medium enterprises including caterers, photographers, florists,
beauticians, jewellers, planners, musicians. While the industry as
a whole represents significant amounts of money and economic
growth, each of the component parts is much smaller. Many of
these businesses are local, small or run by solo operators who rely
on the mindset that epitomises marriage as the most significant
high point in a couple's life, thus justifiying inflated prices.
being a first-time bride in my early 40s gave me a
grounded perspective of marriage, far removed from the
fairy-tale knight in shining armour whisking me away on a white
horse. Already parents working through the daily challenges of
blended families, businesses and juggling committments, our
wedding day dream centred around the gathering of loved ones as
opposed to chair bows and flocks of white doves.
still, figuring out where to start was a challenge. So I
did what any excited bride does, I turned to modern technology
to lend a hand. And I wasn't disappointed. Not only are there
wedding sites dedicated to everything from dresses to food,
several social media sites have grown exponentially thanks to this
thriving industry.
"have you picked your dress", catchcry of inquisitive family
and friends often sends a bride-to-be into a confusion frenzy.
Mermaid, a-line, empire, sheath or ball gown? velvet, silk, tule, satin,
chiffon or tafetta? Once again, the Internet rewarded me with a
result - the designer of my satin, swarovski crystal, backless, sheath
dress, located within 30km of my home.
pinterest became my new best friend. Filled to the brim
with eclectic inspiration for every possible theme, it's the perfect
place to create a collage of ideas, desires and visions. However,
a wedding app, such as Wedding-Apps.com (see story on page
38), would have enabled Steve and I to share our entire wedding
experience with our geographically dispersed family and friends.
no matter your religion, sexuality, geography or
perspective surrounding wedded bliss, there's no denying that
weddings are BIG business.
WEDDING INDUSTrY IS HUGE IN TErMS OF ExPENDITUrE.
FrOM CHELSEA CLINTON'S $5 MILLION WEDDING TO THE
$34 MILLION MEGA-NUPTIALS OF KATE AND WILLIAM, THE
INDUSTrY IS TrANSFOrMING INTO A GLOBAL EMPIrE.
SO, WHErE DOES THE MONEY GO?