The Royal Wedding. I couldn’t let this epic event pass by without a post or use it as opportunity to decorate the blog. Whilst we’re inundated with TV specials on Wills and Kate and the Royal Family, it’s not just the world’s media screens that are obsessed with the Royal Wedding, brands too have been getting on the action - but is it a patriotic celebration or just one giant marketing bonanza?
We’ve all seen T Mobile’s wedding dance viral, and over the past few months we’ve been subjected to some truly obscure Royal Wedding inspired marketing ploys. In fact, there is barely seems a sector not in producing something in tune with this right Royal event.
Highlights include the the commemorative Oyster card holder, the right royal Burger King crown and the limited Royal Wedding gnomes from B&Q which are sure to bring some joy to your garden. If you're feeling hungry and thirsty, surely the infinitely classy ‘Prince William’ champagne should quench your thirst and when you reach for the bread you'll discover Hovis' packaging has gone all Union Jack on us.
But it’s not all patriotic tat and Royalist merchandise. Away from all the chintz and commemorative plates, there are some pretty subtle Royal brand connections where big bucks are likely to be made. In fact, premium fashion brands Reiss and Whistles have already seen a boost in sales from “Kate Middleton effect”, and Jon Zammett, Audi’s Head of PR will be attending the wedding ceremony - the luxury German car brand has been a long-term favourite with the Royal family with Kate, William, Harry, Charles, Camilla and even the Queen currently owning or leasing an Audi.
My thoughts, as an atheist are that if I’m happy to buy Easter eggs and Christmas puddings, then I don’t have to be Royalist to enjoy the spirit of the Royal Wedding, and if you so happen to have shares in a number champagne producers and pottery makers, then you’ll likely enjoy the event even more.
Sure it’s a giant marketing bonanza designed to flog more odious union jack pillows and those damn Keep Calm and Carry On posters, but at the end of the day - it’s also just a guy and girl getting married, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
