Menu

Preston shops unable to capitalise on Royal Wedding

Posted on - 21st March, 2011 - 12:00pm | Author - | Posted in - Business, History, People, Preston News, What's On in Preston
It seems everybody wants to cash in on the Royal Wedding, from knitted souvenirs to tours of where Kate Middleton lives, new money-making schemes pop up daily.

However, a trade not benefitting is the wedding industry.

Surprisingly, despite the endless coverage, such businesses have not seen an increase in customers.

“I don’t think the fact it’s happening makes a difference. It’s not going to inspire couples to marry,” said wedding photographer Andrea Johnson.

Wedding magazine spokeswoman by NClapp

She thinks people are less interested now than in 1981 when Charles and Diana married.

“Young people wouldn’t just fork out cash on a whim. They’ve got other things to think about.”

Thrill

Hype surrounding the big event has grown dramatically since it was announced last November.

But unlike previous Royal Weddings, it seems the thrill of getting married in the same year has diminished.

Evidence of this is the rise in holidays booked around April, 29.

As people try to get away, travel agent Thomas Cook put 100,000 breaks on sale to meet demands.

“I think they will be more pleased by the fact they’re getting a day off than anything else,” said Mrs Johnson.

Owner of Dreamcatcher Bridal Wear in Kirkham, Gill Surneff, thinks it has had a positive effect.

She said: “It creates a feel good atmosphere, and uplifts people. I think everyone’s excited about it.

“Maybe when it’s come and gone, more couples will feel like they want to get married.”

Elsewhere, businesses are profiting thanks to the wedding.

Gill Surneff by NClapp

Knitter Fiona Goble has released a craft book which buyers can use to stitch their own Royals.

Cambridgeshire brewery Elgood and Son are even flogging a commemorative beer called Windsor Knot.

And savvy homeowners in London are making fortunes by renting out houses with some charging ÂŁ4,000 per week.

Despite the wedding industry in Preston being unable to cash in, Mrs Surneff feels they’re still in a strong position.

“We may not be making a lot of money from the event itself, but at least we’re doing ok,” she said.

A spokeswoman for Wedding Magazine went further, saying the industry as a whole has done well since the announcement.“From what we’ve seen it looks like it’s taken everyone by storm. There’s a bit of a buzz now.”

Share
Preston in pictures Tulketh Mill, PrestonArgento Lounge PrestonIMG_0046 waiting for a trainA little piece of historyPreston Bus StationMiller Arcade, PrestonBird above Preston Bus StationWater Reflections View more
Advertisement
Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement
News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

Advertisement
Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails