Guest Blogger: New Media and the Internet Savvy Bride
Noelle Schiller is a friend of mine who works in the chaotic world of planning weddings. If you’re married or have been married and are reading this, then I’m sure you feel her pain. If you thought planning your wedding is tough trying coordinating one and doing it regularly…that’s Noelle. Not only does she have incredible patience but she’s extremely well versed in marketing which some may say is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding.In this guest blogger post Noelle talks about the rise in new media in the bridal world.
New Media has completely transformed the wedding industry. Now for better or for worse brides have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips that they are using to help themselves and others.
Whether you are a bride or a vendor, utilizing social media is extremely beneficial, and becoming the standard for the industry.
New media for the new bride
For the Bride
Money Savers
Couples are still deciding to get married, despite a struggling economy. Finding ways to save money and still have a dream wedding is more possible now, than ever before. Utilizing social media is a fantastic way to research pricing of dresses, shoes, vendors, etc and make educated purchases. Classified adds on social networking sites are a great way to shop second-hand items. What’s more, you are able to post a response to the classified add directly beneath the item. This gives a great opportunity for feedback from the seller as well as other consumers to help answer your questions.
These websites are also a great tool after the “I-dos” have been said. What would you do with 150 votive candleholders you bought for your table decor? Chances are another bride would love to use them. A great spot for buying and selling all things wedding is: http://classifieds.weddingbee.com/
DIY for the Crafty Bride
For the bride who would like to save money by adding her personal touch to the big day, www.Weddingbee.com is a fantastic blog that sparks inspiration, and, it’s FREE! On this particular blog, brides document their way through the wedding planning process. They share thoughts and ideas, and include massive amounts of pictures and personal inspiration. Bloggers typically end their blog with a question to readers, beckoning feedback and response; opening lines of communication with women who share a special bond during this time.
(Great example of a step-by-step DIY project, provided by a former colleague of mine: http://www.weddingbee.com/2009/08/31/diy-oot-boxes-happy-bride/#more-108979)
Personal Relationships
It is amazing to see how social media has not only affected the ability to gather information and connect with others online, but has been a source of personal relationship building. I recently attending a networking event hosted by www.TheKnot.com (at The BeeHive, in Boston, great spot! www.beehiveboston.com) There, I learned that brides are meeting on TheKnot.com, and forming social groups based on geographical location. They get together in coffee shops and restaurants to discuss all-things weddings and have formed real-life, personal relationships. Without social media, forming groups such as these would be challenging, and much less likely.
For the Vendors
It’s imperative for vendors in this industry to utilize social media as a marketing/advertising tool. A venue can have the most expensive online advertising in the world, but a few bad blog posts on TheKnot.com can deter potential clients from continuing research.
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For the brides out there that have worked with vendors you love, don’t just send them a thank-you email. Write a review on a social networking site and spread the word!
You can get in touch with Noelle through LinkedIn
