Wedding bliss … even in a recession
It seems every other day I get an e-mail about weddings. Usually it has something to do with weddings on a budget.
Here’s the latest one, just in case you’re getting married:
Mintel finds weddings in a recession have fewer bells, all the bliss
Chicago (June 8, 2009)—With the depressed economy looming over the heads of future brides and grooms, the question begs to be asked, will the big day still be perfect with recessionary cutbacks? A just-published focus group presentation and video from Mintel shows that while the economy is influencing wedding day choices, today’s brides and grooms still feel the joy of wedding bliss.
America’s engaged couples are embracing tradeoffs for the big day with a “can do,” creative approach. Gone is the day of the starchy, traditional wedding; it is being replaced with a more intimate, personalized affair that paves the way for new traditions and humor.
“Seven out of 10 couples we talked to are planning their weddings with cautionary measures due to the economy,” notes Kat Fay, senior analyst at Mintel. “However, despite revised plans and cutbacks, couples still feel certain their wedding days will be memorable without portraying a sense of being scaled down.”
According to Mintel, many couples are trading in the elaborate wedding cake for individual cupcakes, replacing the DJ or band with an iPod docking station or nixing the full open bar for a beer and wine selection only. In addition, flowers are being replaced with balloons and less expensive decorations, Saturday weddings are being moved to Fridays or Sundays, and platinum wedding bands are being replaced by silver or white gold.
Despite the economy, happy couples still refuse to scale back on some wedding selections says Kat Fay: “Professional hair and make-up often stays in the budget to ensure beautiful photos, and while there are trade-offs, they are not at the expense of the enjoyment and comfort of family and guests. High quality food and drink, for example, remains a priority.”
A silver lining to marrying during a recession may be found on the home front. Several couples feel they will be able to purchase a home sooner than anticipated due to reduced home prices and lower mortgage rates. Because of this, many brides and grooms are foregoing the traditional bridal registry and replacing it with a simple request for cash.
Perhaps getting married during a recession really does remove the stress and fanfare of the big event and concentrates more on the idea of a “happily ever after.”
Cancer event planned Thursday in Oklahoma City
Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events will host a showroom reveal to benefit the Pink Envelope Project of the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation.
The event will be at 6 p.m. April 2 at Marianne’s Rentals for Special Events, 225 W Britton Road. Twenty local wedding professionals have worked together to create innovative decor to inspire Oklahoma brides.
The Pink Envelope Project raises money to grant wishes of terminal breast cancer patients. An Oklahoma woman’s wish will be granted at the event.
Designer Monique Lhullier will be sending her custom pink wedding gown to be displayed at the event. D’Plazzo Couture Gowns of Edmond will reveal one of its gowns from the 2009 collection.
For more information on the Pink Envelope Project of Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, go online to www.pinkenvelopeproject.org and www.makingmemories.org. For event information, call 751-3100. Cost to attend is to bring a doantion of any size.
Getting married? Check out these Top 5 bride-on-a-budget ideas
Everyone wants a wedding that becomes one of the most memorable days of his or her life. But, the current economic downturn can make planning that special day a stressful and more challenging task. While budgets may be stretched – couples are still falling in love, becoming engaged and getting married.
”We are seeing a new type of bride emerge,” says Denise Viotti, senior vice president and creative director of bridal and special occasion retailers Camille La Vie and Group USA. “We call her the Recessionista Bride. She is a fashionable young woman not willing to miss out or compromise on the wedding she has always dreamed about. She is however, making smarter financial decisions when it comes time to budgeting for the big day.”
Viotti said there are plenty of ways to make a dream wedding come true without breaking the bank. “Couples just need to know where to look and what to cut back on.” So what does a Recessionista Bride do?
2. Choose a simpler style. “A large part of the reason bridal gowns are so expensive is because of their complex construction, expensive fabrications, and embellishments. Looking for a simpler gown with clean lines and less beading or trim will significantly reduce the retail price,” says Viotti. Spring’s freshest trends include classic A-lines, trumpet skirts and flowing Grecian gowns — all in luxe fabrics with just a hint of embellishments for extra special nighttime glamour.
3. Have a less formal reception. Saturday night weddings aren’t a bride’s only option. Opting for day weddings or even destination weddings allows for a less formal affair and in many cases, a smaller attendee list. By choosing an off time or a unique location, couples save big on the venue and all the other inflated costs of a primetime wedding. A pared down venue also allows the bride to choose a less elaborate dress and cut down on many of the trimming including a long-train and/or veil. Many bridal retailers now offer an assortment of destination bridal gowns to fit individual style.
