Business Ideas for Products and Services For Weddings and Brides

The U.S. wedding industry is big business--bringing in over $55 billion in revenue, according to recent report by IBISWorld. There are many ways to cash in on the timeless tradition, beyond the usual event planning job. If you have other wedding related products and services to offer couples, get your business rolling by reaching out to every wedding planner you can locate. Send company information about your products and services and samples, and remember to follow up a week later with a phone call.

Still dreaming of how to segue your talents into the industry? Here are ways to find a business niche in the nuptial-related market.

Bridal Shower Planner

If you are not into planning entire weddings, you can still plan bridal showers, cater them, or offer decorating services, a place to host showers or offer gifts and/or mementos.

Table Top Items and Souvenirs

Most weddings have a use for a variety of products to set the mood and for guests to take home with them. Products include flowers, candles, vases, candy, fountains, ice sculptures, napkins, placeholders, rice bags, and small, individual gifts items wedding attendees can take home.

Write Invitations and Wedding Vows

If you have excellent writing skills and are a good listener, consider writing wedding vows for couples. You can offer these services in person, over the Internet, or by telephone interviews. You can also apply your writing talents to create personal invitations and announcements.

Start a PowerPoint Business

Many weddings, parties, memorials, and receptions now offer PowerPoint presentations to share with guests. Presentations usually just involve using photos with brief text and movies.

Be a Videographer

If you enjoy people and videotaping start a wedding video service. Even though most people own or have access to video cameras, a wedding calls for something more professional. Tape interviews with guests, family and attendants, and a special message from the bride and groom before and after the ceremony. In order to set your services apart from the "homemade" videos, as part of your product be sure to offer post-production services such as adding opening titles, captions, music, special effects, and making extra copies. Package the videos in custom cases.

Wedding Gifts

Buying the perfect gift for the happy couple can be challenging and time-consuming. Start a central gift registry of your own products or service to help guests purchase just the right wedding gift. You could also start a gift wrapping business.

Staples Ideas For Brides

The following are only a few ways in which you may be able to find a new business idea to help with wedding preparations for the bride and her bridesmaids:

• Gown Shopping
• Gown Alterations
• Bridal Shoes
• Bridal Shower Planning, Hosting, Gifts, Catering, Decorations
• Bridal Slip, Lingerie, and Hosiery
• Jewelry
• Bride's Hair and Makeup
• Bridesmaids Hair, Wraps, Purses, Dresses, Shoes
• Bridal Veil/Headpiece
• Bridal Gloves
• Bridesmaids Gifts

Tips for Starting a Wedding Product or Service Business

Eavesdrop! Join online forums and "listen in" on conversations between brides-to-be to learn about what the latest trends, and what brides love and hate.

Subscribe to Bride and Wedding Magazines. Not only are the subscriptions business related and therefore, a business tax deduction, but they are an excellent source of information about weddings. Be sure to turn to the back of the magazine where other wedding businesses advertise and study your competition.

Join a Professional Wedding Association. Well-known professional associations for businesses catering to the marriage industry can offer ideas, support, training, and guidance. Wedding organizations include:

• Association of Bridal Consultants
• Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants
• Weddings Beautiful Worldwide

Remember, Weddings Last More Than 1 Day

Don't forget that the wedding day itself may be the big ticket for brides to be, but there are also business opportunities in providing products and services for bridal shower gifts, bachelor parties, and even the honeymoon. And, one year later, wedding anniversary gifts provide yet another opportunity for savvy business women.