The Difference between a Bride of 1988 and the Bride of 2008.
I have been in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and have seen a real change in Brides from 1988 to the Brides of 2008.
Brides of today are much more sophisticated and wanting more of an elegant, classy Wedding Ceremony and Reception. They are more refined with wanting a Reception that is unique to her and not the same Wedding day as her mothers.
The Brides of 2008 are looking for a beautiful day that easily could be a scene from a movie or a segment of a Wedding Bridal Show on TV.
When searching for vendors for her special day the greater majority of Brides use the internet to do her preliminary research for the vendors that will make her dreams come true.
These brides have been using computers and the internet since the first grade and have grown up with it in their bedrooms as a window to the world.
In 1988 the internet was still fairly new and most vendors were still in the habit of using the old standard methods of advertising such as the Yellow Pages.
Today a Bride can research everything there is to know about planning a Wedding not only in her area but also from all around the world.
As you read this there are hundreds of internet Wedding forums web sites that allow Brides to speak to other Brides, Vendors and Wedding Experts from all around the world. There are also hundreds of Bridal magazines available to read along with a complete Cable network that offers Brides the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to Wedding celebrations.
With more Brides watching these shows, most are deciding they defiantly want a Wedding Day more like those on “Platinum Weddings” and “The Knot…” then those Brides shown on shows like “Bridezillas” or "My Big Redneck Wedding”
When it comes to hiring a Disc Jockey as the Entertainment for their special day they are now realizing how important the DJ really is and the huge role they play in their one of a kind day.
Brides are looking for DJs who take an active part not only in the music but also in the planning and execution of the perfect day. They are looking for a DJ who can help them create a schedule for the day so that the flow, pace and feel of the day is smooth and peaceful.
They don’t want a DJ who acts like a “Clown” and embarrasses themselves or their guests. They are looking for a DJ who can play the appropriate songs at the correct time, not play songs that will offend or drive their guests out and a DJ who can with their personality lead a successful fun evening that keep all of their guests laughing, dancing and remembering that one evening for a long time.
Gone are the days of the “Chicken Dance” “Hokey Pokey” and even the “Macarena”. Most Brides are looking for elegance without the “Cheesy” DJ or the stereotypical “Wedding standards”.
Bridal couples want music played at the right level so that those on the dance floor have a good time dancing, but at the same time it doesn’t blast out the older guests from the reception.
With today’s technology Bridal couples are looking for Entertainment that doesn’t over power the room with huge speakers and light shows, they want Entertainment that smoothly blends in with the room at the correct size for the occasion and adds a dance atmosphere without the “Disco Bar” effect.
Live bands are slowly disappearing from the “Wedding” industry because the general public enjoys dancing to songs that they know from artists that they are familiar with. Most bands selection of music they that know and play well tend to stick with one or two genres and/or are small in size when compared to a mobile DJs ability to produce 1000 to over 20,000 songs at each event in any style, genre or mix. Bridal couples want a DJ who can play music to please eveyone at their party.
In 1988 a Bridal Couple would pay the average DJs rate of $250 to $350. In 2008 the average DJ will cost $800 to $900 with the more experienced, talented and professional DJs ranging from $1200 to over $2000.
One of the biggest changes that I have seen in the last twenty years is that more Bridal couples are waiting to be married until they have finished their higher education and have established themselves in the business world. Many are already home owners, with great careers and planning for the future with children and eventual retirement.
Jeff Richards: Party Time Productions