3rd Edition
Wedding Planning and Management Consultancy for Diverse Clients
This third edition of Wedding Planning and Management: Consultancy for Diverse Clients provides students, consultants, engaged couples, vendors and scholars with a comprehensive introduction to the business of weddings. Looking through an event management lens, this is the only book to thoroughly explore the fundamentals of weddings, including historical and cultural foundations, practice and the business of wedding planning, in one volume. Diversity and inclusivity are emphasized through the integration of wedding traditions from cultures around the globe and international case studies that inspire and set standards for best practice.
Key features of the third edition include:
- Updated research reflecting trends in areas such as technology, social media, marriage equality legislation, LGBTQ+ weddings, celebrity influences, destination weddings, DIY essentials and planning eco-friendly weddings.
- Cutting-edge innovations in areas such as "green" venues, themed menus, fusion stationery, sustainable floral décor and distinctive site layout, all of which are highlighted by top wedding vendors.
- Budget management tips, timeline specifics and guidelines for starting and marketing a wedding consulting business.
- Over 100 international case studies exploring cultural traditions, vendor relations and best practice.
- A companion website for instructors, including updated PowerPoint slides, syllabus guidelines, real-world assignments and a comprehensive test bank.
This full-color book is visually stunning, with over 150 images by top wedding photojournalist Rodney Bailey. End-of-chapter checklists, review questions and practical scenarios support readers' knowledge as they progress. Maggie Daniels and Carrie Wosicki bring a combination of over 45 years of industry practice and teaching experience. They have written a book that is the ideal guide to successful wedding planning and management.
Contents
List of illustrations
List of case studies
About the authors
About the photographer
Preface
Acknowledgements
SECTION I: FOUNDATIONS
Chapter 1: Role and Scope of Wedding Consultancy
Wedding consulting as a growth occupation
Titles and packages
Roles of the wedding consultant
The organization of this book
References
Chapter 2: Weddings and Culture
Cultural hegemony and socialization for marriage
Mate selection: Who decides?
Wedding customs
References
Chapter 3: Consumerism and the Mediated Construction of Weddings
The quest for perfection and impulse buying
Invented traditions
Celebrity influences
Planning eco-weddings
References
Chapter 4: The Changing Family, Politics and Law
Female workforce dynamics
The missing male
Cohabitation
Divorce
Marriage equality legislation
Marriage for individuals with disabilities
Interracial and interfaith marriages
References
Chapter 5: Tourism and Destination Weddings
Visiting friends and relatives travel
Honeymoon travel
Destination weddings
References
SECTION II: PRACTICE
Chapter 6: Determining the Vision
Getting focused
Wedding themes
Destinations and sites
References
Chapter 7: Wedding Budgets
Wedding budget context
Budget categories
Budget summaries
Tipping etiquette
References
Chapter 8: Wedding Timelines
Research
Design
Coordination
Legal issues
Confirmation and details
Implementation
Wrap-up and evaluation
References
Chapter 9: Food, Beverage and the Wedding Cake
Catering proposals
Dietary requirements and specialized menus
Food and beverage trends
Types of service
Food and beverage costs
The wedding cake
References
Chapter 10: Wedding Attire
Bridal attire
Menswear
The wedding party
Wardrobe malfunctions
References
Chapter 11: The Ceremony
The celebrant
Readings and vows
The incorporation of artifacts
The order of ceremony
Guidelines and policies
References
Chapter 12: Floral Décor
Recipients and locations
Selecting flowers
Centerpieces and decorative elements
Installation and removal
References
Chapter 13: Stationery Elements and Etiquette
Save-the-date notices
Invitations
Calligraphy
Ceremony programs
Seating stationery
Menus
Personalized paper products
Wedding announcements
Thank-you notes
References
Chapter 14: Photography and Videography
The benefits of digital photography
Photography styles
Album design
Other wedding-related trends in photography
Advances in videography
References
Chapter 15: Music and Entertainment
Ceremony music
Cocktail hour music
Reception music and entertainment
Tips for hiring entertainment
References
Chapter 16: Rentals and Site Layout
Tents
Tables, chairs, linens and tableware
Lighting
Outdoor considerations
Site layout
References
Chapter 17: Transportation
Getting started
Transportation to the ceremony
Transportation from the ceremony to the reception
Transportation from the reception to the final destination
Transportation costs and final details
References
Chapter 18: Favors and Gifts
Six types of favors
Packaging and presentation
Wedding guest gift baskets
Gifts for the wedding party
Gifts for the couple
Bride and groom gift exchange
References
Chapter 19: Wedding Day Details
Wedding hairstyles
Wedding makeup
Consultant preparations
Risk management
Security analysis
The emergency kit
References
SECTION III: BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS
Chapter 20: Business Plan and Office Management
Writing your business plan
Business legalities
Organizing your office environment
Building a staff
References
Chapter 21: Developing a Marketing Strategy
Understanding the uniqueness of the wedding market
Determining your target audience
Marketing appeals
Marketing tool development
Social media
Managing your online reputation.
References
Chapter 22: Client Relations
Initial screening
Client interview details
Follow-up communication
Contracts
Compensation
Evaluation
References
Chapter 23: Vendor Relations
Establishing vendor contact
Networking
Negotiation
Competition
Obligations
Ethics
Vendor feedback
The wedding summary
References
Chapter 24: Stress Management and Career Enrichment
Stress management
Career enrichment
References
Index
Biography
Maggie Daniels is an award-winning professor within the Tourism and Events Management program at George Mason University. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as ABC Nightline News, MSNBC, NPR, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, United Press International, US News and World Report, WalletHub and Wedding Planner Magazine.
Carrie Wosicki is the owner of Carried Away Events, a wedding planning and event management company. She has more than 25 years of experience managing corporate and social events, ranging from large trade shows to intimate weddings. She currently runs a non-profit foundation where she raises funds by staging events.
"This book will allow wedding business professionals to stay true to the needs of their clients and remember the end result – that love exceeds all boundaries." – Monte Durham, Stylist & Creative Director, Salon MONTE
"This is the seminal body of knowledge on how our changing society has affected the way we view and manage weddings. A highlight of this book is focused on understanding how LGBTQ+ governmental legislation has fostered inclusive wedding planning. The holistic, how-to approach makes it critical reading for those seeking a career within the wedding industry." – Carl A. Boger Jr, Professor and Clinton L. Rappole Endowed Chair, Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, University of Houston
"With information and case studies submitted by professional industry creatives, this book brings value to anyone planning a wedding or exploring a career in the event industry. This edition is packed full of resources and highlights the growing areas of diversity and inclusivity – highly recommended!" – Nicole Fingers, Owner, FINGERS IN INK, and President, Association of Wedding Professionals of Greater Washington, DC
"Every wedding planner should have – and use – this book! As weddings become ever more varied and complex, it is vital for planners to fully understand this dynamic market. With a clear, concise overview and contemporary examples, this book empowers planners to execute their clients’ unique wedding visions." – Edward T. Hoganson, CFO and Chief Investment Officer, Crestline Hotels & Resorts
"This is the most complete resource available for academics and professionals engaged in wedding planning. The book has been thoroughly updated with cutting-edge trends, social media impacts, diverse cultural traditions and new visual images. I highly recommend this book as a teaching tool and reference book for anyone working in this expanding industry." – Kenneth F. Backman, Editor-in-Chief, Event Management: An International Journal, and Professor of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Clemson University
