It's not too early to register for the Fall shows!

Although our August and September shows are a ways off, it's not too early to register.  Our shows are now open to new exhibitors and we have some great booth locations available.  By registering now, you will have plenty of choices.  Wait, and you will have to settle for what's left as the shows fill up.

Our recent shows have been among our largest ever.  We've added some exciting new elements to the show and have discovered some new promotion methods.  While other bridal shows come and go, our shows continue to enjoy success year after year.

Luckily, weddings are a recession-proof business.  Couples will always get married, and they will always spend money on their weddings. The question is:  Will they spend with you?  Many businesses will use "the economy" as a reason to cut back on their advertising, and this presents a great opportunity for those who to continue their promotion efforts.  Our shows continue the most cost-effective and time-efficient way to reach prospective brides.

To receive our detailed exhibitor kit, please click here to visit our web site or call us at (703) 425-1127.

The Knot Unveils Wedding Survey Results

The Knot recently surveyed more than 20,000 recently married couples across the United States. Among the data found in the survey:

• The average wedding budget is $32,660, including honeymoon
• The top areas of spending are the reception (45%), honeymoon (15%), entertainment (15%) and photography (10%)
• The average wedding planning period is 11 months
• 36% of grooms are "very involved" in the planning and 57% are "somewhat involved"
• On average, couples spent 8% more photography, 17% more on their reception, 18% more on their entertainment and 35% more on their wedding cake when compared with last year.

The complete details of the survey can be found in The Knot Best of Weddings magazine.  Click here for an outline of the survey results.

If you REALLY want it, I'll drop my price!

In this week's Sales Caffeine e-zine, Jeffrey Gitomer discusses the process of closing a sale when a prospective customer asks "How much is it?"  Jeffrey calls this question the second biggest buying signal after "I'll take it!"  Click here to read the entire article.  

I agree with Jeffrey that the "How Much" question is a buying signal, but will also suggest that it is a question that is asked when a customer does not know what else to ask.  This is often the case when selling to a bride.  She wants what you sell, she needs what you sell, but she has never bought what you sell.  Don't assume that the "How Much" question is a sign that the bride is shopping on price alone.