Sponsorship helps to pay for many of your favorite things in life: movies, TV, podcasts, festivals and even online celebrity gossip.
In fact, it is so widespread that it gave one couple a novel idea: why not seek sponsors for their very own wedding?
Jodi Gilbert and David Grzybowski, both 26, of Philadelphia, are currently looking to turn their upcoming union into a marketing opportunity for any brands – as long as they are able to help foot the bill.
Lots of love: Jodi Gilbert and David Grzybowski, both 26, of Philadelphia, are courting sponsors to help them pay for their wedding
Calling out: The couple are putting out a request online hoping that brands will help them pay for the big day
Like many couples, Jodi and David were blindsided when they discovered just how much a wedding can actually cost.
They figured that since people are bombarded daily with advertising everywhere from their commute to their social media feeds, their guests wouldn’t be bothered in the least by a bit of product placement on their big day.
‘Imagine going to a corporate event with sponsors, but at the end of the day, someone’s getting married!’ David mused to CBS Philly.
All smiles: David has described the idea as ‘imagine going to a corporate event with sponsors, but at the end of the day, someone’s getting married!’
Poppin’ ring: The couple have been together for seven years and recently went through big moves and career changes
The couple, who have been together for seven years, have recently been through some big moves and career changes that have led to them looking for ways to cut corners without having to sacrifice their dream wedding day.
On top of this, both of their mothers were diagnosed with cancer at the same time, which gave the couple a bit of a sense of urgency in going through with their nuptials.
With the average wedding today costing an eye-watering $35,000, the David and Jodi have put out a call to companies online looking to enter a mutually beneficial agreement.
Making the best of things: Things were made even more difficult after both of their mothers were diagnosed with cancer, leaving the pair keen to give them a wedding to look forward to
Hope against hope: The difficulties have left the couple at a bit of a loss for funds, which is how they came up with the sponsorship idea
‘We’re saying “I do” in 244 Days and we’re looking for local companies to get in on the fun,’ Jodi wrote on Instagram, tagging a variety of wedding-friendly brands. ‘Help #sponsor our wedding and we’ll help market your product/company.’
Among their ideas are tables at the reception bearing logos, brand mentions on invitations and even: ‘the maid of honor’s speech, brought to you by.’
Speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, David said: ‘I think what companies would get out of it is something that’s cool to be a part of. Obviously, you can’t promise this will be seen by a million people – but, in our perfect world, it would be.’