A Dreamer's Guide to Life: Business pt. I

Yet another topic I can write (and talk) about forever...yes, EVER! Business. After all, it's the "American Dream" right?! Well, I don't know if it's the "American" dream, but it's definitely a dream of mine and many other people. Business is what makes the world operate. Meaning it's what provides people with jobs, education, items that we need to survive, and more.

Business: n. the practice of making one's living by engaging in commerce

I'm all about business. I live, think, breath, and dream about business. I love talking to business-minded people, hearing what they have to say, their ideas, it's all very exciting. I own 2 and help operate a third. I've even got another one on the way! Why do I love it so much? Because possibilities are endless. You can make anything a business. As long as there is a need, you've got a business. And that fact with such an open ended answer is something that drives me. Crazy? Yes, some times. Actually, many times. But in my opinion, all of it is worth it. So, you interested? How do you get started?

1. Have a concept. Believe in that concept. As long as there is a need, your business can thrive.
2. Name your business. It can be straight forward, it can have hidden meaning. As long as it's not too difficult to pronounce, you're good. :)
3. Write a business plan. This is a very, very important step to your business's success. Many people think that writing a business plan isn't necessary because their business is "small" or they'll figure it out when they get started. WRONG. Having a plan for your business, no matter how small or large, will spearhead you into the right direction. Sure, I'll admit, the unexpected can (and probably will) happen. You might even fall off track or need to update your plan, that's okay. Hire a business consultant to write it for you if you have to. Just make sure you read it. :P But outlining your goals for the start-up of your business will be a key component to your success. Trust me on this one.

Okay, let's stop there. That's enough to keep an entrepreneur busy for a while. Really think it through, take it seriously right from the get-go. Don't "see how it goes." Put yourself on the track for success. Think big in the beginning and push hard to achieve it. It starts with believing in yourself and what you have to offer the world. And believe me, you have a lot to offer. I know, I know. I sound cliche and over-positive, but I'm not lying.

For more information, a great resource is the Small Business Administration website.

Yay I'm Engaged! Now What?!

Congratulations to all the fellow engaged couples! Welcome to the engagement club, it's going to be a fun and memorable ride! Your fiance proposed, you said yes, you've told your parents...now what?! So for those that are in the beginning stages of their engagement, here are a few tips to get you started.

1. Choose your wedding date. Maybe not necessarily a specific date, but a time of year/month is good. When you're ready to shop for locations you can give the catering/venue manager your ideal dates.
2. Throw an engagement party. Let the festivities begin! Celebrating is the funnest part of getting engaged/married. Sharing this momentous occasion with the ones you love will create lasting memories of togetherness and joy.
3. Send an announcement. Not many people do this on its own anymore, but many people usually combine this with the Save the Date card or use social networking (Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, etc.) to spread the news.
4. Discuss your budget. Or in my case, lack there of (haha!). This may be difficult, but putting the numbers together will be one of the most important parts of a successful wedding (and successful planning). Ask/discuss your families (if this applies) how much they will be contributing.
5. Hire your Wedding Consultant. It takes a lot of time to plan a wedding, having a planner there to help you will help you feel at ease. Even if it's just for the day-of.
6. Start thinking about your wedding party. Best Man, Maid/Matron of Honor, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids...who are you choosing to play a special role? Make sure it's someone that you can trust, depend on, and knows you best. They'll be helping not only on the wedding day, but maybe even before that.

Overwhelmed yet? :P Don't be, taking it step by step is key. Good luck everyone and happy planning!

Fancy Friday: Creating an Identity

The 2 year mark has passed for Charlie and I. It's official, we've set a date and have started talking about wedding/future related things. Charlie and I had a conversation last night and he told me that he's seen me in this mode before, "wedding mode." He says I always get this way when I start planning a wedding. Normally he doesn't care much, he knows it's just my job. But this time, I guess he wanted to get in wedding mode too since it's our wedding this time. So he decided to design our logo for the wedding to get into "wedding mode" himself. Thank goodness he's a talented graphic designer. :)

I'm not sure if it's because I have a graphic design background, but I think it's so important to have a logo identity or "symbol" that represents you as a couple. Why? Because not only can it be used throughout your design for the wedding, but it will give guests, family, and friends eye candy to remember you by. A well designed logo or monogram will make it easy for you to identify all aspects of your special day and tie in a design throughout the wedding. Here are some examples:

Our logo is still in development as far as color goes, but this is the final design.

