Category — Trends

Pink is all about femininity.  The delicate.  The newness of spring.  The inner princess.

That’s why pink is perfect for weddings.  Considering a pink theme wedding?  You’re not alone.

Fashion designers are all about PINK this spring, according to the recent article , “Pink Panthers” in New York Times Magazine.  This could mean a new 2009 wedding trend: the perfectly pink wedding.

You don’t have to drape everything in pink.  A subtle choice of napkins, flowers and candles at the tables sets the pink palette nicely.

Even the guys can get in on the action with pink pinstripes and a pink and black tie.

Bridesmaid dresses in pink for that flirty, spring vibrancy.

Pink wedding gowns run the gamut from full princess skirts, pink crinoline, with the works…to more subdued pink accents on a wedding gown.  This one is young, flirty and simple with pink accents that don’t overpower.

But if you’re ready for a pink explosion…there are tons of pink wedding gowns available.  This on is a classic wedding dress in pale pink with an elegant corset back.

Whether 2009 wedding trends show an abundance of pink or not, I am definitely seeing more and more use of color as brides ditch the traditional white in favor of personality expressing sashes, beading, bindings and accessories.

How will you use color at your wedding?  Leave me a comment.

The numbers don’t lie.

The average wedding cost in 2007:  $28,704

The average wedding cost in 2008:  $21,814

This is a BIG DEAL.  For the first time in decades, the average cost of a wedding has decreased by 24%.

The big wigs at The Wedding Report were predicting a continued increase in spending for 2008, but they were wrong.  Dead wrong.

The economy has finally taken a big ole wack at the “recession-proof” wedding industry.  And given that the average wedding cost for 2009 were predicted at $29,614…if we can expect another 24% decrease in spending (and probably more)…that means the cost of an average wedding in 2009 will be $22,507.

What does this mean for you?

First of all, wedding professionals are panicking.  This is the first time the wedding industry has been affected by an economic downturn in a long, long time.  The size of the pie is shrinking, and each wedding vendor is fighting for a smaller piece.  Photographers, DJs, bands, florists and caterers have been resting on their laurels, confident that they could keep increasing their prices because the wedding market would keep getting bigger and bigger.  They’re in for a wake up call.

That means this is a GREAT time to plan your wedding.

Why?  How can you say that, Stephanie, when the economy is tanking?

Because wedding discounts and deals are available NOW that were unheard of even one year ago.

A wedding professional who is running scared is primed and ready to cut a bargain.  All you’ve got to do is shake their tree a little, and the discounts will come raining down.

How do I know this?  Well, as a wedding insider, I get a peek behind the scenes.  Business is down for many of the most successful vendors.  And with regular bills to pay, they’re slashing prices and offering incentives for brides to book them.

I teach you exactly what to do to maximize discounts from every wedding vendor–even the ones who claim they don’t “negotiate”–in my FREE special report on how to get a wedding discount from anyone.  Download it today to maximize your advantage in this down economy.  With less money to go around, you need every savings you can get.

Plain old guest books are just so…2008.  I predict (and you can quote me on this one) a 2009 wedding trend for even more alternative wedding guestbooks.

If you plan to use your guestbook to collect the names of the guests who attend your wedding so that you can send the appropriate people thank you letters…well, it works for that purpose.  But what are you going to do with the guestbook AFTER the wedding?  How much fun will you and your hubbie have studying the list of names in the standard white album embossed with the word “Guestbook” in gold lettering?

Get bold.  Get creative.  Try these alternative wedding guestbook ideas on for size.

The Flip Video Guestbook - I admit it: I’m a sucker for my brand new Flip Mini video camera.  For a little over $200 you can shoot high resolution videos at the touch of a button.  Just hit one button to record.  Even a drunk can handle that!  Which brings me to my point…if you buy (or borrow) a Flip for your wedding, you can ask guests to record a quick video message.  You’ll have quirky video memories to last a lifetime.

Video Booth - If you’re worried about staggering guests wandering away with your new Flip video camera, you can always rent a video booth.  Similar to a photo booth, guests can step inside and shoot a quick video message for you.  Rental cost starts at $795, but you’ll get a DVD of everyone’s videos to take home with you.

Polaroid Guest Book - Have a polaroid camera at your wedding reception and ask guests to take pictures of themselves, place it into a scrap book and sign beside it.  A quick tip: if you decide to do this, make sure you have someone responsible and sober to make sure you get everyone’s picture.  The cocktail hour is usually a good time to do this.

Whatever you do for your wedding, don’t do it just because you’re “supposed” to.  You don’t need to have a wedding guestbook at all.  But if you add a little twist to the traditional guestbook, you’ll have something extra special to remember your wedding day.

Photo by Randy Son of Robert

These days everybody thinks they’re a photographer.  Including Aunt Betsy here.

Your wedding day is no exception.  Between your wedding photographer, the kids with bulk disposable cameras, and the amateur photographers among your guests, you’ll have your own personal paparazzi.

It’s become the fashion to buy those cute, cheap wedding cameras and plunk them down on each table at your wedding with a note asking guests to please take photos for the bride and groom.

But is the cost of bulk disposable cameras really WORTH it?

The short answer is, NO.

Most brides after their weddings report the cost of cheap wedding cameras was a waste of money.  By the time you add the cost of buying the cameras ($1.55 x 15 tables = $23.25) to the cost of developing the photos ($10.69 for the first 2 plus $3.29 each additional =  $53.46) you’ve spent $77 total.  Most of the photos will be unusable, the groomsmen are going to take them into the bathroom to share a “special” moment with the camera…if you’re lucky, you’ll get 6 photos you like for all the money and hassle you’ll spend sorting through 300+ grainy pictures.

