Bridal Mags Are Fastest Growing Segment of Magazine Market

Bridal magazines jumped in number by more than 96 percent, increasing from 69 to 135 titles from 2002 to 2007, according to The National Directory of Magazines.

The 2008 version of the National Directory of Magazines was released today.

In addition, home magazines grew by 57 percent (from 148 to 233) and ethnic magazines rose 52 percent (from 471 to 714). Regional magazines, the largest magazine category in 2007, increased 51 percent (from 754 to 1138) during the same five-year time period (see table). At the same time, baby publications were up 44 percent and celebrity publications increased 40 percent.

Magazine categories that declined in number (see table) were internal publications, down 76 percent (from 186 to 45); and environmental magazines, down 34 percent (from 252 to 166), over the last five years.

“Niche magazines are becoming more targeted. New bridal magazines, for example, are pitched to different areas of the country, ethnic groups, celebrities, and even to men,” said Trish Hagood, president of Oxbridge Communications, publishers of the National Directory of Magazines.  “The regional interest category of magazines continues to be popular with titles such as 210SA, Gainesville Today, At Home in Steamboat Springs and more, reflecting the continued and growing interest that readers have in their own localities.”

About the directory: The National Directory of Magazines is the largest directory of U.S. and Canadian publications with 19,532 titles, including 15,672 magazines, tabloids, specialized newspapers, and major journals that carry advertising.