I was told I had to get more personal if I expect people to keep reading my blog. So here it is! I used to be terrible at time management. I would be showering 20 minutes before work or a meeting. Then I woke up and realized something- people rely on me. I have meetings to attend and work to do. So I started making lists and keeping a schedule... and now I am a time management Diva. Granted at some points I slip into a bit of a "oops moment" but some how I pull it together (mostly sacrificing my hair do).
Why am I sharing this? Because in my field of work- I rely on others to have awesome time management skills. Whether it be a client or a vendor... never underestimate the power of being a bit early! My mother always told me to show up 15 minutes early to anything. This has not proved me wrong.
So today my advice is that you manage your time well. Brides don't book too much in one day because you really want to take your time with some decisions. Vendors you know how long set up will take but there are always those things we cannot control therefore we have to give ourselves a great gift the gift of time.
On a business note- today I met with a wonderful group of ladies. What started off as an idea became a reality and I find myself along with these lovely ladies planning a Wedding Expo right here in Northern Maine. February 2010 the face of a county wedding will change!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Keeping it Local
Good afternoon everyone! Today I want to touch base on something that I believe in with every fiber of my being. Keeping things local.
In my experience I find that local business appreciate business and are very willing to work with brides or any kind of event. They know that those attending your event will more than likely ask where you got certain items and that will in return bring more business for them.
Local Florists are able to take the time to sit down with you and really give you many options. I suggest making an initial appointment and talking to the florists. Do not be afraid to shop around. This is your day and you need to make sure you are getting the most out of ALL of your bookings. Different florists offer different
Locations! Check in with MANY local locations. Get the venue that you want for your wedding. Make sure it meets all of your requirements. Do you want in house catering? Do you need a place to get ready? Do you have anyone attending your wedding who may need a ramp to get in? Make a list of all of the things you want from a location and make sure you get it. Price a concern? Talk to other brides or what have you and see what they got it for- that way you know if you are being taken advantage of. Also ask why the price difference maybe something is going on at that time that we do not know about.
Hair salons are important too. The best advice I can give you is try to use your own stylist. If you do not have one I would look for a salon that offers the one stop shop. The place that offers tanning, nails and hair! That way you make all of your appointments in one area. Go somewhere that you feel comfortable. Make sure that you make trial appointments with your hair stylist.
Cakes?! You know when it comes to birthdays or weddings you have to have a wonderful cake that is the expression of yourself. The down side to this is that in some areas it is a who knows who deal. You have to really talk to people who have had weddings done by bakers find out who they used and contact that person. In bigger areas you may have more options and the best bet is to do a tasting!
Photography is key- this is how you and others will see your wedding. Most photographers will have portfolios. When you make an appointment with a potential photographer make sure that you ask for them to bring the portfolio. When you interview any one but especially the photographer- make sure they are easy going and able to blend in with your guests. This will make candids easier.
Videography is an amazing tool for some of us to use to bring the wedding to those who cannot attend. The same rules for hiring that apply to the photographer should apply for the videographer.
Entertainment for the wedding is also a big thing to think about. Do you want a live band or a DJ? The best bet is to decide the mood you want to set for your event and then follow through with it. Want to rock out at your wedding? Go with a local band! Most DJ companies come with Emcees which is a big help. They can keep the flow of your event going- so it is best to make sure you interview all options.
Invitations are how you will communicate with all that you want to have at your wedding. There are two ways to go with these. You can have them handmade by a local artist or go to a vendor for them. Make sure that your plans are solidified before you print. You really want to order these only ONCE. Make sure the invitations match your theme and colors. Place RSVP cards in them as well.
Jewelry and accessories are also very important. If you chose to do something custom check in with local arts organizations to see if there is anyone out there who does custom work. These are pieces that you can pass on to others and something that will be unique to you.
Dresses are the hardest thing to find local. Some seamstresses will do custom dresses but buyer beware this will be expensive. My suggestion would be to go to a bridal outlet and then use local seamstress' to do the alterations!
No matter what local vendor you choose to use make sure you meet with them early enough to book so that you have your event in their calendar!
If you live in the Presque Isle area and would like some information about the local companies I use please let me know!
In my experience I find that local business appreciate business and are very willing to work with brides or any kind of event. They know that those attending your event will more than likely ask where you got certain items and that will in return bring more business for them.