However, if you’re a huge fan of disposable cameras and you’ve got the room in your budget…go for it.  Just assign each cheap wedding camera to a responsible guest you know will at least attempt to take decent photos.

On the other hand…why not take advantage of your wedding paparazzi?

You can easily create a wedding photo share site at a website like Shutterfly.com or Pictoma.com.  Your guests can upload photos they took of your wedding for FREE and you can view and print them if you choose.

Another way to capture your guests’ images is with the Canditto, a computer based kiosk that lets your guests download their photos into the device.  Remind your guests to insert their camera’s memory card before they leave, and you can take those photos home on a flash drive to view right away.

The Canditto is a bit pricey at $650 to rent it, but it’s sure to get cheaper in the future.

Are you for or against bulk disposable cameras at weddings?  Leave me a comment.

Photo by Michael Lemmon

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.

Photo by Reuben Ingber

Brides across the United States are freaking out over the downturned economy.  For the first time in over twenty years, the so-called “recession-proof” wedding industry is suffering as brides scrimp, save, and trim their budgets.

The New York Times article, “Recession? Time To Slash the Flower Budget,” relates the woeful tale of one bride who sold her $3,400 Amsale dress on Craiglist, canceled her post-wedding brunch, halved her flowers, trimmed the photography package and skipped the wedding cake to save money.

Boo hoo.  Hey, I sympathize with wedding dreams crushed by the economy and people feeling the pain of lost jobs and decimated pay checks.  But when the going gets tough, the brides get tougher.

It’s time to flex my CONTRARIAN muscles.  Call me crazy, but this is a fantastic time to be planning a wedding.

Before you write me off as crazy, let me explain why…

ALL wedding prices are negotiable.  This holds true in both an up and down economy.  But in a down economy, that same fear you are feeling puts pressure on wedding vendors to grab on to any business that comes their way…even if it means discounting their price.

The down economy gives you “leverage” for getting even BIGGER discounts.

JoAnn Gregoli, coordinator for the Association of Bridal Consultants agrees, “It’s a buyer’s market if you’re still getting married and you have the money.”

It’s a buyer’s market. That means YOU have the advantage…no matter how much money you have.

It’s also becoming increasingly “chic” to go with simple elegance at a wedding, rather than over-the-top indulgence which is considered poor taste during a recession.

It’s the perfect opportunity to TRIM THE FAT.  Pare away all the unnecessary, extra, expensive trinkets and baubles you’re “supposed” to have for your wedding day to leave only the essential elements of a dream wedding that are really important to you.

I’ve just written a special report called “The Bride’s Secret Weapon: The Four Tactics That Give You An Unfair Advantage Over Wedding Vendors That Literally Compel Them To Give You Discounts.”  It’s one of the most valuable reports I’ve ever written, in my humble opinion, and if you follow my step by step technique it will save you $1,000’s on your wedding.

And I’m giving it away FREE.  Click here to get your copy and learn to plan an affordable wedding instantly.

How is the economy affecting your wedding plans?  Leave me a comment.

The Wedding Report has posted it current predictions and wedding trends for 2009.  It’s interesting to compare this with other trend spotters, as The Wedding Report compiles its reports from Federal, State and local government offices, CDC, Census Bureau, Department of Labor, ESRI, Easy Analytic Software, Inc., The Conference Board Inc., Pew Internet & American Life Project, and proprietary surveys.

Here are the findings:

• In 2009, the number of couples getting married will stay steady at 2.2 million.  However, if the economy continues its downturn, expect to see a dip as couples postpone their weddings.
• The average cost of a wedding will decrease in 2009, expected at $21,000-25,000.

2009 Trends per The Wedding Report:

• Smaller wedding receptions with fewer guests.
• Increased use of green and eco-friendly services.
• Simplified decorations.
• Increased usage of online RSVP’s instead of traditional mailing RSVPs.
• Off-peak weddings: mid-week, brunch, afternoon.
• Buffet and cocktail hour receptions.
• Cheesecakes, cupcakes and mini-cakes instead of a traditional wedding cake.

What does all this mean?

Well, we’re feeling the downturn of the economy.  Brides will be making more cost-saving decisions for their weddings.

Hopefully, etiquette will catch up to the 21st century and it will be “appropriate” to send wedding invitations and/or respond to them on the internet, saving the expense of invitations and postage.  About damn time!

What else does this mean?

Wedding vendors are scared. For the first time in decades, the cost of the average wedding is decreasing.

And a scared vendor is a vendor who’s willing, ready and able to offer big DISCOUNTS for your business.

All of which means that 2009 is an even better year to be planning your dream wedding.  Call me the eternal optimist, but I see the silver lining here.

It’s time to be bold, confident and smart and seize those deals that are yours for the taking!

Take your savings savvy to the next level with my wedding planning book.

Until then, it’s my mission to cram this blog full of great savings ideas and discounts.

Got a question about wedding trends in 2009?  Leave me a comment.

“The average cost of a wedding in 2008 is $28,700.” (as reported by TheWeddingReport.com)

The numbers are in and you’ll be hearing it everywhere you go.

I’m sharing the secrets to doing just that in my Dream Wedding newsletter. If you haven’t signed up yet, join us. More good stuff to come!