According to research and statistics from WE tv Networks Wedding Report, the average cost of a wedding increased 21.9 percent in the first half of 2010, from $19,581 (in late 2009) to $23,867. That’s a good-size increase for the industry, and it should put a smile on the face of wedding planners everywhere. Despite the slow-to-churn economy, the wedding industry is growing, which means there are opportunities for success at every turn - if you know where to look. While not every service sector saw growth, most of them did. Let’s break down the increase (with more thanks to WE for these numbers):

* Planner/consultant a la carte services were up 84.2% at an average of $1,171.
* Gifts for the bride were up 53.1% at an average of $253.
* Hiring a consultant for initial planning was up 50.4% at an average of $920 - the sector with the biggest gain in spending.
* Other jewelry was down 61.7% at an average of $304.
* Reception accessories was down 55.3% at an average of $200.
* Ceremony accessories was down 49.7% at an average of $207 - the sector with the biggest decline in spending.

Demand went up in the first half of 2010 for products and services. Those with the biggest increases were travel and transportation and musicians, while demand went down the most for facials, manicures and pedicures and teeth whitening.

We don’t think there is a lot of surprise hidden in these numbers. It makes sense that brides are putting their money where it matters most and not with the frivolities often associated with weddings. Hiring a wedding planner to put together a budget at the very beginning makes perfect sense to us, and we’re not surprised to see an increase in that sector of the industry. What does this mean to LWPI’s certified wedding and event consultants? It shows you exactly how to market yourself in this down economy. Showing brides how to get the most bang for their buck is exactly what they’re looking for, and these numbers prove it. It’s easy to get down about business right now if you don’t look for the smaller opportunities. Offering smaller planning packages is a great way to get your foot in the door, and from there you can easily prove to a bride that she can’t live without you.

The Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute always encourages its certified wedding and event coordinators to give back to the community whenever they’re able. When we hear of an opportunity tailored to our industry we try to pass it along, and the upcoming Blissful Wishes Ball, coordinated by Wish Upon a Wedding, is just what we keep an eye out for. The ball is actually a set of galas across the country, scheduled for November 12. At the same time, the foundation will be running an online auction, Bid Your Wish for Wedding Bliss. The purpose of both events is to raise money for Wish Upon a Wedding, which is “the world’s first nonprofit wedding wish granting organization, providing weddings for terminally ill individuals, regardless of sexual orientation. The official wedding wish granting organization & partner of the Association of Bridal Consultants.” Directions to take part in the galas and auction follow, directly from the foundation:

“Couples planning to be married can bid for wedding-related auction items online starting in October or at a Blissful Wishes Balls Nationwide in November, with all proceeds benefiting Wish Upon a Wedding.This new organization is the world’s first nonprofit that provides weddings for individuals facing life-threatening illness. Wish Upon a Wedding is currently seeking donated products or services in 46 cities, ranging from wedding gowns to tuxedos, invitations to cakes, and limousine services to honeymoons. It only takes a moment to register and make a difference in someone’s life at https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?auctionId=115386483. Be sure to add your item to the correct category (city), and don’t forget to include your company logo and URL. What a great advertising opportunity ~ and you’ll be making a positive difference in someone’s life who truly deserves it!”

Plus, “By donating an item or service, you’ll be helping to make wedding wishes come true for terminally ill individuals, and you’ll receive great exposure for your business in return. You’ll get a mention on our site that can link back to your own web page, as well as a spot to advertise your logo and photos from your company! It’s a great way to pay it forward, and gain business in return.”

Be sure to visit the websites linked above and see how you can help!

* Could it be true? According to a new Slim Fast study, one in three British brides admitted to choosing overweight friends as bridesmaids so that they would look thinner. We don’t know of anyone who has done something like this, but then again who would admit to it? We’d like to call B.S. on this one, but we all know that true Bridezillas walk among us….

