shopping Experience Event.

“Vendors participating in this show believe that brides today have changed and do their major research and booking of the vendors on the web. For this reason, we want our bridal show to ‘Think Out of the Box’ and give the brides what they want “An Internet experience but in a relaxed theater where they can have a glass of wine or beverage of their choice and see the top the Blue Ridge wedding industry has to offer,” says Nancy Craun, President of Blue Ridge Bridal Shows. “For the brides not from the Blue Ridge but looking for a beautiful wedding destination without adding air fare to their budget, just one hour away or less is the Blue Ridge Shenandoah Valley. Let us introduce you to the best the Blue Ridge has to offer.”

The doors will open at Noon on Sunday January 24, 2010. You, your friends, and family will walk into the show to find a wonderful marketplace that will make coordinating each element of your wedding a breeze. Haven’t found a photographer? A wedding location? No problem, we’ve brought some of the area’s finest vendors to one location for one very special day.

What is a Hi Tech Digital Wedding Shopping Experience?
Wedding Venues and Professionals will show you on the theater screen a Visual Presentation of their product. You will be able to see a full wedding from ceremony to dancing at the most beautiful venues in the Blue Ridge Shenandoah Valley. We will show the latest in wedding fashions from New York and Paris. Looking for decor ideas - see the hottest and latest from florists and party rental companies. What’s new in the tent industry - you will see it on the screen.

And what about the guy in your life - BRBS is giving him his own theater where he can relax with the guys, watch ESPN sports and find out what is on his wedding check off list. He will see honeymoon ideas including the latest on Sandals All Inclusive Resort Bargains as well as cruise ideas! Even Dad can join the group - relax and wait for you to pull him out to see the site where you have always dreamed to have your wedding.

This show is all about the three R’s -
Relax * Read * React!
“We know that brides are very interested in planning their wedding, but have changed how ‘they plan,’” adds Craun. “The wedding industry needs to get in the 21st century of hi tech communication and marketing. We are small and it is much easier for us to change and adapt than the larger bridal shows. The Blue Ridge Bridal Shows offer “Small Town Intimacy with High End Wedding Destinations.” Our Winter Bridal Marketplace will certainly be an exciting show and one not to be missed.”

To pre-register for the show and Silver Suitcase Tea, visit www. Blueridgebridalshow.com. Registration is also being accepted to be the Featured Blue Ridge Bride!

About Blue Ridge Bridal Show: Blue Ridge Bridal Shows mission is to brand the Blue Ridge Shenandoah Valley as a Wedding Destination Region and to brand the client as a Blue Ridge Bride. The region is from Hagerstown to Harrisonburg on Interstate 81, Strasburg to Haymarket on Interstate 66, Route 340 from Elkins to Charles Town West Virginia, and Western Loudoun to Leesburg. Blue Ridge Bridal shows host five shows showcasing this defined region with emphasis on the Wedding Destinations and Venues and the Wedding Professionals serving the Blue Ridge Region. These shows include Charles Town Races and Slots, The Winery at La Grange, The George Washington Hotel, Historic Morven Park and the Winter Marketplace Digital Hi Tech Show in Winchester, Virginia. Each show has a theme that supports the area of the Blue Ridge hosting the show. The Blue Ridge Bridal shows are produced by Encore Event Partners, LLC and are in their sixth year.

Contact:    Nancy Craun, President
      Blue Ridge Bridal Show
      540-533-1853
      www.blueridgebridalshow.com   

Source: www.prweb.com

Original Article - Here

The scaled-down weddings of last year are likely to continue as a trend this year, say industry experts, but that isn’t necessarily bad news.

Lori Stephenson, owner of Chicago-based LOLA Event Productions, says less can be more. Stephenson says a guest list of 150 is now an average size as compared to 200-250 a few years ago.

There is also a noticeable increase in guests turning down wedding invites. The decline rate has gone from an expected 10-20 per cent to 25 per cent or more, Stephenson said.

But smaller wedding sizes open the opportunity to look at creative venues like heritage homes, restaurants and loft spaces, not just traditional hotel ballrooms and halls.

Alternative venues that showcase the bride and groom’s interests and passions can offer a unique setting. Stephenson suggests art lovers should consider a gallery; and wine enthusiasts should investigate a restaurant that specializes in wine and tasting plates.

Stephenson says with fewer people attending, you can also maximize little touches like hotel amenity gifts or inviting out-of-town guests to a pre-nuptial cocktail party the evening before the wedding. Another nice touch is making the weekend about more than just the wedding with a complimentary site-seeing outing like an architectural cruise or a museum visit the morning of the wedding.

Source: Here

By Margaret Fosmoe

 

Tough economic times have affected all areas of American life, including wedding planning, some engaged couples and vendors said Sunday during the Bridal Spectacular at Century Center.

