Well- I am starting New Year new you a bit early this year. Tomorrow morning I am moving out of my home office into a small space in a local salon. This is a big move for me but really its just a part of a bigger move that will come mid January. Let's just say that I am looking forward to a more free schedule and more time to dedicate to my Events Planning Passion.
Also I am still selling Pampered Chef- which allows me to not just plan a great Bridal shower for you but to also get you some great products and throw a great show. This is a service I would love to extend to all of my clients- if you book a pampered chef show with me- whatever event you are celebrating it for is free. Meaning that if you want a Bridal Shower- I will plan it and Pamper Chef Consult for you- free of charge.
I am currently working with the Presque Isle Downtown Revitalization Committee on First Night. Which is a great opportunity for me and my business. If you are a local PI business that would be interested in Advertising in the First Night Brochure please get in touch with me ASAP!
Some other exciting things that Events By Jenni will be offering will be a "Party in a box" service. I realize that not every event needs a planner- but I also know the amount of running around that you have to do to plan a great party. Let's make that easier for you- just tell me the age, theme, guest count and I will handle the rest. I will do my best to find you a local baker to get a great cake if you decide not to bake one yourself. These "parties" can be shipped anywhere in the US! I will post some themes and ideas for you in a note shortly!
Also brides to be- do not forget about the upcoming Bridal Expo! Happening February 20th, 2011! Stick around for more information on that as well.
I also want to take this moment to thank you all for your support and Friendship over this past year. It has meant a lot to me. As soon as I get settled in my new office I will post the address and the days that I will be there!
Much Love and Remember to Dream big!
Jenni
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April Newsletter
Happy April... if you are getting married in the summer you have close to three or four months till your wedding! Make sure to make your final checklist and start hacking away at it! I hope you are ready and if you have any last minute concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with me I will do all I can to make sure your big day is perfect for you!
I want all of my brides to love all aspects of their wedding. I want to make sure they love all of the elements as much as they love their dress. Its easy to chose something to please everyone but I think its important that it pleases you. This is your day and you need to make the most of it.
Are you tastes a bit expensive? Make sure you sit down with your vendors and really talk about what you want and be clear with the budget constraints- they may surprise you with some low budget ideas that will give you an arrangement you love. Also make sure to hit the BIG BRIDAL events (ie shows, discount events) and make the most of the connections you have available to you. Enter contests and register at places (sometimes there are special offers when you register).
I think that inspiration boards are a great way for brides to show what they want to everyone involved in the wedding- the smaller version of this is the bridal binder. Put in it things you LOVE and bring it with you to all of your meetings. Talk to your bridal dress shop about the dream dress and see what they can get you in your price range. Bring your decor ideas to the venue and talk to them about how to get a similar look. The key to getting what you want on what you can afford is to let everyone know what you want and how much you can pay. Communicate with your vendors and see what they are able to do- you may be surprised. Make a list of the items you really want and are willing to pay more for and a list of things that are more flexible.
Join a bridal forum such as offbeat bridal tribe or The Knot and talk to other brides about how they did their weddings on a budget without costing the wow factor. If you have hired a planner make sure that you are clear with them about what you are looking for and have them make suggestions for what you can do.
I hope this has been helpful! If you have any questions or want to submit a question for next month please drop me a line!
Best Wishes-
Events by Jenni!
I want all of my brides to love all aspects of their wedding. I want to make sure they love all of the elements as much as they love their dress. Its easy to chose something to please everyone but I think its important that it pleases you. This is your day and you need to make the most of it.
Are you tastes a bit expensive? Make sure you sit down with your vendors and really talk about what you want and be clear with the budget constraints- they may surprise you with some low budget ideas that will give you an arrangement you love. Also make sure to hit the BIG BRIDAL events (ie shows, discount events) and make the most of the connections you have available to you. Enter contests and register at places (sometimes there are special offers when you register).
I think that inspiration boards are a great way for brides to show what they want to everyone involved in the wedding- the smaller version of this is the bridal binder. Put in it things you LOVE and bring it with you to all of your meetings. Talk to your bridal dress shop about the dream dress and see what they can get you in your price range. Bring your decor ideas to the venue and talk to them about how to get a similar look. The key to getting what you want on what you can afford is to let everyone know what you want and how much you can pay. Communicate with your vendors and see what they are able to do- you may be surprised. Make a list of the items you really want and are willing to pay more for and a list of things that are more flexible.
