In July, Kerry Coryell posted a 3-page ad on Craigslist looking for folks that might be willing to trade services so that she could have the wedding of her dreams.
To her delight, the response was overwhelming. Coryell and her finance Kurt VanDerLinde ultimately received in excess of $75,000 worth of goods and services, many of which were donated, not traded. The couple was married on the Brig Pilgrim wooden tall ship in Dana Point Harbor with flying doves and a ride in a 1964 Princess Rolls Royce limousine.
Bartering Brides
Kerry Coryell Trades Her Way to $75,000 Wedding
Trend Themes
1. Barter Economy - As demonstrated by Kerry Coryell, a barter economy can be an effective means of achieving personal goals without relying on traditional currency.
2. Collaborative Consumption - The success of Coryell's ad demonstrates the impact of collaborative consumption and how a community can come together to fulfill the needs of its members.
3. Alternative Payment Systems - Coryell's efforts highlight the value of alternative payment systems that enable the exchange of goods and services without relying on cash.
Industry Implications
1. Wedding Planning - Kerry Coryell's success in bartering for her wedding demonstrates a clear opportunity for disruption and innovation in the wedding planning industry.
2. Hospitality - Bartering can create opportunities for innovation in the hospitality industry, from hotels to restaurants, by offering trade or donation opportunities in exchange for services.
3. Event Planning - The concept of bartering services that Kerry Coryell used to fund her wedding could also be applied to other industries, including event planning, where a similar sharing economy could thrive.