When David's Bridal reached out to Christy and Michelle about being on the podcast - it was excitement all around! David's Bridal is an iconic brand that has been around longer than any other company of its kind. Though they are best known for the sale of wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, you're in for a treat as you learn about the many other services they offer. Including the most comprehensive and up to date information on what's happening in the wedding market. Maggie Lord, Vice President and Head of Strategic Partnerships at David’s Bridal and the founder of Rustic Wedding Chic, a popular wedding blog and directory acquired by David’s joins Christy and Michelle on the show today. Maggie is also the author of six books and a sought after wedding expert and she’s offering insider tips for creating a memorable wedding. Big Takeaways * In a David’s Bridal store, you can order a tux and color match with bridesmaid dresses. * There is a large prom and junior section. * They also offer tangible items for the wedding and other celebrations, not just the clothing. * Dresses start at $99, and include a wide range of sizes. * The Pearl Report is a comprehensive report put together by David’s Bridal. * They include information about what is happening in the wedding market and with their customers. Some specific stats from this year’s report: * 82% of brides are confident when looking att heir financial future * 70% more brides are now comfortable shopping and buyinginstore * 29% of brides will have more than 5 bridesmaids * Concerns over venue availability are up15% * 37% of brides are not worried about COVID at wedding * Event guest limitations have dropped 14% Quick Tips For Wedding Decor on a Budget * Not every single table needs to have the same arrangement or fancy centerpiece * Candles/Hurricanes make great center pieces for the tables without flowers * You can have non-floral centerpieces Quick Decor Ideas (Outdoor weddings) The more simple the better Find a focal back drop for the ceremony (an arch with flowers, barnd oors, etc.) Make sure there is dedicated spaces that are easy to discern (ceremony, cocktails, dining area) Signage is great for directing guests Think of your guests, and what kind of accessibility you might need Links We Referenced rusticweddingchic.com theblacktux.com davidsbridal.com Quotes “After you buy your dress, and your have your amazing wedding - well most people want to do something with it, right? It doesn’t just hang in the back of your closet. We would be falling short if we weren’t standing with her in that moment, to how to preserve it, the right way.” - Maggie “What is magical about David’s, along with a lot of other things, is that you can walk in the store and try on something in your size. Or find something really close, and it’s not about the clips and the grips and everything else. You put it on, and you feel like yourself, and you see yourself exactly how you might look on your wedding day. And that is phenomenal.” - Maggie “Everybody wants to look and feel their best. And nobody wants to feel like they are settling for a dress that isn’t the perfect dress.” - Maggie Plan your wedding using The Big Wedding Planning Master Class (https://www.thebigweddingplanningmasterclass.com/). A self-paced digital course created with love for you by Christy & Michelle. The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is... * Hosted and produced by Christy Matthews and Michelle Martinez. * Edited by Veronica Gruba. * Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics (https://www.mophonics.com/). * On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! * Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook. * Easy to get in touch with. Email us at thebigweddingplanningpodcast@gmail.com or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode * On Patreon. Become a member (https://www.patreon.com/thebigweddingplanningpodcast) and with as little as $5 per month, you get bonus episodes, special newsletters and Zoom Cocktail Hours with Christy & Michelle! Our Partners (https://www.thebigweddingplanningpodcast.com/partners) Special Deals for Listeners - TBWPP Enthusiastically Approved! Wedfuly (https://wedfuly.com/bigwedding/) SuitShop (https://suitshop.com/?utm_campaign=EngagedLeads&utm_content=BWPPPartnership&utm_medium=BWPP&utm_source=ReferralLink) The Flashdance (https://www.theflashdance.com/virtual-party-the-big-wedding-planning-podcast) Cactus Collective (https://www.cactus-collective.com/the-big-wedding-planning-podcast/) Unboring Wedding Academy (https://www.unboringweddingacademy.com/bigwedding/) Special Guest: Maggie Lord.