8 Fifteen Chic Ways to Stay on Trend 14 WedStyle Award Winners

Transcription

A publication inspired by the
Association of Bridal Consultants
November/December 2014 Volume 4 Issue 5
the publication for wedding planners, professionals, and designers
8 Fifteen Chic Ways to Stay on Trend
14 WedStyle Award Winners Named
22 The Ins and Outs of Indian Weddings
25 Take Control of Your Life
27 Successful Tax Strategy Tips
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29
© DINO JERAM PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTO COURTESY OF DETAILS + DESIGN
22
Table of Contents
© WE LAUGH WE LOVE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
14
FEATURES
15 Chic Ways to Stay on Trend..................................................................................8
Are you ready to be inspired? Wedding Planner Magazine’s expert Advisory Board members and readers share the latest wedding trends—everything from gold and glitz to chalkboard cakes, charcuterie, and more!
Put Down the Phone! Gigmasters Top Wedding Musts for 2015...............13
Today’s couples are seeking more meaning and more fun in their weddings. Learn five ways they are changing the face of weddings.
Second Annual WedStyle Winners Named....................................................... 14
Wedding Planner Magazine reveals the latest wedding professionals to
receive the publication's top honor, the WEDStyle Award.
From Showroom to Shared—A Glimpse of Creative Office Spaces....... 18
The Office Space Series continues with a look at imaginative and
inspired showrooms and shared office spaces including Paisley & Jade,
Soirée Philadelphia, and Soirée Lounge. Each was hand-selected from
submissions of Wedding Planner Magazine readers.
DEPARTMENTS
International—The Ins and Outs of Indian Weddings...................................22
Are you familiar with vidai or saptpadi? These are just a few of the
terms you need to know if you are interested in planning an Indian or
South Asian wedding. In this article, wedding industry professionals
share the tools you need to begin planning.
Industry Best Practices...............................................................................................28
What is your favorite productivity or design app?
Real Wedding—Philadelphia...................................................................................29
This “backyard barbecue” style wedding at the Abington Art Center
aimed to please both the younger guests and the young at heart—and
even featured a silent disco!
COLUMNS
Master Bridal Consultant™: Monica Richard, MBC™.........................................21
Ask the Experts..............................................................................................................24
Wedding Planner Magazine readers pose their pressing industry-related
questions, and members of our advisory group have the answers.
ABC Member Insight: Simon T. Bailey..................................................................25
Seven ways to shift and take control of your life.
Business Basics: Tax Talk—The Key to a Successful Tax Strategy..............27
IN EVERY ISSUE
Contributors.....................................................................................................................6
ABC President/Publisher/Editor Letter............................................................... 7
ABC Meetings & News................................................................................................ 16
WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE
5
CONTRIBUTORS
Mary Ellen Skawinski is a writer for GigMasters.com. Mary
Ellen has a degree in media, culture, and communication
from New York University and has written and filmed a
variety of works for online publications and independent
organizations alike. She resides in Milford, Conn.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding marketing and
wedding PR firm OFD Consulting in Richmond, Va. She
is a frequent contributor to industry magazines and
blogs and a highly sought after speaker.
Want to reach 3,000 wedding professionals every other month?
Call our sales reps today and find out how.
A publication
inspired by the
Associatio
July/August n of Bridal Consultants
2014 Volume
4 Issue 3
the publicati
on for wedding
planners, prof
essionals, and
designers
inspired by the
A publication l Consultants
of Brida
6
Association
Volume 3 Issue
uary 2014
January/Febr
November/December 2014 Volume 4 Issue 5
A publication inspir
ed by the
Assoc
September/Octo iation of Bridal Consultants
ber 2014 Volum
e 4 Issue 4
on for wedding
the publicati
designers
essionals, and
planners, prof
the publication for wedding planners, professionals, and designers
the publication
for wedding plann
ers, professionals,
and designers
Become a Des
tination WeD
Ding Plann
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meet our neW
aDvisory Boa
same sex, Diff
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social meD
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signature
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Brides 8 int
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5 tips for Brid
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state of the
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Say "Cheese" at
Catered Events
Get Your Real
8
Weddings Publ
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The Upside of
Upselling 14
Inspiring Office
Spaces 18
Liability vs. Resp
onsibility 28
8 10 Chic Ways to Stay on Trend
PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT OR COMPANY
TO THE WEDDING INDUSTRY
ABC Corporate Members: Dena Davey 1.860.355.7000
ABC Corporate Members and United States: Bruce Todd 1.608.780.9836
March/April Color Trends issue deadline is Jan. 7, 2015
May/June Tented Wedding issue deadline is March 7, 2015
6
Editor Beth Erickson
Creative Director Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
Art Designer Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
Writers Simon T. Bailey
Megan Ely
Beth Erickson
Edward Jaekel, CPA
Mary Ellen Skawinski
Proofreader Kim Seidel
Photographers Amy Shepherd Photography
Apropos Photography
Brittany Mahood Photography
Bumby Photography
CWI-Photography
Dino Jeram Photography
Edmonson Weddings
ENV Photography
Gosia's Photography
Hazlewood Photography
Isaac Hernandez
Jelger + Tanya Photography
Jennifer Driscoll Photography
Jessica Strickland Photography
Jinda Photography
Laura Gordon Photography
Metal Bird Media
Stephanie Yonce Photography
This Modern Love Photography
We Laugh We Love Wedding Photography
ABC Corporate Sales Dena Davey
ABC Corporate and U.S. Bruce Todd
Wedding Planner Magazine, inspired by the Association of
Bridal Consultants, is published bi-monthly by Wedding Planner
Magazine LLC, 400 Main Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601.
Phone: 608.796.2257. Fax: 608.796.2253.
Email: [email protected].
Visit: www.WeddingPlannerMag.com.
You know when you have the urge to design but the ideas are not forthcoming? It’s when the passion is
inside, you’re on the cusp of a breakthrough, but you’re not quite able to reach it. You’re just waiting for
that spark, that inspiration to strike.
Let us help. The Design Trends issue of Wedding Planner Magazine always inspires and excites us!
Whether we ask a forward-thinking wedding expert, consult the pros on our Advisory Board, or poll
our readers, we can’t wait for the ideas to fill our inbox! In this issue, you’ll find plenty to trigger
your imagination. Sometimes, these ideas are inventive, offering something unusual and different.
Sometimes, they put a new spin on an old favorite. In any case, these 2015 trends will provide you with
ideas to inspire your design process and make you look like a creative genius to your clients.
If the trends we provide only whet your appetite, then read on and discover how today’s couples are
turning typical upside down! Gigmasters provides five ways couples are changing “the usual” so they
can have the fun and imaginative weddings they desire.
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you as a planner or wedding professional. We know that
you’re often so busy planning, orchestrating, and designing for others that there’s no room left for
yourself. Well, think again. This issue offers more glimpses into creative work spaces, this time focusing
on showroom and shared office spaces. If you’re not quite ready to tackle that challenge, maybe it’s
time to re-examine your goals. Author and leadership expert Simon T. Bailey shares his seven tips on
shifting and grabbing control of your life. And, as the end of the year nears, we’re also providing you
with tax tips for maximizing your deductions.
All this and more awaits you inside this issue of Wedding Planner Magazine! Read on and be sure to tell
us what you think by emailing us at [email protected].
© APROPOS PHOTOGRAPHY
Publishers Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
David Wood
Letter
LETTER
Volume 4 Issue 5
November/December 2014
Copyright 2014 Wedding Planner Magazine LLC. All rights
reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without
written permission from the publishers.
Wedding Planner Magazine does not necessarily endorse
the claims or contents of advertising or editorial material. Printed
in the U.S.A.
4 Issue 5
November/December 2014 Volume
the publication
designers
for wedding planners, professionals, and
© This Modern Love Photography
Beth Erickson
Editor
[email protected]
8 10 Chic Ways to Stay on Trend
Wedding Planner Magazine ISSN 2160-3286 is published
bi-monthly by Wedding Planner Magazine LLC, 400 Main
Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601. Circulation is 4,000.
Advertising is accepted; corporate ABC members receive
a discount on rates. Annual subscriptions are $36. Periodical postage paid at La Crosse, WI and at Eau Claire, WI.
Postmaster send changes to Wedding Planner Magazine,
400 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601.
Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™
David M. Wood,
Publisher/Creative Director
Publisher/President,
[email protected] Association of Bridal Consultants
UPCOMING ISSUE: BUSINESS OF BRIDES - CONFERENCES 2015 ORGANIZE YOUR OFFICE - NETWORKING AND REFERRAL SKILLS
- BOOK MORE COUPLES - AND MORE!
