Can A Blog Benefit Your Business?

When couples are planning a wedding, they are always looking for some inspiration and great ideas for their special day.  The one place they often look for these ideas is on the internet.  Thus, companies in the wedding industry would highly benefit from having a blog that shares some of their ideas and thoughts with these couples.

Here are some of the benefits of having a blog in the industry:

·   Influence of Blogs—they can influence behaviour, possibly convince individuals that they made need your services to pull off their dream event.

·    Branding Building—you can generate greater awareness for the company, and start building strong relationships with customers.

·     Position the Company as Leader of Information in the Wedding Industry

·     Encourage Repeat Website Visits—which also creates greater awareness for the company, and can also cause individuals to engage in the company’s other social media platforms.

Blogging Recommendations:

If a company does decide to create a blog they have to ensure that they have the time and resources to commit to it, because if they do not it could potentially do more harm to the company’s image than good.

Great content is a key, when creating a blog.  For the wedding planning industry, it is good to do your research about what people really look for when reading a blog, are they looking for information about venues, caterers, decor and etc.  Create a list of the information your target audience is looking for, and start finding ways in creating catchy blog content.  In the wedding industry media and images are also important content that companies need to have in their blog, visuals are what really draws readers in. 

The most important recommendation I can make though is to really have fun with it and make it your own!

Here is a link to see the top 100 wedding blogs, by looking at some of these blogs you can see exactly what it takes to make a blog successful. My favorites are StyleMePretty and The Broke-Ass Bride.

Finer Details Fan Page: Like or Not to Like?

There are a few great wedding planning companies in Vancouver, but I feel that The Finer Details Planning Inc. would be one of my top picks.  For this reason, I decided that it would be important for me to evaluate their Facebook Fan Page to see if the company had an effective presence on this social media platform.

Currently, The Finer Details has 420 Likes and 11 people are talking about the Fan Page.

The Finer Things of the Fan Page:

·         The layout of the page is visually appealing and unique.  They decided to use the Facebook Timeline format for their Fan Page, thus the page looks very organized and formatted.  The company has also associated the company colors into the Fan Page making it more memorable for viewers as well.  The bright purple beads on their cover photo really catches your eyes!



A Picture Finer Details Posted of their Friends at Greenscape Design & Decor



·         A lot of the content they post on Facebook is quite specialized to wedding planning, such as the suggestions for brides and grooms to look at WedLuxe Magazine for great ideas for their wedding, or they post pictures of other vendors work.  They are definitely not using the Fan Page to just promote for themselves; they are trying to provide followers with information about the wedding/event planning field.    This will have people visiting the Fan Page more often than if they just posted information and pictures about the company itself.  In addition, by promoting other business in the field, they are building relationships with their vendors at the same time, which will benefit their business.

·         Finer Details has also integrated many social plugins into their Fan Page such as the “Like” button and like box (which lets people know how many people like the company).  The Recommendations plugin they have on their page is the one that I think provides a greater level of interaction for their Facebook followers.  This plugin allows followers to make suggestion on pages the company may like.

The Inferior Things of the Fan Page:

·         When looking through their Fan Page it did not look as though they were promoting any type of interaction between their fans.  There were no comments by any followers about their status updates, maybe the occasional “Like”, but not much else. 

o   Even in the Recommendation plugin there were not many suggestions left for the company, there were only two comments left, one that was 7 months ago and the other one a month ago. 

·         Finer Details does post some interesting things on their Wall, but they do not actively try and engage fans to discuss any of the topics.  I did not see any conversations that they started, with any of the fans.

Recommendations:

·         The MOST IMPORTANT aspect that the company needs to work on is to be more engaging and to encourage more interaction.

o   The fact that this company is one of my top picks, it was quite disheartening to see that they were not interacting with their fans on Facebook or creating any good conversations.  They need to build relationships with the fans, so they can get some positive word of mouth advertising!

§  Example: Even with their post about WedLuxe Magazine, they could have simply added a question after it, such as “Did you find this recommendation helpful?”

·         Even though they do update their content, a post every week, I think they could do more.

o    For example; DreamGroup’s Facebook page, has wedding tips every other day from Monday, I think that Finer Details could do something similar as well.  This would keep the content fresh, and give reasons for people to return.

Overall, there is definitely some room for improvement here! Hopefully, Finer Details will realize that in order to have a successful Fan Page, they will be need to amp up their level of engagement and begin to encourage some interaction.

