British Royal Wedding Could Recharge Sagging U.S. Bridal Industry

CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Prince William and Kate Middleton are finally getting married after years of dating. Many predict the royal wedding could recharge the sagging American bridal economy. Almost 30 years ago when Prince William's parents wed, it triggered wedding trends and inspired thousands of marriages. Those who work in the bridal industry hope the same thing will happen this time around.

"I was one of those who stayed home from work and watched Lady Diana marry Prince Charles," says Frank Andonoplas, Chicago's only master bridal consultant. "As soon as Diana stepped out of the carriage in that beautiful, billowing, very grand gown, the wedding industry changed.  More formal weddings became the rage and the trend lasted for a long time."

The number of people currently getting married in the United States is the lowest since the census bureau began tracking them 100 years ago. The marriage rate plunged even further when the recession hit in 2008.

"We are all hoping Prince William and the lovely Kate will give our industry a boost," says Andonoplas. "They are young, great looking and charismatic, I think they will be trendsetters."

He predicts formal more traditional weddings will make a comeback again thanks to this latest royal wedding. He says there are many ways how to have an elegant "royal worthy" wedding within your budget.

Andonoplas' wedding studio, Frank Event Design, is located in the historic "Pink Lady," the Edgewater Beach on Sheridan Road in Chicago. A wedding florist and wedding dress designer are also in the building so it is "bridal central" in Chicago.

SOURCE Frank Event Design

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