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Ah June, the peak of “wedding season.” A couple’s wedding day is an occasion they hope to remember for years to come. Unfortunately, a perfect day isn’t always in the cards for the lovebirds.

As it turns out, a recent Wakefield Research poll found that barely half of weddings go over perfectly (51%). Disasters range from a drunken or inappropriate toast (26%) to a fight between guests (23%) to a public argument between the bride and groom (6%).

Did you have a hard time picking out a gift for your mom this Mother’s Day?  If so, this might be a bad time to tell you that you were probably giving it too much thought.  You could have just gift wrapped yourself and called it a day.

Maybe Van Wilder had the right idea when he chose to stay in college for the better part of a decade.  Things don’t appear to be much better out here.  Regardless of your political stance or who you voted for, the research tells a consistent and dramatic story. 
 

It’s not quite David vs. Goliath but, nevertheless, we find ourselves revisiting this age old clash once again.

As the economy scratches and claws its way back, more than 70% of Americans think that small businesses are more likely to turn around the economy than the federal government.

As 3D televisions hit the market, many are wondering how fast this new technology will enter our lives.  ESPN has announced that it will launch the world’s first all-3D television network, ESPN 3D, in June.  It will air the opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup from South Africa. 

Children of all ages have good intentions when it comes to finding the perfect gift for mom’s special day, but sometimes, they just miss the mark.

According to a study conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by Western Union for their "Return the Love" with Mother's Day consumer campaign, 42% of mothers have pretended to like a Mother’s Day gift that when they really did not. 

Suddenly, we are

Several market research firms have released studies claiming that consumers are ready to start spending again.  According to them, while the economy may still be struggling, things are headed in the right direction…which means expected increases in consumer spending.

These studies oversimplify the consumer mindset.

Consumers are still making changes in response to the economic climate.  That’s no surprise.  Lifestyle choices are being re-examined.  What can we live without?  What can’t we live without?  As consumers examine their spending habits, purchases are often divided into three categories.

1) Necessities - expenses that are unavoidable or "must-have" items.  Things that typically fall into this category include rent. 

This is just one of the questions asked in a recent survey conducted by Wakefield Research and commissioned by PAAS and Hunter PR.  The results were showcased in USA Today’s print and online editions.

It’s no surprise that Lady Gaga, the most over-the top celebrity, was favored by 58% of respondents.  We can only imagine her egg being dyed neon colors with sparkles, and maybe too much skin showing.

In a distant second place, 1