Vancouver Wedding Fair Analysis

The Vancouver Wedding Fair is one of Vancouver’s top wedding shows that help couples plan their perfect day.  This wedding fair consists of hundreds of exhibitors, from photography, invitations, honeymoon destinations, transportation, wedding planners and much much more.  It is definitely a very informative event for couples that are in the process of planning their wedding.

I have been analyzing the company’s social media presence by tracking the activity on their Facebook and Twitter, and their website.  Here are a few facts about these three social media platforms:

Wedding Fair Website:  They appear to keep their website up to date, with information on when they next wedding show will be, the list of exhibitors, how to get tickets, and show time schedules.  It provides all the information for people planning on attending the show and who want to be an exhibitor.  Their website also has direct links to their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Twitter:

2,070 Tweets

465 Following

494 Followers

Facebook:

451 Like This

25 talking about this

For how popular I know this show is, I am actually surprised that they have a fairly low number of followers on Twitter and Facebook likes.  I actually further analyzed the conversations on their Facebook and Twitter to gain a better understanding as to why they have such low numbers.  Here are the top 10 conversations that caught my eye!

1.    Facebook Conversation:  Wedding Question: Will you be incorporating any unique traditions into your wedding day?

·    Chantelle:  If having a Scottish bag piper is unique then yes

·    Cherry: My fiance and I are hand fasting, and setting our hands on a rock to 'set our vows in stone'

2.    Facebook Conversation:  We love this take on the "Kids vs. No Kids at Weddings" argument. What are your thoughts?

·    Christine Vea I HATE being at weddings with a bunch of unruly kids running around.
I'm not sure what has happened in the past number of years, but my kids would NEVER have been allowed to run around at a formal event! I believe weddings, with alcohol being served and such, are NOT places for children.

3.    Facebook Conversation:  Wedding Tip: Don’t count out a dress that looks odd on the hanger. Some of the prettiest dresses transform into fabulous when on the body, so don’t miss a winner!

·    Katerina T I totally agree!!! That's how I found my dress. I remember when I saw it on the rack I said " oh thats weird/interesting looking" and I tried it on as a song by my favorite musician was playing through the speaker so I took it as a sign to try it on...and it was THE ONE! ♥

·    Vancouver Wedding Fair Sounds like it was meant to be :) Give us the deets! What does your dress look like?

These first three conversations demonstrated to me that Vancouver Wedding Fair is actively engaging with their friends on Facebook. They are trying to be interactive and encourage discussions about some topics that are not often discussed when planning and getting ready for a wedding.  It appears that they have been fairly successful in engaging their audience.

4.    Facebook Conversation: Marks Foto (photography) The Winter show was amazing. I hope to get on it next year as a vendor!

·        Vancouver Wedding Fair So glad you enjoyed it! We'd love to have you exhibit with us at one of our shows. If you'd like more information about becoming an exhibitor, fill out this form: http://www.vancouverweddingshow.ca/spring/exhibit_form.php.

5.    Facebook Conversation: Byran’s Bridal:  We have hundreds of designer wedding dresses available, browse through the links on our website for inspiration. Xo

·         Vancouver Wedding Fair We love your wedding dresses!

6.    Facebook Conversation: UniquelyUDesign  Happy Monday to Carly Faust Photography Carmen's Sweet Creations Perry & Co. Kidz Klipitz & Kakez Vancouver Wedding Fair Style Me Pretty Wedding Street Cupcakes by Heather & Lori Newlove Decor & Design Mink Makeup & Hair :)

·     Carmen's Sweet Creations Thanks! :)

·     Newlove Decor & Design Thank you very much! Same to you!

·     Vancouver Wedding Fair Thanks! ♥

·     UniquelyUDesign ‎:)

·     Carly Fyvie Happy Monday night!!!

·     Perry & Co. Happy Wednesday too!

These three particular conversations showed me that the company is attempting to engage and build relationships with the exhibitors of their wedding shows.  Even though, they may not be long conversations the company is still keeping in touch with each exhibitor.  This will ultimately make it easier to retain them for the future wedding shows.

7.    Twitter Conversation:  Crystal Anning   Won tix to the #weddingfair this weekend, but I still don't have them yet. @bcweddingshows

·    Hi Crystal, so sorry for the delay! We do have your name down for free tickets, and the confirmation is on its way.

8.    Twitter Conversation:  Corey Dee Visiting from Montreal! How about a free ticket? #HowManyGuysAskForTickets? #DontLetMeDown

·    We'd love to help a guy out! We've got a set of free tickets with your name on it for tomorrow's #weddingfair.

These two conversations revealed the company’s eagerness and willingness to ensure all their customers are happy, even if they are not paying for tickets to the show.  They really showed here that they are a company that really cares about their customers and their experiences.  Conversation 8 I think will create great word of mouth advertising for the company!