4. Shop online. “It used to be that shopping online for fitted fashions like bridal gowns and social occasion pieces was risky but a good website also has a customer service number where trained associates can answer questions about fit, fabrics, etc.” says Viotti. Additionally, when shopping online, look for incentives like free shipping. In case the dress arrives and the bride is still not happy, free shipping makes the cost of returning it by mail less intimidating.
5. Look for sales. Springtime is chock full of bridal events and sales to lure shoppers in – brides should take advantage of them! Scour the papers and ask sales associates for any upcoming events or additional sales. If the wedding isn’t until autumn, shopping at the end of the season may prove to be payoff big.
Go online to camillelavie.com or groupusa.com for a list of store locations nationwide and to shop online for bridal, mother-of-the-bride, attendant, prom, and all special occasion dresses.
Brides are rethinking their wedding budgets this year
In a perfect world, every bride would be able to have her dream wedding regardless of cost. In the real world, that doesn’t happen often. Budget almost always figures into the picture and it plays an even bigger role when the economy is lousy.
Here’s some information from a David’s Bridal survey. It’s a bit long, but if you’re planning a wedding, read on:
With nearly a quarter of couples becoming engaged between Thanksgiving and New Years, the beginning of the year marks the period known as “Bridal Christmas.” Many women may be starting 2009 with a ring on their finger, but less cash in their wallets. While the uncertain economy will not stop couples determined to tie the knot, it is causing them to rethink their spending habits – especially when it comes to wedding planning.According to the annual “What’s on Brides’ Minds” survey, conducted by Infosurv, Inc. for David’s Bridal, three-quarters (75%) of brides-to-be admit that they will have to make adjustments to their wedding budget as a result of the economic climate. About one quarter plan to cut their budget in half and one in ten said their budget had dropped more than 75%. Over half (53%) of respondents do not plan to spend more than $25,000 on their big day, while a little over one third (34%) said they plan to spend $10,000 or less. As a sign of the times, aside from their wedding, paying off debts (77%) was noted as couples’ top economic priority.“Brides always strive to create the perfect wedding day without spending a fortune; it is simply more pronounced due to the state of the economy,” said Robert Huth, president and CEO of David’s Bridal.
For brides-to-be getting ready to take the plunge in 2009, David’s Bridal offers these tips to help them personalize and plan their wedding day without breaking the bank:
Engage in Chiconomics: Be a Smart Shopper
In these challenging economic times, brides should create a spending plan to identify where they want to splurge and where they feel they can spend more cautiously. The survey revealed that the first area that brides-to-be would be willing to adjust is the number of guests (45%), followed by the wedding cuisine (45%). When asked what items they refuse to compromise on, the top responses were wedding bands (45%) and, not surprisingly, their wedding dress (37%).
While the perfect wedding dress may be where future brides are willing to put their money, if there is less of it, spending wisely is key. Fifty-five percent of brides surveyed said they plan to spend no more than $600 on the bridal gown of their dreams. To stay within budget, it’s a good idea to shop at a bridal store that offers wedding attire and accessories for the bride and entire bridal party to save both time and money. Brides-to-be should also look for bridal stores that offer discounts on additional products and services, including financing options, layaway programs or proprietary credit cards that have same as cash terms.
Consider Going Green: Eco-Friendly Weddings Can Be Wallet-Friendly, Too
This year’s survey revealed that many future brides have a “green” side and are concerned with preserving the environment. While 45% of those surveyed said they are making an effort to be environmentally conscious, many do not realize that eco-friendly practices are also great ways to save cash. Brides can plan an earth-friendly wedding and help keep costs down for friends and family by selecting bridesmaid dresses that can actually be worn again (re-use is a cornerstone of going green) –whether for another function or with ballerina flats and a cardigan for a date night– or encourage their bridesmaids to choose a flattering dress in the wedding color scheme. Almost two-thirds of respondents (59%) said they were planning on one of these options, to ensure that bridesmaids are happy with –and reuse– their dresses. For wedding invitations, if a bride-to-be wants a traditional style to mail, she may want to look for green options, including those made of 100% recycled paper or natural cotton fibers filled with wildflower seeds.
Don’t Compromise Personal Style for Budget: It’s All About You
Buying a wedding dress is a big decision, and with limited funds brides-to-be need to make the smartest choice. The key is to find a gown that fits the budget and the bride’s style preference. Brides should look for a bridal retailer that offers gowns that are fashion-forward and affordable because they can have both. Beyond the dress, it’s important for brides to create their own unique style for their big day, which is easy with the right bridal accessories. From colorful sashes to distinctive crystal brooches and delicate veils, brides have an array of options from which to choose when tailoring their look to complement their personal style. A beautiful piece of family jewelry can also be passed down through the generations as a meaningful heirloom.