Wedding Planner Magazine Advisory Board
Tonia Adleta, PBC™, Aribella Events - Frank J. Andonoplas, MBC™, Frank Event Design - Alan Berg, www.AlanBerg.com Donnie Brown, Donnie Brown Weddings and Events - Merryl Brown, CWP™, Merryl Brown Events - Mark Kingsdorf,
MBC™, Mission Inn Resort - Carmen Mesa, MBC™, Carmen Mesa Weddings and Events, Inc. - Shelby Tuck-Horton,
MBC™, Exquisite Expressions and Events
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© ADRIAN AZCURRA, STYLEANDSWOON.COM
STYLING AND PRODUCTION: KASIA JURAS-AZCURRA, STYLEANDSWOON.COM
© AMY SHEPHERD PHOTOGRAPHY
DESIGN TRENDS
1
15 CHIC WAYS TO STAY ON TREND
BY BETH ERICKSON, WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE EDITOR, LA CROSSE, WIS.
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4. SEQUINS AND GLITTER
Brides love glitz and the best way to achieve
that look is through sequins and glitter.
Whether used throughout a wedding in table
linens and embellishments or in smaller
details like a cake with glittery sequin textures,
sequins and glitter add a touch of glitz or
over-the-top luxury to any event.
- Submitted by Simone Vega, CWP™, Coordinated
to Perfection, New York, N.Y.; Alison Kline, ABC™,
Sash&Bow, Green Bay, Wisc.
3
3. GET INTO THE SPIRIT(S)!
Weddings are synonymous with champagne
and, these days, signature drinks. But the
newest “old” trend, and not just in the South,
is to bring spirits to your event, and we don’t
mean ghosts! Craft and hobby brewers as well
as the retro trends of recent past have created
resurged interest in spirits. Bars or stations
with whiskey, bourbon, or cider offer an opportunity for sampling as well as guiding guests
through the proper technique of tastings.
- Submitted by Lisa Kenward, PBC™, Lisa
Kenward Events, Hilton Head Island, S.C. ; Shelby
Tuck-Horton, MBC™, Exquisite Expressions &
Events, Mitchellville, Md.
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5. FLOATING FLORAL
For an ethereal feel that doesn’t hamper conversation at the table, floating floral displays
are the way to go. These floating displays hang
by invisible wire suspended from the ceiling
over each table or as an elaborate décor element
at the ceremony. The results are breathtaking!
- Submitted by Georgia Barron, CWP™, CPCE,
Newcastle Wedding Gardens & Red Horse Barn,
Newcastle, Calif.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELLEN SHAHEEN FOX
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PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGIA BARRON
© GOSIA'S PHOTOGRAPHY
2. INDUSTRIAL GLAM
Take everything you love about the city—the
lights, the buildings, that downtown urban
feel—and imagine a wedding with that exact
vibe. Industrial glam means incorporating raw
materials like concrete and metal, exposed brick,
open ceilings, and ambient lighting. Think loft
spaces, concrete vases, Edison lights, succulents,
and many candles that create a one-of-a-kind
atmosphere for city-loving couples.
- Submitted by Morgan Emmess, Weddingstar Inc.,
Dunmore, Alberta, Canada
DESIGN TRENDS
1. GOLD RUSH!
Princess Kate and Prince William brought
royalty to the fore when they wed. That trend is
not departing and is in evidence this year with
the return of the color gold. The glitter and
shine of gold lends an aura of majesty whether
via gold chargers and glittered vases or through
elegant linens with a swirl of gold or shiny
gold-sequined linens. Consider pairing it with
blush or cream tones for a classic look.
Newcastle, Calif.
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6. CHARCUTERIE DISPLAYS
As the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is
through his stomach.” Wedding design is more
than just flowers and linens after all. Elaborate
charcuterie food displays create a fabulous impression. It’s a mouth-watering indulgence in
salted, smoked, and cured meats that, displayed
well, creates a sensory experience for guests.
- Submitted by Ellen Shaheen Fox, CMP, PBC™,
CWP™, ShaFox Weddings & Events, Louisville, Ky.
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10
© AMY SHEPHERD PHOTOGRAPHY
© CWI-PHOTOGRAPHY
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© ADRIAN AZCURRA, STYLEANDSWOON.COM
STYLING AND PRODUCTION: KASIA JURAS-AZCURRA, STYLEANDSWOON.COM
© METAL BIRD MEDIA
DESIGN TRENDS
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8
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© EDMONSON WEDDINGS
DESIGN TRENDS
7. CUSTOMIZATION AND BRANDING
Everything can be done with a personal touch.
You can create a monogram or wedding logo
and put it on everything—from save the dates
and invitations to menu cards and champagne
flutes. Wherever there is a surface, brand it.
- Submitted by Donnie Brown, Donnie Brown
Weddings, Dallas
8. PASTELS, PLEASE!
For a playful trend that’s different than the
traditional wedding whites or youthful pinks
and greens, pastels appeal. A soft palette of
colors especially suited to spring and summer,
pastels highlight the sweetness and innocence
of young love. Think mint, peach, powder blue,
11. DANCE FLOOR FEVER!
lavender, light yellow, and blush.
Wood dance or white and black dance floors aren't the only style around. Now, you can get crazy
- Submitted by Ellen Shaheen Fox, CMP, PBC™,
with pink, purple, cobalt blue, ruby red, orange—anything you can imagine. But don't use laminate
CWP™, ShaFox Weddings & Events, Louisville, Ky.
adhesive surface covers to color an ordinary floor. They don’t have the polished and slick surface
guests need to dance the night away. You need a high gloss and polished floor for that! You can also
9. THE AGE OF OPULENCE
Last year saw the rise of glamour. This year, the dress up the dance floor with artistic entertainment, like silk artists, dancers, and more.
- Submitted by Donnie Brown, Donnie Brown Weddings, Dallas
opulence remains in upscale accents that combine texture, glitz, and impact. Think grandiose
centerpieces like soft-colored roses or swooping
orchids in tall glass vases or gold brass stands.
Think overflowing and lush. Think elegant table
runners and glittery details.
Newcastle, Calif.; Simone Vega, CWP™, Coordinated to Perfection, New York, N.Y.; Tonia Adleta,
PBC™, Aribella Events, Philadelphia
10. BOHEMIAN LUXE
Bohemian-style has become a popular
choice for weddings, with flowing fabrics,
barefoot ceremonies, and wildflowers
playing a big part in the look. This year,
Bohemian meets luxe. The flowers are bigger and bolder, feathers are everywhere,
and you can personalize almost everything, including chair banners.
COURTESY OF BBJ LINEN | DEBI LILLY OF A PERFECT EVENT
11
- Submitted by Morgan Emmess, Weddingstar Inc.,
Dunmore, Alberta, Canada
12
12. LACE OVERLAYS
Whether in bridal gowns or linens, lace continues to be a popular trend. For gowns, floating lace
details are popular. This means romantic, soft lace on a nude underlay that makes the lace look as
though it floats on the body. Taupe and nude colors are also popular with silver and blush tones in
lace overlays. For table décor, colored lace will be seen on natural wood tables or draped over linens.
- Submitted by Heidi Hunter, BBJ Linen, Milwaukee, Wis.
11
13. MODERN ELEGANCE
The coming year will be the year of sophistication. Modern elegance will be evident in understated looks with clean lines, crisp décor, subtle tones, fabrics with interesting textures, and pops
of colors.
- Submitted by Merryl Brown, Merryl Brown Events, Montecito, Calif.
15
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14. THEY CALL IT THE BLUES
It could be something borrowed, but it's definitely something blue. Shades of blue are back on the
scene in hues like Tiffany, powder blue, gray-blue,
and more. But the true go-to color will be a dusty
blue. Use it in everything from linens and floral
to accents and attire—even bridal gowns!
- Submitted by Simone Vega, CWP™, Coordinated
to Perfection, New York, N.Y.; Marcela Villaseñor
Saavedra, Bodas Huatulco, Oaxaca, Mexico
15. THE WEDDING EXPERIENCE
Today’s couples continue to move away from
tradition and toward fun and celebration. The best
weddings of 2015 will create an unforgettable
experience for guests. This means taking what is
already happening, like weddings as casual experiences spread throughout a weekend or located at
unconventional locations, to the next level. How?
Entertain guests with creative ideas. Consider hiring a caricaturist, doing a video booth instead of a
photo booth, offering dance instruction, or hiring
actors to play a role or put on a performance. You
might even consider a silent disco like the one in
our Real Wedding on p 29.
- Submitted by Lisa Kenward, PBC™, Lisa Kenward
Events, Hilton Head Island, S.C.; Lynda Barness,
MBC™, I Do Wedding Consulting, Philadelphia
Statement of ownership, management, and circulation
1. Publication title: Wedding Planner Magazine
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Weddings will be all about real life
experiences in 2015— and that means stepping away from technology. Expect personal
expression to take on new meaning in next
year’s wedding scene, including bookings for
hands-on entertainers and unconventional
vendors. Here are the top five ways couples are
forgoing their list of big day must-haves for an
unforgettable day of must-dos.
