Thursday, October 29, 2009

5 Reasons you want Bridal Parties


The Wedding industry is big, and growing. Smart spas are paying attention and learning how they can create experiences for brides that help them primp and pamper themselves for their
big day. In this blog I will explore why your company even wants to enter this industry and next month will follow up with the 5 Service Steps for Wedding Parties. I have a fresh new perspective on this subject, because I was recently a bride. In fact, that's me on the left. So, from first hand experience from both a bride and a spa owner, here are the 5 reasons you want Bridal Parties at your spa.

1. Exposure. By hosting bridal parties, you are exposing your spa to other vendors in the community that you can network with. Caterers, photographers, florists. They all have friends and families who live in your area. TIP: Treat the brides ancillary vendors to spa goody bags. Insert several menu's into the bag and include a first visit discount for them to share with friends.

2. Free Marketing. While your bride is getting ready, she is taking pictures in your salon. these show up on Facebook and Myspace among others, so make sure you have signage in your spa. Photographers will use the bride's pictures to market themselves. Inevitably, a future bride will say, "I love her hair! Where did she get it done?" You will get new clients because of your beautiful work.

3. Brides spend money. Believe me, during this very special time in a bride's life, she wants to spend money. She wants things perfect and is willing to pay whatever it takes. I was more interested in making things "right" then worrying about an extra $10, $20, or $30. Brides want education and they want to look pretty. Tell them what treatments they need to enhance their appearance...and they will get them.

4. Retail. Offer day of spa baskets for the bridal party from the bride. Include a lipstick for free with the purchase of their lip liner. Find ways to enhance the pre wedding ritual with retail. This can increase your average ticket cost and imprint the memory of your spa on your guests.

5. Power Booking. Bridal parties schedule services weeks in advance. Knowing the spa schedule this far out allows you to manipulate your schedule so that you can increase your other bookings. Most bridal parties need 2-4 hours in the spa, so ensure that you are maximizing your resources for the most revenue from your bookings.

You want to be a place that offers bridal services. You can create a life long memory and offer the perfect start to a very magical day.

make sure to visit next month when I share 5 Service Steps for Wedding Parties.