Our initials (C and O) created the heart and the ring design that is the main focal point. The serif font creates the diamond on the ring and the bow tie at the bottom.

Debbie and George, my D&G couple, is a wonderful example of how you can take a concept from a logo design and use it as the running piece throughout your wedding.

Their Dolce and Gabana inspired monogram not only was a beautiful design that reflected their modern/chic style, but also gave them inspiration to use a fashion forward/hollywood theme to their wedding. Not only in their invitations and stationery but also a press wall for photo ops:

For their place cards and table numbers, they used body forms/mannequins:

And that's just the beginning!

Here are some suggestions to a good wedding logo:

1. Think outside the box. Great design happens when you go beyond what you've already seen.

2. Be yourself. Let the logo speak about you and your style.

3. Don't try too hard. Let the design come to you.

4. Don't be afraid to play around with concepts.

5. Hire a professional. Someone that has a graphic design background can get your point across effectively.

Fancy Fridays: Green Wedding Ideas

One of my good friends, Heather, is one of the main peeps in charge of a great non-profit organization called Tech Go Green. Check 'em out, they're pretty amazing. She e-mailed me this week about getting involved with the organization in a little way, and I couldn't be more thrilled to help. Hopefully I'll be able to contribute somehow.

There are more and more services and products available for couples getting married that are Earth friendly. I'm a believer of trying to preserve our Earth and to do what we can, no matter how small, to help the environment. Here are some great "Green" wedding ideas:

1. 100% recycled paper for stationary. There are many options for recycled paper at your local paper store. Or, ask your printer/invitation designer for their recommendations for effective Green options. Check out these invitations from MewPaperArts on Etsy.

2. Eco-friendly party favors. I've coordinated events with great Earth-friendly favors. Personalized-planted thank you cards (check these out form Beau-Coup) or lucky bamboo favors (sold by DE for $5.00 each)

3. Venue selection. Hold your ceremony in a beautiful outdoor setting, at 4:00 when the light is beautiful (and not too hot!). Try to hold your ceremony and reception in the same venue so your guests won't have to drive to 2 locations. Use candles to set the mood and save on electricity. Check out this beautiful photo from Elings Park in Santa Barbara. This is a beautiful location! I've made many site visits there and it's a wonderful place to have a wedding!

More to come on "Green" weddings. Stay tuned!

Fancy Friday: The Big Picture

Things aren't always as complicated as they seem. Including weddings. Yes, there are many tiny steps to achieve what I like to call the big picture and yes, it's a long road with hard work to get there. But as long as those steps are taken properly it's smooth sailing. I bring this up because I think the chemistry of vendors has a direct effect of the success of any event. Without the proper communication between vendors and clients (as well as vendors and vendors), the big picture is difficult to achieve.

There are a lot of gray areas where vendors will overlap. Maybe your florist will be placing a fresh-flower cake topper on your cake: overlapping. Maybe your videographer needs to plug into your DJ or band's sound: overlapping. Maybe your photographer needs a certain amount of lighting from your venue to capture good quality photos: you get the idea. The list can go on and on.

Word of advice, when considering vendors, do not just think about their chemistry with you but with your other vendors. I love meeting new people so I enjoy working with new vendors. Most of the people I've met in the wedding business are the same way - maybe I've just been lucky that I haven't really ran into anyone I wouldn't be willing to work with again.

Bottom line, remember the big picture. It's the direct result to the hard work and dedication you AND your vendors put in.

Fancy Friday: Inspiration Boards

Inspiration boards are the best idea! Not only does it help everyone see the big picture, but it helps professionals distinguish your personal style and what appeals to you. Here are some inspiration boards I've created:

Planning is a process and the initial inspiration board that you create isn't necessarily going to be what the end product will be. Life comes in, spices things up, gives you another great idea and things change. I love the evolution of ideas and how far we can push the bar to create something unique for every event.

Fancy Friday: Cocktail Hour

Here's some ideas to keep your guests satisfied during your cocktail hour without going flat.