1. THE QUIRKY COUPLE
Say bye-bye to Bridezilla and her spineless
groom. With eccentric tastes and pervasive wit,
the Quirky Couple is taking over— and they’re
turning the business of wedding planning
on its head. By opting for cute over couture,
these couples are allowing their joint senses
of humor to shine. This lighthearted approach
is indicative of an emerging culture shift. As a
whole, couples simply are taking the experience
of getting married a little less seriously.
Effects to Expect: Offbeat spins on everything from invitations to decorations. Similarly,
look for unconventional takes on pre-wedding
festivities. Think, co-ed showers and backyard
field days.
2. GUEST DISCONNECT
Expect the iWedding, in all its digital glory, to
short circuit in 2015. Reflective of a growing
desire to unplug, requests to “turn off the
technology” will become more commonplace.
Consequently, a greater focus will be placed on
experiencing the event firsthand— that means
without a phone in yours.
Effects to Expect: Cell-free ceremonies, experiences at the wedding designed to encourage
face-to-face interactions, cell phone collection
baskets, technology-free zones, and requests
for guests to completely unplug.
3. THOUGHTFUL AND TRADITIONAL
Traditional trappings of weddings, like the
five-hour open bar and stuffy banquet food are
getting a make-under. Thoughtful alternatives
that mean something to the couple are emerging as fun and budget-friendly fixes. Meaningful touches like self-serve craft beer bars to
creative catering by food trucks will continue
to permeate weddings in 2015. No matter
how off-the-wall the choices, the thought for
the couple is the same: “This thing, however
untraditional, carries a special meaning for us,
and we’d like to share that with you.”
Effects to Expect: Untraditional spins on
wedding staples that layer meaning into
the day, such as unique foods, local drinks,
personalized centerpieces, and non-conforming
wedding music choices.
4. ECLECTIC INSPIRATION
As brides look at countless “Real Wedding” photos across the web for inspiration, their visions
have progressively grown to include designs of
all types. The result is an eclectic look and feel
akin to a 4-D Pinterest board—a unique style
you can expect to see more frequently in the
coming year. It’ll come down to how well you
can fashion a patchwork of Pinterest-worthy
elements into a single seamless, and seemingly
effortless, experience.
Effects to Expect: A piecemeal approach to
bridal party and groomsmen fashion, venue
décor, and guest giveaways. Collections of
these creative concepts will overshadow once
common trends like single-tone color schemes
and individual themes.
5. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Make room for a new contender in the age-old
band vs. DJ debate. This season will be all about
hands-on experiences. Accordingly, as guest
engagement becomes something of a must at
receptions, we’re seeing new types of interactive entertainment stepping onto the scene.
Sure, a premium will be placed on the music
itself, but expect to see more tactile, collaborative activities being incorporated.
Effects to Expect: All new types of entertainment, from one-on-one fun initiated by
roaming magicians and variety entertainers, to
group activities like outdoor games and gifting
stations.
As intimate experiences become the new way to
engage, cultural trends like these will continue
to carve out a distinct place in the industry. Of
course, for many, trading charging stations for
scrapbook stations might carry a steep price
tag. But that’s not the primary focus of today’s
couple. The new goal is to create an environment in which memories can be created, not
hashtagged. ••
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13
Second Annual WedStyle Winners Named
There were four lucky winners for the second annual WedStyle
Awards, presented by Wedding Planner Magazine. The winners, announced
at the 2014 Annual Association of Bridal Consultants Business of Brides
Conference at Sandals Whitehouse in Whitehouse, Jamaica, are:
BEST WEDDING DÉCOR—$25,000+ (ABOVE
BEST WEDDING—$1,000+ PER GUEST
L. Gene Huddleson, Detail+Design
Indianapolis, Ind., www.DetailandDesign.com
Uptown elegance was the goal in this ceremony space full of lush green
moss, ferns, and topiaries. Vibrant summer blooms of fuchsia, coral, and
white popped from silver urns and bouquets. When guests entered the
ballroom, they were met with a beautiful assortment of table designs.
From muted platinum and silver to rich onyx and midnight to pops of rich
textural turquoise, the ballroom came to life as a stunning assortment of
shapes, textures, and styles. Silver chiavari chairs with black-ruffled back
panels, soft curled turquoise back panels, turquoise chair ties, and black
lacquered chairs with white leather tufting finished off each corresponding table. A 32-foot long head table in the center of the room tied all the
colors into one stunning centerpiece. Lighting played a key role in making
the room come together—whether it was moving fixtures to keep guests
on the dance floor or an elegant pattern of swirled damask to wash the
floor, the lighting production was on cue.
14
BEST USE OF WEDDING STATIONERY
Denise Wilson, Dogwood Blossom Stationery & Invitation Studio, LLC
Sharpes, Fla., www.DogwoodBlossomStationery.com
This backyard, March 2, wedding used a “Farmer’s Market” theme. The
earthy, vegetable garden theme transformed the backyard of the bride’s
childhood home into a fun farmer’s market lookalike. Dogwood Blossom
Stationery worked very closely with the couple, the bride’s parents, and
their wedding planner to create all of the paper goods for their wedding,
starting with custom-designed save-the-dates, followed by wood grain-embossed wedding invitations, and finished with a vast array of day-of papers
and signage. All of the custom wedding papers were loaded with colorful
botanical-style fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Some paper goods even
contained “garden critters” such as birds, crickets, caterpillars, and snails.
ap_wedding-planner-magazine_ad_7.5625x4.7625_v100114b.pdf
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10/1/14
5:37 PM
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15
ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS MEETINGS & NEWS
Seminars
Attend and earn .5 points for each full hour of education.
For more information, or to register, visit www.BridalAssn.
com.
Webinars
Webinars last one hour. Upon finishing the webinar and
essay question, a certificate of completion will be mailed
and the attendant will earn .5 points in education. For more
information, or to register, visit www.BridalAssn.com.
Regional Meetings
Attend and earn two points per full day for education and
professional development. For more information, or to
register, visit www.BridalAssn.com.
Bobby Kyser, Panache Style, Wilton Manors, Fla., organized
Florida’s first-ever Gay Nuptials, a gay-friendly wedding
expo to showcase top-notch caterers, venues, florists, and
more, on Sunday, Aug. 17, at Hagen Park Community Center
in Wilton Manors. Nearly 50 gay-friendly vendors exhibited.
All proceeds from ticket sales were donated to The Pride
Center at Equality Park, which provides a safe space for
members of the LGBTQ community.
Emmanuela Stanislaus, PBC™, Precious Occasions,
Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is celebrating the launch of a new
Precious Occasions brand and company website, www.
Precious-Occasions.com.
Studio EMP, Inc., Fullerton, Calif., owned by Joel Eckman
Maus, is celebrating its 15th business anniversary this year.
State Meetings
Diane York, Diane York Weddings
For Local Networking Group meetings, please contact your
state coordinator or visit www.BridalAssn.com.
& Events, Inc., Portland, Maine, has
been selected to be on the advisory
panel for a new Entrepreneurship
Certificate being offered by the
University of Southern Maine. The
panel will focus on skill sets that
are critical to entrepreneurs and
relevant to Portland businesses and
start-ups.
ABC Annual Conference
Business of Brides
Sunday – Tuesday, Nov. 8 – 12
Sandals Whitehouse, Whitehouse, Jamaica
www.BusinessofBrides.com
www.BridalAssn.com
Achievements
Jennifer Arezzo,
PBC™, (right) A New
Studio EMP, Inc., Fullerton, Calif., owned by Joel Eckman
Maus, was chosen as the Best Photographer in Orange
County for 2014 by California Wedding Day magazine.
Eckman's wife, Jeni Maus, earned Best Rental Company in
Orange County for her business, Found Vintage Rentals,
Inc., from the same publication.
Dalia Atisha, The Event Planner,
Royal Oak, Mich., was featured on
Tech Talk with Derek Kevra on Fox 2
News. The news report was on the
replacement of disposable cameras
with smartphone/tablet applications like Snappable at weddings
and events.
Leaf Weddings &
Events, Leesburg, Va.,
received the prestigious “40 Under 40”
award from Leesburg
Today in August.
Merryl Brown
Events, Santa Barbara,
Gail Johnson, ABC™, Gail Johnson Weddings, Tucker, Ga.,
Calif., was the winner
of two industry
awards: An Association for Women in Communications
Clarion Award for Best Fundraising Event 2014 for the
production of The Royal Ball and an International Special
Events Society Esprit Award for Best Wedding under
$25,000. Brown is an award-winning Certified Wedding
and Event Planner and a member of the Advisory Board of
Wedding Planner Magazine.