Local Florists are able to take the time to sit down with you and really give you many options. I suggest making an initial appointment and talking to the florists. Do not be afraid to shop around. This is your day and you need to make sure you are getting the most out of ALL of your bookings. Different florists offer different
Locations! Check in with MANY local locations. Get the venue that you want for your wedding. Make sure it meets all of your requirements. Do you want in house catering? Do you need a place to get ready? Do you have anyone attending your wedding who may need a ramp to get in? Make a list of all of the things you want from a location and make sure you get it. Price a concern? Talk to other brides or what have you and see what they got it for- that way you know if you are being taken advantage of. Also ask why the price difference maybe something is going on at that time that we do not know about.
Hair salons are important too. The best advice I can give you is try to use your own stylist. If you do not have one I would look for a salon that offers the one stop shop. The place that offers tanning, nails and hair! That way you make all of your appointments in one area. Go somewhere that you feel comfortable. Make sure that you make trial appointments with your hair stylist.
Cakes?! You know when it comes to birthdays or weddings you have to have a wonderful cake that is the expression of yourself. The down side to this is that in some areas it is a who knows who deal. You have to really talk to people who have had weddings done by bakers find out who they used and contact that person. In bigger areas you may have more options and the best bet is to do a tasting!
Photography is key- this is how you and others will see your wedding. Most photographers will have portfolios. When you make an appointment with a potential photographer make sure that you ask for them to bring the portfolio. When you interview any one but especially the photographer- make sure they are easy going and able to blend in with your guests. This will make candids easier.
Videography is an amazing tool for some of us to use to bring the wedding to those who cannot attend. The same rules for hiring that apply to the photographer should apply for the videographer.
Entertainment for the wedding is also a big thing to think about. Do you want a live band or a DJ? The best bet is to decide the mood you want to set for your event and then follow through with it. Want to rock out at your wedding? Go with a local band! Most DJ companies come with Emcees which is a big help. They can keep the flow of your event going- so it is best to make sure you interview all options.
Invitations are how you will communicate with all that you want to have at your wedding. There are two ways to go with these. You can have them handmade by a local artist or go to a vendor for them. Make sure that your plans are solidified before you print. You really want to order these only ONCE. Make sure the invitations match your theme and colors. Place RSVP cards in them as well.
Jewelry and accessories are also very important. If you chose to do something custom check in with local arts organizations to see if there is anyone out there who does custom work. These are pieces that you can pass on to others and something that will be unique to you.
Dresses are the hardest thing to find local. Some seamstresses will do custom dresses but buyer beware this will be expensive. My suggestion would be to go to a bridal outlet and then use local seamstress' to do the alterations!
No matter what local vendor you choose to use make sure you meet with them early enough to book so that you have your event in their calendar!
If you live in the Presque Isle area and would like some information about the local companies I use please let me know!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Keeping Calm
When you plan ANY event at all the biggest thing is to keep calm. Being organized will take most of the pressure off but there will always be those last minute changes or things that have been forgotten. There is no such thing as perfect but we aim to get as close as we can!
So ways to keep calm as your big day approaches. Brides you will love this one!
1) Pamper nights- when the pressure of the event gets too much- light some candles take a bath and just try to relax!
2) Take a nap- when things seem overwhelming the best thing to do is to sleep. 30 minutes makes a big difference. Just take a few minutes and let your body recharge.
3) Recite a Mantra. For some people its Shakespeare for others its a prayer. Just take the time to repeat yours to yourself until you feel better.
4) Counting. Some people recommend counting to ten- I am of the thought that you should count until you feel better.
5) Pass the buck- hey its what you hired me for. If your plans are solid and you do not want to waver from them- let people go to your planner with questions and explanations.
So when things get too much- just take a step back and realize that your day will be perfect when all is said and done. It may seem like things are chaotic but in reality if you have hired a coordinator- underneath all the chaos is organization!
So ways to keep calm as your big day approaches. Brides you will love this one!
1) Pamper nights- when the pressure of the event gets too much- light some candles take a bath and just try to relax!
2) Take a nap- when things seem overwhelming the best thing to do is to sleep. 30 minutes makes a big difference. Just take a few minutes and let your body recharge.
3) Recite a Mantra. For some people its Shakespeare for others its a prayer. Just take the time to repeat yours to yourself until you feel better.
4) Counting. Some people recommend counting to ten- I am of the thought that you should count until you feel better.
5) Pass the buck- hey its what you hired me for. If your plans are solid and you do not want to waver from them- let people go to your planner with questions and explanations.
