Forever Weddings has been in business nearly three years. During that time, we have focused mostly on wedding planning and have done some officiating as an extra. Now that we have our baby and would like to spend as much time as possible with him, we are now offering officiating and elopements as more of just a supplement. While we are still doing coordinating and planning, I would like for officiating to take more of a front seat this year while my son is still a baby. So if you or someone you know needs an officiant, think of Forever Weddings. We are experienced, professional, and we have three officiants on staff, including myself. We offer unlimited vows that are customizable to fit your own style or we can help you write your own vows. Our prices are very affordable, starting at just $150. Our first consultation is free, so give us a try!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
2008 Wedding Statistics
This was taken from fresnoweddings.net
2008 Wedding Trends Report
http://www.FresnoWeddings.Net/
Developed by third-party surveys of brides and grooms throughout the U.S.
How couples will plan their wedding (U.S.)
1. Family and friends 86%
2. Internet sources 84%
3. Bridal magazines 66%
4. Wedding planning books 47%
5. Bridal events or fairs 36%
Type of wedding couples will plan (U.S.)
Traditional 51%
Casual 19%
Formal 13%
Unique 10%
Extravagant 2%
Theme 3%
Other 2%
Estimated weddings by month (U.S.)
Jan - 128,660
Feb - 133,367
Mar - 157,127
Apr - 160,742
May - 197,530
Jun - 225,373
Jul - 229,229
Aug - 233,413
Sep - 209,668
Oct - 202,042
Nov - 169,878
Dec - 152,488
Total spending on wedding (U.S.)
2007 - $28,838
2008 - $28,800
2009 - $29,710
2010 - $30,649
2011 - $31,618
2012 - $32,617
2013 - $33,648
Overall Trends (from survey)
1. Designers are pushing wedding dresses with alternative styles and necklines, but brides still
favor the strapless gown.
2. The biggest trend for bridesmaids' attire is the wear-again dress.
3. Couples still prefer traditional white wedding cakes, but custom-designed cakes are becoming
popular.
4. Consistently designed invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, escort/place cards, menus,
and thank-you cards are becoming trendy.
5. Cinematic videography is a new and exciting alternative to standard photography and video
services.
6. Online photo showcasing, which allows couples, their family and friends to view, share and
purchase wedding photographs is a rising trend.
7. Extravagant weddings that include big gowns, multiple wardrobe changes, towering lush floral
centerpieces, gilded place settings, seven course meals, and elaborate dessert displays are
expected for 2008.
8. 1980's fashion styles are popular, including textured dresses, bright colors, wide belts or
sashes, big jewelry, and cover bands.
9. White gold and platinum wedding rings continue to outpace yellow gold.
10. Currently in style are antique wedding rings for men and women, as well as exaggerated, big,
bold jewelry.
11. Destination weddings are growing in popularity due to all-inclusive packages offered by
resorts and easy planning through their websites.
