UK marketers are getting ready for the biggest royal event in years--of course, it's the wedding of Prince William and Miss Kate Middleton, scheduled for April 29, 2011 (and now designated as a
bank holiday, as well). Only
officially-approved images may be used, and certain product categories (such as tea towels) have been not been authorized.
Several years ago, when marketers expected a royal engagement announcement, some went so far as to design new products for the occasion. Above is the special plate design that Woolworths wasn't able to put on sale in 2007 because the Prince's engagement (although widely anticipated) didn't take place.
Intense public interest in the 2011 royal wedding should make the event a major marketing opportunity for retailers and manufacturers as well as for travel and tourism marketers. However, not all royal weddings become extra-profitable marketing opportunities. This year's Swedish royal wedding, for example,
failed to increase tourism, and product sales weren't as strong as expected.
