Thursday, May 27, 2010
COUPLES Attending Bridal Shows on the Rise
While the year is still early, a look at 4,097 survey samples show 2010 bridal show attendance should be up 14% over 2009. 2009 samples (couples surveyed between 5/21/09 – 8/31/09, 2,671 samples) show that 32.4% will use bridal shows as a source to find vendors for their wedding. These samples include brides married in 2009 and to be married in 2010 and 2011.
2010 samples (couples surveyed between 1/1/10 – 4/19/10, 1,426 samples) show that 36.9% will use bridal shows as a source to find vendors for their wedding. These samples include brides married in 2009 and to be married in 2010 and 2011. However, there far less 2009 samples included than the previous sample set.
This means we could see as many as 792,000 couples attend a bridal show in 2010. We would love to see you attending ours! Pre-register here for discounts to enter and drawings for a FREE wedding, honeymoon and cash!
2010 samples (couples surveyed between 1/1/10 – 4/19/10, 1,426 samples) show that 36.9% will use bridal shows as a source to find vendors for their wedding. These samples include brides married in 2009 and to be married in 2010 and 2011. However, there far less 2009 samples included than the previous sample set.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Are Wedding Consultants Worth It?
Mom, Aunt Jane or yourself can plan your wedding, however, if time is tight, you just may wish to consider a consultant. Consultants work for you to bring your ideas, wishes and wants to reality. Here is just some thoughts and questions that you may wish to ask them.
Formal Training?
-A professional bridal consultant is usually trained. Some call themselves bridal planners. If you planned your wedding and your best friends wedding, does that make you a consultant? Not really, a consultant knows the answers to the tough questions in their market, like marriage laws, venues, photo venues, caterers, DJ's, Photographers, etc. They can foresee a mistake getting ready to happen long before it does. They are quick on their feet and can fix a crisis before it ever turns into one. They interview and know their professionals to match them up with your wants and services.
Will you be with me all day?
-A good consultant will be there from start to finish, from the time you awake until you leave the reception, she is your personal concierge. She or he not only makes sure your personal day goes smoothly but that of the entire wedding party and events.
How many weddings do good consultants plan a week? Month?
-Insiders say that a good consultant can't do more than 4 weddings a month, there is just barely enough time to keep up with you and 3 other brides. They have many responsibilities and meetings. The bigger the staff the more they can do. You have to decide if you want team of professionals or a few personal individuals close to you on your big day.
Cost?
-Some have packages. If you feel you don't have enough for a reception, let alone a consultant, this is where I found out something that I will share with you. They know how to get the most out of your money, that is the main reason you contract one. I have seen very special weddings and receptions done by consultants on a shoe string budget(It actually will impress you what they can do and their ideas)
Can I have what I want?
-Great question. A consultant will tell you what you can and may have to go without depending on your budget. They can design short cuts and create cost saving techniques to make your dollar stretch.
Payments, when are they do?
-Most want a deposit for the day and will allow payment arrangements to varying degrees for the balance. Trust in a consultant, they really are not just for the $50,000 weddings.
by our friends at Bridal Links
Formal Training?
-A professional bridal consultant is usually trained. Some call themselves bridal planners. If you planned your wedding and your best friends wedding, does that make you a consultant? Not really, a consultant knows the answers to the tough questions in their market, like marriage laws, venues, photo venues, caterers, DJ's, Photographers, etc. They can foresee a mistake getting ready to happen long before it does. They are quick on their feet and can fix a crisis before it ever turns into one. They interview and know their professionals to match them up with your wants and services.
Will you be with me all day?
-A good consultant will be there from start to finish, from the time you awake until you leave the reception, she is your personal concierge. She or he not only makes sure your personal day goes smoothly but that of the entire wedding party and events.
How many weddings do good consultants plan a week? Month?
-Insiders say that a good consultant can't do more than 4 weddings a month, there is just barely enough time to keep up with you and 3 other brides. They have many responsibilities and meetings. The bigger the staff the more they can do. You have to decide if you want team of professionals or a few personal individuals close to you on your big day.