12. High-end kitchen gear and practical cooking items are currently popular wedding gifts.
Average Spending By Zip Code:
Fresno, CA - Metropolitan Area
Location 2008 Avg Wedding Cost 2008 Est. Weddings
93210 (Coalinga, CA) $ 18,158 136
93234 (Huron, CA) $ 12,365 16
93242 (Laton, CA) $ 20,846 9
93602 (Auberry, CA) $ 27,746 9
93608 (Cantua Creek, CA) $ 15,320 7
93609 (Caruthers, CA) $ 21,434 19
93611 (Clovis, CA) $ 35,768 145
93612 (Clovis, CA) $ 23,271 453
93616 (Parlier, CA) $ 18,203 7
93619 (Clovis, CA) $ 36,923 30
93621 (Squaw Valley, CA) $ 28,192 1
93622 (Firebaugh, CA) $ 17,128 55
93625 (Fowler, CA) $ 22,454 32
93626 (Friant, CA) $ 30,659 2
93628 (Hume, CA) $ 26,947 1
93630 (Kerman, CA) $ 18,821 82
93631 (Kingsburg, CA) $ 25,163 91
93640 (Mendota, CA) $ 14,707 58
93641 (Squaw Valley, CA) $ 25,789 1
93646 (Orange Cove, CA) $ 14,989 41
93648 (Parlier, CA) $ 15,471 71
93650 (Fresno, CA) $ 20,429 69
93651 (Prather, CA) $ 31,881 9
93652 (Raisin City, CA) $ 21,791 1
93654 (Reedley, CA) $ 21,351 142
Location 2008 Avg Wedding Cost 2008 Est. Weddings
93656 (Riverdale, CA) $ 19,104 31
93657 (Sanger, CA) $ 22,578 140
93660 (San Joaquin, CA) $ 14,214 25
93662 (Selma, CA) $ 21,016 207
93664 (Shaver Lake, CA) $ 33,865 4
93667 (Tollhouse, CA) $ 31,721 5
93668 (Tranquillity, CA) $ 19,910 7
93675 (Squaw Valley, CA) $ 26,723 9
93701 (Fresno, CA) $ 11,632 65
93702 (Fresno, CA) $ 14,222 221
93703 (Fresno, CA) $ 17,865 170
93704 (Fresno, CA) $ 27,540 150
93705 (Fresno, CA) $ 21,229 145
93706 (Fresno, CA) $ 15,453 183
93710 (Fresno, CA) $ 24,098 431
93711 (Fresno, CA) $ 36,869 296
93720 (Fresno, CA) $ 36,937 337
93721 (Fresno, CA) $ 10,543 87
93722 (Fresno, CA) $ 27,097 392
93723 (Biola, CA) $ 24,949 16
93725 (Fresno, CA) $ 18,254 140
93726 (Fresno, CA) $ 21,134 347
93727 (Fresno, CA) $ 21,710 301
93728 (Fresno, CA) $ 19,304 85
93730 (Fresno, CA) $ 40,808 29
Visalia-Porterville, CA - Metropolitan Area
Location 2008 Avg Wedding Cost 2008 Est. Weddings
93207 (California Hot Springs, CA) $ 21,023 1
93208 (Camp Nelson, CA) $ 42,111 0
93219 (Earlimart, CA) $ 14,719 36
93221 (Exeter, CA) $ 24,461 62
93223 (Farmersville, CA) $ 16,845 49
93235 (Ivanhoe, CA) $ 18,086 18
93244 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 24,513 2
93247 (Lindsay, CA) $ 18,127 70
93256 (Pixley, CA) $ 15,846 21
93257 (Porterville, CA) $ 19,958 388
93260 (Posey, CA) $ 24,826 1
93262 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 33,073 1
93265 (Springville, CA) $ 27,909 14
93267 (Strathmore, CA) $ 18,324 19
93270 (Terra Bella, CA) $ 17,950 26
93271 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 32,295 8
93272 (Tipton, CA) $ 17,644 17
93274 (Tulare, CA) $ 21,206 360
93277 (Visalia, CA) $ 29,032 401
93286 (Woodlake, CA) $ 18,196 35
93291 (Visalia, CA) $ 21,568 225
93292 (Visalia, CA) $ 26,826 208
93603 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 22,801 1
93615 (Cutler, CA) $ 14,671 24
93618 (Dinuba, CA) $ 19,581 165
Madera, CA - Metropolitan Area
Location
2008 Avg Wedding
Cost
2008 Est.
Weddings
93601 (Oakhurst, CA) $ 28,087 5
93604 (Bass Lake, CA) $ 28,019 5
93610 (Chowchilla, CA) $ 18,275 116
93614 (Yosemite Lakes, CA) $ 32,015 35
93636 (Bonadelle Ranchos-Madera Ranchos,
CA)
$ 34,085 28
93637 (Madera, CA) $ 23,855 298
93638 (Madera, CA) $ 17,914 248
93643 (North Fork, CA) $ 27,957 14
93644 (Oakhurst, CA) $ 28,346 90
93645 (O Neals, CA) $ 26,372 1
93653 (Raymond, CA) $ 28,056 2
93669 (Wishon, CA) $ 32,186 1
Yosemite National Park
Estimated number of weddings 2008 = 48
Estimated average spending 2008 - $22,412
Average Spending Per Specific Service (note some not available)
Entire U.S. AVERAGES for 2008
WEDDING CEREMONY SITE AND SERVICES
How many research ceremony products and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes
Ceremony location rental - $573
Ceremony decorations - $438
Officiate/Pastor/Priest - $178
Rehearsal Dinner - $990
WEDDING ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES
How many research bride and groom attire and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Wedding Dress - $1,010
Groom's suit or tux - $190
Headpiece/veil - $241
Bride Accessories - $246
Groom Accessories - $146
MAKEUP & HAIR SERVICES FOR BRIDE
How many research bride hair and makeup services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Hair/Makeup Service - $128
FLOWERS
How many research wedding flowers and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Boutonnieres/Corsages - $134
Bride Bouquet - $115
Bridesmaid Bouquets - $184
Ceremony Flowers - $332
Flower Girl Flowers - $38
Reception Flowers - $769
ENTERTAINMENT - DJ SERVICES - MUSICIANS
How many research wedding and reception entertainment online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Ceremony/Reception Band - $1,442
Ceremony/Reception DJ - $554
Ceremony/Reception Musicians - $441
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO SERVICES
How many research wedding photography and videography online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Photographer - $1,546
Videographer - $1,173
RECEPTION SITE AND SERVICES
How many research wedding reception sites and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Reception Beverages/Bartender - $1,656
Bride/Groom Hotel - $256
Reception Decorations/Centerpieces - $808
Favors - $271
Reception Food Service - $6,032
Reception Location - $1,943
Reception Rentals - $834
WEDDING CAKE
How many research wedding cakes and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Cake - $415
Cake Knife Set - $34
Cake Topper - $32
INVITATIONS & STATIONARY
How many research invitations and stationary online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Bridal Shower Invitations - $74
Guestbook - $39
Invitations & Reply Cards - $330
Personal Stationery - $99
Save The Date Cards - $124
Thank You Cards - $64
TRANSPORTATION SERVICS - LIMOS
How many research transportation for their wedding online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Car Rental - $224
Limo Rental - $525
HONEYMOON
How many research honeymoon locations and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Honeymoon - $2,899
BRIDAL CONSULTANT - PLANNER
How many research consultant - wedding planner services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Bridal Consultant/Planner - $1,110
http://www.FresnoWeddings.Net/
New Message Forum
I have created a new message forum just for you! Feel free to take a look around, invite your friends. I hope to see all of you there! Receive special discounts, helpful wedding tips and more!
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
I'm still here! (with a special offer!)
Wow, it's been a very long time since I've posted here. It's been an extremely busy year and I can't believe it's already mid-April! I had a baby in January, yay! and started back to work just in time for wedding season. Wedding season has started off full force this year and we're already looking at full weekends! It's so exciting. As much as I enjoyed being on maternity leave, I was very happy to be back into the swing of things. I took six weeks off and my husband/associate took over calls and appointments for me and even in that short amount of time, I felt I had fallen out of the loop. My first mixer back with Premier Bride and I barely knew any of the vendors! C'mon guys! I wasn't gone THAT long. So in light of the maternity leave, we decided to move out of the office we shared with some of the other vendors. I was hardly there for awhile and frankly, I'd rather spend that money on my new little boy. So, we're back to meeting at Starbucks which actually works really well for us. It's closer to my home, and we're helping to keep some people employed. So, now that I'm back to working again, I'd like to celebrate my new baby boy with you by having some new specials! So here ya go! When you call or make your appointment, mention the maternity special.