Buyer Beware: Look for a Partner You Can Trust
With the declining economy, an added concern has recently surfaced among the newly engaged – trusting that a bridal shop and designer they choose will be able to deliver. Nearly half of brides surveyed (46%) are concerned that their bridal boutique may go out of business. In light of this, brides should choose a reputable partner that has a solid record. When smaller bridal shops close their doors due to the economy, they often leave brides stranded without their deposit or gown – a significant blow to a wedding budget. To further ease concerns, brides may want to choose a bridal store that allows you to try on a dress in their size and take it home the same day.
When it comes to selecting “The One,” while friends and family tend to most frequently dish wedding advice, brides should not forget to take advantage of the resources at the store where they purchase their gown. Bridal consultants are a great source of information, providing knowledgeable insight into the quality, fit and design of all gowns. They are also most familiar with the inventory and may suggest a gown that a bride may not have considered.
Explore the Internet: Surf, Shop & Share Online
The Internet can serve as a very useful tool for wedding planning, so couples should compare costs and look for sales in this tough economy. There are several online bridal retailers that offer valuable services to help brides create a seamless wedding day, so couples should do their homework ahead of time. The web also makes it a cinch to get the opinions of loved ones. Surprisingly, only 23% of brides-to-be reported using social networking sites to poll their friends and family about wedding day elements, but as expected, sites like MySpace and Facebook were the most popular.
Savor the Moment: A Wedding is a Once in a Lifetime Occasion
While planning a wedding in today’s economy can be challenging, a little research and smart shopping goes a long way. Brides should try not to get too caught up in the planning process and remember that a wedding is a joyous occasion to celebrate. When it comes down to it, no matter what the budget, once a bride has met her match, she’s already rich in love!
Brides magazine turns 75
Even if you’re not a blushing bride-to-be, you may find this interesting. Brides magazine is celebrating its 75th anniversary with decades of outrageous fashion, classic covers and wedding trends that define the times.
The magazine, originally named So You’re Going to Be Married, was launched during the Depression, a time when businesses had to be creative to stay afloat. That was in 1934 and two years later it was renamed The Bride’s Magazine. In the ’70s, it became simply Bride’s and in 2005 the apostrophe disappeared.
Brides owns many first. Along with being the first wedding magazine, it was also the first to cover interfaith marriages, intercultural couples, pregnant brides and same sex marriages.
The magazine also pushed the wedding gown to fashion status and helped launch super careers. Heidi Klum’s first cover was Brides.
The February/March issue will be on stands through Feb. 9.
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Oklahoma Wedding Show in Tulsa on Jan. 3
So you’re engaged. Congrats! Now make plans to attend the 2009 Oklahoma Wedding Show Jan. 3 in Tulsa.
The event will feature top local and national wedding vendors showcasing the latest in fashion, food, photography and entertainment. Wedding trends will be featured on the runway with fashion shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
More than $12,000 in prizes will be given away throughout the day, including the incredible Dream Wedding Giveaway, a Mikimoto pearl necklace courtesy of Bruce G. Weber, jewelry by Marise Designs from Saks Fifth Avenue, and other goodies. Participants must be present to win.
Sugar artist and cake designer Kerry Vincent will be showing some of her edible art, too. She was a judge on the “The Food Network Challenge.”
Admission is $7. For more information, call (918) 744-6205 or go online to www.okmag.com.
Diamond-accented wedding gown on display at B.C. Clark Jewelers
A few weeks ago I wrote about a wedding gown embellished with diamonds and designed by D’Plazzo Couture Designs in Edmond. The $100,000 gown, pictured here, will be on display at B.C. Clark Jewelers in downtown Oklahoma City.
D’Plazzo partnered with B.C. Clark Jewelers to embellish the gown with 130 round Lazare diamonds. Two 20-inch platinum strands of Lazare diamonds are secured and draped across the sweetheart neckline. The diamond necklace strands, weighing more than 20 carats, can be removed to make necklaces for the bride.
The gown will be on display from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 17-22 at the store at 101 Park Ave.
More budget tips from wedding planner Donnie Brown
Donnie Brown, a wedding planner in Dallas, said draperies and lighting are two of the easiest and least expensive ways to add to drama and sophistication to a wedding or reception.
