July 25, 2010

Just this weekend, the US Treasury reported we are starting to see some bright spots in the sluggish economy, but is it translating in Wichita? At a bridal fair in Wichita, some indicate it just may be.

We've heard a lot of stories over the last couple of years about people cutting back in tough economic times. Here at the Bridal and Holiday Expo in Wichita, we wanted to find out. Some people tell us yes, but others say no.

"Our orders from last year to this year have quadrupled, so we are extremely successful," said Amber Brunner, who owns Classically Covered.

That's just one example of how the local economy might be turning around. Brides and grooms-to-be shopped around for wedding plans this weekend in Wichita. Chelsea Rodman says she's not necessarily cutting back, but is scrutinizing every dollar.

"It's a little tight right now, especially if the parents are paying for it," Rodman says. "Photographers, I think, were the hardest challenge for us because it's so expensive these days."

Event planners and rental businesses have to be able to move quickly.

"Brides are trying to prepare for their weddings coming up the following year, but overall I think they're waiting for the last minute so they don't get skunked with a huge bill and not needing so many things," said Vecelli Domebo of Action Tent & Party Rental.

"Instead of brides picking venues, I'm seeing a lot more churches and a lot more receptions at churches, so I would say that economically speaking, that would probably be the trend," Brunner said.

From the formal wear to the wedding cakes and music selection, retailers find themselves becoming more competitive.

"I think it's starting to slowly come back up and get really nice again," said Domebo. "If we could just get brides to book a little further in advance, we'd be on a roll again."

"For me, it was more about the fact that I was marrying the person that I love, my best friend," said Rodman, the bride. "Everything else just adds to that."