1. People love a place to sit. Aside from having tall cocktail tables, play with heights and have some short 2-seater tables and furniture with coffee tables to keep the area interesting. Instead of centerpieces on the tables, maybe put pictures from your engagement session and simple bud vases with your logo on the table


2. Get food that is easy to eat and compliments your entree menu. You don't want people to get full during the cocktail hour, so doing a "bite size" is not only economical but makes for good looking food. Another big trend is an elegant finger food, something that doesn't require extra utensils.



3. Drinks. Signature drinks are all the craze. Calling it something creative that ties in with the color scheme/theme of the wedding is a minor detail that can go a long way. Don't have the budget for a signature drink? That's ok! Take a popular cocktail and rename it! Having a wedding in the city? Serve Cosmopolitans. What about a beach wedding? Serve Mai Tai's. Vineyard wedding? Serve wine. These can be your main offerings during your cocktail hour and can save a ton on your budget!

Fancy Friday: Bridesmaids have Feelings too!

I know it's your big day. And, theoretically, you can have the bridesmaids where whatever you choose. But 99% of the clients I have worked with have never wanted their bridesmaids to look tasteless in their gowns. These girls/women are, after all, the ladies that have stuck by you through thick and thin. Through the good times and the bad. Here are some new ideas (and classic time and true designs) that will make your bridesmaids happy and will make your overall wedding experience more enjoyable (I promise!).

The Twist Wrap Dress. I think this is an awesome idea. I'm even considering (keyword: CONSIDERING! My Bridesmaids, it's not a for sure decision yet! lol) What's great is the versatility of this dress. Ceremony: everyone wears a certain style. Looks great on pictures, there's a cohesive look, your girls look fabulous! Reception: people can change up the style to make them comfortable. They can go strapless, a-symmetrical, sleeved, there's a style for everyone. On top of that, the versatility goes well beyond the day of the wedding and this is ACTUALLY something that they can wear to other weddings/events (and it's actually true!). Check out these ways to twist and customize your dress by the Dessy Group.

Another great way to make your bridesmaids feel confident in what their wearing is to pick a color scheme, fabric and let them choose a style. What's great about this is bridal stores have set this up so the colors match as close as possible and there are a variety of styles to choose from. Check these styles out in "marine" by David's Bridal (note: these are just some of the styles to choose from!).

Sometimes footwear can also be an issue. Sometimes people don't feel comfortable wearing really high heels, some people feel more comfortable in a pump than an open toe, there's too many options! How do you keep them cohesive? There are the Dyeables, which will be good for the wedding day (as long as it doesn't rain) and will be good for pretty much that day and maybe one more. You can tell them to go get shoes in a certain color (i.e. black, silver, etc.) that you think will match the color scheme. Or, you can get everyone to wear one shoe and allow them to change into sandals for the reception. Here are some very cute sandals that would still look good over the good ol' flip flop.

Technology and Events -- Part I

I wrote an article about 2 years ago about technology and weddings. I honestly can't believe that in that short amount of time there are now even more technological avenues to utilize. As a business owner and being involved in the wedding/event industry, it's exciting how the world of technology is having a direct effect on things in the bubble I call my life.

As a business woman, I believe you have to keep up and be resourceful. I'm a technology geek (not full blown, but pretty interested). Technology is quite different even from a few years ago and the internet has been such a useful resource to me. Because of the internet, I can connect with friends that I haven't seen/heard from in years, I can keep in contact with family and friends all over the world, and they can keep up with me. The endless ability to reach people far and wide is jaw dropping. Here are just some of the things that I've seen or am a part of.

Blogger. (of course)

Myspace.

Twitter.

Facebook.

LinkedIn.

Wedspace.

Those are the ones just off the top of my head. There are so many more, and that's just for my business/event planning life. Why is this important you ask? It may not be. But to "techies" like myself, it's a way to stay connected and to put a face on a company. I've never been one to impose my services or personality on anyone, but if someone is interested I'm not afraid to share a little bit of myself with another person. I'm a pretty open book. I believe in making a connection with people and I believe one of the only ways to do that is to share some of yourself. I guess that's why I'm in the business that I'm in.

What's important to me is to establish a personality for my company. I want everyone to know that with my company, comes my style, persona, quirks, and all. In a business like mine, working with different personalities is a way for me to further discover things about myself. The challenge of getting to know a person and understanding their likes and dislikes is exactly why I believe that personality is so important.

