As a wedding planner, I see couples all of the time who are about to take the proverbial "leap into da' land of matrimony". For some people - it's one of the most serious committments they'll ever make. That's how it should be - saying "I DO' is a big daggone deal and regrettably, a lot of folks don't see it that way.
I'm a big fan of "relationship help", since there is no MANUAL that can be given to you on your wedding day that says, "here's how to be married". But, there's premarital counseling {which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND} and there are programs like the "Art of Marriage" which can help brides & grooms understand, connect and grow together in their relationship. My friend and industry colleague, Pastor Ken Patterson, Lead Minister at Grace International Church and creator of The Maryland Wedding Officiant is hosting this two day workshop on February 11th & 12th, which allows couples to learn more about the fine "brushstrokes" needed to paint the beautiful picture that is marriage. This video-based event brings together some of the most respected pastors and experts on marriage and family all in one setting. It also brings a fresh approach to a video event by weaving together some of the following elements to help couples fully experience God’s design for marriage:
engaging stories
real-life testimonies
man-on-the-street interviews
humorous vignettes
The Art of Marriage consists of six video sessions and an accompanying manual that provides couples with projects to help apply the principles taught during each session. The manual is also designed for couples to use after the event by offering articles, date night ideas, and useful tips for continuing to strengthen their marriage.
At $79 per couple - it's a great investment in the health & strength of your relationship. All materials
are included as well as a catered breakfast & lunch on Saturday. You can get more details at Grace's website as well as register for the event.
I look at it this way - people spend a LOT of money on the "trappings" of getting hitched..so why not INVEST in the overall success of your marriage from the jump? Take the time and exert the effort into the WORK of being married...just don't give it "lip servce".
You'll thank me later.....I promise.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Got ETHICS?
I'm not even sure how this post will "evolve", so I'm just going to put my "thoughts" out there......
I've been in the wedding planning industry since 1993. That's 18 years worth of blood, sweat and tears that have been devoted to discovering, learning and honing my "craft." And yes - the road has been amazing as well as rough. I came into the business at a time when wedding planners were just starting to "catch on" and the public could see what a real asset we are. During these years, I've watched people come and go - almost revolving-door like in it's intensity, but that is the nature of the beast. Someone told them that being a wedding planning was "super fun", "glamourous" and the best one of all - "you can get rich"! Once they got on the job, they discovered real quick that while indeed, the industry is wonderful..the work of the planner is exceedingly HARD.
In observing the "revolving door" phenomenon, I've noticed that there are a lot of people, spinning through, who have absolutely not one iota of ethical behavior. NONE. These are the folks who will do anything to "get a sale" {including slitting your throat if they have to}, these are the folks for whom the term "my word is my bond" does not exist in their limited world view, these are the folks that play the "copycat" game to the hilt, because they have not once ounce of originality {which is KEY to being a success in this business} residing in their core, these are the people who just don't GET IT.
Perhaps you've met one of them in your travels...you know who they are when you meet them. They talk a great game but regrettably, can't back it up. They want to suck you dry like a vampire - inhaling all of the knowledge you have, so they can greedily transfuse it into themselves. They will do anything, say anything, become anything...just to get over. That is so damn sad. Really.
The wedding business is not a shell game where you can rapidly move the "nuts", thereby forcing your "mark" to guess where the prize is. We are talking about an event, a milestone occasion that for many people, really does only occur once in their lifetimes. Our job as purveyors and producers is to ensure that all is flawless and well executed, so that our client's memories are wonderful and everlasting. Nobody has time for foolishness or for people who cannot be trusted as far as you can throw them.
So I'm saying {because it doesn't appear that any one else will!} - STOP THE MADNESS! Be about your business..be honest in your dealing with others, stop trying to "con" people, cease the lying about what you've done {the truth will come out eventually}, stop name-dropping {because no one cares - only you do}, in short..commit to being the BEST you can be, within your scope. Get some ETHICS, will ya? Grow a backbone and be an ASSET to the industry...not a fungus that grows between it's toes.......
