Being a certified wedding and event planner means that you’re up on all the trends, and you can guide couples in any direction they want to go. As the wedding industry expands on television and the Internet there are literally hundreds of thousands of ideas out there. Sifting through all of this information can be overwhelming for couples - especially those whose idea of the perfect wedding may be less formal and/or less traditional. This is where a wedding coordinator comes in: It’s your job to help them form their idea of the perfect day then make it a reality.

According to the Wedding Report, traditional, formal weddings continue to be on the decline. Surveys of real couples in 2008 and 2009 found that brides and grooms are looking for less opulence and more focus on the family. Sure, crystals and sparkles are fabulous, but in today’s economy couples are putting more focus on their vows, their families and each other on their special day. Some wedding planners disagree with these findings, saying, “I’m getting my price, planning the right wedding for the budget. It’s all about knowing your market and providing the right service– and caring,” according to eWedNews. But that’s where we think experts are right: Being a wedding planner doesn’t mean you only work with couples who have huge budgets and big dreams. Being a wedding planner means you help all brides, regardless of budget, bring their fairytale to life. If this means a more intimate ceremony and a smaller reception that’s okay because all brides need help with the details.

Brooch Bouquet

Among the more popular low-key wedding ideas are ceremonies on the beach or at other outdoor locations and those with DIY touches. Some other ideas for low-key weddings may be receptions with more home-style food and personal touches during the ceremony such as a bouquet made of brooches that belonged to the bride’s family members.

What are other ways a certified wedding and event planner can help a bride and groom have the wedding of their dreams but make it a more simple day? The idea isn’t to cut their budget; it’s to make their budget work better for them. That’s where you come in. Start a folder of ideas for simple weddings. Show brides with smaller budgets that a wedding planner can still be their best friend. A good planner makes every wedding special, no matter the cost. And we all know that if you do a good job and make a great impression the referrals will start to flow in!

According to The Wedding Report, and as expected, “the average cost of a wedding in 2009 dropped 10.2% over 2008.” 2009 was a rough year for everybody, and while 2010 is already starting off stronger brides are still finding that planning their wedding is a challenge with a small - or shrinking - budget. This is where certified wedding and event planners can step in and, in essence, save the day.

Spending was down the most in 2009 on jewelry, gifts and invitations. But couples were less likely to cut costs when it came to their music and photographer, and brides were still intent on finding the perfect gown no matter the cost. As certified wedding and event planners you are the person every bride should turn to simply because you’re In The Know when it comes to vendors. More couples are using certified wedding planners to help them get the most value for their wedding budget. In fact, statistics show that in regard to a-la-carte planners, getting-started coordinators, and day-of planners couples spent more in 2009 than 2008. A good planner is worth his or her weight in gold, and that’s what you need to let brides know. How can you do that? One way is to hit bridal shows.

According to eWedNews, “Bridal shows across the country are reporting a steady rise in both attendance and vendor participation over last year, signaling a better 2010 season.” Experts suggest that events that were put on hold in 2008 and 2009 are now in planning mode again because couples are putting job losses behind them. Couples are still being cautious about their spending, experts say, but in many cases they believe the worst is behind them, and they’re ready to move forward with planning the happiest day of their lives. As the economic climate improves, so will couples’ attitudes and with that will follow increased spending.

Any uptick in the economy is a positive right now. And as things improve more and more couples will go ahead with their engagement and weddings. It’s a great time for those interested in becoming wedding and event coordinators to pursue their dream. Getting certified through Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute is a great way to get started, and it may even give you a leg up when it comes to being The Choice for brides in your area. Interested in a course? Check our listings to see if there is a class opening soon in your area, or give us a call if you’d like to take the course online. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by! Brides are SUPER ready for something bright and happy in their lives after the winter and economic doldrums!

Emily Meyer has always loved the idea of planning the most important day of peoples’ lives. She was the go-to person for friends and family when it came to planning social events and birthday parties. Each event was executed beautifully and flawlessly. It is when she began planning her own wedding that she knew this is what she was meant to do. With everyone around her getting engaged, she took it upon herself to offer them wedding-planning services by researching vendors within their budget and coordinating the processional for the ceremony. This is when Emily took a more serious approach to wedding planning and design.

She enrolled in the Wedding Planning Institute as her passion grew deeper for creating a fairytale ending.  After researching the best wedding vendors in Oklahoma City and completing the necessary training, the Wedding Planning Institute proudly recognized Emily as a certified wedding planner.

After six months of working closely with other wedding planners, Emily opened the doors to a whole new wedding experience. She started her own business in September of 2009. Her company, Chandelier Weddings, was a huge hit in the Oklahoma City area. After executing three weddings in her first month of opening, a high reputation and word of mouth from clients and vendors became her best marketing tools.

A unique aspect of Emily’s business is catering to not only high-end weddings, but also to weddings of couples who cannot afford an extravagant wedding. Emily says, “Every little girl dreams of that day where she will walk down the aisle to meet prince charming. For rich or for poor, I feel that every girl deserves to not only dream that wedding, but have that wedding.”

