Wedding Crafts Reflect Changing Customs
Before the 20th century, a good many couples married out of necessity: to breed enough offspring to help work the land. Originating in Europe, wedding traditions such as throwing rice and crumbling cake above the bride’s head symbolized fertility and luck. Offering trinkets or “favors” to guests signified gratitude and unity between the two families.
Couples now come together for less practical reasons. And, happily for the retailer, the couples are abandoning old traditions in favor of ones relevant to the couple.
In the 70's wedding favors were largely unknown and weddings were still very traditional. Today’s bride wants her wedding to mirror her individuality. One growing trend is incorporating the couples ethnic customs or hobbies into the celebration itself. For example, in an African-American wedding, you might find the bride-and-groom “Jumping the Broom” during the reception.Or a couple that shares a love of Harley bikes may well want to roll down the aisle on their hogs. One couple that met at dog training asked a retailer to
create a custom mold of a basset hound’s head, so they could create 250 chocolate versions for their guests.
Many brides want to not only make their own favors, but have a hand in every detail of their wedding. Personalization is popular, as is the use of many colors other than white.
To be ready to make your share of profits from wedding crafts it's important to keep up with trends.
Read industry publications and attend trade shows in order to keep up with the style of bridal customs, as well as to stay on top of ethnic merchandise.