Photographer Pat Brownewell, of Elkhart-based Brownewell Photography, said he’s noticed a trend in the last year or two toward bridal parties demanding rock-bottom rates.

Brownewell said he already offers economical rates, about $900 for a typical wedding.

Still, he said, some bridal parties will hear that price and come back and say: “My budget is $500,” expecting him to match that price. He generally doesn’t.

“I’m already a lower-end photographer,” he said. Cutting those rates means he won’t earn enough money to make the job worth the work, he said.

Bride-to-be Jennifer Burkus, 25, of South Bend, said she and her fiancé intentionally planned a small wedding with about 30 guests for April 3. “Money is tight. I have a daughter,” Burkus said.

To reduce expenses, the couple will be married and have their reception in the same building. The whole event will cost less than $1,000, not including her bridal gown, she said.

Graphic designer Madison Jennifer Clark, of Sturgis, recently started her own business designing wedding invitations. “Everyone seems to be on a budget,” said Clark, a 2009 University of Notre Dame graduate.

“That’s why I started my business. I’m offering a more affordable product,” said Clark, who said she offers competitive prices and relies on a local printer.

She’s also planning her own wedding, which will be July 3. Her parents are paying for the event. “They set a budget and I’m sticking to it,” she said.

Clark’s advice to other brides: “Choose your priorities. Spend most on what you think is most important.”

 For Full Story Click Here

NEW YORK, Jan. 11 /PRNewswire/ — BridalTweet.com today announced the launch of a new suite of recommended business services for wedding professionals. The online wedding community will now expand its focus by providing wedding vendors with various ways to optimize their wedding businesses within the growing wedding industry.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100111/NY34861)

BridalTweet.com’s creator, Christine Dyer has spent the last few months sharing free wedding business advice in a weekly blog called Supercharge Your Wedding Business. Through blogging and by attentively listening to the members of the BridalTweet.com community, it became apparent to Dyer that there was an even greater need to help wedding professionals to grow their wedding businesses.

“I wanted to create a community that wedding professionals could turn to for all of their wedding business needs,” shared Dyer. Wedding professionals will not only be able to find free business advice and networking opportunities at BridalTweet.com, but they can also receive assistance with business planning, website design, search engine optimization, email marketing, public relations and more. Dyer hand-picked these services based on her own positive experiences with the providers as well as recommendations from other members of the wedding professional community. The new suite of trusted business services can be found at http://www.bridaltweet.com/page/wedding-business-headquarters.

“BridalTweet.com truly revolutionizes the way wedding professionals can grow their businesses,” said Dyer. “After listening to the needs of the BridalTweet.com community, I have turned it into a place that will not only help wedding professionals to network, but it will also save them money, and will help them to run their businesses more effectively. BridalTweet.com’s ultimate goal is to help improve a wedding professional’s productivity and bottom line by giving them easy access to effective wedding business tools.”

About BridalTweet.com: Headquartered in New York, NY, BridalTweet (www.BridalTweet.com) is a free online wedding community where brides, wedding vendors, and wedding bloggers can create meaningful relationships. At BridalTweet.com, brides can find free wedding advice, exclusive offers, giveaways, local events, and more. BridalTweet is also the only place that wedding professionals can turn to for free business advice, business connections, and business services. This is one of the first wedding communities that enables wedding vendors to have a voice - allowing for deeper marketing conversations. Since April 2009, 5,200 members have joined BridalTweet.com and membership increases daily.

Source: www. BridalTweet.com

AWARD-WINNING wedding planner Tammy Bateman says most people are unaware of the economic importance of the wedding industry to the Kempsey shire.

The wedding industry was largely unaffected by the recent economic downturn, and brings in hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars to the Macleay Valley economy.

Mrs Bateman’s company Red Jaffer, at South West Rocks, was honoured at the 2009 NSW Australian Bridal Industry Awards in Sydney.

Red Jaffer placed second State wide in the independent wedding planner category, and fifth in the decoration section.

The second place in the wedding planner category makes the business eligible for the national bridal industry awards.

Mrs Bateman was ecstatic at her company’s success.

“When my husband Darren and I started a little more than four years ago we could not have dreamed of this,” she said.

“To beat a company like Decorative Events (a leading Sydney-based wedding planner) who are the absolute best in the business and are my idols is unbelievable.

“To even be considered to be in their league is still a bit overwhelming.”

Mrs Bateman said she had worked hard at marketing the Macleay Valley as an ideal location for what are known as ‘destination weddings’.

“The idea is that if you are going to ask people to travel a long distance from interstate or overseas for your wedding you can reward them by enabling them to combine it with a bit of a holiday,” she said.

“It also makes it a bit more special for the bride and groom.

“The natural beauty of the Macleay Valley coast makes it perfect for this type of event. South West Rocks is a big selling point.”

The financial benefits of a wedding are not just confined to the wedding planner.