A website can show a little bit about you, but isn't as personal as a blog, or a profile. Through the evolution of websites, I feel that a company website is just meant to brush the surface and give enough information to intrigue. With social networking, I feel like you can get a taste of what I'm about, and hopefully because or despite those things you find out about me, you can make a decision.

Wedding Cake Ideas

(find these cakes on theknot.com and read more about them!)

People often forget about this part of the “tiny details.” The cake is an important part of tradition in weddings. These traditions date back to the Roman era when loaves of bread were used and broken over the couple to signify prosperity and long life. The guests would also try to take pieces of the loaves so they can also share in the prosperity of the couple.

Since then, cakes have transformed into a very important part of the reception festivities. The act of slicing and sharing a piece of cake together signifies unity and care for each other. The cake itself an edible work of art.

I’ve been surrounded by cakes my whole life. My aunt has been baking cakes even before my days walking this Earth working at the family bake shop in the Philippines. Since then, she’s honed her craft and recently opened a shop in Granada Hills with my parents to carry on the legacy here in the US (www.ninongspastries.com). She taught me that cakes have to be 2 things: DELICIOUS and BEAUTIFUL.

Sometimes cakes aren’t the most important thing to people, but I believe it is. This is one of the important parts of the celebration of a wedding, and it’s something that you share with the guests that mean so much to you.

There are so many ways to get creative with cakes. The shape, the flavor, the cake topper, the colors, the embellishments, the base, the height, the list goes on. Designers have definitely been pushing the bar with their cakes and moving from the traditional white/off white cake. Some are in full color, some with hints of the traditional with a new modern twist. Some cakes are all edible with gum paste flowers and decor, some cakes have fun non-edible embellishments.

The world of weddings is changing, but the growth in the creativity of wedding cakes is amazing. The future of wedding cakes is limitless and will continue to evolve as the years go by. I can’t wait to see what else people will be coming up with.

Photo sources: The Knot

Vendors: How do I pick?

This is a concern of many people. How do I know which vendor is the right pick? Here’s some advice on how to sort through all those vendors. (Please remember, DE has wonderful vendors that we’ve met and worked with along the way. However, DE is not responsible for any conflicts between other vendors and clients. We solely act as a mediator between vendor and client and works in the best interest of BOTH parties.)

1. Take the small steps to achieve the big picture. Looking at daunting tasks in small steps is usually more efficient. Don’t approach all vendors at the same time. Work category by category, but efficiently. Your consultant can help you organize when to approach certain vendors.

2. Ask questions. Vendors are here to answer questions and to tell you more about what they do. They welcome questions as well as asking you questions because it helps them hone in on the important stuff. Put a list together to make sure you get your bases covered and ask all the questions you have in mind. There are never any “stupid” questions but if you feel embarrassed to ask someone a question, that’s what your consultant is there for. We either have the answer or are more than willing to ask the question for you.

3. Contact a few vendors at a time. Interview about 3 vendors in the same category. If you think one of the vendors don’t match with your needs or personality, move on to the next one. Please remember, people like to be kept in the know. Let people know whether or not you have made a decision or kindly decline their services.

4. Do your research. There are so many methods to finding vendors. Online, trade shows, word of mouth, etc. Each method has its pros and cons, and I personally don’t prefer one over the other. Some advice - when researching online, there are literally hundreds of resources to look through. Try to keep perspective when searching so you don’t get overwhelmed. When attending trade shows, don’t be afraid of speaking to the vendors. Trade shows are meant to give you one outlet where you can see service providers and retails in a face-to-face environment. Take your time, you never know what you can learn or take from a person. What’s great too, is that they sometimes have specials that they are offering as a “trade show special.” Word of mouth: some people completely trust this method. I do as well, but one thing to remember is that someone’s preference might not be the same as yours. The vendor’s chemistry might have been great for one client, but might not match with another. Make sure you ask questions and get to know vendors regardless of which method you find them. Many times, your consultant can recommend the right vendors and do the “brunt work” of the research for you to save time. We can narrow vendors down based on budget, wants, personality, and needs.

5. Chemistry. I believe it’s one of the most important things to consider when hiring anyone. Every professional you work with should be someone you trust will do the job you contract them to do, and ultimately, shares and understands the same vision you have. The price, personality, package of goods/services, and reliability have to be right for you.

DE: What can we do for you?