Sally Conant, PhD, MWV™,
Association of Wedding Gown
Specialists, Orange, Conn., was a
featured speaker at Twin Clean,
Aug. 29-31, in Sydney, Australia.
The three-day conference was
sponsored by the Drycleaning
Institute of Australia, and Conant’s
talk, “When to Say I Do (Clean
Wedding Gowns) and How to Do
It,” reviewed the advantages and
disadvantages of specializing in gown care as well as the
cleaner’s obligations to the bride.
Patricia Fratto, Perfectly Coordinated, Arlington, Mass.,
successfully completed the Training for Intervention
ProcedureS (TIPS) program and has earned TIPS certification.
The program educates hospitality industry professionals on
the responsible service, sale, and consumption of alcohol.
Great Officiants, Long Beach, Calif., set a company record
in the month of August when its team of professional
officiants performed more than 155 wedding ceremonies.
Alan Katz attributes his company’s success to the way his
officiants treat their couples, giving them something special
and unique.
16
Media
Tara Steele, Tara Nicole Weddings and Events, Indianapolis, had a wedding selected for use by Bella Bridesmaid in
their national ad, which appeared in the fall 2014 issue of
Martha Stewart Weddings (above).
was interviewed on The Harry Jackson Show for Urban
Family Talk in a feature called “How to plan the perfect
wedding with Gail Johnson and Linyette Richardson-Hall.”
The podcast is available at: http://urbanfamilytalk.com/
plan-perfect-wedding-gail-johnson-linyette-richardsonhall/#.VCLq5Uvfl4M. Johnson was also interviewed for
“Public Weddings, So You Want to Be a Star?” for www.
gigmasters.com.
Kristeen LaBrot, PBC™, Kristeen LaBrot Events, Los
Angeles, recently won “Best Wedding Planner: Los Angeles”
honors in the California Wedding Day magazine’s "Best of
2014" awards.
Jeannie Smith, PBC™, AshBy Wedding & Event Planning,
Elizabethtown, Ky., was featured in the August issue of
Floral Management Magazine, a publication of the Society
of American Florists. The topic was “Look Who's Talking,
event planners dish about what florists do to earn a top
spot on their preferred vendor list.”
Emmanuela Stanislaus, PBC™, Precious Occasions, Fort
Lauderdale, Fla., was featured on The Every Last Detail Blog
Aug. 21. She provided advice on how couples can decide
whether a destination wedding is right for them.
Leanne Wrench, PBC™, LOVE Weddings with Leanne,
Orange County, Calif., had the wedding of "Kelsey and Zach"
featured on www.weddingchicks.com on Oct. 14. Photo by
Jacqueline Kay Photography.
Designations
The Association of Bridal Consultants congratulates the
following members who achieved designation July –
August 2014.
Professional Wedding Planner™
Emily McCollin, Mills River, N.C.
Katia Nikitin, Events by Katia, Newport Beach, Calif.
Amelia Rheaume, Moments Weddings & Events, Calgary,
Alberta, Canada
Kimberly Rhodes, Hitched Events, Dallas
Amy Roman, A. Roman Events, Terre Haute, Ind.
Anna M. Serrano, Your Event, Your Way, LLC,
Youngstown, Ohio
Jennifer Tornatta, Ruffles & Roses Weddings and Events,
LLC, Indianapolis
Meagan Warren, Meagan Warren Weddings, Columbia, S.C.
Accredited Bridal Consultant™
Cara Weiss, Save the Date, LLC, Potomac, Md.
Marcela Villaseñor Saavedra, Bodas Huatulco,
Oaxaca, Mexico
ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS MEETINGS & NEWS
Florida Shines With
State Conference
BY ELISA DELGARDIO, CSEP, MBC™, A FLAIR FOR
AFFAIRS, ORLANDO, FLA.
PHOTOS BY BUMBY PHOTOGRAPHY
Florida’s State Meeting was held Aug. 3 - 4 at Orlando’s
Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort. Florida State Manager
Mark Kingsdorf, MBC™, Mission Inn Resorts, Howey-inthe-Hills, Fla., felt Orlando would be a natural fit for this
year’s meeting following a stellar Business of Brides conference in West Palm Beach only a few months earlier.
Mark selected Elisa Delgardio CSEP, MBC™, of A Flair
for Affairs®, Orlando, as conference planner. Delgardio
conceived the title “Shine,” which also served as a guiding
inspiration for the theme of the conference. She envisioned
a high-caliber, mini-conference experience that was
educational and inspiring. Considering that the majority
of wedding and event professionals are ultra creative
entrepreneurs, the challenge to meet their expectations
was foremost—especially in the case of the more seasoned
pros in the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC). “Shine”
needed to strike the right balance in terms of stimulating
the attendees both personally and professionally. What
resulted from months of planning was outstanding, thanks
to tireless support from: Sharon Baragona, A Chair Affair,
Inc., Debary, Fla.; Ashley Shea Robertson, Weddings in the
City, Winter Park, Fla.; Brian Joyce, Flourish Floral Productions, Inc., Winter Park, Fla.; Richard Streitler, Flourish
Floral Productions, Inc., Winter Park, Fla.; and Donna
Cooke, Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort, Orlando.
Shine featured noteworthy presentations by Donnie Brown,
Donnie Brown Weddings, Dallas (sponsored by Elegant
Imagery Photography); Heather Canada, MBC™, First Coast
Weddings & Events, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.; Kingsdorf; Kelly
McWilliams, Weddings by Socialites, Cape Coral, Fla.; Joyce
and Streitler; and the incredible Coach Jenn Lee.
Almost 50 Florida state industry professionals attended
the two-day conference, and a post-conference survey
yielded excellent reviews for overall experience, organization, and content.
Attention ABC State and Country Managers
We know you are doing great things in your state and we want to hear from you!
Did you know you can share your annual state meetings and retreats in our ABC News section?
Email [email protected], and give us the scoop!
Be sure to include a story, professional photos, and photo credit.
Our readers love to hear what is going on around the country and the world.
•••
ASSOCIATION OF BRIDAL CONSULTANTS
CODE OF ETHICS
David M. Wood III, President
Gerard J. Monaghan and Eileen P. Monaghan Co-Founders
Beverly Ann Bonner, APR, MBC™, Director of State Managers.................................................beverlyann@weddingbeautiful.com
Elayne Anderson, Director of Operations.......................................................................................................................info@BridalAssn.com
Candice Benson, MBC™, Director of Social Media..................................................................candice@thefinishingtouchevents.com
Gloria Boyden, MBC™, Director of Education....................................................................................................................eventsgrb@aol.com
Dena Davey, Director of Marketing.................................................................................................................................. [email protected]
Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™, Creative Director................................................................................................. [email protected]
Lois Pearce, MBC™, Director of Ethnic Diversity..........................................................................................lois@beautifuloccasions.com
Annemarie Steiner, Member Services........................................................................................................................mbrsvc@BridalAssn.com
Nicole DaSilva, Member Services......................................................................................................................................mob@BridalAssn.com
ABC Office: 1.860.355.7000, fax 1.860.354.1404, BridalAssn.com, 56 Danbury Road, Ste. 11, New Milford, CT 06776.
Our ABC members agree to:
• represent each client fairly and honestly,
providing all agreed-to services in a timely and
cost-efficient manner.
• establish reasonable and proper fees for services
and provide written estimates to each client.
• use honest, factual advertising.
• deal with employees and clients fairly, in an
unbiased manner.
• disclose to clients any payments received from
suppliers.
• operate an establishment that is a credit to the
community.
17
F E AT U R E
From Showroom to Shared—
A Glimpse of Creative Office Spaces
MORGAN MONTGOMERY
PAISLEY & JADE (vintage & eclectic rentals),
THE GREEN FLAMINGO (floral design),
LOVEBIRDS EVENTS (wedding planning)
RICHMOND, VA.
WWW.PAISLEYANDJADE.COM
WWW.THEGREENFLAMINGO.NET
WWW.LOVEBIRDSEVENTS.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE YONCE
PHOTOGRAPHY
The space: Showroom.
Describe your style: While we are three indepen-
dent companies, we all have a similar aesthetic
and design style and firmly believe that design
should enhance natural beauty rather than
mask it. Our showroom is no exception, and
we love the natural light, white brick, exposed
piping, and tin ceilings. All of the furniture
and props belong to Paisley & Jade, but each
company tweaks the space as needed for
their appointments and meetings. While the
collection housed in the showroom definitely
encompasses a myriad of styles and colors, the
space itself serves as a unifying neutral anchor.