Emily was excited to find that the Wedding Planning Institute was looking for instructors in her area. She knew this was something she needed to pursue. With her ambitious attitude and strong passion for wedding planning, teaching what she loves would be an absolute joy. Emily was offered the position at the University of Tulsa and is eager to begin this endeavour as a new instructor with the Wedding Planning Institute. She looks forward to other teaching opportunities and sharing her knowledge and passion with other soon-to-be wedding planners.

“Becoming a certified wedding planner is one of the most rewarding jobs that could ever exist. Because you are certified, a bride and groom can trust you so much more. The best part of the job is when you see that bride walk down the aisle and the look on the groom’s face the first time he sees her. It is priceless. It is at that moment when you know that you have just turned a little girl’s dream into a reality and created a fairytale ending where this couple will begin a new chapter in their lives.”

The next Wedding Coordinator Certification courses taught by Emily Meyer at the University of Tulsa will be held from Feb. 8, 2010, to March 31, 2010, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuition is $795 and includes text book, online access in addition to classroom instruction, testing and national certification from the Wedding Planning Institute. To register, contact Frances Najera at the Office of Continuing Education at frances-najera@utulsa.edu or 918-631-2937.

Our apologies in advance to William Shakespeare, but this wedding news story brought out our romantic side.

Two households, both alike in history,
In fair Mesopotamia, where we lay our scene,
From recent grudge break to new unity,
Where civil blood turns civil hands clean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
Pairs of star-cross’d lovers pledge their life;
Whole governmental payouts overthrow
Do with their vows bury their parents’ strife.
The joyful blessings of their inter-sect love,
And the continuance of extremist rage,
Which, but the people’s will, nought could remove,
Is now returning to this war torn stage;
The which if you with patient ears attend,
What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend.

“Oh Muhanad, Muhanad! Wherefore art thou Muhanad?

Deny thy father and refuse thy name;

Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,

And I’ll no longer be a Shiite.”

Muhanad and Samma, among 1,700 Sunni/Shiite newlywed couples helping to heal Iraq's civil discord.

On the heels of news that the wedding industry is experiencing a unique version of the recession with the number of weddings increasing while the amount spent on each wedding is decreasing comes excellent news for the Certified Wedding Planner.

According to The Wedding Report, average fees for full service Certified Wedding Planners have increased over the past year from $1,940 in 2008 to over $2,300 through the second quarter of 2009. Today’s couples paying more for professional planners to help them realize their wedding day dreams without breaking their wedding budgets.

In other words, if you are not one already, now is the time to become a wedding planner. What other industry is getting a 20% raise this year?

By understanding current wedding trends, Certified Wedding Planners and those learning how to become a wedding planner can provide value and solutions to their clients during continued economic unease.

According to research compiled by The Wedding Report:

Areas of spending decline from 2007 to 2008

·         Wedding dress fell by 31%

·         Rehearsal dinner fell by 34%

·         Spending for a DJ fell by 6%

·         Bridesmaid bouquets fell by 36%

·         Gifts for attendants fell by 38%

·         Wedding invitations fell by 34%

·         Engagement ring fell by 30%

·         Photographer fell by 26%

·         Videographer fell by 24%

·         Wedding cake fell by 33%

·         Wedding favors fell by 9%

·         Reception food service fell by 53%

·         Limo rental fell by 24%

The current economic state is the primary factor for most spending declines, with smaller guest lists and lower-priced vendor options also contributing.

Areas of spending increase from 2007 to 2008

·         Tuxedo/suit increased by 47%

·         Ceremony location increased by 108%

·         Bride bouquet increased by 1%

·         Brides wedding band increased by 21%

·         Grooms wedding band increased by 38%

·         Reception bar service increased by 12%

·         Reception location increased by 15%

·         Reception rentals increased by 84%

Combined reception and ceremony events led to the increase in location costs while a de-emphasis on engagement rings led to higher-priced wedding band choices.

Elections matter.

Perhaps one of the most heartening changes brought about by the latest presidential election is the renewed emphasis of the role of healthy marriages in our society. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michele Obama are being hailed not just as our new First Family, but as examples of what we should all strive for in our marital relationships.

President and First Lady First Dance

From election night predictions of a national, hope-inspired baby boom to their romantic, exquisite first dances on inauguration night, Barack and Michelle Obama have been lauded for their family values and for embracing the American dream of family first. Apart from the visible model, President Obama also appears to back up his conjugal disposition with legislative ambitions geared to both strengthen and promote marriage.

Just after noon on January 20, 2009, the Obama Administration refreshed the official White House website to include a family agenda that features expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act and reintroduction of the Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act. At about the same time, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families home page was updated to reflect the new president’s intention to continue the ACF mission “to help couples, who have chosen marriage for themselves, gain greater access to marriage education services, on a voluntary basis, where they can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to form and sustain a healthy marriage.”

But even our idea of who marries and why has changed over the years.

In August 2001, the American Sociological Review reported that while 90% of American women are predicted to marry at least once in their lifetimes, women who are educated and affluent are marrying more and divorcing less often than their poorer and less-educated counterparts. This “Marriage Gap” is evident when a low-income couple puts off marriage until they can “afford it” despite having children together and a high-income couple sets a wedding date with the idea of starting their family once married.