I wrote about Brown’s budget-saving ideas in today’s Life section. He also said linens can make a big difference in the feel of a room. If a venue doesn’t provide linens, he urges brides to rent them. Many rental companies offer them for $25 to $37 each; if there are 10 tables, it can cost as little as $250 for a lot of look.
“You can’t beat that to totally transofrm the room. Celebrities have theirs made, but who is going to know the difference?”
Brown’s clients include singer LeAnn Rimes. Brown is also on Style Network’s “Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?”
While even most celebrites have a budget in mind (it’s just much bigger than most brides), the easiest way for brides to get the wedding of their dreams and save money is to hire a wedding planner.
“Don’t ever consider a wedding planner expensive,” he said. “Consider them an expense you can’t live without.”
Wedding planners can save money on flowers because they use florists regularly and can buy at wholesale. They know the trends, the different ways to cut expenses, the small things you can do to make your wedding different.
“You want your wedding to have an edge to it,” he said. ” Hire a wedding planner so they can help you make your wedding fresh. Girls want all their girlfriends to say this is the nicest wedding I’ve been to … they want that response.”
Other budget-cutting ideas to think about:
* Buffets can be more expensive than seated dinners because buffets must be constantly replenished so guests can eat to their heart’s content.
* Consider European dining service, one of Brown’s signatures. Have wait staff bring mutliple entrees and courses on a platter to the table. Guests can select fish, chicken or beef, but when the food is gone, it’s gone.
* Or opt for dual entrees — instead of 8 oz. of fish, give them 4 oz. of beef and 4 oz. of fish.
* Forget national averages for the cost of a wedding. You don’t have to spend $15,000 on a gown. Consider one of last year’s styles at a fraction of the cost. They’re still beautiful gowns, and who really is going to know that it was in last year’s collection. What’s the point of spending all your money on a gown if you can’t afford flowers or food, he said.
* Use a credit card (one that’s different from the one you use on a regular basis) to pay for your wedding. Pay it off each month, and make sure it has a bonus program (air miles, hotels, etc.) so you get a benefit from all the money you’re spending on your wedding.
* Whether you use a wedding planner or not, determine what percentage of budget should go into each category — food, flowers, lighting, etc. Meet with each vendor with a dollar figure in mind.
* A simple wedding can be just as beautiful as an elaborate one.
* Remember, the reception is where 80 percent of the money goes.
* Eliminate problems. Think smarter, not harder.
More from Steve Kemble, celebrity wedding planner
Celebrity wedding planner Steve Kemble is outrageous, hilarious and knows his stuff. I interviewed him by phone to talk about, what else, weddings and The Wedding Workshop Oct. 4-5 in Oklahoma City. Kemble lives in Dallas. He hosted the spring event and is back for a bigger and better workshop.
We chatted on and on, and I got way too much information to include in my story in Sunday’s Living section. So here are the leftovers and his thoughts on:
Wedding planners: I think more and more people are seeking out wedding planners. It’s a matter of time. It takes a lot of time to plan a wedding, and a lot of people don’t have time to invest in it.
If you’re planning a wedding, you maybe go to the florist once a year. I’m using that florist 75 times a year. I’m pretty much buying at wholesale and saving you time.
Just explore it. I think you’ll find it will save you time and money. Not that a wedding planner has to do everything single aspect of the wedding.
What to splurge on: Photography and good champagne. Food is always a good splurge, depending on the time of the day, and the honeymoon.
Food and beverage trends: Specialty drinks, lots of food stations, maybe five or six around the room, small plates, bite-size appetizers (always without onion and garlic), salad and cheese buffets, foods that are labeled. One reception offered guests mini grill cheese sandwiches with tomato soup. Food that’s easy to eat, such as lollipop food on a stick (think meatball), even lollipop drinks such as a margarita popsicle.
What makes him cringe?: I don’t like to see a mother of the bride outshine the bride, either in actions or dress style. It happens, unfortunately, a lot. It’s not advisable for the mother of the bride to be walking down the aisle in a shocking red dress. No one should be outshining the bride.
Boosey groomsman (and bridesmaids), especially if it’s an evening wedding. Keep the bridal party entertained during the day — maybe a round of golf or watching a sports game on television for the guys; spa time for the girls. On this particular day, you have to keep the wedding party under control.
Celebrity weddings: They totally set the trends. Brides ask for the same cake that was served at Eva Longoria’s wedding. When Adam Sandler got married, his dog was in the wedding and that set off a trend.
Favorite wedding to plan: A couple in their 30s who have been living together. They both have jobs and know exactly what they want. They’re grounded and paying for the wedding themselves. That’s like a dream couple.
