Bridal shows across the country are reporting a steady rise in both attendance and vendor participation over last year, signaling a better 2010 season. The positive news is being verified in all segments of the bridal industry, as leaders in the jewelry and dress segments report good sales and a more positive outlook for the remainder of the year.
Growing discussions with Bridal Show producers say they’re experiencing growing vendor interest and participation, as intelligence that corresponds with eWedNews information intersect. Richard Markel of Bridal Expo in California told eWN this week, “We’re seeing it, feeling it but we’re going to wait and see the final outcome, once all the final numbers are posted.” Markel is a respected wedding industry source and was the first to respond to eWN reporting since launching this month.
Past discussions with Bill Heaton of the national Great Bridal Expo said things were looking up last year, after being forced to reconsider staging events in areas due to the economic challenges. The delay of wedding planning was felt to be directly attributed to uncertainty due to the presidential election and economic factors in late 2008 into 2009. Now, it is felt those delayed plans have led to a backlog of events that are finally happening.
The sale of diamonds used in engagement rings plummeted in 2008 causing many of the dead spots in 2009 months, especially in August. The same methodology was used to track this year's forecast. So far, a better June and in some areas, May, are felt to be the resulted backfilling of prime dates that were still available, according to catering facilities. “People that didn’t lose their jobs or had another full year to save have less of an excuse to wait any longer,” feel some location owners. With fall still growing in popularity among younger couples, 2010 could prove to be a welcomed surprise when all is said and done.
Regional vendor sources are confirming the higher attendance this year, agreeing events that were delayed because of the fear of job losses could be in the rear view mirror. “People are definitely being more cautious about spending but they are having events that better reflect the current climate. As things improve, so will the spending; we just need to hang in there and get past the remainder of this year,” its being said. Overall, most sources agree the freefall that began in 2008 has slowed and hope it will be the beginning of a rebound in the wedding industry.
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2010
Posted on 01/27/2010
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