Special considerations: Sharing a space between
three companies has it’s logistical challenges,
but is beyond rewarding! We face the usual
scheduling quandaries but also have to work
around load schedules for events that are using
the stored items. Since all items are available
for rent, the showroom can look completely
different from day to day, which forces us to
continually reimagine how it comes together.
What you like best about your space: Having
three companies who target a similar slice
of the market under one roof provides us
with a captive audience of qualified clients;
and while clients don’t have to use all three
vendors, it is apparent from our arrangement
how well we can work together. Meeting with
clients in our showroom inspires them and
gets their creative juices flowing in a way that
a plain office or conference room just can’t.
The space functions as a “real-life Pinterest”
by giving clients the ability to visually articulate a specific style, color, pattern or feel that
otherwise might get lost in translation. Also,
having separate offices and space to meet and
work with clients provides us with a clutter
and distraction-free environment!
Get in touch: [email protected] or
804-381-4625.
18
FEATURE
LAURA EATON
SOIRÉE PHILADELPHIA
PHILADELPHIA
WWW.SOIREEPHILADELPHIA.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SOIRÉE PHILADELPHIA
The space: A collective space for wedding, event, and creative profes-
sionals to meet, conduct business, and host events.
Describe your style: Our décor is neutral, allowing members to occupy
the space as their own when they meet clients. The space was designed
with this in mind, but we definitely didn't sacrifice style—our lighted
“LOVE” letters are a unique touch that is very "Philadelphia." The
space mixes modern elements, like our clear chairs, with vintage and
industrial styles represented by our custom sewing-machine-base
meeting table. The space is flexible and has been used for everything
from networking events to photo shoots. Soiree offers amenities like
a flat-screen television upon which members can display their work,
comfortable seating options, a kitchenette with a full-size refrigerator
for easy entertaining, and an open floor plan for flexibility. The space
can be rearranged as needed.
What you like best about your space: What I like best about the space is
the feel. It's professional, yet comfortable and inviting. It is the perfect
fit for creative professionals.
Get in touch: [email protected] or 609-954-0488.
KIM TREHAN
SOIRÉE LOUNGE
VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA
WWW.SOIREELOUNGE.COM
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JELGER + TANYA PHOTOGRAPHY
The space: Wedding showroom, planning resource and design studio.
Describe your style: If we could describe our style in just a few words, it
would be urban chic with a splash of glamour. We adore the feminine
aspects of our office, while having it remain a classy, elegant space for
our partners to meet with clients.
What you like best about your space: When thinking of Soirée Lounge,
chandeliers, lofted ceilings, exposed white brick, and champagne-gold
accents come to mind. These are the touches we love. We also love being
the only studio of its kind in the lower mainland, one that helps professionals connect and gives them space to meet with clients, all while
helping couples connect with handpicked professionals. We love that
our space is able to inspire both vendors and couples and is becoming
the go-to place for wedding planning needs and resources.
Get in touch: [email protected] or 604-559-5729.
JELGER + TANYA PHOTOGRAPHY
19
© JESSICA STRICKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
M A S T E R P RO F I L E
MASTER BRIDAL CONSULTANT™
MONICA RICHARD, MBC™
© JENNIFER DRISCOLL PHOTOGRAPHY
© JENNIFER DRISCOLL PHOTOGRAPHY
Mon Amie Events, Inc.
www.MonAmieEventsInc.com, Indianapolis
Employees: 1 full-time, 2 - 4 part-time
Revenue breakdown: 100% full-service planning
Contact: 317.460.3726, [email protected],
Twitter @MonicaJRichard, Instagram @monamieevents,
Facebook www.facebook.com/monamieevents
Left: Bright marigold and sunbeam floral dripped from crystal towers for this intimate anniversary celebration, with lavish navy sequin linens and cobalt glass chargers. Middle: This wedding was
in a French Provincial setting on the bride's grandparents' farm and was done in tones of cream and navy with lush greenery to complement the landscape. Right: This modern couple wanted to
emulate the fresh, clean look and feel of the hotel's urban space. FAMILY: My husband Paul and I recently celebrated our 15th anniversary with our children
Kyle, 12, and Sabrina, 10, by having a “Wedding
Rewind.” We renewed our vows and hosted our
reception in the same locations with the same
color story and the same dress. Our vendor
team was extraordinarily receptive to the idea
and blew us away with their creativity!
EDUCATION: I have a Bachelor of Science from
Indiana University in Bloomington.
ON THE BUSINESS: After working at the Walt
Disney World Resort and in the industry for
a luxury historic hotel, it was time to “graduate” and begin my own company. A decade
of catering experience, industry knowledge,
and logistics experience taught me how to run
an event from various angles. Knowing these
things served as great foundation, so I decided
to open Mon Amie Events, Inc., in 2008.
BECOMING A MASTER: When the Association
of Bridal Consultants (ABC) announced that
my city was to host annual conference in 2009,
getting my Masters became my mission. Not
only was sitting on the core planning committee for the conference a major component
of 2009, so was learning the points system. I
was in the first “class” of Masters named in the
new points system.
ON THE ABC: The education, friendships, and
networking are invaluable, and the validity and
credibility being an ABC member adds to Mon
Amie Events, Inc., is important.
MENTORS: Every professional, and every
client is a mentor to me…Regardless of the
lesson learned, I value those who’ve taught it
to me. However, I do seek out certain people
to influence, inspire, and wow me! I love the
work of Sasha Souza. She inspired me to get
involved with Wish Upon a Wedding so many
years ago. I also love her design, use of color,
texture, and light. From a business perspective
and career path, I love the work of Kasey Conyers. We’re both in similar markets, so I really
respect her wisdom, work, and weddings.
INDUSTRY INFLUENCERS: The big influencers
in the industry are film, fashion, media, and
food. I’m proud when people look at events I’ve
planned and ask, “Where did you come up with
that?” They ask because they’ve never seen it
before, yet in reality, they likely did. They just
haven’t seen it executed at a wedding. We are
influenced every day by our surroundings; we just
have to stop being influenced by other weddings.
INSPIRED BY: I am an Instagram-aholic. I need
my Saturday night wedding post-fix. In this
world of instant gratification, nothing gives me
better satisfaction than those posts. I love seeing posts from colleagues. I love when clients
ask for that “wow-thing” that is showworthy
to post. I seek inspiration from other planners,
designers, florists, and linen companies, and
I am flattered when they tell me that they’ve
loved something from one of my events.
MARKETING STRATEGY: One-third of my
events come from former brides, one-third
from photographers, and one-third from a
venue or caterer. I have had three exceptions
to this rule. The first was a bride who was a
lead from the ABC website. She was my first
bride over $250,000. The second was a bride
through Instagram. She was my first bride
over $500,000. Another bride found me on
Google. She needed a wedding planned in
eight weeks due to an overseas job transfer. It
was an extraordinary celebration!
IDEAL CLIENT: My clients have a story and
want to tell their story. They also trust their
team of professionals fully. They don’t second
guess or over plan things. They are engaged
in the process but allow the freedom and
flexibility to truly stretch the professionals’
creative elements.
READING NOW: I’m a cover-to-cover gal. I
can’t read more than one book at a time. If
there’s a new John Grisham book or Dan
Brown book, I’ll plow through it in a weekend…
I also love the book A Curious Invitation—The
Forty Greatest Parties in Fiction by Suzette Field.
A professional in the industry gave it to me as a
thank-you gift.
HOBBIES: I spend my free time with my family!
You’ll find me on a baseball diamond cheering
for Kyle on one of his three baseball teams,
in the stable with Sabrina’s horse, or helping
her with her beloved Girl Scout cookies. Both
children work as youth interpreters at an
interactive history museum, Conner Prairie.
HONORS: In 2011, I won the ISES Esprit
Award for Best Wedding under $75,000
and was a nominee for Best Wedding over
$200,000.
WORDS OF WISDOM: Stick together! One
never knows when an emergency could happen,
and you may need to refer to a friend or ABC
colleague or turn to the person for advice or
reinforcements. Equally, don’t underprice your
services. You are doing yourself, and more
importantly, the entire industry a disservice. ••
21
F E AT U R E
THE INS AND OUTS OF INDIAN WEDDINGS
BY MEGHAN ELY, OFD CONSULTING, RICHMOND, VA.
Many wedding planners, both experienced and new, find themselves drawn to the
opulence, grandeur, and largess of South Asian
and Indian weddings. Frequently accompanied
by generous budgets, multi-day events, and
extremely high expectations, Indian wedding
planning has appeal, but it’s not for the unprepared or faint of heart. It takes experience and
insight to successfully orchestrate authentic
South Asian events for audiences of 200-500
guests. In the following basic guide, the
industry’s foremost experts on these unique
weddings offer a place to start when learning
the ins and outs of Indian weddings.
