Posts Tagged ‘Planners’

Wedding Planners: Monograms for Style and Theme

Aug 26, 2010 Style Bakery

Part of your job as a wedding planner is to create an outstanding occasion that your guests will never forget. To create a seamless event, there needs to be a common thread linking all the components together. In its simplest form, this is done through the use of color. The bridesmaids dresses are the same shade of purple as the cupcake frosting and boom, you’ve got yourself a theme.

Colors Are Everywhere

More and more brides are looking for something unique to truly set their day apart from all the other weddings they’ve attended. Offering your client a monogram theme will help make the day truly distinctive. A monogram, from a business perspective, is a logo for the couple. Usually comprised of both the bride and grooms first initial and the groom’s last name, a monogram is a way to add an elegant personal touch to all aspects of the celebrations. You might also consider including the wedding date, location, and a special image such as a grapevine for a vineyard wedding.

Designing a Monogram

Many online companies offer monogram designing, but a local graphic designer can design one just as easily and perhaps give you more personal attention. Monograms can be casual, ornate, modern, or funky. If you’re good with computers, you might even be able to offer it as an add-on service to brides. The final design should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom, while indicating the general level of formality of the event.

Monogram Flourishes

The monogram theme can be as prominent or as subtle as the couple desires. The concept is to have continuity by displaying it before, during and after the event.

Before the wedding, guests will receive a taste of the event to come in the mail – the invitations. Adorned with the monogram, the invitations serve not only to give guests the pertinent details, but will also guide them in apparel decisions by indicating the formality of the wedding. The monogram emblem, like a logo, should be present on all written communications, such as invitations, reply cards, maps, signs and programs. The latest fashion trend is a personalized wedding tote featuring the bride or couple’s monogram. There are many other creative ideas, such as making personalized stamps.

During the wedding, the monogram can be used in as many different ways as you can imagine. It can be added to the cake in a variety of fashions – from a monogram on top of each cupcake to one large emblem on the side of the cake. Next, be creative: the monogram can be applied virtually anywhere, from balloons to lighting. The sky is truly the limit when you are creating a monogram themed event. The level of restraint will vary by couple since some prefer a more understated approach than others.

After the wedding, send guests home with one-of-a-kind gifts such as personalized bottles of wine, or monogrammed flip flops. The final statement? A monogrammed thank you note arriving in the mail a few weeks later, reminding them of what a wonderfully romantic wedding they attended.

Coordinating Monogram Uses

From the bakery to the printer, as the bridal consultant you will likely be the one making sure that everyone has what they need to execute their job. From the beginning, be sure to obtain the emblem in every possible format – most places will be able to work from a high resolution .eps file. Make sure all parties are clear on how the colors are defined and where they are used.

Artwork Efficiency Tip

Prepare CDs that contain the monogram, accompanied by color samples and your contact information to give to each vendor. Not only will they appreciate having everything they need, they’ll likely be so impressed with your commitment to quality that they’ll recommend you to future brides.

For the Stylish Couple

A monogram theme is very up-and-coming and will appeal to modern couples who want a contemporary twist on a classic wedding. Combined with a classic color scheme, the monogrammed wedding truly makes a statement. Aside from creating a wonderful backdrop for your clients’ nuptials, you’ll also add a smash hit to your portfolio to impress future clients.

Tags: , , , ,

Wedding Planners: Rise Above by Promoting Your Business

May 29, 2010 Bakery Catering

Growing your wedding consulting business is all about word of mouth, image, and professionalism. To get started, you need to know which brides you will appeal to and then executing a plan for reaching out to them.

Identify Your Target Bride

There are many different types of brides, and you can carve a niche for yourself by crafting your brand to appeal to a certain demographic. Determine who your target: decide if you want to appeal to the bride who has a generous budget, or to one who understands that hiring a wedding consultant can save her money.

Rising above the competition means differentiating your business – this can be done by showcasing your own particular style, appealing to theme oriented brides, or even creating an eco-friendly image for yourself.

Let the Shows Begin!

Having a presence at local bridal shows is one of the best things you can do to promote your business. Make sure your booth is creative and professional – brides will use your booth to gauge how you might plan their wedding!

Go prepared, with lots of hand outs, brochures, and information about your rates. Put an interesting spin on your booth by offering free wedding consultation appointments – brides can return to your booth at a set time and receive a “taste” of what you could do for them.

People love to receive free things at these events – so think up something creative that they will keep, such as a booklet with wedding tips, a pen, or a monogrammed item. You might even hire a manicurist to give mini manicures in your booth – now that will make you stand out from the others!

Press Worthy

Work on developing a relationship with magazines, websites, and newspapers by letting them know you are available if they ever need a quote. A good way to start is creating press releases, which can be distributed both on and offline. It is a great way to add a professional flare to your business.

Whenever something you do is press worthy (such as landing a celebrity contract, being quoted in a national publication, or organizing a press-worthy wedding) send the information off to the media and follow up to see if its a fit. Make your press releases engaging, professional, and to the point.

You might also consider submitting articles for publication, which will of course include a byline and your contact information. Bridal magazines and websites often accept “real wedding” submissions, so don’t be shy – find out their guidelines and start sending in samples of your work! These editorial-style spreads can be pivotal in reaching new clientele, developing your brand, and adding to your portfolio.

Develop an Advertising Strategy

Advertising in local bridal publications can be expensive, but might be a good way to gain exposure in your regional market. If there are a few different publications available, you may need to focus your efforts on the one that appeals more to your target. For example, one magazine may be geared towards the luxury market while one is to the budget -conscious bride.

Be sure to have your brides leave you testimonials, which can later be worked into your marketing materials. Future brides will feel a sense of trust hearing how other brides enjoyed their experience with you.

Be Community Minded

From bakeries and caterers to photographers and videographers, it is important to build your network of wedding professionals. You may even be able to develop strategic alliances with some vendors – a bakery might agree to have your business cards available, or a photographer might be happy to recommend your services. Attend as many functions as you can to grow your name, meet new people, and develop healthy working relationships. A smart new trend is flaunting your business on a fashionable and custom logo bag – a great way for people to learn about your business without you first mentioning it. Art gallery openings, book signings, and community business meetings are all great places to grow your business within the community.


Related Blogs

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Israeli Planners to the Rescue

May 21, 2010 Bakery Stores

Israeli Planners to the Rescue
The bride and groom, in their 20s, ordered a wedding cake adorned with their image, but unbeknownst to them it arrived on their wedding day featuring an image of an elderly couple with the words, “Mazal tov Bubbe and Zeide on your 60th Wedding Anniversary.”

Read more on The Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,