I've been in the wedding planning industry since 1993. That's 18 years worth of blood, sweat and tears that have been devoted to discovering, learning and honing my "craft." And yes - the road has been amazing as well as rough. I came into the business at a time when wedding planners were just starting to "catch on" and the public could see what a real asset we are. During these years, I've watched people come and go - almost revolving-door like in it's intensity, but that is the nature of the beast. Someone told them that being a wedding planning was "super fun", "glamourous" and the best one of all - "you can get rich"! Once they got on the job, they discovered real quick that while indeed, the industry is wonderful..the work of the planner is exceedingly HARD.
In observing the "revolving door" phenomenon, I've noticed that there are a lot of people, spinning through, who have absolutely not one iota of ethical behavior. NONE. These are the folks who will do anything to "get a sale" {including slitting your throat if they have to}, these are the folks for whom the term "my word is my bond" does not exist in their limited world view, these are the folks that play the "copycat" game to the hilt, because they have not once ounce of originality {which is KEY to being a success in this business} residing in their core, these are the people who just don't GET IT.
Perhaps you've met one of them in your travels...you know who they are when you meet them. They talk a great game but regrettably, can't back it up. They want to suck you dry like a vampire - inhaling all of the knowledge you have, so they can greedily transfuse it into themselves. They will do anything, say anything, become anything...just to get over. That is so damn sad. Really.
The wedding business is not a shell game where you can rapidly move the "nuts", thereby forcing your "mark" to guess where the prize is. We are talking about an event, a milestone occasion that for many people, really does only occur once in their lifetimes. Our job as purveyors and producers is to ensure that all is flawless and well executed, so that our client's memories are wonderful and everlasting. Nobody has time for foolishness or for people who cannot be trusted as far as you can throw them.
So I'm saying {because it doesn't appear that any one else will!} - STOP THE MADNESS! Be about your business..be honest in your dealing with others, stop trying to "con" people, cease the lying about what you've done {the truth will come out eventually}, stop name-dropping {because no one cares - only you do}, in short..commit to being the BEST you can be, within your scope. Get some ETHICS, will ya? Grow a backbone and be an ASSET to the industry...not a fungus that grows between it's toes.......
Planes, Trains & Automobiles.....
I readily admit to have racked up some serious airline miles and hotel loyalty points over the years and 2011 will only add to my cache!! I love speaking, I love sharing what I know and I LOVE "vibing" off of an audience - there's nothing like feeling that energy in the air and running with it!!
January 30th
"Dessert With The DIVA @ The Maryland Bridal Show
Historic Savage Mill Manor/Savage, MD.
I'll be dishing out pure DIVA-style advice for brides/grooms and anyone planning a special event!
http://www.puttingontheritz.com/
February 19th
"Make That Money" Intensive Workshop
Towson Marriott Conference Center Hotel/Towson, MD.
Back by popular demand, this one day class breaks open the "mystery" behind determining and setting your fees. Hey....let' face it - unless you are charging properly, you've only got an "expensive hobby" on your hands!! This fast-paced, information-packed class is for EVERYONE in the wedding industry - not just planners!!
February 20th
"Sign On The Dotted Line" Intensive Workshop
Towson Marriott Conference Center Hotel/Towson, MD.
Have you ever ended up doing too much work because your contract DIDN'T clearly articulate your duties? Ever had a client whose behavior was so bad you wanted to fire them - but couldn't because you didn't have an "out clause"? What about client's who bounce checks or are habitually late for appointments? All of these situations can be handled effectively AND in your FAVOR with a well-drafted contract. Come with an open mind and your old contracts...then leave with a new purpose and new clauses for your legal professional to draft!
February 27th - March 2nd
CATERSOURCE
The Cosmopolitan Hotel/Las Vegas, NV.
As the official Celebrity Spokesperson for NACE, one of my duties is to go out and meet folks in the event industry, all the while extolling the virtues and benefits of this fine organization! I'll be with my fellow NACE comrades on the Showroom floor on Tuesday & Wednesday, so if you're planning to attend - please stop by, say "hi" and learn more about how you can be a part of NACE!