Photo courtesy of Anthropologie

* First it was J. Crew. Then Urban Outfitters got in on the fun. And now it’s Anthropologie’s turn. We have to admit that these gowns are sure to be a hit - just like everything else the Anthropologie brand has debuted. The new bridal collection will be available in Spring 2011, and brides will be able to schedule fittings at local Anthropologie stores. The gowns will retail from $750 to $5000, which means there will be something for most bridal budgets. If you have a bridal client with her heart set on a natural, rustic, ethereal wedding this may be the place for her to find that perfect gown.

* Do you Tweet forever? Sounds strange, but every day there are more couples incorporating technology into their wedding ceremonies. One couple recently incorporated Twitter and Facebook into their wedding, and in fact they used an iPad to help officiate. The groom immediately took out his phone to tweet that he “just got married!” It went on Facebook, too. We have a feeling this is only the beginning…

* This next one isn’t exactly a new trend, but it appears to be gaining momentum. More grooms (and bridal couples overall) are taking dancing lessons ahead of their big day. “I think a lot of it’s due to the shows that you see on television that promote couple dancing,” said Traci LeBlanc, a ballroom dance instructor who offers wedding dance lessons through The Dance Center in Traverse City. Dance lessons are a great way for a stressed-out, engaged couple to spend some time together and unwind. Plus, we all know that dancing is great exercise. This is one trend we’re definitely excited to see grow!

* And finally we know that you guys are just as excited as us to read a true love story. This couple got their happy ending - even though at one point they thought it was never going to happen for them. Ryan Price, an Airborne Ranger in the U.S. Army, lost both of his legs in 2008 after driving over an IED in Afghanistan. It’s a miracle that he survived, doctors say. At first their relationship wasn’t meant to be because who wants to start something with a man leaving for another part of the world? But then Leslie Terry heard that Ryan died, and … well just read it for yourself. What a great story!

So, as always: Tell us your favorite wedding stories of the week, or share the links with us! You never know what you’re going to run across in this industry.

Photo courtesy of We TV

While we must admit that it would be amazing to be a bride featured on WE TV’s Platinum Weddings, it’s also pretty darn cool when you’re a featured wedding planner on the show, too! That’s what happened to LWPI graduate Aimee Wendell of 2Chic Events and Design, who is a featured planner on season five of the hit show. Aimee runs her company out of Sacramento, Calif., and was pleased as punch to be working with Frank and Charity, whose nearly $1.5 million wedding is featured on Platinum Weddings. We know that many of you are following your dream of becoming professional wedding and event planners by becoming certified through the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute. Aimee’s story is proof that dreams can come true! We wish her - and all of you - continued success! Be sure to check back soon for a full interview with Aimee, but in true wedding-planner fashion she’s super-busy right now as wedding season is in full swing! Until then check out these links and learn more about Aimee’s amazing experience with WE TV.

* Read all about Frank and Charity’s amazing wedding.
* See a list of their vendors (including Aimee!)
* Read an article about the experience in Sacramento Bride and Groom.
* Aimee’s website, blog and contact information.
* Follow Aimee on Twitter.

LWPI is excited to announce that it has joined forces with world-renowned design icon Preston Bailey. Together, they will create and launch the first event-design course of its kind, based on Bailey’s 30 years of experience with such celebrities as Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Uma Thurman, Joan Rivers, Donna Karan, Liza Minnelli, Matt Lauer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ivanka Trump and others.

Preston Bailey’s Signature Wedding and Event Design course will allow students to experience the step-by-step processes and techniques utilized by one of the globe’s leading wedding and event experts, industry pioneer Bailey. This new course is a comprehensive “how-to” for the industry, providing real behind-the-scenes footage, photographs and documentation, including insights into the wizardry that can make a wedding a one-of-a-kind, magical event for a couple and their guests.

Starting this summer, Preston Bailey’s Signature Wedding and Event Design course will roll out to nearly 2,000 academic institutions around the United States . Dependent upon each school’s administration, the course will be available to both full-time college students in regular classroom environments and adults in continuing-education programs. It will also be made directly available to students through an online program hosted by LWPI.

