The new business year begins with great anticipation, tempered by concerns about the challenges ahead in 2026. For many bridal retailers attending Insiders Day, it started with fresh energy, optimism, and inspiration for a new path forward.
On January 26, the marketing experts at Just Brides hosted their annual “Insiders Day” for bridal retailers at their home base in Fulda, Germany. Held at the start of the year, the event was designed to guide retailers through the year ahead, with topics ranging from leadership and mindset, to understanding and engaging the modern-day bride.
Peter Michel, founder of Just Brides and marketing expert, was the first to take the stage, welcoming participants and opening the seminar with an overview of how rapidly the marketing landscape is changing. He emphasized the need for bridal retailers to adapt to a new era of marketing, understand the growing impact of AI on the industry, and embrace these changes in order to connect with today’s brides.
Founder of Just Brides, Peter Michel
Before the Just Brides team dove into the world of AI, social media, and marketing, Peter invited bridal shop owner Vanessa Huber, of Villa Engelsbraut, a well-known face in the bridal industry, to speak on the important topics of leadership and mindset. Vanessa addressed the common challenges bridal retailers face in their day-to-day operations and shared practical approaches for navigating them, while reminding attendees not to overlook their own well-being in the midst of stressful situations. It was in these moments that participants were able to reflect on their own experiences and learn new ways to respond to these challenges.
Vanessa Huber, Owner of Villa Engelsbraut Bridal Boutique
After a lunch break and networking session, Peter brought in the Just Brides dream team to get participants up to speed on everything they need to know about today’s marketing landscape. Hannah Löser of Just Brides then immersed attendees in an entertaining yet inspirational look at how bridal retailers can work with photos and videos using AI tools. For many, this was uncharted territory, sparking both curiosity and enthusiastic discussion.
(from left to right) Tamara Wich, Katharina Grösch, Hannah Lößer, Peter Michel, Franziska Keil, Melisa Güvenc
Franziska Keidel of Just Brides was up next, highlighting the impact of AI and helping attendees decipher what is “real or not real” in AI-generated content, as well as what makes content go viral and which social media updates retailers should be aware of. Katharina Grösch of Just Brides then took the stage to introduce ChatGPT and explain how it can be used in daily business operations. For retailers who had never ventured into AI before, the presentations by the Just Brides marketing team provided valuable insight into available tools, how to use them, and how artificial intelligence can simplify workflows.
Sabine Steinbeck, Stress- und Resilience-Coach
After a brief cupcake and coffee break, bridal retailers returned to their seats for a more reflective presentation by stress and resilience coach Sabine Steinbeck. Building on the theme of mindset, Sabine explored the presence of negativity in everyday life, its impact on personal well-being, and shared simple yet effective practices retailers can incorporate into their daily routines to consciously shift their focus toward positivity and a healthy mindset.
Founder of Bridal Times, Adriana Weisenbach
Closing the program was Adriana Weisenbach, founder and managing director of Bridal Times. She offered an insightful perspective on the current state of the bridal industry, its development in the aftermath of the coronavirus crisis, and how bridal retailers can maintain a positive mindset and make confident business decisions, even when the world around them feels as though it’s working against them.
The day concluded with an after-party, where bridal retailers enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and an evening of networking, providing the perfect setting for continued exchange and new connections.
On behalf of Bridal Times, we would like to thank Just Brides for the special invitation and for the opportunity to be part of such a valuable event for the bridal industry.
For further information about Peter and Just Brides in the German language, visit: „Just Brides- Online Marketing für Bridal Stores“
Photo Source: Johannes Ruppel Fotografie