Join a bridal forum such as offbeat bridal tribe or The Knot and talk to other brides about how they did their weddings on a budget without costing the wow factor. If you have hired a planner make sure that you are clear with them about what you are looking for and have them make suggestions for what you can do.
I hope this has been helpful! If you have any questions or want to submit a question for next month please drop me a line!
Best Wishes-
Events by Jenni!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
March News Letter!
It is hard to believe that just one month ago we were all crammed into the
Northeastland Hotel. The excitement I felt from all of the potential brides
(you gals) was amazing! This newsletter is to help you plan your wedding-
and I hope you ask me questions and I will respond to them!
The first topic I want to hit on is making sure that your wedding day is
everything you want it to be regardless of your budget. Everyone thinks that
the big B-Word is a deal breaker for a lot of your plans but it really
isn't. We have all seen the shows "Rich Bride/Poor Bride" and "Platinum
Wedding" and they give us a great idea of what could happen if things got
out of hand. I am here to tell you that you can have your dream wedding on
whatever budget you have by doing some very simple things.
1) Keep it local. With local vendors you do not have to worry so much about
delivery fees. You can either ask people to pick up items or have the items
brought to your venue. However, the cost will not be as much as shipping
items from Portland or Boston.
2) Keep it in season. Flowers are a big chunk of budget the biggest thing is
to keep your flowers in season. Make sure to sit down with your florist and
make them aware of your budget.
3) DIY options. If you are crafty and have tons of time take on some
projects. Get the girls together and make place cards or garland. Most of
the time you can find cheaper options if you do the work yourself.
4) Keep the budget in check. Have an idea of what items on your budget are
flexible and do a bit of give and take. If you know that one item means more
than the other make sure you allocate your budget accordingly.
There are so great tips for the budget end. For the next issue I would love
to be able to answer some of your questions! Please keep in contact with me.
If anyone would like to set up a consultation please contact me via email or
give me a call on my cell phone. (207)540-5499.
Best Wishes!
Jenni LaChance
--
If you can dream it, you can do it.
Northeastland Hotel. The excitement I felt from all of the potential brides
(you gals) was amazing! This newsletter is to help you plan your wedding-
and I hope you ask me questions and I will respond to them!
The first topic I want to hit on is making sure that your wedding day is
everything you want it to be regardless of your budget. Everyone thinks that
the big B-Word is a deal breaker for a lot of your plans but it really
isn't. We have all seen the shows "Rich Bride/Poor Bride" and "Platinum
Wedding" and they give us a great idea of what could happen if things got
out of hand. I am here to tell you that you can have your dream wedding on
whatever budget you have by doing some very simple things.
1) Keep it local. With local vendors you do not have to worry so much about
delivery fees. You can either ask people to pick up items or have the items
brought to your venue. However, the cost will not be as much as shipping
items from Portland or Boston.
2) Keep it in season. Flowers are a big chunk of budget the biggest thing is
to keep your flowers in season. Make sure to sit down with your florist and
make them aware of your budget.
3) DIY options. If you are crafty and have tons of time take on some
projects. Get the girls together and make place cards or garland. Most of
the time you can find cheaper options if you do the work yourself.
4) Keep the budget in check. Have an idea of what items on your budget are
flexible and do a bit of give and take. If you know that one item means more
than the other make sure you allocate your budget accordingly.
There are so great tips for the budget end. For the next issue I would love
to be able to answer some of your questions! Please keep in contact with me.
If anyone would like to set up a consultation please contact me via email or
give me a call on my cell phone. (207)540-5499.
Best Wishes!
Jenni LaChance
--
If you can dream it, you can do it.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Vendor Selection Part one!
Today's topic is a very important one for any bride. Even as a coordinator I know the importance of picking the right vendor because I have to work with these people every day. The reason why you want to make sure you have the right vendor for you is that you are trusting this company or person with an element of your very special day. You want to make sure and interview each vendor and get quotes as well. I will give you some sample questions for each vendor and hopefully that will shed some light onto this for you.
Reception Site:
1) What is the charge? What is included in that rate? How Many Hours will that cover?
2) What is the seating Capacity?
3)How is the parking situation? Is there Valet Parking?
