Wedding Bells were ringing last Sunday throughout Anna Maria Island and will definitely be ringing for years to come based on the 900 people who came to the 3rd Annual Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce Wedding Festival to see what the Beach Wedding Capital of Florida has to offer for beach destination weddings. Event coordinators reported that 292 of the total festival attendees were brides proving that brides from all over are looking at Anna Maria Island as their choice to recite their vows and to stay in area accommodations while they are here. Last year, people pre-registered online before the event day. This year pre-registration topped out at 550. Another 350 paid at the door. Many vendors booked services the day of the event. According to Patti McKee, Sandbar wedding coordinator, they received two solid bookings, 6 deposits and 17 call back requests. Something Blue Bridal, the fashion show wedding attire provider had a bride buy a dress on the spot and A Tropical Affaire booked two weddings. Many other vendors including photographers, florists and accommodations providers reported bookings for services as well. Brides and festival attendees commented that this was the best wedding show they had experienced because of the ability to visit so many vendors by traveling the island and really seeing what they are getting when booking their special day.
Typically, each wedding brings approximately 50-150 visitors that will stay on the island, shop on the island and experience everything our island has to offer. According to Caryn Hodge, Marketing Director for the Sandbar, Beachhouse and Mar Vista restaurants and wedding festival coordinator, “The positive economic impact is limitless and will be a great source of revenue for area businesses for years to come. Couples may only get married once, or maybe twice, but they come back for their anniversaries, renewal of vows, vacations and to bring their families.”
One couple was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and are planning on renewing their vows on Anna Maria Island. Their kids are planning the celebration.
Increased vendor participation, 80 vendors this year compared to 40 last year, combined with increased in-kind and cash sponsorships and assistance from the island chamber marketing fund allowed festival organizers to extend their advertising into more key markets locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The internet has been especially successful with getting the word out about the event. Face book, online advertising banners and media websites were utilized to communicate with the target market of women 19 – 45.
According to Hodge, “The atmosphere and allure of the island combined with the unique style of the wedding festival drew 4 times the number of people than any other area show historically.”
The Chamber is planning on extending this event into a two day island showcase next year but intend to hold it in an off season month to help area resorts and hotels accommodate weekend stays and to infuse much needed off season income into businesses’ bottom lines during off shoulder months.
According to the wedding merchants participating in the festival and chamber officials, the wedding festival is a win-win for all of us and the island overall.
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