Eight 2009 Wedding Trends In A Slow Economy

The Associated Press ran an article predicting the trends of 2009, all of which will be greatly influenced by the slow economy.

The bad news: the US experienced the worst year of holiday retail sales in almost 50 YEARS.  It’s predicted that 25% of retail stores will go out of business.

The good news: retailers are slashing prices and deep discounting in a effort to recover.  Which means it’s a great time for bargain hunting…especially if you’re planning a wedding.

Here are the Top Trends predicted for 2009 and how they will effect your wedding plans:

Trend 1: Entertainment Sales SOAR.

With the economy in the gutter, people want to lift their spirits.  Entertainment will be more important than ever, just as it was in the Great Depression.

I predict brides will focus on providing an unforgettable, fun celebration for their guests…even as they trim their budgets in other areas.  FUN will be priority #1.

Trend 2: The “Cuspers” Born Between 1955-1964 Rise To Power.

President-Elect Obama and Caroline Kennedy among them, this generation is ready to make its mark with focused energy for change.

Your parents are likely in this group.  They’ll be activating, mobilizing and focusing on their own careers and retirement plans…which means you’ll be on own paying for your wedding.  It will be more important than ever for you do become a wedding super saver.

Trend 3: Pull Back To Spending Within Your Means.

People cut back on extras and pare down to the essentials, spending within their means instead of using credit cards.

Brides will do the same in planning their weddings, cutting the guests list and focusing on the most important wedding elements in their celebrations.

Trend 4: Budget Fashion Hits Couture.

The newest designs are inexpensive and chic, using recycled materials and cheap supplies.

Good news for brides: wedding gowns will follow the same trend, with new designs that are fashionable and affordable.

Trend 5: Distraction Becomes Entertainment.

Gamers, social networkers and series addicts will gather online to discuss the tiniest details of entertainment.  Distraction becomes entertainment becomes obsession.

The wedding chat rooms and blogs will be full of brides looking to distract themselves from their fears about the economy by bonding with others.  References and resources will make finding bargains even easier.

Trend 6: The Rise of Mini-Media

People will start using mini mobile devices instead of the computer: the iPhone, Bold and Google phone as they try to conserve on internet costs and use their phone for multi-tasking.

Yep, even more brides will be planning via mobile devices during the week…when they’re supposed to be working.

Trend 7: Customer Feedback Shifts Power Back To the Consumer.

Finally all the complaining customers are doing online about products and services that don’t work is going to get some attention.  With the downturned economy, retailers are finally going to LISTEN.

That’s good news for brides: you’re back in control.  Your voice is being heard and wedding vendors will be dropping prices and improving to get your business.

Trend 8: The Return of Grunge.

Elaborate, lavish designs will be a thing of the past.  Being a frugalista, one who dresses cheap and fashionably, will be hip.

On the wedding front, expensive, over the top gowns are OUT.  In with simple elegance…and a lighter price tag to match.

QUICK NOTE: To learn the best insider secrets you need to know now more than ever to plan your wedding and find the best deals in the down economy so you can still have your dream wedding…download my FREE Special Report that will teach you to save 10-50% on your wedding services and check out my eBook at www.SimplyYourSpecialDay.com.

What are YOUR predictions for 2009?  Leave me a comment.