Wedding Planner
Playing matchmaker for brides and businesses
Mark Shaffer used to work as a DJ at weddings. Now he helps
organize them. Shaffer, 45, put his passion for music second after
buying his first Perfect Wedding Guide franchise in Las Vegas in
1996. These franchises publish guides covering specific cities for
brides planning their weddings. With the guide, they can find
information about local photographers, DJs, bakeries and florists.
"The bride can plan her entire wedding from one booklet,"
Shaffer says. Brides may be vital to his business, but Shaffer also
depends on local advertisers. Having once advertised his own DJ
services in the guide, he believes in its ability to help brides
find reliable companies.
Though the investment for a franchise is only between $30,000
and $35,000, success depends more on personality and hard work than
on money. A franchisee must be proactive, not reactive, he says.
With two more Perfect Wedding Guide locations in San Diego and
Riverside, California, and an additional franchise slated to open
next year in nearby Orange County, it's not unusual for Shaffer
to work seven days a week. "If you don't like working that
hard or want to quit at 5 p.m., this is not for you," Shaffer
says.
In keeping with his proactive philosophy, Shaffer took the
Perfect Wedding Guide one step further by opening Bridal Showcase
in June 2002. The Las Vegas store is a live version of the guide;
representatives from companies featured in the guide are on hand to
consult with brides preparing for their big day.
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-Sara Wilson