RAPAPORT...
Zale Corporation results for its second fiscal quarter were in line with double-digit drops reported during the Christmas sales cycle. But the retailer took a firm stand on its prospects for securing new capital and long-term stability. Zale executives also made a point to slam speculative bloggers for spreading rumors. In this broadcast segment, viewers will see how sales and net earnings have changed in the past five years.
The wedding website The Knot queried their customer base for an annual wedding expense survey and found that wedding budgets fell 5 percent in 2009. But the engagement ring budget held steady and was also in line with what online Blue Nile has reported from engagement ring sales.
Summarizing results of the survey, Carley Roney, editor in chief of The Knot, said, "As the economy continues to affect consumer spending, brides remain committed to planning a memorable event and are thoughtfully cutting back. Approximately one third of brides who had a wedding in 2009 said that the economy had impacted their overall wedding plans."
The average spending for each category during 2009*
Reception Venue $12,838
Reception Band $3,288
Reception DJ $892
Photographer $2,444
Videographer $1,481
Wedding/Event Planner $1,728
Wedding Gown $1,134
Florist/Decor $2,093
Invitations $509
Wedding Cake $559
Ceremony Musicians $451
Catering (cost per head) $63
Wedding Day Transportation $692
Favors $292
Rehearsal Dinner $1,163
Engagement Ring $5,847
*Data compiled by The Knot Inc.
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