The Romance of Wedding Ads
As a rule, wedding ads are traditional. They featuring symbols like rings, flowers and cakes. Fonts are serif and often resemble invitation calligraphy.They have a single or main image rather than busy layouts. And if they are not romantic, they don't sell.
The key thing to note about the ads is whether the style speaks to "the dream" that the bride, groom or other decision makers have for the big event. Let's not kid ourselves, it's the bride most of the time! An instantaneous connection has to be made. For example, if hot pink daisies are featured and you want a formal, evening wedding, you will turn the page or click over to another website.
Nothing drives home this point better than ads for wedding dresses. Brides will visit stores that feature dresses in a style they like. Below you see two ads with elegant dresses, both of which are traditional and have modern twists. These places are probably not right for the couple that wants a sunset beach wedding or to have the ceremony performed as they jump out of an airplane.
I think the most enjoyable aspect of the wedding to decide is the cake because of all those samples! But it still comes down to style with the cakes. Do you want a funky and creative color scheme or an elaborate white multi-tiered confection? Based on your answer, the choice is clear between Sophie's and Melitsa's. By the way, note the different font in Sophie's ad, further reinforcing that this bakery can deliver for people who want a creative approach.
Another category of wedding ads is venues. In this case, businesses tend to focus on their strengths. The Waterloo Inn zeroes in on the reception--the elegant tables, linens, flowers, etc. Their tagline is "every moment, every detail."
In contrast, Lambermont conveys the drama of their property at dusk. It look like a grand castle.
When it comes to flowers, Pink Poppi offers something a little different and claims to have "style." The presentation of the product is unusual (we expect to see a bride holding them) and the font is modern, supporting the business's claim.
Further along the spectrum, Jane Marshall is clearly for those brides who want to be different and make a statement. The bouquet featured is orange, yellow and green instead of the standard white or pink. However, the ad follows tradition otherwise, using serif fonts, showing a white wedding dress and using a large, dominant image.
It's no easy task to pull a wedding together (especially with all these ads to wade through!). That's why some hire professional wedding planners. The concept is reinforced here because the type of wedding featured will resonate with only part of the target audience. To me, this one suggests a big guest list, lots of friends and a fun, party atmosphere.
An exception to the rule of wedding ads using one image is those for bridal shows. They still use a dominant image but try to get the point across that you an learn quite a bit and cross many tasks off your list if you attend. So several cliches are typically trotted out at the same time: rings, cakes, flowers, tuxedos, etc. The one below uses several images of happy couples, suggesting the event has led to countless, joyous weddings.
Now that I've shared ads for several different wedding businesses, you know the golden rules for designing them. Be traditional, unless you are specifically directed otherwise. Use elegant, serif fonts. Pick one main image and don't use additional images unless absolutely necessary because a client needs to show variety. And, above all else, evoke romance if you want viewers to take action! Follow this advice and your client and the design will be a match made in heaven!
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