“Event design has been a life changing experience for me,” said Bailey, the founder of Preston Bailey Designs. “I am excited to share my passion for design by working with the experienced team at The Wedding Planning Institute.  It’s a privilege to help others harness their talents to create weddings and other events that are truly unforgettable occasions.”

Are you interested in enrolling? Good news! You can enroll today! (The class will be available in both English and Spanish.) Want more information on this exciting opportunity? Check out the following links:

* More about the partnership and the course.
* Enroll for the class today.
* Take a tour of the course (English).
* Take a tour of the course (Spanish).
* Visit Preston Bailey’s website.

Photo courtesy of the Bellingham Herald

* It was one mother’s dream to see her beautiful daughter walk down the aisle, but terminal cancer would have kept her from seeing this dream come alive if not for the loving support of her community. Bev McKissick, who passed away May 31, was able to watch her daughter Kaitlin get married last June. The wedding was made possible by an “outpouring of community donations”, and the date was moved up to make sure that Mrs. McKissick would be well enough to attend. A wedding is only as special as the people in attendance, and in this case there were a few silent guests - perfect strangers.

* RE-store employee and recent bride Rachel Blair suggests two key rules for DIY brides: Start early and always carry a tape measure. She offers classes at her store in Michigan, and she has developed the Salvage Bride Toolkit. Some people call it thrifting; some people call it wedding planning.

* Trying to plan a multicultural wedding? Expert Marilyn Ambra shares a few tips that every wedding coordinator should keep in his or her back pocket. She gives advice on “navigating those often-turbulent waters” of bi-cultural weddings (and the challenges their families present!)

* A certified wedding and event coordinator must be good at delegating tasks. That’s about the only way we know to successfully pull off a big wedding! But it might be helpful if we could run background checks on our helpers. Okay, sounds harsh, but then again maybe it doesn’t sound harsh when your helper runs away with all the couple’s gift money!

* The Father of the Bride is also lovingly referred to as Mr. Checkbook. Yeah, yeah, we know, that’s an old joke, but it doesn’t really ever get old. Ask any father! How can you make your dad feel special? How about a Father-of-the-Bride registry at Home Depot? Well, it was just a thought….

So, as always: Tell us your favorite wedding stories of the week, or share the links with us! You never know what you’re going to run across in this industry.

Photo courtesy of IFEMA

Every bride - and certified wedding and event coordinator - knows about the importance of attending local bridal shows to meet vendors and check out the newest wedding trends. But the International Bridal Fashion Exhibition takes the world of bridal shows to a whole other level. The exhibition was recently held in Spain, and the four-day wedding-fashion fair brought together 132 companies and brands to represent the best ideas in bridal gowns, groomwear and formal attire for the upcoming 2011 season. We may be just now entering wedding season in America, but the international market is already looking ahead. And when it comes to running your own business - like so many of LWPI’s graduates are - looking ahead is always a good thing.

About 3,600 hundred people attended the event, and 28 designers presented their collections. The companies that participated are already reporting favorable business results, saying they have expanded their portfolios and are already building relationship with potential new buyers. This all means that the 2011 wedding season is already looking up, which is good news for wedding professionals all across the world.

The collections shown at the international event indicate that organza, gauzy fabrics and exquisite lacework are some of the trends that will dominate wedding fashion in 2011. Textured fabric is also expected to be hot, with silk garza and satin leading the way. Bright whites appear to be less popular for 2011, while natural shades - bone whites and light beiges - will lead the way.

The event also put a focus on the whole wedding, showing that weddings are no longer a one-day event. “Weddings have moved beyond the basics. These days families with good spending power look forward to a wedding that’s truly memorable, extravagant and encompasses the luxuries of life,” said Qatar Expo CEO Mr. Karim Zarka. “IWED 2010 brings together all the options that make a wedding complete. Be it wedding designers, honeymoon destinations, gifts, chocolates, beauty or wedding venues, IWED 2010 offers everything to organize your dream wedding with ease.”