Cost?
-Some have packages. If you feel you don't have enough for a reception, let alone a consultant, this is where I found out something that I will share with you. They know how to get the most out of your money, that is the main reason you contract one. I have seen very special weddings and receptions done by consultants on a shoe string budget(It actually will impress you what they can do and their ideas)
Can I have what I want?
-Great question. A consultant will tell you what you can and may have to go without depending on your budget. They can design short cuts and create cost saving techniques to make your dollar stretch.
Payments, when are they do?
-Most want a deposit for the day and will allow payment arrangements to varying degrees for the balance. Trust in a consultant, they really are not just for the $50,000 weddings.
by our friends at Bridal Links
HOW MUCH RIBBON ON CAKES?
Many times I've been given a quantity of ribbon that wasn't sufficient to go all the way around a cake. Fortunately in the couple of instances this happened, it was a color that was easy to match and I ran out at the last minute to pick up some additional feet of it.
But as a bride, how do you know how much to provide?
Remember those math, algebra and geometry classes where you tried so hard to stay awake? Well, let's hope you did because those lessons will apply here.Square cakes are pretty simple. A 10" square cake means each side is 10" long. So a minimum of 40" is needed (10" x 4 sides = 40"). But don't hand your baker just 40". Add a little extra to allow for the icing that will extend the sides ever so slightly. Add a little extra to give the baker some slack to work with in case something happens. A cake that requires 40" of ribbon, I would recommend at LEAST 50 to 60 inches.
And that's just for one tier.
Round cakes is where the geometry class comes in. A 10" cake is 10" across the diameter. To find the circumference (the distance around the cake), it's a simple case of "diameter times Pi", or 10" x 3.14 = 31.4 inches of ribbon. Again, add a little extra "just in case". I'd recommend 40 to 48".And that's just for one tier.
Seriously, I had a bride who was thinking out loud and said, "So for a 10" cake, two feet should work, right?" Uh......... No. So I had to do the math with her so she could see how much she would really need.
As you, the bride, shop for your wedding cake, find out if the baker provides the ribbon or if the bride provides the ribbon. If you, the bride, are required to provide the ribbon, work with your baker to make sure you provide enough ribbon to create the cake of your dreams.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Do Brides Know You Are Running A Business?
Do You Set Expectations?
Doesn’t’ matter where you are in your business, brand new or veteran, real businesses have policies and rules. You need some, even though you may think of wedding planning, or photographer or officiating or DJing as personal and not something to sully with legalese.
Rules can be kind and thoughtful. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s irresponsible not to have guidelines. How could you expect someone to know how to act if she’s never experienced working with a wedding professional before?
It’s really up to you to set the tone both with clients and, if needed, with other wedding professionals for what you expect from your working relationship. You’ll save yourself untold aggravation and be rewarded with clients that really do value you when you set expectations.
excerpt from Michelle Loretta
Doesn’t’ matter where you are in your business, brand new or veteran, real businesses have policies and rules. You need some, even though you may think of wedding planning, or photographer or officiating or DJing as personal and not something to sully with legalese.
Rules can be kind and thoughtful. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that it’s irresponsible not to have guidelines. How could you expect someone to know how to act if she’s never experienced working with a wedding professional before?
It’s really up to you to set the tone both with clients and, if needed, with other wedding professionals for what you expect from your working relationship. You’ll save yourself untold aggravation and be rewarded with clients that really do value you when you set expectations.
excerpt from Michelle Loretta
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
5 TIPS TO HELP YOU STAY FOCUSED
Brides are you on Wedding Planning Burnout? Vendors are you stuggling on how to reach a new bridal client? If so, read on:
1.STOP RESISTING
I know that when I’m totally out of focus, and playing on social media too long, it’s because I’m burned out. I need to stop resisting what my body is telling me: I NEED a BREAK. And sitting at the computer web-surfing isn’t going to make me feel better. Taking a 30 minute walk, going for a cup of coffee, or laying down for half an hour is a better use of my time. Stop resisting the need for a break and do it.
