2009 CMWA Bride Panel

The Central Minnesota Wedding Association held its second annual bridal panel on November 17th. We had five brides who were married within the last 12 months share their wedding planning stories - as they searched and booked different wedding vendors.

A couple of the common themes I heard:

• Email is the preferred way to communicate with brides (no more phone!)
• It's not all about money. People are willing to spend a bit more to get quality service.
• Money is being spent on the things the couple is passionate about.

We had approximately 50 vendors in the audience, who were able to ask questions and learn first-hand what engaged couples are looking for when choosing vendors for their wedding. I always enjoy going to events like this one. It gives me some great insight on how the wedding industry is changing and what people are expecting.

Many people ask me what the future of the industry looks like for 2010...and it's looking good! Most reception hall managers tell me their Saturday nights are almost fully booked this summer- and many of their Friday nights are also booked. This should trickle down to other vendors in the coming weeks and months. The reception hall is typically the first or second thing that is booked. (You do need a DATE to get married!)

If you are a vendor and are interested in what happened at the Bride Panel, send me an email and I will send you a link to the .MP3 version of the panel.

I did take a picture on my phone at the event...it's pretty horrible. It does not do justice to the time Gina and her staff put into making The Crown Room look spectacular for the panel.