Posts Tagged ‘Bridal Consultant – Wedding Consultant’

shine :: Event Education and Professional Development Conference

Calling all Wedding and Event Pros!  It’s time to shine !

I’ve been working on this project for a few months and now it’s time to share the news!  The shine event is an educational and professional development conference for ABC members as well as all creative professionals serving the wedding and event industry.



Prologue: I established myself as an independent event planner and bridal consultant more than a dozen years ago. While my title and credentials have gradually changed and evolved over the years, the fact that I am an entrepreneur does not change. I can label myself Planner, Designer, Consultant, or Specialist; I can throw in CEO, Owner or Founder… But the only thing that truly matters is this: I am the business owner, and I am responsible for my successes as well as my failures.

 am an entrepreneurI don’t know about you, but I don’t like to fail. And yet, I entered business without knowing how to be successful as entrepreneur.

Did I make mistakes?  – Yes I did.

Did I waste time and money? – Absolutely.

Did I learn from my mistakes? – You bet!

And that is the key:  Learning (education).  As an entrepreneur, learning is not optional.  You must learn, or your business will not survive.  You must find inspiration or you will burn out.  You must adapt and try new things or you will become irrelevant.

I love my job.  But entrepreneurship fascinates me!  Entrepreneurs are some of the most intelligent, resourceful and creative people I’ve ever met.  I have learned so much from my event industry colleagues I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help educate and inspire others by organizing the shine event.

The Association of Bridal Consultants – Florida has put together an incredible conference: {shine} is a professional development conference featuring superb educational sessions presented by experts & leaders in our Industry and and beyond! Get a jump on your FALL 2014 EVENTS by squeezing 6 months worth of meetings into 2 turbo-charged days of inspiration, motivation, and networking! 

shine event - Shine Conference 2014

Presenting shine’s Dynamic Speakers:
Planners, Designers, Authors, Entrepreneurs, Trend setters, Influencers, and Award Winners:

 Donnie BrownDonnie Brown Weddings & Events – @WDonnieBrown

Heather Canada, MBCFirst Coast Weddings and Events – @FirstCoastWedd

Eddie Diaz, CSEPEncore Creations – @eddiediaz

Kelly McWilliamsWeddings by Socialites – @weddingtidbits

Jennifer LeeCoach Jenn Lee – @coachjennlee

Brenda Fernandez MBCDream Wedding Mexico – @Brendaferza

Shine Event Speakers: Donnie Brown, Kelly McWilliams, Eddie Diaz, Heather Canada, Coach Jenn Lee, Brenda Fernandez

19

06 2014

Tips for Brides & Grooms: Protecting Yourself in Today’s Uncertain Economy

According to The Wedding Report, wedding spending has declined significantly since 2007 – almost by 30% (averaged) overall. The vast majority of wedding vendors can attest to the a downsizing of wedding budgets, as well as a drop off in bookings (new clients). Consultants and Coordinators in particular have seen postponements and cancellations spike in recent months.

Everyone is feeling the pinch; while engaged couples are trying to save, Photographers, DJs, Consultants and Venues are trying to survive. Competition for new bookings is fierce, thus creating a buyer’s market which gives couples shopping for wedding vendors and services more purchasing power. But how can you spot a “true bargain”? I’d like to offer a few tips to help you make a sound investment:

1. Perform a Status Check – Do your homework to determine if the vendor’s company is healthy. A healthy company is “current”, meaning they have an up-to-date presence, including a website featuring pictures of current staff, projects and client testimonails. A company that is healthy is typically involved in Professional Associations, and may be known as a leader in their industry. Healthy companies are growing (even now) and are gearing up for a great 2009-2010 wedding season. Look for current blog posts, quick responses to emails and phone calls, and positive recommendations from others (friends, vendors, etc.).
2009 Wedding Client, Portofino Bay
Look for evidence of
a well established business
with a proven track record.

2004 Wedding Client, Maison & Jardin

2. Beware of the high pressure sales pitch: The best vendors are eager for your business but not desperate.

3. Beware of Part-Timers: A part-timer (sometimes known as a ‘moonlighter’ or ‘weekend warrior’) may be able to offer a very competitive price, but do they have the equipment and experience to deliver the quality of product or service you are looking for? What is their stake in the success of your event and are they driven to ensure your complete satisfaction? Does the Vendor’s Contract protect both parties?

4. Beware of Start-Ups: The poor economy has spawned a huge number of start-up businesses; people who have lost jobs or need extra income are becoming entrepreneurs. On one hand, it’s beneficial to the market to have more affordable options, but who is the person behind the start-up? Do they have any experience with weddings? Will they grow tired of this new business venture in 6 or 9 months and leave you in the lurch? Is it worth the risk to hire someone with no track record?

5. Beware of “Free”: “Free” is a hook; it’s a term that often denotes an extra added value. Conversely, free also has no refund value, so like it or not, you’re stuck with it. (ex: “That free album you gave me was poor quality.” “The free candle centerpieces only lasted halfway through the reception.” …Get the picture?)

For additional pointers on what to look for when hiring a professional wedding planner and coordinator, please visit A Flair for Affairs website.

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