4) Is Catering provided and if not can you provide your own?
5) Is Alcohol provided and if we have to provide our own is there a charge?
6) If we would like to have a band or a DJ is there a place to set them up?
7) Is there a cleanup fee or is that included in the rental?
8) Can we rent other necessities? What are the fees associated with this?
Cake Vendors:
1) Do you have pictures of cakes you have made for other weddings?
2) If we want something different, can you do a customized cake for us?
3) If we need a cake for a certain amount of guests can you do that? How much will that cost?
4) Will you deliver the cake to our reception site? Is there a delivery charge?
5) How far in advance do we need to order the cake?
Catering Vendors:
1) What can you offer us within our budget?
2) What about substitutions for special dietary needs?
3) Will we need to provide our own dishes, silverware, napkins and so on? If you provide them can we see samples?
4) How many servers will there be, and will there be cleanup?
5) Is there a charge to cut and serve the cake?
6) What is the deposit schedule?
7) When Do you need the final count?
These three things are a lot to think about. Tomorrow we will focus just on flowers and music.
Above anything the importance of great selection is that this is YOUR day. You want everything to be perfect and you need to find a vendor who will supply you with what you need. Do not get discouraged right off the bat. If you live in a small area and you think there is only one way to go you may be surprised to find out more by going to bridal expos or just joining forums.
As always the importance of having a coordinator is that they can go with you to these consultations and make sure that the vendor is a reliable one. Coordinators also have a suggested list of vendors they have worked with before.
Good luck!
Reception Site:
1) What is the charge? What is included in that rate? How Many Hours will that cover?
2) What is the seating Capacity?
3)How is the parking situation? Is there Valet Parking?
4) Is Catering provided and if not can you provide your own?
5) Is Alcohol provided and if we have to provide our own is there a charge?
6) If we would like to have a band or a DJ is there a place to set them up?
7) Is there a cleanup fee or is that included in the rental?
8) Can we rent other necessities? What are the fees associated with this?
Cake Vendors:
1) Do you have pictures of cakes you have made for other weddings?
2) If we want something different, can you do a customized cake for us?
3) If we need a cake for a certain amount of guests can you do that? How much will that cost?
4) Will you deliver the cake to our reception site? Is there a delivery charge?
5) How far in advance do we need to order the cake?
Catering Vendors:
1) What can you offer us within our budget?
2) What about substitutions for special dietary needs?
3) Will we need to provide our own dishes, silverware, napkins and so on? If you provide them can we see samples?
4) How many servers will there be, and will there be cleanup?
5) Is there a charge to cut and serve the cake?
6) What is the deposit schedule?
7) When Do you need the final count?
These three things are a lot to think about. Tomorrow we will focus just on flowers and music.
Above anything the importance of great selection is that this is YOUR day. You want everything to be perfect and you need to find a vendor who will supply you with what you need. Do not get discouraged right off the bat. If you live in a small area and you think there is only one way to go you may be surprised to find out more by going to bridal expos or just joining forums.
As always the importance of having a coordinator is that they can go with you to these consultations and make sure that the vendor is a reliable one. Coordinators also have a suggested list of vendors they have worked with before.
Good luck!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Time to dust off this blog
Was it me or did that holiday season just wipe us all out?! Between working what I call my big girl job and trying to keep my coordinating going- I was beat. Now here I am refreshed and ready for whatever life throws my way!
I have joined forces with some other local small business owners to put together a co-op, we refer to ourselves as the Co-Op of DOOM! We are currently planning a Bridal Expo for our area. Its not as easy as it might sound to some. At this point we have the vendors pretty well on the way to being secured- now we get to advertise. Which brings me to today's topic... advertising. I know up until now I have focused on Weddings but indulge me a moment here.
What makes an event an event? It is not the mere planning of it no- we must have attendance! I have done BIG advertisement with radio and television! But nothing proved better to me than an old fashioned grass roots scheme with a bit of the big advertisement mixed in.
Lets say you are hosting a benefit. On one side of the benefit you may be asking select investors to attend. For this is suggest an intimate cocktail party with a very nice invitation sent out to those you wish to have in attendance. You have to have a gimmick in place to make them want to come. If you live in a rural area people love to have a chance to do something out of the norm. Throw a traditional cocktail party and send out beautiful invitations. If you live in the city you can do the same thing. Just make sure they want to be there. Put the cause on the invitation.