As stated in our website, we are an event and lifestyle planning company. So, that being said, what can that do for you? There are a plethora of options. Here are 2 different unique scenarios:

1. A bride and groom can easily utilize a lot of services we have to offer. Not only can the couple have us plan, design, and coordinate their wedding with them, we can also help their guests find hotels and flights on our travel website, we can create and maintain a wedding website, we can design and print their wedding invitations, we can help them plan their honeymoon, we can even prepare them for the future - we can help them buy a home!

2. A company interested in throwing a fundraiser also has many options with our company. On top of helping them plan, design, and coordinate their event, we can hire and contract the entertainment, we can help guests find hotels and flights on our travel website - including transportation to and from the airport, we can even print all the marketing collateral for the promotion of the event!

This only touches the surface of the amount of services we can offer. Every event is custom so services and needs will vary depending on each client, but we like to know that our clients have options!

Technology and Weddings

Technology and Weddings Today

Technology has come very far in the recent years and the wedding industry isn’t exempt from being effected. Take a look at some great ways to incorporate technology into your wedding.

1. Wedding Slideshows. Many photographers and videographers provide this service. They allow your guests to see significant moments in your life separately and together. Many people enjoy this feature because it gives their guests an insight of the bride and groom’s life. It gives your guests a chance to know you.
2. Online Registry. Many stores now allow your guests to view your registry online. Providing this on your wedding website is a great way for you to appropriate suggest your guests to look at a registry as providing registry information in your invitations is not considered proper etiquette.
3. Song Lists. Many couples have specific requests (as they should) regarding the music selection for their wedding. With technology now, you can provide your DJ with a CD or iPod with the songs that you specifically want played.
4. Décor. Many things can be incorporated into your décor to add flair to any event. Lighting adds a extra touch to set the mood for your wedding. Use battery operated tea lights for an outdoor wedding – they last the entire event and never blow out on a windy day. Creating a custom gobo with your monogram can be used to travel around the room. LED lights can now give your centerpieces and floral designs a beautiful glow. The list is endless and just needs a personal touch.
5. Wedding Website. A wedding website gives your guests a great way to know more about your wedding. You can provide a link to your wedding registry, tell people about your love story and how you met, show them your recent photos together, introduce them to your wedding party, provide a map and directions for the wedding day, the list goes on and on! There are many companies that offer this service, many for free. There are providers (such as Daydreamer Events) that provide websites for their clients at a low cost. With this cost comes more options such as more picture space, editing, customizing, online RSVP, a personal guestbook and more.

Wedding Dress Advice

There are infinite amounts of different wedding dresses for a bride to choose from but knowing the right style that is most flattering on their body might be the most challenging. There are so many decisions to make about the cut, the train, the neckline...it can tend to be overwhelming. Doing your research regarding the type of dress that appeals to you and the type of dress that will look good on your body will help prepare you when you make your trip to the bridal store. Though there are countless amounts of dresses, there are the basic dress types.

1. Ball Gown: I hear many people call it the "Cinderella" dress. This dress is easily characterized by its full skirt coming from the waist or hip accompanied with a corset style bodice. The style most commonly fits pear-shaped, full, and thin figures. However, this style is one of the more versatile styles for all figures.

2. A Line: This style is usually characterized by its smooth transition from bodice to skirt. The skirt is also a full skirt but is smaller in size than the Ball Gown. This is the most flattering for all body types except for women that do not have a defined waist line.

3. Empire: Its waist line moves from waist to underneath the bust creating a more fitted bust line followed by a smooth skirt. A common material for these types of dresses in a flowy chiffon. This dress is most pleasing to women with no defined waist line and petite women. Because of the fitted bust bodice, it creates the look of being taller.

4. Sheath: This dress style is recommended for the petite woman because it also creates the look of being taller. Its cut is very thin and hugs every curve, sometimes with a pencil skirt.

5. Mermaid: Though very similar to the Sheath dress type, there is one difference it its charcteristics - the bottom. The bottom of the dress, usually beginning at the knee, is flared and wider than the sheath style.