2.DRAIN THE BRAIN
When you have a gazillion things running through your head, you need a place to capture all of these thoughts. It sounds so simple, but making a list does wonders! Or, if a mile-long list will only add to the confusion, then simply write it all down in a journal. Get all of those wandering ideas, brainstorms, challenges, fears onto paper. It’s amazing how refreshed you’ll feel when you are done.
3.GO OUTSIDE
I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t go outside enough. This is even more CRAZY because I live in Miami. I have this work ethic that makes me think I have to be at my desk from 9-5 at a minimum, with meetings as the only exception. WHY is THIS? Why can’t I work outside… or take a deep breath outdoors… or lay on the grass for 5 minutes? Why must I be chained to this desk? It’s amazing how a little change of scenery can quickly re-inspire you.
4.TAKE a REAL LUNCH BREAK
I met a friend for lunch yesterday. I actually got into my car, drove to meet her… and she isn’t even in the wedding industry… and we had a LOVELY two-hour lunch. I know this might sound nuts to some of you. But, it is something I definitely don’t do often enough. This is particularly true when I’m in the middle of my busy season… or in my case this week, trying to wrap up loose ends before leaving town. And, you know what? I came back SUPER-FOCUSED. Talking with her about non-business things, having a great meal (outdoors!), and taking a REAL lunch break recharged my batteries.
5.CHOOSE ONE THING
Some days, there are simply too many things to do. This makes it hard to focus on just one thing. So, we try to focus on many things… and end up focused on nothing. (See my post on the Perils of Multi-tasking.) So, choose ONE THING to do. Commit to getting only that one thing for the day. Which is the most time critical? Which is the most important? If you get it done, and want to do another, then do it. But, focus on that one thing ONLY and see how far you get.
THANKS TO Michelle Loretta
1.STOP RESISTING
I know that when I’m totally out of focus, and playing on social media too long, it’s because I’m burned out. I need to stop resisting what my body is telling me: I NEED a BREAK. And sitting at the computer web-surfing isn’t going to make me feel better. Taking a 30 minute walk, going for a cup of coffee, or laying down for half an hour is a better use of my time. Stop resisting the need for a break and do it.
2.DRAIN THE BRAIN
When you have a gazillion things running through your head, you need a place to capture all of these thoughts. It sounds so simple, but making a list does wonders! Or, if a mile-long list will only add to the confusion, then simply write it all down in a journal. Get all of those wandering ideas, brainstorms, challenges, fears onto paper. It’s amazing how refreshed you’ll feel when you are done.
3.GO OUTSIDE
I don’t know about you, but I definitely don’t go outside enough. This is even more CRAZY because I live in Miami. I have this work ethic that makes me think I have to be at my desk from 9-5 at a minimum, with meetings as the only exception. WHY is THIS? Why can’t I work outside… or take a deep breath outdoors… or lay on the grass for 5 minutes? Why must I be chained to this desk? It’s amazing how a little change of scenery can quickly re-inspire you.
4.TAKE a REAL LUNCH BREAK
I met a friend for lunch yesterday. I actually got into my car, drove to meet her… and she isn’t even in the wedding industry… and we had a LOVELY two-hour lunch. I know this might sound nuts to some of you. But, it is something I definitely don’t do often enough. This is particularly true when I’m in the middle of my busy season… or in my case this week, trying to wrap up loose ends before leaving town. And, you know what? I came back SUPER-FOCUSED. Talking with her about non-business things, having a great meal (outdoors!), and taking a REAL lunch break recharged my batteries.
5.CHOOSE ONE THING
Some days, there are simply too many things to do. This makes it hard to focus on just one thing. So, we try to focus on many things… and end up focused on nothing. (See my post on the Perils of Multi-tasking.) So, choose ONE THING to do. Commit to getting only that one thing for the day. Which is the most time critical? Which is the most important? If you get it done, and want to do another, then do it. But, focus on that one thing ONLY and see how far you get.
