Cara and Jared’s wedding at Mission Inn Resort as featured in Orlando Wedding magazine.

Congratulations to Cara & Jared, our newlyweds whose wedding is featured in the premiere issue of Orlando Wedding magazine!

They were wed in January at Mission Inn Resort – which was the perfect backdrop for their romantic and elegant wedding.  Cara’s vision centered on old world elegance that was glamorous and graceful.  From candles to crystals, and cigars to candy bars – this wedding was an enchanting affair! They even had a sparkler exit! One of my favorite things about this wedding was how they incorporated so many family photos into the reception decor; that was a special touch that really enhanced the nostalgic feel of the evening.

Of course there was also a fabulous vendor team working behind the scenes to make ensure that the day progressed smoothly and that everyone enjoyed a stellar evening. Thanks and applause go to:

Mission Inn Resort & Club – Ceremony & Reception Venue
A Flair for Affairs – Planning and Coordination
Cheryl’s Distinctive Creations - Floral and Decor
Brian Adams – Photography
Cakes by Design – Wedding Cake
Entertainment Concepts – DJ, A/V, Lighting

(c)A Flair for Affairs

“We’re on a tight budget.”

Yes, I know (but I don’t say it out loud). Times are tough, money is tight, and everyone is trying to save a buck. But lately, I’ve been hearing this way too much.

And you wouldn’t believe the trends I’m starting to see! Flower-less centerpieces, DIY linen installations, sub-par vendors, and more! It sounds funny, but in the end, it’s really not.

Maybe you’d like to poll the guests from a recent wedding that I coordinated (notice I said coordinated, NOT planned). The bride contacted me to help her with the reception design and we put together a great look for her. However, she insisted that she wanted the reception to be ‘cocktail style’ – meaning that she wanted the guests to mingle – therefore she only ordered 100 chairs for 200 people…. Hmmmm…. I think you can see where I’m going with this.

“What’s your budget?” I ask. Rarely do I receive a truthful answer, that is, until I quote a price. It’s not a problem because I know my services are not inexpensive. I charge what I’m worth: I’m an educated, experienced, nationally recognized industry professional. I work with clients and couples who realize that what I bring to the event planning process is more than the ability to create a memorable day – I help them create amazing and memorable moments. I am a specialist; it’s like comparing stitches to brain surgery.

Anyway, I do appreciate that many people are on a budget. Whenever possible I do the best I can to meet them where they’d like to be. After all, I love what I do, so for me there’s a lot more to it than the paycheck.

In a previous post, I wrote about how Brides and Grooms can protect themselves while shopping for vendors. Check it out – there is a lot of good advice there. This post centers on something different; it’s about being realistic. There seems to be a trend towards style over substance. Let’s go back to my story about the bride with the 200 guests. Do you think those guests cared how good the room looked when they realized they might have to stand for the rest of the evening? Nope – they bailed at their first opportunity. Do you think they felt valued and appreciated? Nope.

It’s my responsibility to tell my clients if something won’t work, or doesn’t work well. I educate them. What I’m seeing lately is so many people (future brides and grooms, potential clients) who are out of touch with what things cost being serviced by vendors who want to say yes (because they need the business) – this is not exactly a recipe for success.

My free advice for today is this: If you truly can’t afford the wedding of your dreams – put it off and save more money. If you want to save an extreme amount of money without cutting corners, scale back your guest list, move up your wedding date and consider a week-day event. Also, if you’re planning a wedding or special event be a good host! – that’s just good manners.

WeWed – A Gathering of the Best Wedding Professionals

Elisa Delgardio, Jeannine Kennedy, Kelly McWilliams, Saundra Hadley

(c) sam brockinton

Founder and event organizer Kelly McWilliams describes it this way: “WeWed gatherings are for those who want to continue to build their business and/or become a better business person. It’s about getting motivated, learning how to improve, discussing what our industry is, where its going, and how to stay on top (or get back up there).”


