By Toni Andrews
Monte Durham of “Say Yes to the Dress”
With several reality TV shows and hit movies, multiple businesses and new start-up technologies to accommodate the “big day,” it is clear that the wedding industry is hot and its economic impact is real. Add to that plenty of emotional components from angst to elation, and you have an interesting study about social and family relationships, economics and culture.
George Mason University’s Office of Community and Local Government Relations will host the next “Real Life 101” examining this booming business on Wednesday, April 16. The free program takes place at George Mason’s Founders Hall auditorium at the Arlington Campus at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
“Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” host Monte Durham is a panelist, along with Mason professor Maggie Daniels, co-author of the textbook “Wedding Planning and Management.” Event expert Carrie Wosicki, owner of Carried Away Events and director of special events at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and wedding photojournalist Rodney Bailey will round out the panel.
In addition, two guests will share their real-life experiences: Lauren Holman, a bride-to-be with a special story; and Paul Wilson, a groom-to-be in the midst of planning not only his own second marriage but also nuptials for his daughter, Casey Wilson (of “Saturday Night Live” and ABC’s “Happy Endings” fame and the co-writer of the script of the hit film “Bride Wars”) and son Fletcher Wilson.
The program incorporates a fun quiz program to prime the audience for discussion. “Go to the Podium” features a randomly selected audience member attempting to correctly answer five multiple-choice questions on the topic. For each correct answer, Burke & Herbert Bank, sponsor of the April 16 program, will generously donate $100 to Mason’s Arts Management Program.
Registration is required at this reservation website.