THANKS TO Michelle Loretta
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
"Faces A Mother Loves" Photo Contest
Are you an awesome Wedding Photographer? If so, enter your masterpiece into our "Faces A Mother Loves" Cover Photo Contest to be on the cover of our July Bridal Directory! Offiicial rules are here. It just take a second to show all of Indiana why they need YOU to do their wedding!
"FACES A MOTHER LOVES" Cover Photo Contest
"FACES A MOTHER LOVES" Cover Photo Contest
Thursday, May 06, 2010
5 Tips for Creating Mental Momentum for your Business
At Indy Wedding Ideas, we provide information for the brides, while supporting the vendors who in addition to serving the bridal couple, are actually running a business. Here are some tips for them that can help jump start the creative juices again!
1) Look to experience success, not learn from a mistake. A different mindset will produce a different result.
2) Get your head "positively" in the game. If you had a set back, received a "no" or seem a step behind, shake it off and reset the brain for a new result.
3) Nothing replaces practice. Don't change something the works. Mimic the same behaviors that got you to the first positive result.
4) Celebrate! There is a kid in each of us and when you do something good, celebrate that success no matter how small or large.
5) "People become what we encourage them to be, not what we nag them to be", what is your brain harping ont today? Make sure it's productive.
For more insights on this topic, visit Scott Hartford
1) Look to experience success, not learn from a mistake. A different mindset will produce a different result.
2) Get your head "positively" in the game. If you had a set back, received a "no" or seem a step behind, shake it off and reset the brain for a new result.
3) Nothing replaces practice. Don't change something the works. Mimic the same behaviors that got you to the first positive result.
4) Celebrate! There is a kid in each of us and when you do something good, celebrate that success no matter how small or large.
5) "People become what we encourage them to be, not what we nag them to be", what is your brain harping ont today? Make sure it's productive.
For more insights on this topic, visit Scott Hartford
How to Build a Quality Email List
Are you just starting out or need to get viewers for your newsletter? Here are some simple things you can do to get a quality email list:
•Ask customers to sign up for your newsletter list online and offline, and make it fun and easy:
•Put a "Join My Mailing List" box on your homepage and link to a newsletter archive.
•Promote your e-mail newsletter on your blog and social media profiles regularly.
•Include an e-newsletter teaser and sign-up link on your business cards and on other printed media.
•Hold a contest for employees, sales reps and other members of your team to incent them to ask for sign ups.
•Offer a free report or coupon to new subscribers.
•Give customers a way to select areas of interest and preferences when they sign up, so you can send them targeted content.
•Send a welcome e-mail to acknowledge subscribers that have signed up. Use this opportunity to set expectations for what they'll receive and how often (include a link to a previous campaign or newsletter issue).
Take a look at the tips above to see where you may be missing opportunities to build a bigger e-mail list. There may be entire segments of your market and audience that remain untapped. You won't know if they're interested unless you ask.
Entrepreneur.com
•Ask customers to sign up for your newsletter list online and offline, and make it fun and easy:
•Put a "Join My Mailing List" box on your homepage and link to a newsletter archive.
•Promote your e-mail newsletter on your blog and social media profiles regularly.
•Include an e-newsletter teaser and sign-up link on your business cards and on other printed media.
•Hold a contest for employees, sales reps and other members of your team to incent them to ask for sign ups.
•Offer a free report or coupon to new subscribers.
•Give customers a way to select areas of interest and preferences when they sign up, so you can send them targeted content.
•Send a welcome e-mail to acknowledge subscribers that have signed up. Use this opportunity to set expectations for what they'll receive and how often (include a link to a previous campaign or newsletter issue).
Take a look at the tips above to see where you may be missing opportunities to build a bigger e-mail list. There may be entire segments of your market and audience that remain untapped. You won't know if they're interested unless you ask.
Entrepreneur.com
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