Advice when dress shopping:
1. Though there are styles that compliment all body types, I always advise to go with your gut instinct. Even if people say that your body type "doesn't go" with the particular style you like, try it on. You will never know unless you try. If they were right move on and try something else, but if they were wrong you'll be happy to know that your instincts were correct.
2. Don't go dress shopping after you've purchased your dress because most of the time it'll just confuse you. Do all the shopping before the purchase. Many shops have a no return policy so you might lose the money you've invested in the one you already know you loved.
3. When going dress shopping for the first time, take one person with you. It helps your gown consultant find out what you like instead of what your friends/family like. When you've narrowed down your selection, invite everyone to help choose.
4. Have fun! This experience is supposed to be one of the funnest parts of planning!

Wedding Planner Misconceptions

The wedding planning industry is a very misunderstood profession. The most common misconception is that wedding planners are there to take complete control of your wedding, including making decisions without the couple about creative, business, and money aspects. If you are working with an experienced wedding planner, this is absolutely not true unless you want them to take that much control over your wedding. A good wedding planner is your side-kick during this experience. We're not there for anything but guidance, professional advice, and assistance.

Many people also think that they don't need a wedding planner. While every person is different, I believe everyone needs a little help somewhere. Someone might need help from the beginning, the middle, or the end. A popular service many wedding planners now provide is "Day-Of Coordination." In this service, we are there to be your "eyes and ears" while you, your family, and your friends get ready, take pictures, and enjoy your day. I would say at the least, this would be a valuable service to anyone.

Another common trend that is coming around is wedding coordinators that are included in a package offered at a venue. While these coordinators are wonderful, they only help with your ceremony and reception set up and tear down. They will also help with asking you what time you would like the toast to occur, what time you would like to serve dinner, etc. However, they do not help with the other vendors and planning like a wedding planner would. While these wedding coordinators and your wedding planner work very well together on the day of, the facility wedding coordinator will refer to your wedding planner so they can relay any delays or issues to the correct people. But what about your DJ, is he there? What time is he setting up? Is your florist using the correct flowers for the arrangements? Did the correct chair covers arrive? Does the cake look the way it's supposed to? The facility's wedding coordinator does not take responsibility for these aspects of your wedding. Your wedding planner, however, knows these details and can make sure everything is ready and properly set up.

With the wonderful career opportunities women have now, a wedding planner is almost required. Women now have 9-5 jobs, bills to pay, and themselves to take care of. If it takes over 250 hours to plan a wedding and engaged couples usually only have a year to plan, how will anyone be able to make time? Life is already so hectic as it is. With a wedding planner by your side, you will have someone dedicated to making your wedding day everything you hoped it would be, and more!

Invitation Etiquette

With technology as a common source and times changing, there are always questions that people ask about the do's and don'ts about invitations. Many believe that invitations are not important. While everyone is entitled to their opinion, the fact of the matter is that your invitation sets the mood of your wedding before your guests even attend. Here are some frequently asked questions that I get from brides and grooms.

Q: Do I need to order an invitation for every guest?
A: Absolutely not. Don't forget that many people that are on your guest list are couples or families, therefore, you will only need to order 1 invitation for 2 or more guests. I would say that you will need to order 65% of the amount on your guest list.

Q: Can I send my invitations through the internet?
A: It is improper to send an invitation through e-mail or internet, especially because it is an unreliable source of contact. People might not receive your e-mail or message. However, you may send out of town information, directions, hotel information, and other things through the internet.

Q: When should I send out our invitations?
A: 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding.

Q: Can I let my guests know I am registered in my invitations?
A: This is not proper etiquette. Registration information is never proper to enclose in your invitation. You may add it to your wedding website (if you have one), or you may tell them if they ask you. You can also use your close family members (mom, sisters, etc.) to spread the word if people ask them as well.

Q: I want to have a small wedding and I only want to invite certain people. How do I limit my guest list?
A: The proper etiquette is to send the invitations only to those who are being invited and an announcement following the wedding to those who were not. If you do not want to be approached by certain people that you see often (co-workers, acquaintances, etc.), try to discuss your wedding plans more privately and not openly.

What do event planners do?

Many people ask this question. Some do not quite understand what event planners do or how they can possibly fit into their budget. Though planning is exciting, fun, and creative, there are many other logistics and critical thinking that are the very backbone of each successful event. There are many points in the timeline when one could realize they need an event planner. No matter what the event, there are advantages that make the money well spent.

