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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