Bridal Market Couture Show's Green Pavilion Highlights Hot Trend

Green Bride Guide Tracks Eco-Friendly Options For Brides And Wedding Professionals at New York City's Wedding Channel Couture Show October 16-18. End Quote

Bridal gowns represent about 6% of the average wedding budget nationally. The average dress runs about $1,200. ~ Leah Andrew, SmartBrideBoutique.com

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) October 16, 2010 - Event: The Green Bride Guide Pavilion at The WeddingChannel Couture Show / New York's Premier International Bridal Market
Date & Time: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 16-18, 2010; 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Place: InterContinental The Barclay, New York / Madison Room 1, Third Floor

When environmental lawyer Kate Harrison and her fiance were planning their wedding in 2007 and wanted to lower the carbon footprint of the event, she thought it would be relatively easy to research options available to her given the growing popularity of environmentally-friendly business practices.

"We were surprised by how little information was out there," she said. "I spent what turned into hundreds of hours surfing online for green wedding ideas and resources, and was told by some bridal people that I talked to that there wasn't enough demand for that kind of service. My research indicated otherwise."

Harrison went on to write the best-selling green wedding book The Green Bride Guide: How To Plan An Earth-Friendly Wedding On Any Budget (Sourcebooks, 2008), which was based on her experience and all those hours of surfing. The reaction was so
strong that the next step was the website, and a new business Harrison never expected to be involved in.

Harrison found plenty of demographic research supporting this emerging trend. According to a study by David's Bridal in 2009, 46% of couples nationally are looking to include eco-friendly elements in their wedding. The research firm Mintel found that one third of Americans getting married (that was 2.1 million weddings in 2009) are willing to spend a little more for eco-friendly options. The Wedding Report (www.TheWeddingReport.com) also found that green wedding spending is up 4% compared to a 25% down turn across the rest of the industry.

Shane McMurray, the CEO & Founder of The Wedding Report, Inc., said that many of his key contacts in the industry have been talking about this trend for the last couple of years, and that lead him to his study (Eco Friendly, Green, or Earth Friendly Report, May 2009). Harrison assisted McMurray in some aspects of the data collection.

"My study suggests that there is growing awareness from both consumers and bridal vendors, which is why some brides don't even know they are using eco-friendly products - the vendors have in some cases made the switch themselves," said McMurray.

"I think it reflects the overall shift in the culture - green awareness is popping up everywhere."

One of the pavilion participants, Leah Andrew from SmartBrideBoutique.com, has seen a huge jump on her site from brides interested in buying "used" designer gowns as a way to be green and save money at the same time.

"Bridal gowns represent about 6% of the average wedding budget nationally (which is approximately $20,000 at present)," said Andrew. "The average dress runs about $1,200, and by purchasing what we a call a 'gently used' designer gown, brides can save a lot of money."

Andrew also said that when she surveyed her site users recently, 75% said they were interested in buying a once worn wedding dress for financial and environmental reasons provided they would not have to sacrifice fit and style. She noted that 81% said they would consider selling their dress after their wedding to recoup costs and help another local bride save on her wedding day.

Harrison and her team are hosting the pavilion in the InterContinental's Madison Room 1, and will be providing background information on the Green Bride Guide and how other event participants and attendee can "go green".

The Green Bride Guide is the comprehensive and credible resource for green wedding product and services. The site's directory connects couples with green wedding service providers in their area, such as restaurants that serve local, organic food and limousine companies that use hybrid vehicles. The directory includes vendors throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.

For further information on the pavilion and the Green Bride Guide, go to www.greenbrideguide.com/WCCS. For more information on the WeddingChannel Couture Show, go to www.wccoutureshow.com.

GREEN BRIDE MEMBERS IN THE GREEN BRIDE PAVILION
(Full descriptions of each company are available at www.greenbrideguide.com/WCCS)

1) Divine Chocolate, Fair Trade Chocolate Favors: Contact is Marvin Mack, (202) 525-0371, www.divinechocolateusa.com

2) Gwendolyn Gleason Eco-Chic Couture, Gowns, Hats, Facscinators and Bridal Accessories: Contact is Designer Gwendolyn Gleason, (413) 374-1787, www.gwendolyngleason.com

3) Invitesite.com, Modern Eco Invitations: Contact is Helen Driscoll, (626) 793-4600, www.InviteSite.com

4) Milo Paper, Personalized Holiday Cards, Notebooks, Invitations, Announcements and Stationery: Contact is Mari Kalorides, (202) 256-2150, www.milopaper.com

5) Ruff & Cut, Conflict Free Jewelry: Contact is Eugene Torres, (866) 920-7898, www.ruffandcut.com

6) Seams, Bridal Couture and Partywear: Contact is Designer Harper Della-Piana, (978) 473-3398, www.SeamsTheShop.com

7) Smartbride Boutique, Wedding Classifieds Website (wedding gowns and other products): Contact is Leah Andrew, (416) 727-1561, www.SmartBrideBoutique.com

8) Adele Wechsler, Wedding Gowns, 416-787-5768 x 225, www.adelewechsler.com

9) Little Flowers, Wedding Gowns, 301-879-7001, www.Little-Flowers.com

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