A majority of young Americans view marriage as a status one builds up to, often through cohabitation first, and definitely after one’s finances are in order. In his November 2004 article in the Journal of Marriage and Family, “The Deinstitutionalization of American Marriage”, Andrew Cherlin explored how the institution of marriage has been weakened by changes in the social norms that define partners’ behavior. He also attempts to answer why so many people still marry or plan to marry when cohabitation and single parenthood are widely acceptable options. The symbolic significance of marriage remains high, but has transformed from a marker of conformity to a marker of prestige.

A 2001 survey by Barbara Whitehead and David Popenoe, titled “The State of Our Unions”, found that over 80% of young women feel it is more important for their husband to be able to communicate his deepest feelings than it is for him to make a good living. Nearly all unmarried respondents agreed that finding their soul mate, as opposed to someone who is a good provider or religiously compatible, is the most important factor in choosing a fiancé.

Cherlin’s findings also indicate that more and more people are viewing the wedding ceremony not as a symbol of their parents’ approval or a reason to have children, but as a statement and celebration of their own status and progress in life.

In the continuing evolution of our view of marital relationships, we can take our lead from the First Family or from our own feelings on why and when we tie the knot. But when it comes to creating the celebrations that connote the prestige, passion, and stability of the modern marriage, we take comfort in the creative and commendable work of Certified Wedding Planners everywhere.

Barack and Michelle Obama Wedding Day

While in the midst of the engagement season, many brides and grooms are finding it more than necessary to prioritize their wedding budgets. Whether they are slashing guest lists, sharing vows with betrothed friends, bartering their time and skills for venues and services, taking weekend ‘mini-moons’, or turning a Taco Bell into a drive-thru chapel/reception hall, couples are demanding more for less from their Certified Wedding Planners and their wedding vendors.

Taco Bell Wedding Venue

According to The Wedding Report, the median cost of a wedding in 2008 dropped by 24% from the previous year. While wedding budgets in 2007 averaged $28,704, including almost $1,500 spent on wedding planning services, recession concerns drove wedding budgets down to $21,814 for the most recent year. The wedding industry overall, which boasted a market value of over $72 billion just a couple years ago, is estimated to reach just $61.4 billion for 2009.

Batering For Wedding Goods and Services

Meanwhile, as brides use creativity and bargaining to navigate the still unsettling economy, Certified Wedding Planners are poised to play a crucial role in helping squeeze the most value from wedding budgets in the form of vendor discounts and venue deals. Despite the average cost of the overall wedding decreasing dramatically, wedding planners and bridal consultants will be paid more money than ever to help couples match their eager dreams to their meager budgets.

Here are The Wedding Report’s projected earnings for wedding planners in 2009:

Over the past three months, The Wedding Report has compiled information from its state of the industry survey from over 500 wedding vendors. The resulting Wedding Industry Index gives the Certified Wedding Planner a snapshot of how well our industry is holding up through the current recession.

Current Sales – From August through October 2008, 37% of vendors rated their current sales as either good or excellent. Fair or neutral ratings were reported by 48% of respondents and just 15% considered their sales to be poor.

With many in the financial industry expecting poor results from wedding businesses, actual results from the third quarter have been surprisingly good for wedding industry stalwarts such as The Knot. Similar dismal prognostications are being floated for diamond and fine jewelry seller Blue Nile and for businesses affected by recent electoral challenges.

Average Amount Spent – Vendor responses for the past three months indicate the average wedding client increased spending 13% of the time and that 29% decreased their spending. Overall, a majority of 58% of vendors report their customers’ spending remained the same as in previous months.

Although the current economic crisis is squeezing consumer spending across the board, brides and grooms have been experiencing increased wedding costs for several years. For 2008, spending for the average wedding is expected to reach $28,704 and increase by almost $1000 more for next year. The Certified Wedding Planner can expect a modest increase on the average $1,483 spent this year on wedding planning services.

A new service by The Wedding Report, Cost of Wedding, allows wedding vendors and clients to view the average costs of different wedding goods and services as well as estimate the cost of a wedding in any area throughout the United States.

Couples Getting Married – The number of couples getting married during the past three months is mostly holding steady for 72% of vendors. Those experiencing an increase and decrease were 12% and 16% respectively.

With the winter months approaching, while the number of couples getting married will increase over the same time period last year, the inevitable drop in weddings during November and December cannot be avoided. Almost a quarter million couples wed during each of the past four months, but less than 200,000 will have weddings during the next two months, prompting many industry businesses to cut costs to survive.

Sales Expectations Next Three Months – For the fourth quarter 2008, wedding vendors are mostly optimistic with 39% anticipating good or excellent sales, 50% expecting sales growth to be neutral or fair, and only 11% of replies fearing poor future sales.

While the overall feeling from this survey is that our industry is holding strong, there is a reduction of respondents reporting excellent prospects for each category of 25% to 30%. For many wedding vendors, including Certified Wedding Planners, business success will depend on providing superior customer service, working closely with industry partners, and even considering a merger to supplement your appeal to an anxious client base.