This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on November 28th, 2012. #WeddingMarket Chat With Renee Strauss an International Bridal Stylist and Star of Brides of Beverly Hills. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.
Renée Strauss’s first fashion experience was a year’s stay in Europe in which she was educated about the finest fabrics and laces in the world.
The story truly begins in 1982 when Renée purchased an existing bridal shop in Beverly Hills. The shop was redecorated into a salon, the inventory updated and a staff personally selected and trained by Renée. The name was changed and Renée embarked upon her heartfelt endeavor and lifetime career.
Several years later, as more space was required, the salon was moved to a larger location. Renée’s dedication to expertise, selection and service attracted an impressive clientele of discriminating families from around the world. The entertainment world also took notice, and Renée became the go-to person for film, television and commercial production. No wonder she was invited to star in her own show!
Having successfully completed the first season of BRIDES OF BEVERLY HILLS, which was acquired by TLC and sold internationally. Renée decided to refresh once again and move into a larger retail space in Los Angeles. Considered the “Rodeo Drive of bridal,” her new home is 653 N. La Cienega at Melrose Place. Two-story ceilings and five separate salon areas create what Renée refers to as “bridal experiential shopping”. She is actively involved in the day-to-day operation of her salon, making frequent New York and European buying trips to check the pulse of the fashion market worldwide, and keep the salon stocked with up-to-date trends, classic styles and unique merchandise.
In addition to her responsibilities to Brides of Beverly Hills, Renée writes a blog for TLC as well as weekly updates to her own website’s blog. She also regularly holds seminars and speaking engagements offering advice to fellow bridal retailers, wedding & event specialists and industry professionals.
Learn more about Renee Strauss at http://www.reneestrauss.com or on Twitter @ReneeStraussBH or @BridesofBeverly .
This Transcript was sponsored by Wedding Marketing Online ( @WeddingIndustry ) at http://www.weddingmarketingonline.com
Join Our Wedding Market Chats For Wedding Professionals Every Wednesday at 10:00PST, 1:00EST, and 6:00GMT (UK time) with the #WeddingMarket Hashmark On Twitter. Learn something new to help your business grow every week. The chats are hosted by Wedding Market editor Julie Albaugh (@juliealbaugh).
Q1: How did you get involved in the #BridalMarket ?
A: I grew up a caterer’s daughter and loved parties, but not the food
aspect so gowns were an obvious choice for me!
Q2: How did the TV Show @BridesofBeverly Hills come
about?
A: After 30+ yrs of styling in Hollywood I was asked to be in front
of the camera rather than behind it!
Q3: What is a typical day like for you?
A: Never enough hours! I rise early and am on the phone & comp in
between styling brides, TV shows, commercials & print ads!
Q4: @ReneeStraussBH What are the biggest trends this year in bridal
fashions?
A: Flowers, tulle, romantic dressing and color infusion
Q5: What are the advantages & disadvantages of having a
TV show with your business?
A: Silence on the “set” no phones no voices is challenging But the
merchandise selection is top notch Designers send their best
Q6: What types of marketing or PR do you do outside of
TV?
A: I network w/other professionals & participate in many
opportunities to assist their biz needs & submit articles & interviews
Q7: Does taping @TLC ?s @BridesofBeverly Hills
interfere with working with brides in your shop?
A: When we shoot we are closed. Yes it can be frustrating as our
business is calendar driven and time is of the essence
Q8: How do you manage your social media on a weekly
basis?
A: I am very hands on & pace myself/staff We dedicate certain hours
for different goals Social media is our window to the world
Q9: What does it take for a bridal salon to be
successful today?
A: Success depends on direction, focus, drive, dedication &
creativity. 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. Who said that?
Q10: Do you have a favorite bride or wedding?
A: Honestly every project I immerse myself in becomes my favorite
Q11: What has been key to your success?
A: I never give up. I always look for opportunity but I am not an
opportunist I do what I say I will do and love what I am doing
Q12: Do you have special events or projects coming
up?
A: Every day! Talk shows, bridal shows, appearances, interviews and
editorials! Follow me for updates! Every day! Catch @TheInsider Tomorrow & Friday! I’ll be on!@BridalFantasy in Jan…@stregis in Feb Follow my updates! Upcoming this Friday on #BOBH you’ll see more tattoos on bride & groom than the entire season of Miami Ink!
This Friday on @TLC‘s #bridesofbeverlyhills #reneestraussfortheplatinumbride catch American Idols & Gown designer @sarehnouri.
Q13: What do you want the #WeddingMarket to take away
from this chat?
A: Relationship building is key & creativity is queen (not only
relating to art) & the BEST is yet to come!
#WeddingMarket Question: Would you say lace is a trend too? I saw lots of lace on the runways!
Answer: Lace is & always has been a classic bridal fabrication. What better day to wear lace if you’re a lace lover?
#WeddingMarket Question: How important is the seamstress next to you?
Answer: Alterations are a dying art…it requires expertise…Alterations are the “re-sale” of every gown. Critical
#WeddingMarket Question: What wedding decor color palette are you loving right now?
Answer: I love neutrals, blush, pastel pink, golds but also splashes of color! Check out my interest page for inspiration.
#WeddingMarket Question: Why don’t you have a runway show in Canada?
Answer: I will! Jan 13 in Calgary at @bridalfantasy! come join me! we have a #moncheri gown giveaway!
#WeddingMarket Question: Do you feel bridal shows are helpful for future business?
Answer: I think all networking opportunities are helpful done with taste and aplomb…and considering budget and results.
#WeddingMarket Question: @ReneeStrauss are you coming to the DC area?
Answer: I would love to come to DC if the opportunity presents itself & I can serve positive way to increase success.
#WeddingMarket Question: Do brides constantly ask how they can be on the show? Is it exclusive to Beverly Hills brides?
Answer: Yes! We have inquiries about how to get on the show! It’s open to all brides But ultimately r chosen by casting!
#WeddingMarket Question: Do you remember your first client?
Answer: My first celeb client was Valeri Bertinelli a million years ago…This is the age of the comeback!
#WeddingMarket Question: Was that when she married EVH?
Answer: YES! Eddie Van Halen. And my second celeb bride was Heather Locklear when she married Tommy Lee. Anyone remember Delta Burke from Designing Women? She was my bride and renewed her vows at 20 yrs with a wedding gown again!
#WeddingMarket Question: Do you find brides are still struggling with price points on couture gowns?
Answer: I am not considered the “pulse” of the market – but overall I believe the $1200-$2500 is comfortable and sells.
#WeddingMarket Question: What are you seeing in the way of veil trends?
Answer: VEILS ARE BACK! Thank goodness! We had a looong stretch of anti-veil…Now the more embellished – the better!
#WeddingMarket Question: Do you think more couples will opt for gowns at their renewals?
Answer: Hard to say. If they NEVER wore a gown, then maybe.If they DID wear a gown & they’re girlie girls-then maybe!
#WeddingMarket Question: What are Ace and Diana like and will you attend their wedding?
Answer: I am @dianadegarmo@IAMACEYOUNG ‘s wedding planner! Catch #bridesofbeverlyhills this FRIDAY! Wedding in June 2013!
#WeddingMarket Question: Do you stick with gowns & accessories or do u also have experience in other aspects of wedding consultation?
Answer: I started with gowns, added bdmds & flwgrls & accessories, dropped bdmds & flwgrls.
#WeddingMarket Question: Has the tv show increased your overall business, changed how you do business or acted as just marketing?
Answer: TV show made me up my game strengthen ties and shop the world new doors opened & I have sturdy shoes to run.
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