Lets look at the other side on a benefit. THE BIG EVENT. First step is to secure your setting, time and what is going on. Then pick an advertising chair for the event. This person will be in charge of creation and delegation. This is the face of your event. Your advertising chair will speak to local television and radio professionals, they will also approach stores with posters to hang. Yes, you have to do BOTH forms of media. They may hear it on the radio but a 60 second spot can only do so much for you. People are bound to only hear part of your message in any kind of media but if you cover all bases they are bond to hear it all!
Important information you want on ANY type of advertisement.
1) WHAT? What the heck is going on?
2) WHERE? Where in heck is it happening?
3) WHEN? When in heck do you want us there?
4) WHO? Who the heck are you?
5) WHY? Why the heck are you doing this?
Follow that up with a nice image that displays what you are doing. If you are hosting a Halloween benefit make sure the image goes with the theme. Do not confuse people by placing a Christmas tree on it.
Make sure you proof read your advertisement. Send it to a friend and have them read it. Read it backwards (it works try it). Whatever you do DON'T Send it to print with typos (I learned this the hard way). Typos mean you have to redo the whole process and not only is that expensive but it is also not earth friendly.
So once you have all the ads made- its LIST MAKING TIME! List all of the business' you want to approach to hang posters. Check them off as you go... this way you will not keep sending people to them to ask to hang posters.
Once you advertise make sure you follow through with all of the things it says on your advert. Don't change your mind about something you promise- that is false advertising and people tend to not like that. Just make sure that whatever you say you will do you do. Enjoy your well attended event!
Thank you for entertaining my off wedding tangent!
I have joined forces with some other local small business owners to put together a co-op, we refer to ourselves as the Co-Op of DOOM! We are currently planning a Bridal Expo for our area. Its not as easy as it might sound to some. At this point we have the vendors pretty well on the way to being secured- now we get to advertise. Which brings me to today's topic... advertising. I know up until now I have focused on Weddings but indulge me a moment here.
What makes an event an event? It is not the mere planning of it no- we must have attendance! I have done BIG advertisement with radio and television! But nothing proved better to me than an old fashioned grass roots scheme with a bit of the big advertisement mixed in.
Lets say you are hosting a benefit. On one side of the benefit you may be asking select investors to attend. For this is suggest an intimate cocktail party with a very nice invitation sent out to those you wish to have in attendance. You have to have a gimmick in place to make them want to come. If you live in a rural area people love to have a chance to do something out of the norm. Throw a traditional cocktail party and send out beautiful invitations. If you live in the city you can do the same thing. Just make sure they want to be there. Put the cause on the invitation.
Lets look at the other side on a benefit. THE BIG EVENT. First step is to secure your setting, time and what is going on. Then pick an advertising chair for the event. This person will be in charge of creation and delegation. This is the face of your event. Your advertising chair will speak to local television and radio professionals, they will also approach stores with posters to hang. Yes, you have to do BOTH forms of media. They may hear it on the radio but a 60 second spot can only do so much for you. People are bound to only hear part of your message in any kind of media but if you cover all bases they are bond to hear it all!
Important information you want on ANY type of advertisement.
1) WHAT? What the heck is going on?
2) WHERE? Where in heck is it happening?
3) WHEN? When in heck do you want us there?
4) WHO? Who the heck are you?
5) WHY? Why the heck are you doing this?
Follow that up with a nice image that displays what you are doing. If you are hosting a Halloween benefit make sure the image goes with the theme. Do not confuse people by placing a Christmas tree on it.
Make sure you proof read your advertisement. Send it to a friend and have them read it. Read it backwards (it works try it). Whatever you do DON'T Send it to print with typos (I learned this the hard way). Typos mean you have to redo the whole process and not only is that expensive but it is also not earth friendly.
So once you have all the ads made- its LIST MAKING TIME! List all of the business' you want to approach to hang posters. Check them off as you go... this way you will not keep sending people to them to ask to hang posters.
Once you advertise make sure you follow through with all of the things it says on your advert. Don't change your mind about something you promise- that is false advertising and people tend to not like that. Just make sure that whatever you say you will do you do. Enjoy your well attended event!
Thank you for entertaining my off wedding tangent!
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