When Kelly offered the first WeWed Brunch at the award-winning Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club I knew I must attend! It was such a fun and educational experience that I cleared my calendar to attend the second event at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. This year, I was honored to be asked to speak at WeWed Summer 2010 which was hosted by the new and uniquely luxurious Resort at Marina Village. Not to mention that I was in the incredible company of Saundra Hadley, Jeannine Kennedy and Kelly McWilliams (of course).

My presentation centered on Time Management techniques and strategies. I basically discussed that there are many options available to us, but the important thing is to find the system or method “that works best for you”. Sometimes a combination of techniques works the best. It’s all about trying new things and taking the time to evaluate what’s working and what’s not.

Left: Opening powerpoint slide

I was thrilled that I also got to enjoy the other speaker’s presentations, and I met so many wonderful people. I returned to Orlando feeling very motivated!

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The Preferred Vendor List

(c) fotonuova.com

In it’s simplest form, a Preferred Vendor List is a compilation of vendors and their contact information. Naturally, one would assume that the vendors featured on the PVL appear to have the endorsement of the preparer, and are intended to help the recipient (client, consumer, etc.) select qualified and reputable vendors. But is there more here than meets the eye?

What You Need to Know
The reality is that the actual purpose or genuine validity of the list may not always be clear to the recipient. Generally speaking, the caterer or venue where your event will be held will likely provide a Preferred Vendor List or an Approved Vendor List. Or you may receive one directly from your wedding or event planner (we hope you are fortunate enough to have one!). It’s also common for other vendors – such as a photographer or DJ – to present a client with a list of their preferred vendors.

5 W’s of Preferred Vendor Lists

Who: It’s imperative to understand who is on the list and why. It’s always a good idea to ask “How do you select the vendors on your list?” or “What is the criteria for becoming a preferred vendor?” and “Do you have personal experience with each of these vendors?”

What: Is the PVL a select list of  tried and true vendors?  Or is it something else?  Try to assess the type of PVL.  Some vendor lists are “pay to be included”  (advertisers) while others are more akin to a list of “favorites”.   In my opinion, the first type is the best.  The second two list types have little if any value. Why? Because they are not based on specific criteria or qualifications. You can’t possibly know whether a vendor is on a list because they wrote a check, give or receive a referral fee, or have a cross referral agreement (I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine).

When: “How recently has this list been updated?” The answer may surprise you!

Where: Where are the vendors located? Some lists are based proximity (such as nearby to the venue)… But how convenient is it for you to meet with them? You may prefer to hire someone who is based closer to where you reside.

Why: If you are able to qualify the list as a good resource, then it’s wise to give strong consideration to the vendors listed. Why? Consider this example: My company prepares a custom list for each of our clients based on budget, personality, style and positive past experiences. I feel that it’s extremely important to tailor my PVL to the client because no two clients have the same needs, personality or style.

PROS and CONS of Preferred Vendor Lists

PRO: Vendors on a PVL may offer you a discount; you should always ask “Do you offer special pricing or exclusive promotions to couples getting married at Such-and-such Hotel?”

PRO: Vendors on a PVL typically have better knowledge of a property. They won’t get lost, they know where to go once they arrive, they know who to speak with if they need something (instead of coming to you with their issue) and what is expected of them. Hence, you won’t find a flip-flop wearing DJ, chronically-late officiate, or a beer-guzzling photographer on a PVL.

CON: Vendors on a PVL may not be the best bet for you IF the person who created the list is not in tune with what today’s couple’s are looking for. (This problem is more common if you are not in a metropolitan area.)

CON: Sometimes venues and hotels are reluctant to work with vendors they don’t know (and with good reason). You may need approval from the venue in order to bring in ‘outside’ vendors.

PRO:  If the PVL is comprised of vendors who have built a relationship with the caterer, venue or planner, then you can rest assured that you are being referred to trusted professionals.

CON: If the PVL is comprised of paid advertisers, you certainly would want to know that up front, and that information should be disclosed to you.