KNOW THE MARKET
Trisha Cranor of Working Brides Wedding
Planners in Germantown, Md., cautions that
planners need to choose sensitive terminology
when working with South Asian brides. When
comparing an Indian wedding to one you would
typically see in the states, she prefers to use
the term “Western” rather than “American.”
“My brides and grooms are, for the most part,
Americans—born and raised here.” She also em-
22
sub-continent, so it is important to know the
backgrounds of both the bride’s and groom’s
family traditions,” says Apeksha Harjani, project
manager of Florida KIS (cubed) Events in
Orlando. Harjani admits that knowing which
Of course, in a contemporary society, much of
traditions apply to your clients’ weddings can
what is popular in Indian weddings is actually
considered a “fusion” of South Asian and Western be daunting and recommends planners starting
cultures. Preeti Moberg of The Big Fat Indian Wed- out in the Indian/South Asian market “learn the
ding wedzine sees this trend in receptions, where culture, and pay close attention to the details.”
couples “have a first dance, cut the cake, and
Typically, Indian weddings are larger than
have the formal emcee introduction.” According
the Western average and longer, with preto Moberg, “they value family photos, like any
events that may last days and ceremonies
couple would, and take time to go from table to
table during the celebration to greet their guests that are often two hours longer or more.
individually.” Wedding planners looking to break Choosing a date involves more than finding
an available venue and your favorite time of
into or better serve a South Asian clientele need
year, according to Preeti Vasudeva of Preeti
to position themselves as sensitive practitioners
open to input and willing to help couples negoti- Exclusive Events based in the Washington,
ate the demands of tradition and the temptations D.C. metro area. Ceremonies “are often timed
according to the ‘alignment of the stars’,” she
of contemporary society.
notes. In the most traditional families, “the
priest uses numerology or astrology, applyLEARN THE CULTURE
ing the couple’s dates and times of birth” to
“Doing a South Asian wedding is complex,
select the perfect moment for a wedding,”
as there are multiple dialects and regions
Vasudeva says.
that have different traditions throughout the
phasizes that planners should learn the proper
pronunciations of the various ceremonies to
enhance their credibility.
INTERNATIONAL
© THIS MODERN LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY
It takes experience and insight to successfully
orchestrate authentic South Asian events
for audiences of 200-500 guests.
There are so many different traditions and
regions, in fact, that few common pre-wedding
rituals exist. The one that seems to cross most
cultures, according to Vasudeva, is the mehndi
party, or henna party, where the bride’s family
and friends have henna markings applied to
indicate they are part of the wedding. In Hindu
weddings, says Cranor, grooms also have their
special event, in this case the Baraat which is
the men’s turn to shine.
According to Vasudeva, “Brides in Gujarat
have a garba where you dance around a deity
to invoke its blessings. Punjabi brides host
a sangeet where the singing and dancing is
mostly to poke fun at the groom or the bride’s
soon-to-be mother in law. Bengali brides have
a holud where gifts are exchanged and the bride
is adorned in floral jewelry.”
Despite all the cultural and religious traditions
between the South Asian communities, a few
are common throughout. Moberg says, “For
Hindu weddings, the pheras (walk around
the fire) and the saptpadi (taking seven steps
around the holy fire before being pronounced
married) are the cornerstones of the traditions.
And for both Hindu and Muslim weddings, the
vidai (or rukhsati in Urdu) is the ceremony for
a bride to say goodbye to her family. It's a bittersweet moment, where brides leave their past
and move to their future." Clearly, investing
time in shadowing professional vendors who
know a thing or two about Indian weddings
would be a wise move before getting started.
The more you know about the diverse traditions, the better able you will be to help couples
plan their perfect events.
WATCH THE TRENDS
Color, bold patterns, and glamour all prevail in
the South Asian wedding market. But fusing
South Asian and American culture is prevalent
as well. Harjani notes, “Brides and grooms
are opting for trendier outfits and are changing attire between the cocktail hour and the
reception.”
Continuing with the concept of fusion,
many couples begin with a highly tradi-
tional ceremony, but at the reception, are
opting to include photo booths and live
entertainment to contribute to a perfect
day. Moberg adds, “The year of the peacock
has returned. Bright greens, purples, and
blues are popular colors for wedding outfits
and flowers. Centerpieces include floral and
non-floral elements.” Many Indian weddings
are also destination weddings, an honor not
reserved exclusively for Western couples. In
fact, according to Moberg, weddings in the
Caribbean are the hottest in this category
today, and include big, beautiful celebrations away from home.
For the planning practitioner willing to apply
some time and effort to learning what she
or he can about South Asian brides, grooms,
their families, values, and beliefs, the Indian
wedding market need not be intimidating.
Rather, it can be considered an opportunity to
grow and diversify, and to participate in grand
events steeped in tradition that celebrate the
contemporary and, most of all, the special love
of two people. ••
23
A S K T H E E X P E RT S
Industry Experts TACKLE YOUR TOUGHEST QUESTIONS
Q. “I'm a wedding planner who has been working with a lot of destination
wedding couples recently, so I've been adding small inventory of décor
rental items to my services. Say couples want a specific vase to be their
centerpiece, and I could purchase it, how would you charge them?”
-Michelle Moreno, Bella Amour Events, Honolulu
A. “I charge 30 percent of cost for each rental. If it is an item the client
“We get 90 percent, but I would think the industry standard is closer to 50
percent.”
- Donnie Brown, Donnie Brown Weddings, Dallas
“The usual percentage rate for responses for a mailing are around half to
two percent, but it really depends on the quality of your list and leads.”
- Shelby Tuck-Horton, MBC™, Exquisite Expressions & Events, Mitchellville, Md.
wants that I don’t feel I can rent much in the future, I charge 150 percent of
cost for the first rental and then 30 percent from that point on should it
rent again.”
Q. “How should wedding coordinators charge their services when they
provide the floral?”
- Susanne Marsidi, Magic Moments, Union City, Tenn.
“If the vase is in your inventory, you would charge the couple a rental fee.
If you are purchasing the vase for them but adding it to your inventory,
then you should charge a rental fee knowing that you are going to rent it to
others in the future.”
A. “Floral designers do different things. We have our own floral studio with
full-time and part-time designers. Other planners farm out their designs.
If you have your own team, price by industry standard markups. If you are
designing and then farming it out, you should charge a transparent design fee.”
Q. “What is your favorite business book, and why?”
“Every consultant is not a floral designer. If you have experience working
with floral designs and want to include that as part of your services, then
that should be a separate charge. You must be experienced enough to know
how to work with flowers; what works best where and when; costs in- and
out-of-season; how to process the flowers; the labor to produce, cost of
materials, and containers; set-up, delivery, and tear-down labor; and your
markup. It's not as easy as it looks. If you are not experienced, then you
should not offer this service.”
- Carmen Mesa, MBC™, Carmen Mesa Weddings and Events, Inc., Cooper
City. Fla.
A. “My favorite business book is Good to Great by Jim Collins. It is truly
Q. “How many conferences do you attend or speak at each year?”
- Nicole Zenner, LK Events, Chicago
“When I provided floral design and production services to my clients, I
tried to create a ‘custom’ event for them. With that said, if I purchased a
special or unique item for that event, the client was charged full price. I did
not discount the cost of the item assuming I could use it again. Chances are
you won’t. I have a storage unit full of specialty vases, etc., that I only used
once.”
City. Fla.
- Nicole Zenner, LK Events, Chicago
my business Bible. My company is built on the Jim Collins’ concept that
‘Good is the enemy of great.’ We strive every single day for greatness. Being
great at every single thing we do is our goal. Good is not good enough. If
you want to be great, read voraciously, learn from your colleagues, study
their successes so you understand what is needed to take your company to
the next level. Read, learn, implement what you have learned and strive for
greatness every day!”
- Merryl Brown, CWP™, Merryl Brown Events, Montecito, Calif.
“I have a couple of business books that I like: Purple Cow—Transform Your
Business By Being Remarkable by Seth Godin, because it talks about marketing and the importance of standing out in your field, and Outliers—The
Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, because it’s a thought-provoking
look at success.”
Q. “What percentage of inquiries (either by email or phone) should we
expect to respond back and pursue a meeting or booking?”
- Donna Schonhoff, La Donna Weddings, Macomb, Mich.
A. “I don’t think one can quantify this in the abstract, as it is largely
contingent on your ability to sell yourself over the phone or by the written
word. If you are a good sales person, you will likely have a higher percentage of bookings than a person who is weak in this area. If you want to
increase your bookings, be sure you have an excellent sales pitch you use
when potential clients call and that you have a well-written, well-edited
document you can use for online inquiries.”
- Merryl Brown, CWP™, Merryl Brown Events, Montecito, Calif.
Ask Our Experts!