9.    Twitter Conversations: Yumiko ‏   I'm going to be @bcweddingshows this weekend. Who else is going?

·         Yay! Hope you have a great time this weekend :)

10.  Twitter Conversation: John Cruz:  Been loving hearing about proposal stories! We love this Lego proposal @bcweddingshows). So dang cute!

·         Well then you're going to love this proposal, it made us cry a little!

These last two conversations jumped out to me, because it showed that the company really takes the time to talk to their customers and build relationships.  I am sure that everyone in the company was busy setting up for the event and especially during the wedding show, but yet someone still took the time to respond to all the Tweets! Really shows their dedication to being truly engaging with customers.

It appears that the company has really taken the time to be interactive and engaging in both their social networking applications. I am fairly certain the low number of followers on Twitter and Facebook likes, has nothing to do with their levels of engagement or interactivity.  Maybe, they just need to do more advertising.  A great way for them to inform people about their presence on Facebook and Twitter is actually at their wedding fairs.  I am sure that if the company stays active on these social media platforms and does some more advertising, they will see the numbers increase very soon.

A Breaking of Tradition

Shark fin soup is considered a delicacy and also a sign of wealth in the Chinese culture, and for that reason it is normally served on very special occasions, such as a wedding.  However, in the last few years there has been a great debate about banning shark fin soup because of how cruel it is to slaughter a shark just for its fins.

A non-profit organization named Shark Truth has been trying to protect sharks before they become extinct.  Every since this organization has been founded in 2009, it has a yearly wedding contest called Happy Hearts Love Sharks (HHLS), that rewards couples for not serving shark fin soup at their wedding.

Last month Shark Truth released a press release informing couples about the prize for 2012 HHLS contest.  I have created a social media press release on this topic.

2012 HHLS Prize Announced

Media Contact:

Shark Truth
Claudia Li, Founder
604-723-0134
Claudia@sharktruth.com

Flight Centre
Craig MacCarthy, Brand Leader
604.754.2565
craig.maccarthy@flightcentre.ca

G Adventures
Aaron Sapra, National Sales Manager
416 260 0999
Aarons@gadventures.com

Core News Facts:

·  The HHLS invites all Canadian couples of partial or full Chinese decent to vow that they would go shark fin free at their wedding banquet through an online and storytelling contests.

·  Winners receive a six day cruise to the Galapagos Island from Flight Centre Business Travel and G Adventures.

·  Applications are open on Valentine’s Day and voting begins on World’s Ocean’s Day June 8.

·  For more information and details about contest eligibility visit HappyHeartsLoveSharks.org

·  Winners of the contest will be announced during Shark Week this summer.

Quotes:

“The shark conservation movement is growing around the world and markets are shifting away from shark fin. Businesses like Shangri-La are listening to what their customers are saying: they want sustainable food options and shark fin is not a part of that,” –Claudia Li, Shark Truth Founder

“Flight Centre Business Travel is proud to support this worthy cause and we are excited to send one lucky couple to the Galapagos,”—Craig MacCarthy, Brand Leader from Flight Centre Business Travel.

“The Galapagos Islands tour is a deluxe and once-in-a-lifetime experience. We hope that this visit to one of the top diving and snorkelling destinations in the world, with a chance to encounter some of the most diverse and breathtaking marine wildlife, including hammerheads and the iconic whale shark, will encourage wedding couples to take shark fin off the menu,”—Aaron Sapra, National Sales Manager from G Adventures.

Original Press Release:

2012 HHLS Prize Announced

To learn more about this cause visit the Shark Truth website:

http://www.sharktruth.com/

 

The Importance of Social Networking in the Wedding Industry

In the wedding industry companies often use a variety of social media platforms, but the most popular social media tools seem to be Facebook, Twitter, and Blogs.  They use these tools to engage and create relationships with their target audience. However, for these companies to be effective in social networking, they have to provide valuable content and fresh ideas.  Having visuals is the most important aspect when engaging in social networking in the wedding industry.  The target audience is interested in seeing pictures, videos, and hearing great stories and facts about weddings the company has done.  Brides want to see the innovative ideas wedding planning companies have come with, so that they can see whether the company could create a wedding day for them that would be magical and unforgettable.  

DreamGroup Production Inc, a Vancouver company does an excellent job in using social networking to achieve their marketing goals. The important question is how they are doing this? Well DreamGroup uses both Facebook and Twitter to share important information and facts about planning a wedding.  On Facebook, they have a fun way in engaging their audience, by having different days devoted to a specific topic.  They have Montage Monday, Wedding Wednesday (Tips of the Week), and Friday Fabulous Finds. DreamGroup uses Twitter to share other little details with their followers, such as places to find unique bridesmaid dresses or a good bakery for the wedding cake. By mentioning other wedding vendors they are building bridges with these other companies, which will ultimately be beneficial for the company.

DreamGroup links both their Facebook and Twitter to their blog, which is the social media platform that I feel they really begin to connect with their audiences.  They use their blog in such a way that shows their audience the skills and knowledge they have in planning weddings.  Their blog uses very good visuals (pictures and videos), to demonstrate their fantastic abilities to put together a great event.  Furthermore, they use their blog to educate and share tips with couples about how to plan their perfect day. 

Overall, through the use of their social media platforms DreamGroup has really made a name for themselves in the wedding planning industry in Vancouver.  Not only has DreamGroup created a name for themselves, but they have definitely created a place, for couples getting married, other wedding industry professionals/vendors and novice wedding planners like myself, to communicate and build relationships with their company.

Below are some pictures to show some of the amazing work the company has done for couples:

I also came across a blog that talked really highly of one of the wedding planners that is part of DreamGroup Productions.  If your interested in the company I would recommend that you take a read :) 

WEDDING FAVOURS

I recently came across an article on the Become A Top Wedding Planner blog, and found an article about the 2012 wedding trends that was taken from Bridal Guide magazine.  It discusses some of the trends in decor, flowers, food and beverages, and wedding favours. I decided to make a little video to discuss my thoughts about the top trends of wedding favours, and which one I believe will be the most successful this year. 

Thanks for watching my video everyone, hope you enjoyed it :)



My Top 10 Wedding Venues for Ceremonies and Wedding Receptions in Vancouver

1.      The Vancouver Aquarium (Wedding Reception)

This venue is great for the couples that love sea creatures and want something fun and unique. The venue is truly striking and will offer the couple's guests a night that they will never forgot.  I will hopefully get to planning a wedding here for the summer :)

2.      Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden (Ceremony)

 The traditional look of this venue is what makes this an awesome venue in my eyes.  The Magnolia Courtyard would be the place I would want my wedding.  The tranquil and peaceful setting that this venue offers is great for couples that want something a little more intimate.

3.   UBC Boathouse (Ceremony and Reception)

  

  The view of the water is the selling point of the venue.  My friends recently had their wedding reception here, and the view at night was absolutely gorgeous.  Being beside the water really gave it a romantic feeling.  The fact that venue is fairly smaller it really gave it a more of an intimate setting too. I just loved this place!

4.      Hycroft Mansion (Ceremony and Reception)

  

The classic and elegant look of this mansion is what really blew me away. A couple would not need to spend as much on decor, because of the already highly detailed and elaborate decor built into the mansion itself.  Pictures taken at Hycroft would just look so timeless. Great place for outdoor weddings too, because of the spectacular garden that this venue offers.

5.      Cecil Green Park House (Ceremony and Reception)

  This is another venue that because of the view it offers is a reason why I love it!  This venue offers a remarkable view over the Strait of Georgia.  The classic and elegant look of the house gives couples a more traditional feel but at the same the interior can give them some modern elements.

6.      VanDusen Botanical Gardens (Ceremony)

   The stunning backdrop of flowers and greenery that this venue offers is just so amazing.  Just like Sun Yat Sen Garden, VanDusen offers a peaceful and calm venue for couples to enjoy their special moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

7.      Brock House (Ceremony)

 This venue is truly beautiful and is great for outdoor weddings.  Couples that are looking for a picturesque ceremony, than you found right place!

8.      Heritage Hall (Reception)

  The inside of this venue is very old fashioned, with sculpted beams and crown moulding.  With the right decor you could make this place feel very retro-chic!  You could make it very modern looking to if you really wanted too.  This place is very versatile, which is why I love this place J

9.      Roundhouse Lodge (Ceremony and Reception)

The Roundhouse Lodge is located about 6000 ft above sea level, on top of Whistler Mountain. It not only offers the couple a magnificent view, but also a very secluded area to share their special day with their loved ones and honoured guests.  The view from the top of the mountain is what really sold me on this venue.

10.  Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club (Wedding Reception)

This Golf and Country Club being on top of a mountain is the reason why it can offer couples a wonderful view of Vancouver.  Thus, offering couples the chance to take fantastic photos!    The excellent service that is offered by Westwood is another great reason why I would suggest this venue to couples.  Many of the people that I know that have been guests at weddings here, have raved about the service they provide.