Photo courtesy of People.

* We’ve talked a lot recently about creative weddings and how it’s important for certified wedding and event coordinators to incorporate the couple and their personalities into the wedding details. Well, this is one way to do it! Shrek is a fairytale after all, right? Actually becoming Shrek and Fiona was this couple’s version of a fairytale, anyway.

* While there hasn’t been an actual White House wedding in a long time there are first daughters tying the knot these days. (Jenna Bush, who just celebrated her second anniversary, comes to mind.) Now it’s Chelsea’s turn, and all eyes are on her. While a lot of the details are being kept under wraps there are a few things out there. Here’s a link to give you all the information you want - or all the information you can get at this time.

* There is no denying the allure of Twilight. Women of all ages swoon every time Edward comes on the screen. (Unless you’re Team Jacob, of course.) And now they can have a little piece of Bella - Twilight Engagement Rings have arrived.

* Planning a wedding? (Of course you are you’re professional wedding and event planners!) Well, there’s an app for that! (Well, again, of course there is. Isn’t there an ap for everything these days?) Regardless this ap is something you definitely want to check out if you have a Smartphone. iBride is a personal wedding planner and directory that lets brides (or wedding planners!) plan their wedding on the go.

So, as always: Tell us your favorite wedding stories of the week, or share the links with us! You never know what you’re going to run across in this industry.

As certified wedding and event coordinators you’re going to get a lot of zany requests. Weddings are very personal celebrations, and every couple has Just The Thing to make their day even more special:

* Dogs as ringbearers? Check.
* Bathing suits for the couple instead of a gown and tuxedo? Check.
* An all-black wedding (even the flowers) or perhaps a red wedding gown? Check.
* Donuts or Moon Pies instead of wedding cake? Check.

You name it, and there is a wedding coordinator out there who has done it. But this? An iFairy Wedding Officiant? This is new to us. The 4-foot, pigtailed, decorated robot gave the couple such directions as “Lift the bride’s veil.” It was well-received by the Japanese crowd, which is no surprise considering the country’s efforts to incorporate robots into everyday life.

As for us, well, we’ll stick to a real, live, breathing officiant. But we’re sure there is a bridal couple out there in America just dying to have this robot at their wedding. Legal? We’re not sure, but as their wedding consultant it will be up to you to find out!

Photo courtesy of weddingwire.com

* There is so much to love about this article! Yahoo put together a list of 10 Unbelievable Wedding and Marriage Records, which include the longest marriage (86 years!) and the biggest wedding cake (17 feet high!) We don’t know about you, but we can only imagine the stress of planning a wedding with a cake that can feed 59,000 people. It might take a whole crew of certified wedding and event planners for that kind of party!

* Several prospective brides and grooms were unsure where they’d say their vows when the Clio wedding chapel burnt to the ground in Michigan. But thanks to an insurance company and a lot of style the chapel is up and running again - and making a lot of couples happy! They all agree the chapel is more beautiful than ever.

* Tim Tebow, a former Heisman Trophy winner, recently helped two fellow alumni from the University of Florida get engaged. Ian Lis wanted to make the proposal memorable, and what better way than to involve a famous quarterback! We’re sure that bride-to-be Sarah Springer (who obviously said “Yes!”) was thrilled! Check out a video of the proposal.

* This couple has the budget in the can - literally! Andrea Parrish and Pete Geyer got engaged in 2009 and decided to pay for their entire wedding with money they made off recycling 400,000 alumnium cans. As of April they were only about 60,000 cans short of their goal! The wedding, which is planned for July, has a budget of only $3,800. The couple has had a lot of donated cans, and they’ve been interviewed by hundreds of media outlets. Their wedding is sure to be a green, unique one that they’ll never forget!

So there you have it. These are some of our favorite wedding-industry stories this week! As certified wedding and event planners you never know what you might come across! Any stories to share?