Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

First I'd take the words "in this down economy" out of your vocabulary. It holds you down. Know the difference between empathy and sympathy. Sure, times can be tough, but they still need a wedding that 20 years from now, they will be proud of.

I got married 3 years ago when this economy didn't see any glimmer of light and the hotels I looked at didn't blink to tell me they'd want $2500 for one couple and a couple witnesses and officient to stand on a public beach in their backyard. That didn't include a glass of water, much less a chair.

I'd stop marketing just to the brides alone. You want the wedding and party planners, those who do multiple events. I am a huge fan of sell them once and get multiple opportunites. Fusion market with the dress stores, the caterers, even the Mary Kay lady (I met one that does a huge job with weddings)-- anyone that would contact a bride. This will make your marketing dollars stretch farther. Hotels create lists of suppliers, and they aren't interested in buying chair covers -- they sub that out, it might as well be you. You get the brides into your store by being a resource and that means more than just a supplier of chair covers and flowers.

Get on all the online directories like weddingwire.com. That's just basic.

Develop a network of providers like djs and photographers, caterers, bakers, hairdressers & dress shops.

Hit EVER banquet hall/country club you can find and make sure they have your information.

Michael