The wedding industry is a unique business model that doesn’t follow the normal tendencies that businesses do during a time of recession. The fact that people are getting married and will continue to get married allows the wedding industry to continue to thrive. As a small business, I’m fortunate to have continued success in today’s economy and I’m truly thankful for that.

One of my biggest concerns regarding the wedding industry is whether or not potential brides and grooms are getting the best and most current information needed to plan their wedding day.  One interesting fact that I have recently learned, thanks for my communication with a rather large “wedding solution” website is that sometimes you may not be getting the best information in regards to your wedding planning. The truth is, most wedding information websites may claim that they are “experts” at providing wedding solutions, but actually only provide information that their advertisers give them $ for. So, there may be a product or information that may be very useful to you or your wedding planning, but unless that product has paid a lot of money for advertising, you simply wont’ know about it.  Now, I understand that these “expert” websites have to make money, but it is a bit misleading to proclaim that you provide wedding solutions or wedding planning tips when in fact you are really just passing on info that advertisers pay for.

I learned this first hand recently while trying to pitch my affiliate program to a wedding solution provider. I was disheartened to hear that they would not talk to me about a program that benefits the vendor as well as the merchant equally. No matter how good the product was or how well it could benefit a potential bride or groom, they simply would not discuss it any further.

With the recent success of my father daughter song, “Daddy’s Angel“, and my mother son song, “A Mother’s Song“, I wanted to provide information to “experts” regarding these songs so that brides and grooms will have another option for their wedding day music. These two songs have become a YouTube hit with over a million views in less than a year. With a growing demand for these specialty dance songs, it amazed me that a wedding planning website would not consider a profitable way to get this information to those in need of these songs.

I made several calls to one popular online wedding resource and spoke with a representative that told me my information or product would only be considered if I paid for advertising with them.  I suggested they become a part of my affiliate program and earn money for each sale made from their site.  They would use the same creative banners or text links as normal advertising, but would share in the profit made for hosting that banner or text.  Personally, I believe this to be the “fairest” way to do business because each party benefits.  You see, advertising is hit or miss most of the time.  I’ve paid thousands of dollars only to never see any traffic come my way.  I’ve also paid less than $100 to receive very surprising traffic.  This kind of roller coaster can be very frustrating and is the main reason I feel so strongly about a “profit sharing” advertising program.  It’s a “you get paid when I get paid” program.  Nothing could be more fair to the merchant and to the advertiser.  If the commission is right and the terms are fair for both parties, it can be a very happy business marriage.

So, back to my chat with a popular wedding solution provider…I was essentially shut down with my attempts to create a partner business relationship.  With my frustration, I asked to speak to the owner about this matter in hopes of a more productive outcome.  The owner is a self proclaimed wedding expert who has written many books and has made TV appearances giving his wonderful advice.  When asked to speak with the founder/CEO, the rep on the other end said “I’m the owner, I’m the one you are asking for!”  I was shocked and disheartened to find out that this wedding “expert” was information driven by advertising $ and not good and useful information done from research.  To make matters worse, I found one of my song videos on their website that was posted by this owner! There wasn’t even a link to me or any info regarding how to obtain the song.

So, is there a place online that provides good information that is not driven by the almighty $? The answer is yes!  I have found a few great and informative websites and would like to share them with you.  Each of these websites provide great information for brides and grooms who are looking for planning advice, help, or tips.

• Top Wedding Sites - One of the best places on the internet to find anything wedding related.  Expert advice and planning provided.

• WedNet - In depth information regarding wedding planning.  Site features articles, tips, resources, and advice.

• Best Wedding Sites - Honest and informational wedding planning resource guide.

If you are planning for a wedding and want honest advice and a plethora of resources, you can’t go wrong with any of the websites above.

Best wishes and best of luck planning for your big day!

Tony