Internships

I receive many, many inquiries about participation in my Internship Program that's offered each season. For me, it has been a way to give serious insight and introspect into my world so that prospective and new planners will thoroughly understand that the universe I inhabit isn't glamorous, but highly demanding and TOUGH!. Over the years, I've had the opportunity to work with, guide and mentor some fabulous folks who've gone on to hone their skills even more and for that alone, I'm truly grateful.

However, because of my schedule and committments that I have for 2010 - I am not going to offer the Internship Program for this season. This was a difficult decision to make, but a necessary one. Contrary to popular belief, I'm only one person and I don't have a "S" scrawled across my chest :)

For those of you who were interested in applying for the Program, I will still have other learning and networking opportunities available:

1) The annual "I DO Brunch" for planners:
No matter what your level of expertise is in the business, this event is a great way to meet other planners and share ideas, best practices, thoughts and comiserations in a beautiful environment, filled with great decor, amazing cuisine and lively entertainment.

2) The Power Course:
I've taught this weekend workshop for the past 10 year and have loved the sense of relevant information and empowerement it's brought to the hundreds of participants who've attended. It's being "revamped" a smidge for 2010 - so stay tuned for dates and locations!

3) Coaching/Consulting:
If you want something a little more "one on one" and a chance to sit down with me so we can delve deep into your goals, aspirations and business ideas, consider scheduling a Coaching Session. You'll get nothing but the truth from me during these meetings..no sugarcoating or "pie in the sky" verbiage. I believe that excellent wedding planners have a completely different DNA..these sessions allow you to discover what yours is.

I want to thank all of you who've inquired about the Internship Program for 2010 - please consider attending one of the other events in order to further your wedding planning goals..

The "I DO Brunch" For Wedding Planners

I'm throwing a little "shindig" and if you're a wedding planner or coordinator, new to the game or seasoned....you're invited!

My annual "I DO Brunch" is being held on Saturday, April 17th at the Gathering Place in Clarksville, Maryland. This is my way of getting a bunch of planners together so that we can do things which NEVER happen when we're working - namely:

1) The opportunity to actually enjoy an event

2) The opportunity to have others wait on and take care of us

3) The opportunity to sit down and leisurely enjoy a meal

4) The opportunity to wear high heels for the duration of the event

5) The opportunity to meet and network with others who "get" what we do

We're so excited to have planners from not only the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia region, but colleagues from California, Texas, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (just to name a few) who are making the trip - what a fabulous way to learn more about what's going on in the industry from so many diverse points of view!

This year's affair is aptly titled "The English Garden" and with a culinary thematic of "When London Meets The Chesapeake", the "I DO Brunch" will surely make your tastebuds rejoice! Our gracious hosts, Putting On The Ritz Caterers and their Executive Chef have joined forces with us for a second year to provide an amazing bounty of delicious food and beverages including our signature libation - the "I DO Mimosa"!!

Early Bird Registration ends tomorrow - so now's the perfect time to purchase your subscription BEFORE the rate increases. For our out-of-town guests, we've arranged a room block at the Sheraton Columbia Town Center AND we're providing complimentary luxury transportation to and from the event venue. I admit - I LOVE spoiling my guests :)

Details are available on our website along with a lovely gallery from last year's event. We're looking forward to seeing you in April!!!!

True Love......

It's been exactly 2 months since I've blogged - for which I sheepishly ask for your apologies. There's been a TON going on over here at Premiere Event Management with me and TeamDIVA literally in a whirlwind of activity...details which we'll share with you over the next few weeks (yes - it's that MUCH!).

Today is Valentine's Day - and for many, that means a maddening rush to find the perfect card, grab a dozen roses, select the biggest box of chocolate, hit up the jewelry store for just enough BLING..oh, this list could go on and on for days.

I'm a romantic realist - so I keep things simple: Before you invest in all of the trappings that come with this "holiday", make sure you take care of the most priceless object..yourself. When you look in the mirror, say "I Love You" to the reflection that gazes back. You can't love anyone UNLESS you absolutely, without a doubt, are hopelessly in love with YOURSELF.

That's my story - and I'm sticking to it. :)

P.S. The symbol you see at the beginning means "Love" in Chinese. I think it's so cool that in 2010, the Chinese New Year starts on Valentine's Day......

Drum Roll....Please!

I'm happy to announce that my latest episode of "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" entitled "Bride vs. Groom" will air this coming Saturday, December 19th at 9 p.m. eastern on the Style Network. While I can't divulge anything regarding the show, I encourage all of you to tune in......it's definitely a wee bit "different" than what I normally dish out, but in true DIVA style - I make it do what it do!!!!

Check your local cable or satellite provider for additional details!!!

The Wedding Party

Over the past 17 years, I've seen wedding parties as small as zero and as large as 60 (yes....you read correctly - I didn't stutter!). The honor of being asked to participate as an attendant in someone's nuptials is a big deal and one that shouldn't be taken lightly. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who really don't "get" what an awesome responsibility this is, both emotionally and financially.

Weddings cost money. To participate in one as a member of the bridal party costs money also - there's no way around that. To buy bouquets and boutonierres, host a rehearsal dinner, purchase gifts, provide transportation AND feed these folks...costs money too. So no matter what side of the fence you are on - soon to be wed or potential attendant, expect to reach into your wallet more than once.

With all of that being said, as the bride or groom - how do you choose? Who do you ask? Why do you ask? If you understand that the "reasoning" for a wedding party is basically steeped in superstition, then the modern day reality of it is more want than need. Do you need 20 bridesmaids, 20 groomsmen, 4 junior bridesmaids, 4 junior groomsmen, 3 maids of honor, 3 matrons of honor, 6 best men, 3 ringbearers, 8 flower girls (and a partridge in a pear tree? sorry - couldn't resist!) ? The answer will depend on where your sensibilities (and emotions) lie..... My view as an insider is this: Select those persons for whom it is totally necessary that they be at your side during this moment. Look at your proverbial "posse" - who do you hang with, travel with, share with, trust? Those are the folks that would serve you best as attendants. They "get" you, they support your relationship, they are HAPPY for your joy and truly wish to see you married. For most people - when you look at it that way, the list shortens dramatically.

I know - there are some of you that think you absolutely must have everyone as a member of the wedding party. But at the end of your day, think about the intimate connections you should have with each person standing up there with you. If you can't fathom one single, deep, concrete "tie" that binds you - let them be a guest and sit in the audience.

Those are my "musings" - what do you think? I'd love to hear your comments - so please share!!

photo credit (groom & attendants) - Michael Clark