The Wedding Stationery Market: A Return to Growth
We have just returned from Brides the Show, held this year in the Islington Business Design Centre on the 3-5 October, and are happy to report that industry trends are encouraging. After a disappointing 2013, this year the signs of growth in the wedding stationery market are well established. 2013 was written off by many in the trade as the unlucky year - who wants to get married in a year with 13 in it? - but I think this is simplistic; the economy, your pay and your ability to afford a mortgage are likely to have a far greater impact on the nature of your wedding than mere superstition.
After the doldrums experienced across the printing industry (we do all talk to each other, though we don't tell our customers), 2014 is showing encouraging signs. First, with Save the Date cards, orders are significantly up on last year. As the year goes on we are now also seeing wedding invitation orders outstripping order numbers from 2013, confirmation of this more optimistic trend.
There are however changes:quantities are smaller, customers are choosing fewer frills and extras. Ironically, the style many customers feel is the default, archetypal, and smartest - Classic Style - is also the least expensive: due to its sheer simplicity it is a very economic option, and remains our most popular style because of this. Having said that it should also be noted that with our online ordering system it is possible to remove extras such as gilt edging and ribboning, therefore making other styles more affordable. This flexibility ensures that our customers can always exercise real choice and control.
If you are planning to get married at the end of this year or in 2015 and beyond we hope that preparations are going well. We would love to hear if you have chosen Wedding Stationery and what design you have gone for on Facebook anan Twitter.
Take a look at our Wedding Stationery range here and if you have any questions, our team will be more than happy to help on 01285 659797.