Related post : Hello – I’d like to be added to your Approved Vendor List

A Flair for Affairs is a preferred planner and coordinator for many Central Florida wedding locations, including Mission Inn Resort and Club, Wydham Orlando Resort, Casa Feliz, Buena Vista Palace, Isleworth Country Club, Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and many others.

© 2009-2010 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

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Today I have an exciting announcement!

I’m thrilled to share the news that A Flair for Affairs has been added to Style Me Pretty’s “Little Black Book of The Best Wedding Vendors”!

Style Me Pretty relies on recommendations from industry insiders, trusted LBB vendors and Style Me Pretty readers to identify outstanding service providers. Each invitation to participate is followed up with a personal interview to assure that vendors meet SMP’s high standards! Clearly this is a huge honor and I’m elated to be included among the country’s top wedding vendors!

The exclusive nature of the directory allows for only a few vendors to be showcased in each region. For example, there are only three event planners featured in Central Florida and I’m absolutely delighted to be the only wedding and event planner based in Orlando!

{ screenshot of our listing }

You may also be interested to know that in addition to the legendary Style Me Pretty blog, there is The Little Black Book Blog. In SMP’s own words, it’s described as “our official vendor blog…dedicated to showcasing the work of the vendors we love. It’s eye candy like you wouldn’t believe!”

I urge you to check it out on a regular basis because it’s incredibly inspiring!

PS: Is A Flair for Affairs in your little black book?

Do you remember the last event or wedding reception you attended? What do you recall: The food? The entertainment? The “look” of the room? Just close your eyes and reflect for a moment; try to think of the things that were most memorable and pleasing.

Aha! I bet the pleasing part makes it a bit harder. No doubt that more than a few of you thought about the wedding with the DJ who thought he was Elvis, or the event with the cash bar (surprise!) -and you forgot your wallet.

The more events I do, the more I remember only what is remarkable. Remarkable can be fun, outstanding, unexpected and impressive. Remarkable can also be uncomfortable, annoying, disappointing and catastrophic. As your wedding and event planner, my goal is to make your event memorable for all the right reasons.

In terms of decor, remarkable doesn’t necessarily translate into expensive. Details that are well thought out can be seamlessly incorporated into event decor and the table top design thereby creating a look that is remarkable in a visual and textural sense. (If you’re wondering what I mean about ‘well thought out details” try to imagine a table top with so many tchotchkes – bells, cameras, scrolls, bags of chocolate kisses, etc. – it looks like the favor catalog threw up; and, yes, for some bizarre reason people still do this.)

Decor and design are most remarkable when they draw you in, and you experience the vibe as it was intended to be: exciting, chic and sexy, warm and inviting, modern, etc. The best designs are not limited to what can be seen; incorporating smells, tastes, physical contact, sights and sounds into the design actually creates a more memorable experience. In other words, the five senses overlap and influence each other, and combined they create the overall impression, which in turn becomes your memory of the experience.

This is why we ask our clients to describe their vision of the event. Even if they insist that they have no idea about what they want, they truly do… We ask them to imagine what it looks like - including colors and lighting, what time of day it is, how many people are present, how the space feels (intimate, modern, elegant, indoors or outdoors, etc.) and then we begin to design an event based on their  preferences and our interpretation of their style.

I must admit, sometimes the finer details do not become crystal clear until the very end.  It really is an organic process.  And it’s a challenge we face with every event: How do you know how far to go? Sometimes less is more, sometimes more is more.

In keeping with this topic, I thought you’d enjoy this short video featuring friend and colleague Rashida Erskine of BBJ Linen’s Orlando office. She offers some insightful recommendations and helpful tips for using linens to pull the look of your reception together with remarkable style.

{Our apologies; this video link has expired}

Please contact the BBJ Linen’s Orlando Office if you would like to meet with them. Ph. 407-857-6566   Or, feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance with fine-tuning your wedding or event design.  Call 877.55FLAIR or email Elisa: elisacsep {at} aflairforaffairs.com

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

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