A.“I like to attend one to two conferences per year, depending on my availability. I always learn new things, meet new contacts and walk away with
many ideas that I can immediately implement.” - Merryl Brown, CWP™, Merryl Brown Events, Montecito, Calif.
“Eight to 12.”
“I attend about three to four conferences each year and speak at about two
to three.”
- Shelby Tuck-Horton, MBC™, Exquisite Expressions & Events, Mitchellville,
Md.
“I attend the Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Conference, the Florida State Conference, and The Special Event. When time and circumstances
allow, I'll attend other local wedding and event industry conferences. The
industry is constantly changing, and you must keep up and always continue
to learn in order to better serve your clients.”
City. Fla.
“Depends on the year, sometimes as many as four or five, sometimes as
few as one. When setting my three-year goals, I evaluate my focus for the
upcoming year or two and earmark conferences or training of interest.
Having said that, when opportunity leads, I follow!”
- Tonia Adleta, PBC™, Aribella Events, Hockessin, Del.
Is there a situation that’s been puzzling you? Do you want answers? Email your wedding industry questions to [email protected]. Be sure to put “Ask the Experts” in the subject line and include your full name, designation(s), business name and
city and state. Questions are answered by our Advisory Board.
24
ABC MEMBER INSIGHT
7 Ways to Shift and Take Control of Your Life
BY SIMON T. BAILEY, AUTHOR/LEADERSHIP EXPERT, WINDERMERE, FLA.
For years, you may have been vying to position your business for
success or just to have better relationships where you’re respected, appreciated, and liked. However, your goal may be evading you, driving you to feel
like a failure. If this is how you feel or think, then “shift or be shifted.”
When I discovered this simple truth—that I exist at this period in history
to do one particular thing, to inspire, instill, and infuse hope in other human beings—I stopped attempting to be like everyone else and decided
to shift my thinking. I quit trying to find my way by mimicking others,
and that’s when I found myself. I had lost me for a moment because I
thought I had to say everything just right to make others like me, because
that’s what the experts said. They were wrong! It’s time to shift!
how does a person find the courage
to shift? Aristotle said, “Where
the needs of the world intersect
with your talent [gifts, ability,
skill, and competence] therein
lies your vocation [your flow or
purpose].” Your purpose is not
about whether you are a “fit” or
a misfit. Your purpose is tied to
a need or void in the world. The
fact is, you are here to meet a
need of someone or something.
If you look to fill a void in the world, your purpose for existence will manifest itself—and that will make you the right
person in the right place at the right time. In other words, it
will make you the right fit, and this shift enables you to gain
control over your life.
Yes, you are a spiritual being having a human experience. Each spirit exists in a matrix where it pulls things toward it while repelling whatever
goes against its worldview. In other words, it is you who attracts people,
situations, and circumstances, rather than the other way around. You’re
already pre-wired to be brilliant; you just need to shift your brilliance to
7 TIPS TO SHIFT AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE
tap into this power.
If you’re ready to take control and lead rather than be led, here are seven
tips you should follow.
WHY SHIFT YOUR BRILLIANCE?
Once you shift your brilliance, you have more control over whatever
1. Stay optimistic and exude positive energy despite the surrounding comes your way, and you can define your future in the present. By taknegativity.
ing over the wheel on the road leading to your destiny, you can navigate 2. Work on being happy and become known for it.
your life away from obstacles and ensure a smooth ride ahead. You will 3. Remember that there will be those who like you and those who also find that spark that makes you unique.
won’t. Don’t waste your time running after the latter. Build yourself to become strong, and they’re bound to come to you.
When you find your inner spark, it allows your mojo, your essence,
4. Become more intuitive, and tap into opportunities that are all and your swag to fill a room. Why? Simply put, you are no longer in
around you in the matrix.
the room; the room is in you. And when you recognize that fact, you
5. Operate with tacit knowledge— do what you do with confidence become present to the moment. You realize that you exist to give
rather than just doing a task.
instead of get. Your spark becomes the push, the nudge, the shove that 6. Repel inferior energy, especially while you’re building your own or it everyone needs as time slips into the future. This shift creates other
will drag you down.
benefits such as:
7. Remember that you may be lonely, but you’re never alone. The •Letting go of whatever is keeping you back and embracing what will
quicker you realize this, the less likely it will be for you to succumb push you forward.
to depression and other negative thoughts.
•Learning to find significance rather than seek success.
•Identifying your purpose in life and what role you play in every situaDon’t let the world lead you. Take the steering wheel firmly in your
tion you go through.
hands, shift into the right gear, and become the brilliant person you
•Boosting your self-confidence and realizing that you’re not the one
were created to be.
damaged here—it’s the situation itself that is damaged.
•Discovering your passion for your job and going the extra mile.
- An edited excerpt from Simon T. Bailey’s latest book, Shift Your Bril•Building relationships with every side of your business transactions
liance. For more information visit www.ShiftYourBrilliance.com. ••
rather than just selling or buying.
•Uncovering the leader within regardless of your title.
•Connecting deeply with your company’s brand, discovering it thoroughly in the process and promoting it more effectively.
Simon T. Bailey, is a “leadership imaginer”
•Boosting your productivity because you actually care about your life
who teaches people throughout the world
and work.
how to build a bridge from their current reality to their brilliant future. He is the CEO of
These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what shifting can
the Brilliance Institute, Inc., and has worked
do. However, if you decide to let undesirable forces control your life’s
with 1,000 organizations on six continents.
journey, you’re bound to feel like a rag doll thrown from one situation
His new book, Shift Your Brilliance—Harness
into another.
the Power of You, Inc., is being received with
rave reviews.
When you shift, it sets in motion a series of events, circumstances,
situations, and chance encounters that I call “living in the flow.” But
25
CU
ATS IENR EI N
B
S GB A S I C S
TAX
TALK
—
The Key to a Successful Tax Strategy
BY EDWARD JAEKEL, CPA, JRM CPAS, LLC, ONALASKA, WIS.
Minimizing your income taxes is a key factor in overall financial
success. The major obstacle most sole proprietors face is that they
confuse minimizing taxes with spending more money. The problem with
that thinking is that it decreases profitability and cash flow. If your tax
bracket is 40 percent, simple math will tell you that increasing your
deductible expenses by $1 will only save you 40 cents in taxes, and you
are out the 60 cents in cash. What does that mean? Increasing your
expenses just to save taxes is self-defeating, unless you are investing in
technology, more and more business functions can be done effectively at
your deductible retirement account.
home, allowing you to maximize time and productivity. Taking a deduction for home-office expenses you already incur is a wise move. Plus, if
The key to a successful tax strategy is to maximize your business deducyou set up your work schedule to start work at home each day, you can
tions without increasing your overall business or personal cash outflow.
also turn your commute to your main office to a business expense.
To do this requires careful analysis with your tax professional to determine whether you are maximizing the deductibility of the expenses you
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
already incur. If you are a self-employed individual who wants to take
With rising deductibles and increasing out-of-pocket expenses, it’s a
full advantage of the tax laws, consider the following examples. But
good time to consider a Health Savings Account (HSA). Combined with
remember these key words as you read: documentation, documentation,
HSA-qualified insurance, a HSA allows you to deduct contributions to
documentation.
the plan and use these funds to reimburse qualified expenses, thus turning an expense with no deductible benefit into a fully deductible one.
VEHICLE EXPENSES
Don’t purchase a high-end vehicle for your business just because it is
SPORTING EVENTS
partly tax deductible. Successful business people, defined as those who
Got season tickets to a sporting event? Taking clients or prospects to a
maximize their wealth (the money they keep), will purchase vehicles
sporting event provides a great environment to conduct casual business
to serve the business needs at the best possible value, new or used.
and get referrals. It also makes the travel and other expenses related to
They will also maximize the use of these vehicles by using them for an
attending deductible as well.
appropriate period of time or passing them to other employees as part
of a vehicle rotation plan. Why is this important? Because vehicles are
INCORPORATE
expensive, and maximizing their benefit and deductions goes a long way
If your business has been growing and increasing in income, it may be
towards increasing your wealth.
time to consider re-organizing as a corporation or an S-Corporation.
