The Knot Acquires Micro-Wedding Platform Simply Eloped

Digital wedding marketplace The Knot Worldwide has acquired Simply Eloped, an online platform for elopements and micro-weddings.

“We were thrilled when the Simply Eloped team approached us with the idea of ​​an acquisition that would bring together our family of brands because we have long admired the company,” said Tim Chi, CEO of The Knot Worldwide, in a press release on Monday (July 8).

“Today’s micro-wedding and elopement couples are increasingly looking to personalize their celebrations,” Chi added. “We’re joining forces with Simply Eloped to provide these couples with the comprehensive support and talented vendor network they need to make their dreams a reality, while also introducing new business opportunities for vendors.”

According to a press release, Simply Eloped works with more than 750 wedding professionals to allow couples to purchase personalized packages for weddings of around 15 people and micro weddings of up to 50 people, with costs ranging from $450 to $5,500.

Elsewhere in the wedding industry, PYMNTS recently spoke with Kleinfeld Bridal co-owner Ronnie Rothstein and chief marketing officer Jennifer Shipe about how customers’ expectations for on-demand services are changing the industry.

For example, brides are demanding, more than ever, dresses that reflect rapidly changing trends rather than opting for timeless style.

“The wedding industry today is much more fashion-oriented than it was 15 or 20 years ago, and fashion is changing more,” Rothstein said. “Fabrics can be modified, embellishments on fabrics (and) whatever. So (all retailers) are trying to speed that up and not get stuck in inventory.”

He added that many clients want to have their dresses ready in a shorter time than before.

“We’re seeing those planning timelines getting shorter. Gone are the days of, ‘I’m going to plan two years in advance.’ We’re seeing much, much shorter timelines from when she gets engaged to when she wants to get married,” Shipe said.

Rothstein also noted that the company’s recent launch of Kleinfeld Again, an online marketplace for used dresses, allows it to offer ready-to-wear clothes.

In a separate interview in May, PYMNTS spoke with Kelly Cook, president of brand, technology and finance at David’s Bridal, about the need for couples renewing their wedding vows to make the occasion extra special.

“I had a chance to meet the bride—a beautiful older lady in a store,” Cook recalls. “We were talking and she was wearing a long wedding dress and I said, ‘Oh my God, are you getting married?’ … and she said, ‘Oh, we’re having a vow renewal ceremony.’ … What’s better than getting married for the first time than remarrying the love of your life?”

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