Corporate events involve a wide spectrum. There could be a premier, fashion show, gala, holiday party, wrap party...the list can go on and on. If certain clients were utilizing an event for marketing purposes and/or profit, one great advantage in hiring an event planner would be their understanding of the event marketing industry and how it can affect the business. Knowing the perfect venue, knowing the target market, budget management, design ideas, what time of the year to throw it, sponsorships, etc. are all aspects that an event planner can help with. Their information and research can be very beneficial with profits and awareness.

Event planners can also help with social events in many ways. An extra person when brainstorming for theme ideas and color scheme is always helpful. As they say, "Two brains are better than one." With social events, clients are emotionally attached to the events they throw because it is usually a momentous milestone in their lives or their families' lives. An event planner can be a wonderful source that can stay calm and collected during the event.

No matter what type of event is being planned, an event planner can be incredibly useful. When there are many budget expectations, an event planner can keep you on track to make sure that all elements that make up the budget are within reach. They can also inform you on your local average spending amounts for a particular event in your area.

All event planners should have a plethora of vendor contacts and act as a liaison between a client and a vendor. They can refer their vendors with confidence that they will be the professionals that can make an event spectacular. They can also do the research to help find out if the vendor you know and want to work with is reputable.

Event planners are not here to tell you what to do or how to think. They are simply here for guidance, advice, troubleshooting, and logistics. An average event can take over 250 hours to plan. Many don't have that kind of time, but still want their events to be amazing. It's imperative that there be someone that can dedicate that much time to an event that has tremendous value.

10 Ways to Save Money on your Wedding

According to TheWeddingReport.com, an average wedding in Los Angeles costs about $32,400 for 2007. No matter what the budget or size of your wedding, there are always ways to save money and time! Here are 10 simple ways to maximize your time and bottom line.

1. Work with a wedding consultant. Any wedding consultant that is worth working with has a wonderful database of vendors. Many times, we have relationships set up with our preferred vendors because we always bring them repeat customers. Not only do we recommend them, but we know that they are ready, capable, and professional!


2. Have your wedding during a "slow time" of the season. The busy part of the wedding season is usually May through October (depending on your location). Many vendors have discounts or lower rates for the "off season." Also, consider having your wedding on any day other than a Saturday. Sundays are beginning to be a popular day to have weddings since the cost is much less than a Saturday.


3. Be realistic. Sometimes people want to take on projects themselves because they think it will save money. While this is sometimes true, they forget about the time and dedication it takes to prepare these things. After buying supplies, they realize they didn't get around to it and end up ordering whatever it was they planned on making. We've also seen situations where people attempt a project with good intentions, but it didn't come out the way they planned. Make sure you think about whether you do have the time to do the things you commit to. There are many things that are going on at the same time, but if you can do it yourself, by all means do it! Also, you have your wedding consultant to help you!


4. Plan ahead. If you plan in advance, it will save time, stress, and money! When it's too close to your target date and you need something soon, there is always an extra cost -- a rush fee, an overnight fee, etc. If you plan ahead, you won't have unneeded expenses.


5. Decide on what's most important. Invest the money in what you feel is most important. Talk to your fiance and discuss which parts of the budget you want to spend and save.


6. Limit your host bar to 1 to 2 hours. There are even some locations that include a 1-2 hour host bar in some of their packages. If you limit that time you will not only save money, but also possibly keep your guests safe from drunk driving.


7. Save on postage.If at all possible, personally deliver your invitations. This will not only save the cost of stamps, but will also give you an opportunity to catch up with friends and family and let them congratulate you in person.


8. Organize your guestlist. I don't advise people to cut their list, but I always have people organize and break their list down into 3 categories -- a.) Those who must be invited, b.) Those who should be invited, and c.) Those who would be nice to invite. This will not only keep you well organized, but also figure out how many people are in each category and will help with your final count.


9. Get a block rate for out of town guests. Usually hotels are happy to do this for you as long as you do it in advance and they have availability. Also, they might have a wedding package available; for example, if you block a certain amount of rooms, you can get yours for free or updated to a suite for no extra charge.


10. Save on attire. There are many ways to accomplish this. If your soon-to-be husband doesn't want to purchase a tuxedo, go to a rental place that offers a "free groom's tuxedo" special. If you don't want to purchase a designer or couture gown, go to an outlet store or on Ebay and purchase your gown there.

Good luck and happy planning!


Sources:
www.theweddingreport.com