I always try to think ahead and see the unforeseen consequences of industry actions. The collective media coverage on “do it yourself wedding options” and the way many wedding professionals have embraced offering these options, promoting on their blogs and not trying to educate the bride on the many potential drawbacks and pitfalls is starting to have an adverse effect on the whole industry. The main end result is that do it yourself options lower the bar on industry standards, acceptable quality and workmanship and creates a showcase of a lower level of finished product and service that is witnessed and viewed by guests. Guests receive an invitation that was run through ink jet printers instead of printed with thermography, engraving, letterpress, or silk-screening and therefore those artisan methods of printing become less important and influences future trends. Invitation brands that defined the entire industry with professionally finished invitation designs are being put out of business. Five brands closed in the last year.
I can talk first hand for the stationery industry. Tell me how it has affected your industry by posting a comment. I know it has affected photography, video, floral, and favors and have had less of an impact on bridal gowns, tuxedos and catering. The educational process needs to be a collective effort. Brides need to come out to local wedding professionals rather than buy online or go to a mass merchant so they can be exposed to the differences. Otherwise the average cost of a wedding will drop and will have a ripple effect on the whole industry.