Beth Chapman has adored fashion and weddings from a young age and always knew she wanted to build a fulfilling career that combined them both. Originally dreaming she’d become a gown designer, her lack of sketching skills led her to another reality: translating inspiration into curated wedding looks as an expert in the bridal fashion industry.
After graduating from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising, Beth joined the corporate team at Ann Taylor. There, she worked her way up and became the Vice President of Merchandising. In this role, she honed her eye and developed a deep understanding of garment fit and construction. She decided to bring her expertise to the wedding space by opening a bridal boutique, The White Dress by the Shore.
Beth met countless brides in the store who were confused about where to shop, the silhouettes that best highlighted their body type, and fabric styles that were most appropriate for their venue. Her brides also expressed great anxiety around day-of fashion emergencies. Beth recognized the need for styling assistance before shopping began, as well as a skillful dresser to be present on the wedding day. With her compassionate attitude, expert knowledge, and years of experience, she is the perfect fashion fairy godmother to fill that need.
An avid admirer of stripes, bows, and all things Carolina Herrera, Beth is known for her exquisite personal and professional style. Her love of travel provides endless inspiration, as she is enamored by fashion around the globe. Closer to home, she is influenced by historical costumes in period pieces.
Beth is a frequent contributor on CT LIVE and WTNH NEWS, and has also been featured on the TODAY SHOW. She has co-authored two books, The White Dress in Color and The White Dress Destinations. As well, Beth is an educator and honored speaker within her industry, supporting fellow independent bridal salon owners through The White Dress Society, an organization that she founded.
When she’s not working, Beth can be found taking a Peloton class or enjoying time with her husband, two children, and fur baby, Koda.
Do you feel like the industry charges more “because it’s a wedding” and they know it’s an emotional purchase?
Do companies think that they can charge more for weddings since the bride and groom may be willing to spend more on their dream wedding?
Hey wedding pros – is this higher price tag justified? Why? Do you charge more for your service if it is a wedding?
This is a taboo topic, whispered but not discussed… until now.
Welcome to The Uncorked Project!
2 comments
I have been asked this so many times... does the wedding industry inflate prices when they hear it's a wedding?
Here is my honest answer (as a former wedding photographer)... NO. Did I charge more for a wedding than a 50th birthday party or a family portrait session? Yes, absolutely. I charged A LOT more for a wedding.
Was I taking advantage of the emotional sell? Absolutely not.
The main reasons I charged more for a wedding were: the unseen amount of work involved in the 12+ months leading up to the wedding, the skill level needed on the day, the INTENSE pressure to create perfect "portfolio level work" no matter what the reality of the situation- but mostly it is to compensate for the time AFTER the wedding in post production.
Little known fact about wedding photography - the real job is sitting at a computer editing photos. Photographers spend many hours behind the computer carefully selecting and editing photos. They make adjustments, crop, and adjust colors to ensure each image it's best. Don't forget the time it takes for batching, renaming, importing, exporting and uploading the photos and preparing them for delivery.
Do you think this justifies why photographers charge more for weddings than for other types of shoots?
Couldn’t agree more! And on the videography side its an absolute ton of data + editing discipline.
Its a double sided coin- weddings are extremely high pressure but also high reward when we nail it.
Our products (photo video) in particular are the only thing that genuinely will last forever . Having fun and ALSO nailing the product is worth the price of entry and frankly more.