So when things get too much- just take a step back and realize that your day will be perfect when all is said and done. It may seem like things are chaotic but in reality if you have hired a coordinator- underneath all the chaos is organization!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Today's Tip: Be Organized
Hello! Every day or so I will be posting some tips on here about how to organize events. Not to discourage you from getting a planner but to show you the importance of picking the right one (which of course is me haha).
Today's tip is to be organized. When I first meet with a potential client I start a list. What kind of event is this? What color scheme are they looking for? yadda yadda yadda! Once that list is done and the person/s decide to book with me- I make a list of what I need to do and what they need to do. We sit down and discuss what is going on and we start cracking at the list taking care of things as we can.
Decorations? Place them in boxes that are clearly labelled. For any event you will have tables so make sure that you have all of your table stuff together. Doing your own food? Make sure you have your plates and cups and serving untensils together. This way when you get to your venue all you have to do is hand someone a box and they know what supplies they need and have!
When dealing with fund raisers all I can tell you is that I have seen too many of them fail due to lack of organization. So make sure you have that check list and make sure if you are working with others that they are on the same page as you. If you are soliticing items for an auction keep a detailed list of where you went, what they gave you and a point of contact. THEN send out thank you cards for each item.
Speaking of thank you cards, it is important for any event you throw to thank people. Whether it be through goody bags or cards. When you get your RSVP for events also make your thank you card list. This way you know who is at the event and you can thank them for being part of your special day!
So whether you are organizing your own event or helping with someone elses- always be organized. Have a folder for the event on your desk and make copies for those who are helping you!
Thanks for reading and Best of Luck!
Today's tip is to be organized. When I first meet with a potential client I start a list. What kind of event is this? What color scheme are they looking for? yadda yadda yadda! Once that list is done and the person/s decide to book with me- I make a list of what I need to do and what they need to do. We sit down and discuss what is going on and we start cracking at the list taking care of things as we can.
Decorations? Place them in boxes that are clearly labelled. For any event you will have tables so make sure that you have all of your table stuff together. Doing your own food? Make sure you have your plates and cups and serving untensils together. This way when you get to your venue all you have to do is hand someone a box and they know what supplies they need and have!
When dealing with fund raisers all I can tell you is that I have seen too many of them fail due to lack of organization. So make sure you have that check list and make sure if you are working with others that they are on the same page as you. If you are soliticing items for an auction keep a detailed list of where you went, what they gave you and a point of contact. THEN send out thank you cards for each item.
Speaking of thank you cards, it is important for any event you throw to thank people. Whether it be through goody bags or cards. When you get your RSVP for events also make your thank you card list. This way you know who is at the event and you can thank them for being part of your special day!
So whether you are organizing your own event or helping with someone elses- always be organized. Have a folder for the event on your desk and make copies for those who are helping you!
Thanks for reading and Best of Luck!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Why do you need a coordinator?
Let me start off my introducing myself- My name is Jenni (hence the name) and I coordinate events. I cover all sorts of events ranging from weddings to fund-raisers. I have 3 years experience and a great portfolio! I am open to any event and will NEVER charge for a consultation! I am located in Northern Maine but am willing to travel to meet with any potential clientele.
So now that you know about me- why do you need my services? Its really simple- it allows you to enjoy your event. You can still be involved with the process but it frees you up to stop worrying about the details. Getting Married? I want to make your day everything you want it to be- and for an added bonus it is stress free! Want to throw a great Birthday Party for your kiddos? You help plan it and I make it work- you get to see all of the event without worrying about last minute details! Anyone who has planned a fund-raiser knows how hard it is to balance making money with having a good time... I got that covered too! There are tons of ways to make money with parties!
So basically, I want to help you make any of your events the best they can be. I have tons of great connections in the Northern Maine area and am willing to make even more no matter the location! So please drop me a line and stay tuned on this blogspot for many more tips!
So now that you know about me- why do you need my services? Its really simple- it allows you to enjoy your event. You can still be involved with the process but it frees you up to stop worrying about the details. Getting Married? I want to make your day everything you want it to be- and for an added bonus it is stress free! Want to throw a great Birthday Party for your kiddos? You help plan it and I make it work- you get to see all of the event without worrying about last minute details! Anyone who has planned a fund-raiser knows how hard it is to balance making money with having a good time... I got that covered too! There are tons of ways to make money with parties!
So basically, I want to help you make any of your events the best they can be. I have tons of great connections in the Northern Maine area and am willing to make even more no matter the location! So please drop me a line and stay tuned on this blogspot for many more tips!
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