I can't resist! Here's a picture of my little boy, Gryphon Michael
Friday, January 04, 2008
*Bridal Show Special*
Up to 20% off wedding coordination and officiant services
Officiant services starting at just $100
Elopement packages starting at just $550
Low deposits, payment plans, free consultations, everything to take the stress off of you while planning your wedding!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
10am - 4pm
Fresno Convention Center
For more information, you can email me at misty@forever-weddings.com
Hope to see you there!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Casting Call for Bridezilla's TV Show
I found this ad and thought some of my readers my be interested. You can be on the Bridezilla's TV Show!
Are you planning a wedding in the next six months?
(November 2007 - April 2008)
Are your wedding preparations getting out of control?
Are you doing everything in your power to make sure your wedding day is perfect?
Are you swamped with a massive To Do list for your big day?
Do you think you have what it takes to be on America’s top-rated wedding show?!
$$ All participants will be generously compensated. $$
Our staff will also edit together your own personal wedding video, eliminating the high costs of a videographer!
Interested? Please call our casting office at:
(213) 417-4437
Or e-mail us at:
bridezillascasting@yahoo.com
Please include a photo of you and your fiancé.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Save the Date!
Come join us at the Premier Bride Showplace!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
10am-4pm
Fresno Convention Center
Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door
Email for more information
New Services for 2008!
For the past month, I've been working on revamping all that Forever Weddings has to offer. We've discontinued selling invitations and accessories and have put more of a focus on wedding services. We still offer flexible wedding planning packages and day-of coordination, but I have changed some of the services that are included with each package. For the day-of, I've added two more hours of pre-planning time. So instead of the usual three hours, you get five! You also receive vendor referrals and discounts with day-of. Prior to the change, you just received a general vendor list. I've extended that to my preferred vendors and discounts, so now you can save money without having to buy a larger package!! In addition to the changes to our planning packages, we've added a second officiant package. So now, we have two to fit your budget. Before, we had an all-inclusive officiant package for $350, but we've also added a package for brides and grooms that do not need everything included in that package. So now, we have a standard package for $250. Neat, huh? And last, but certainly not least, we are going to broaden our marketing for our elopements and small wedding packages. These are all-inclusive packages at affordable prices, starting at $550 at any location of your choice. These are great for couples who are stressing too much about planning, couples who don't want the drama of a large wedding, or couples who just want to "get it over with." These are great. We've done them in Yosemite, Kings Canyon National Park and the Central Coast, but we definitely aren't limited to those locations. Want to do it on top of Half Dome? In a public park? Your own backyard? These packages are great and don't let the "elopements" title fool you, you can customize your package to include your guests! So those are some of the new services we have to offer, but they probably won't stop there! I'm taking the holiday season to overhaul everything so that you will get more services for your money. Weddings are stressful enough! Don't make it worse, hire a professional!!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Til Death do we part....or sooner
Wow, has it been a whole month since I last posted a blog? Well, readers, wedding season for Forever Weddings is drawing to a winter close very soon and after receiving a cancellation yesterday, I felt the need to bring up a very touchy subject: Cancelling weddings. This year, I have had three cancellations, three postponements (one bride), and a couple who has put off their wedding indefinitely, with no future date planned. I have the following reasons: not enough money to pay vendors, too much stress caused by planning (isn't that what I was hired for?? That's a WHOLE other blog!), pre-marital issues, etc. The thought that has been waring on my mind is: shouldn't all those things be dealt with BEFORE the engagement? A buget is a HUGE importance and then you don't lose out on deposits from vendors who can't change the date. My bride who ran out of money would have SAVED money had she not changed her date three times and actually took my advice regarding design and budget, but like I said, that's another blog entirely. So now, I have to say that I hate getting that dreaded call from a teary bride whose wedding has to be cancelled, but I'm amazed that it is this common of an occurance. I have to say to all of you Brides-to-be, plan, plan, plan ahead. I do not want you to be one of those cancelled brides, money down the drain, having to tell family and friends. Know what you're getting into, relationship-wise and financially BEFORE you start planning the wedding of your dreams. Remember, it's not always about the wedding....you have a whole life of marriage after that one day. Okay, readers, that's my marriage counselling 101 for the day, week, month. Carry on....