“Other business people in the town tell me they know when we have a big wedding by their increased sales,” Mrs Bateman said.

“We have held more than 30 weddings for non-residents; they bring in 80 to 100 guests each who stay for several days at least, spending a few hundred dollars a day.

“The pharmacy sells more make-up, the hair salon has more appointments, and the surf club bar serves more lunches.

“The fruit shop, the bakery, the newsagent, they all benefit. It doesn’t take long to add up.”

Source: www.macleayargus.com

January 5, 2010 — Gone are the days of registering for crystal and china that will only be used a couple of times a year. Instead, enter the era of the wish registry, and a chance for wedding guests to give newly married couples once in a lifetime experiences, a brighter future and a chance to live their life together to the fullest.

Newly launched UponOurStar (www.uponourstar.com) is the industry’s first wish registry site for brides and grooms-to-be. The site gives couples a platform to express their wedding wishes, and gives wedding guests an opportunity to celebrate the couple’s union by investing in their hopes and dreams. Each year, billions of dollars are spent on store-bought wedding gifts, and while luggage and towels can be useful, an investment in a couple’s future is a far more meaningful way to wish a couple well on the most important day of their lives.

“What’s a fairytale wedding without the granting of a wish or two,” said Mariko Takeuchi, managing director of UponOurStar. “Rather than browsing catalogs and stores to come up with a list of ‘stuff’ traditionally viewed as requirements for starting a life together, couples can share their greatest hopes, dreams and wishes with their friends and family, and enlist their help in making them come true.”

Today’s couples are thinking ‘outside the gift box’ when it comes to selecting what should be on their wedding registry. According to recent statistics and research, most couples get married in their late 20s and are already established, thus eliminating the need for common household items that once dominated traditional gift registries. Instead of appliances and linens, most modern couples would much rather have guests contribute to their commitment to a healthy lifestyle or a college education for their future children. And these are exactly the types of wishes and dreams that UponOurStar wants to help make a reality for couples.

To read full article Click here

Source: www.prwed.com

State-Of-The-Art Production Facility Recognized as “A Model of Industrial Production Efficiency”

ENDICOTT, N.Y., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ — Endicott-based Wedding Gown Preservation Co. received national recognition last week for their state-of-the-art cleaning and preservation facility. American Drycleaner Magazine awarded them a Special Honor in the category of “Outstanding Production Facility” during an annual contest. The business is locally owned and operated by Sue and Michael Schapiro.

The 18,890-square-foot facility is “a model of industrial production efficiency,” according to Ian Murphy, Editor of American Drycleaner Magazine. Custom-made cleaning equipment, a high-tech rail system, and employees certified in the latest cleaning techniques allow team members to preserve the memories of a couple’s special day for years to come. Quality control procedures, along with computerized tracking, allow for exceptional customer service. “Wedding Gown Preservation Co. continues to be the leader in the industry through continuous improvement and innovation,” says owner Michael Schapiro, who is the third generation of the family business which has been in Endicott since 1913.

To see full article Click here

Sorce: www.prnewswire.com

Frayed, yellowed wedding gown? He saves them.

By Juanita Cousins
The Tennessean http://www.tennessean.com

A second-generation wedding gown hung in a crowded closet for nearly three decades before daylight shined on its yellowing satin and champagne stains.

Years before, a dry cleaner shredded the Chantilly lace on Cindy House’s gown, also worn by her mother in 1956.

Then Surendra Kumar, owner of Oakwood Cleaners (http://www.oakwoodcleaners.com), gave the gown a transformation fit for Cinderella and her fairy godmother.

“I was skeptical taking my dress to another cleaners after the first incident, but his work is unbelievable,” said House, who spent nearly $400 to have the gown restored for her recently engaged daughter.

Kumar and his cleaners are gaining notoriety among Nashville’s elite and in the wedding industry for his work cleaning, repairing, restoring and preserving delicate garments and family heirlooms.

Kumar, who lives in Mount Juliet, entered the cleaning industry in 1984 as a way to make money as he pursued a medical degree.

Dreams of entering health care unraveled as he found equipment that drastically decreased his cleaner’s waste, and then he became a consultant for the manufacturer, selling machines to cleaners across the Southeast.

These days, he works in the company of 100-year-old baptism dresses, $15,000 couture gowns, lace wedding dresses worn by three generations of women, quilts, table clothes and first communion garb.

Engaged women seek Kumar to have their mothers’ gowns cleaned for their upcoming weddings and moth holes repaired. Brides come in days after their wedding, looking for Kumar to remove mud stains and mend frayed hems.

Kumar’s process for each individual garment begins with a personal consultation with employee Laura Garcia at Oakwood’s Belle Meade location. She hangs the gown on a mannequin and inspects every inch, taking pictures of problem spots and drawing sketches of the gowns.

Source: The Tennessean

Full Article: http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200991228014