This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Live NYC at The National Arts Club on April 19, 2016 with Sylvia Weinstock from Sylvia Weinstock Cakes, Darcy Miller the editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings, Justin Delaney the CEO of Menguin, Inc and Sandy Hammer from AllSeated. The panel joined a discussion on weddings, fashion and tech. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different. Sponsored by AllSeated , Menguin , Nace NYC NJWedding.com and Smart Crowdz

 

 

Q1: How did you get involved with the Wedding Industry? 

 

Sylvia Weinstock: There was need for a beautiful and delicious wedding cake, and I was able to create both together.

 

David Stark:  I started my career as a painter, working w/ flowers to support my art, a creative alternative to waiting on tables. Overtime, weddings and events BECAME my art.  We approach them as if they are 3D paintings or art installations.

 

Sandy Hammer: Our tools at AllSeated are just totally gravitate to weddings. I think the guest list is probably the hardest part for the brides & they just love how we make it simple and fun.

 

Justin Delaney: We started a tailored suit and tuxedo brand, but decided to shift to renting rentals because the market did not have a technology-focused solution and we felt like we were solving a consumer problem. We also observed the great success of Rent the Runway and felt that there was a need for something similar in menswear. We focus on weddings because it requires a greater deal of service quality and firm tenacity. We can easily outperform larger incumbents because our focus is 100% on customer experience.

 

Q2: Did you see any interesting from up & coming bridal designers from #BridalFashionWeek? 

 

Darcy Miller: Slim pantsuits, jumpsuits, cut-outs, bell sleeves and lingerie inspired dresses. 3D details and illusion cutouts and necklines.

 

Q3: Are there some new trends in formal wear for men? 

 

Justin Delaney: We obviously see the same trends bridal designers see in regards to popular colors each year. Beyond that, we are seeing a shift to suits over tuxedos. Grey and navy suits are very popular. Menguin also sees a great deal of long tail customization and personalization. We see a lot of personal touches that are symbolic to the bride and groom. For example, we had one groom who had custom cufflinks made that were little maps of the city where the couple met. We are seeing more of this type of personal sentimentality reflected in design.

 

Q4: What does Meguin do?

Justin Delaney: Menguin makes the guys look great on their wedding day. We built the entire service process from scratch using technology and people to create the best formal-wear experience possible. We have done thousands of wedding and generated millions of dollars in revenue over the last three years. Our customer satisfaction rates are higher than Zappos. We care deeply about making sure all of our clients nail the exact look they want for their wedding.

Q5: How is Meguin different from other rental tuxedo companies?

Justin Delaney: We are different from other companies in a few ways. First, we have 24/7 service and put the customer first always. No one else answers the phone 24/7 – with Menguin you always get a person, all the time. We have an everyone is invited policy with Menguin. Most rental companies only carry even sizes and don’t carry sizes for kids of large guys. We carry odd sizes, so we can fit people betters. We also carry sizes from toddler to NFL linemen. In fact, we are outfitting (NFL player) Devon Still’s wedding in a couple weeks. All of his guys will look great.

Q6: What are some of the top trends in weddings this year? 

 

Sylvia Weinstock: Top trends are destination weddings, smaller intimate weddings, and cost efficient.

 

Justin Delaney: One very interesting thing we see a bunch of is “groomswomen” and we have outfitted a number of women in tuxedos for weddings. Since our fit algorithm is made for men, we have started to work on a way to fit women more effectively. Another trend we see a lot of, especially in the South, is casual weddings with just a shirt, vest, tie, and pants. We added new items to our line to create this classic 2 piece look across the color spectrum. We also notice that men want cooler Groomsmen gifts. We are launching a groomsmen gift company later this week called Mbox to address this market we perceive as very boring and stale. We will do the same thing we have done in Tux rental, make people happy.

Q7: What is the funkiest thing you’ve used  in a wedding?

 

David Stark: For a funky beach inspired fete, the wedding cake was shaped like a lobster in a bucket in a mound of sand  -all edible!

 

Q8: What’s the most important thing you need to understand when meeting with a bride for the first time? 

 

Sylvia Weinstock: Explore bride’s style, taste, her budget and her fantasy wedding.

 

David Stark: I look for the balance between dreams, desire, & budget. A good designer/planner makes it work on all of those levels. 

 

Q9: What are some of your favorite wedding cakes that you have designed over the years? 

Sylvia Weinstock: Themed weddings, seasonal florals, personality and hobby themes, from simple to grand.

Q10: How is technology changing the wedding industry?  

 

Sylvia Weinstock: Technology has educated the bride as to the multiple choices and styles for her wedding day.

David Stark:  I get asked a lot how we can create instagrammable moments @ receptions? That is brand new to wedding celebrations. 

 

Sandy Hammer: Technology is changing the industry today in so many ways. Tools like AllSeated are used for operation efficiency allowing us to collaborate & bring everyone into 21st century. In 5 year technology will take us into holograph transporters.  Allows us to show our destination brides the entire venue with them walking along side us its truly amazing. Facebook made a huge announcement, Microsoft showed live coverage see here http://ow.ly/4mQ4VA .

 

Q11: How do you help brides and wedding pros with their weddings?

 

Sandy Hammer: We help all our brides & vendors by just giving great FREE tools to simplify the pains we all go through. Brides love our guest lists. Vendors love our floor plans. We design & scale an amazing 3D view from mobile too.

 

Q12: What new updates have you made with All Seated? 

 

Sandy Hammer: Mobile is released…Updated so you can print from our 3D you can print on larger printers and a lot more coming your way.

 

Q13: How do you present yourself to brides or couples? 

 

Sandy Hammer: We are here for the DIY to make your event more efficient to collaborate. Get some help! You don’t need to do it all. 

 

Q14: What wedding traditions are going away? 

 

Sylvia Weinstock: Cake served as part of dinner and not at end of the event; bride smashing cake in groom’s face,  plastic cake toppers.

David Stark: Not officially “gone,” a few of my brides have held their parent’s hands as they walk the aisle instead of a bouquet.

 

Q15: How are brides documenting their day? 

 

Darcy Miller: Photos & video + having fun with photo booths & smart phone technology with hashtags and apps to capture all aspects of the big day.

 

 

Q16: What has been the highlight of your career at Martha Stewart Weddings?

 

Darcy Miller: Hard to pick one I love working on the real weddings, they are all so different & memorable

 

Q17: How can a wedding be featured in Martha Stewart Weddings?  

 

Darcy Miller: You can submit on our website http://bit.ly/1JhuYcm

 

The Wedding Market audience posing with Sylvia Weinstock.

 

Wine Glass Shades Furnished By Di Potter