Corporate entities offer distinct advantages for fringe benefits and
Writing off business vehicles is done one of two ways. The traditional
controlling the amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes you pay
method is purchasing the vehicle in the business and deducting the
by utilizing W-2 payroll. The more profitable your business, the more
business use portion of the vehicle and all of the related expenses of oppotential savings.
erating the vehicle. When you depreciate the cost of a vehicle, once the
cost is deducted, you are done with that expense. The other method is to
To make wise tax-related business decisions, change your mentality to
deduct business mileage using the IRS standard mileage rate ($.56 per
define your successful tax strategy as maximizing the money you keep
mile in 2014). When you use this rate, the “depreciation” factor is built
rather than just minimizing the taxes you pay you. Look for the many
into the per-mile rate. You get this rate whether the car is brand new or
opportunities available to maximize the deductibility of expenses you
20 years old with 300,000 miles on it. Purchasing the right vehicle and
are already incurring. The absolute key to succeeding at this is in the
keeping that vehicle well maintained and in service for many years can
documentation. Taking a deduction for expenses that have a personal
yield you a deduction well in excess of your cash spent. The longer you
element must be backed up by documentation or they will be eliminated
use the vehicle, the more you save, so purchase appropriately.
quickly on an audit. So, be creative with your planning, be reasonable with your calculations, and remember to document the business
BUSINESS TRIP TACK-ON
purpose with the five “W”s – Who, What, Where, When, and Why. ••
When traveling out of town for a business trip, there are opportunities
to tack on a short personal vacation and have all or part of it deductible. This is an area that requires heavy documentation and planning.
Creative planning, like scheduling a work-related activity at the end of
Edward Jaekel, CPA, is the managing partner of
one week and another at the beginning of another can make the days in
JRM CPAs, LLC in Onalaska, Wisconsin. His firm
between deductible if it is cheaper to stay over than return. As long as
specializes in real-time bookkeeping, tax, and
the work days outnumber the personal days (travel days usually count
consulting services. Their unique cloud-based
as work days), your travel to and from will be deductible. Tacking on a
solutions specializing in QuickBooks have made
couple days to a business trip can save you money on the travel.
them an industry leader among small businesses
HOME OFFICE AND COMMUTING
This is an often-overlooked area but with cloud and Voice Over IP
in their area. Check them out at www.jrmcpa.biz.
27
I N D U S T RY B E S T P R AC T I C E S
What is your favorite productivity or design app?
“I love using Docusign so I can sign contracts digitally without printing and scanning. I am able to efficiently download,
sign, and send PDFs to clients, vendors, and
colleagues.”
notes as you need…Evernote also has a
reminder system. It works by sending you
an email. If you have the Premium Version,
you can share your notes and Notebooks
with co-workers so everyone is informed.”
- Michelle Kim, Michelle Kim Photography,
Costa Mesa, Calif.
- Ana De Haro Mejia, Ana De Haro Eventi,
Mexico City
“I love my scanning app, JotNotPro, which
I use for documents when I'm away from
my office. It's great for processing paperwork, such as contracts, in a hurry.”
“Morpholio—I believe it's only available
on iPhone or iPad, but you can create
an inspiration board that lets you go to
websites and grab photos of interest and
crop them to fit into your board. You also
can share these boards with your clients
or co-workers. The room layout app is
awesome to place 3D objects and have a
virtual walk-through of something you're
planning on designing.”
- Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting, Richmond, Va.
“Evernote and Dropbox: They allow me to
have needed documents, files, and notes at
all times, accessible from my iPad or iPhone,
or laptop. Evernote is searchable for any
word included in a note. Notes are added in
multiple ways and can be sent to folks from
your device, too. Dropbox makes it easy for
photographers to share images from our
weddings, and for me to share files with
virtual team members. Both are free and
very easy to set up and use!”
- Bethel L. Nathan, Ceremonies by Bethel, San
Diego
“The best app is Evernote. It has Notebooks that you can name however you
want and, inside each, you have as many
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- Michelle Clymer-Moreno, Bella Amour Events,
Honolulu
“My favorite productivity app is Asana. It
allows you to create projects/weddings,
add to-do tasks, and assign tasks to various
people on your team. I use it to stay on
top of tasks and all of the things I have to
do for separate events. There is also an
online version that works perfectly with
the mobile app.”
- Emmanuela Stanislaus, PBC™, Precious Occasions, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“I am a huge fan of Tabula Rasa, a user
friendly, Windows-based software program. Since I am a 100% Mac user for
everything else, I purchased the Parallels
software system just so I could use Tabula
Rasa on my Mac...that's how useful it is!
This program allows you to use the actual
pictures of linens on your tables if you
provide a sample swatch via a photograph
or sample supplied online by the vendor.
Another great feature? For outdoor events,
I'll Google Earth an aerial photo of the site
and use the software measurement tools
along with the measurement guide Google
Earth and provide an incredibly impressive
outdoor floor plan the client can relate to.
You don't have to be an expert in AutoCAD, just follow the tutorials! There is
much more for managing your client from
start to finish, but for me, the floor plan
layout ability is worth every penny.
- Lynn D’Ascanio, D’Asigner Events, Marathon, Fla.
“My favorite productivity app is IQTell,
which allows you to check all emails in one
place, schedule tasks or follow ups from
emails, track prospects, schedule calendar
items, list projects and assign tasks to them,
log phone calls, and list next steps.”
- LaDonna Bethea, www.YourPaperDiva.com,
Holly Springs, N.C.
cloud based event planning oftware
www.theavameth-
Corporate
Member
od.com
210.844.4477
28
www.theavamethod.com
[email protected]
I DO Wedding Consulting, www.idoplan.com,
[email protected].
PHOTOGRAPHER : We Laugh We Love Wedding
Photography.
NON-MEMBER BUSINESSES INVOLVED: Pa-py-ri
(invitations), Abington Art Center (venue), David Thomas Transportation, Scratch Weddings
(DJ), Rabbi Jonathan Maltzman (officiant),
Silent Storm Sound System (silent disco), Feast
Your Eyes Catering, Party Rental, Soom Tahini
Bars (specialty item), Event Quip (tenting),
Royal Valet, The Rhoads Garden (floral/décor).
WEDDING DATE: June 1, 2014.
THE COUPLE: Shelby and Dan met through a
mutual friend and began dating in 2009. Dan
proposed in June 2013 outside of the bar
where they had their first date. When the bride
and groom talked about their wedding, they
wanted it to be fun and laidback.
INSPIRATION: A backyard BBQ was the inspiration, but the couple joked that they didn’t have
a backyard big enough. When Dan first visited
the Abington Art Center, he fell in love with the
venue, and Shelby quickly agreed. The wedding was a perfect balance of casual and chic.
Friends sat on the lawn with parasols, dined on
a buffet-style meal, and were invited to wear
garden-chic attire.
COLOR PALETTE: Natural earth tones.
GUEST COUNT: 370.
MOST UNIQUE DESIGN ELEMENT: The most
unique aspect of this wedding was the after
party held at 7 p.m. when the wedding reception concluded. A company called Silent Storm
Sound System helped create a silent disco with
dueling DJs for the approximately 120 guests
who remained. For the party, the couple rented
headphones, which arrived in a large box. The
DJs handed them to guests who could listen
to either DJ because a transmitter brought
the music to the headphones, which had two
channels. The people dancing made lots of
noise, but you could only hear the music if you
weren't wearing the headphones. It was crazy,
fun, and different!
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: There was a huge guest
list, and the visions of the parents-of-the-bride
and the couple were somewhat different. To accommodate the needs of all, the parents’ guests
sat on white wooden chairs on the lawn for the
outdoor ceremony while the couple’s friends sat
on blankets on the grass, a tent was installed
for the reception so the parents and their
friends could dine under the shade while the
couple’s friends sat on picnic benches scattered
throughout the property and decorated with
succulents, herbs, and flowering plants.
LEARNINGS: I loved the idea of the silent disco,
and I will definitely recommend it to any couple
getting married in a township with a noise
ordinance. It’s the perfect solution! ••
Real Wedding
29
PHILADELPHIA
ABC MEMBER PLANNER : Lynda Barness, MBC™,
PRE-WEDDING
PREPARATION
The
WEDDING
of a lifetime
THE
CEREMONY
Especially designed for two people in love,
Sandals® Resorts offers the best destination
weddings in the Caribbean.
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offers the latest in wedding designs and a multitude of options so your clients
can personalize and create the wedding day of their dreams and the honeymoon
of a lifetime. And only Sandals gives them a free* Beautiful Beginnings wedding
when they honeymoon with us. Our impeccable service, flawless attention to
detail, and experienced destination wedding professionals have made Sandals
Resorts the leader in destination weddings and honeymoons in the Caribbean
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and the bride and groom free to focus on what matters most, each other.
All of Sandals’ Customizable Weddings
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THE
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• Manicure for the bride and 35-minute massage for the groom
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• Musical accompaniment (pre-recorded)
• Chiavari chairs
• Sparkling wine and cold hors d’oeuvres reception for up to 8 guests
including bride & groom (immediately after ceremony)
• 5x7 honeymoon photograph and wedding gift from Sandals Resorts
• Personal wedding website, and Sandals wedding and honeymoon gift registry
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Periodical
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ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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8 Fifteen Chic Ways to Stay on Trend 14 WedStyle Award Winners

Transcription

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