1. Going to the chapel and were going to get married… but where do we get help? Lora Kinzel Final Project Presentation December 2006

2. What does a wedding planner do? Background Services Cost

3. Misconceptions The couple has to be wealthy to work with a wedding planer. Wedding planners are expensive. Wedding planners will take over control of the wedding. If you use a wedding planner your friends and family will think you are a snob. Couples dont think they need help (but some really do)

4. The Challenge To overcome misconceptions Keep expenses low To offer help for desired services

5. Research Question: Can the needs of engaged couples be identified to make marketing communication more effective?

6. Communication …includes all advertising, marketing, and public relations efforts

7. What I want to find out What services are needed? What services should I offer? Where do I place my communication dollars? What features on a website are appealing? What services do I offer?

8. Research Process Email sent to 766 engaged people in the Twin Cities Link to online survey tool included in email Eleven questions on the survey Sponsored by wedding planning service

9. If you were to work with a wedding planner, what services are you likely to use?

10. If you were to work with a wedding planner, how important would it be to choose a planner who:

11. Vendor contacts most preferred

12. If you are being assisted by a wedding planner, how many hours are you contracted for?

13. What resources would you or did you use in searching for a wedding planner?

14. What information would you look for on a wedding planners website?

15. Can the needs of engaged couples be identified to make marketing communication more effective? YES

16. Client Needs Wedding day management is the most attractive service. A wedding planner should travel to a desired meeting location. Wedding planners are typically used for nine hours or less. Potential clients look for a wedding planner through wedding specific websites, referrals and local wedding magazines. Potential clients want pricing options and services offered on a wedding planners website.

17. Recommendations for Marketing Communications Focus communication on wedding day management. Indicate willingness to meet the client at a location of their choice. Offer pricing for use of a wedding planner for nine hours or less. Distribute advertising dollars in wedding specific websites first, then in local wedding magazines. Add pricing options and services to website.

18. Can the needs of engaged couples be identified to make marketing communication more effective? Questions?