April 11-12th
Eventology: The Science Of A Wedding Business
The Omni Severin Hotel/Indianapolis, IN.
I am so honored to have been asked to return and deliver a workshop for the attendees of Eventology! Last year, I had the chance to co-host the conference's Opening Session with my planning colleague, Ali Phillips..and was deeply moved by the response my presentation evoked. This year - I'm gonna take it the the Nth Power and focus on the issue of "Confidence - How To Get What You Want AND Need In The Wedding Industry"!! I don't pull punches - my plan is to make attendees dig deep and come out empowered and inspired!!!
April 30th
The 3rd Annual "I DO Brunch" For Wedding Planners
Baltimore, MD.
This is my signature event and I can't wait to network with all of my fellow planning colleagues for a day of amazing food, jaw-dropping decor, excellent entertainment, relevant discourse & discussion, SWAG for days and a few surprise thrown in. On this day - it's all about the PLANNER..it's your chance to be fawned over, pampered and celebrated for all of the hard work you do!!
May 26th
LoveMEXICO - NYC
New York City
I'm back to the Big Apple - with one of the best destination programs ever!! Mexico is an AMAZING location to host weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries or any milestone event - this one day conference will give insight and incredible information on how you can introduce your clients to the wonder that is Mexico!
July 24th -27th
NACE Experience 2011: Beyond Expectations
The Silver Legacy Resort & Casino/Reno-Lake Tahoe, NV.
NACE Experience! 2011 Reno Tahoe will take you beyond the expected. More than an industry conference, the NACE Experience! conference is four days in which every minute is a lesson, networking session or professionally prepared meal that you will want to reproduce with clients.
The education program, nationally renowned speakers and hands-on lessons in culinary and design skills will make you better at what you do. The professional networking, our growing tradeshow, Marketplace, and the people you will meet will give you more opportunities to do it! Experience! attendees are masters of their crafts in every facet of the catering and events world. They are either new to the profession looking for business contacts or veterans will to provide seasoned advice.
The most unexpected feature of the NACE Experience! is the price. It includes ALL of your meals, education and social and networking function.
December 5th - 7th
LOVEMexico
Riviera Maya/Mexico
This is the BIG ONE!! I'm headed back for a 3rd year to this absolutely fantastic event which brings destination and romance wedding professionals from all over the world to the sunny beaches of Riviera Maya! With days full of relevant education and information...and nights dedicated to the fine cuisine and entertainment of Mexico, this is a conference you don't want to miss!!!
There's more to come - but I think this is a great start...don't you????
January 30th
"Dessert With The DIVA @ The Maryland Bridal Show
Historic Savage Mill Manor/Savage, MD.
I'll be dishing out pure DIVA-style advice for brides/grooms and anyone planning a special event!
http://www.puttingontheritz.com/
February 19th
"Make That Money" Intensive Workshop
Towson Marriott Conference Center Hotel/Towson, MD.
Back by popular demand, this one day class breaks open the "mystery" behind determining and setting your fees. Hey....let' face it - unless you are charging properly, you've only got an "expensive hobby" on your hands!! This fast-paced, information-packed class is for EVERYONE in the wedding industry - not just planners!!
February 20th
"Sign On The Dotted Line" Intensive Workshop
Towson Marriott Conference Center Hotel/Towson, MD.
Have you ever ended up doing too much work because your contract DIDN'T clearly articulate your duties? Ever had a client whose behavior was so bad you wanted to fire them - but couldn't because you didn't have an "out clause"? What about client's who bounce checks or are habitually late for appointments? All of these situations can be handled effectively AND in your FAVOR with a well-drafted contract. Come with an open mind and your old contracts...then leave with a new purpose and new clauses for your legal professional to draft!
February 27th - March 2nd
CATERSOURCE
The Cosmopolitan Hotel/Las Vegas, NV.
As the official Celebrity Spokesperson for NACE, one of my duties is to go out and meet folks in the event industry, all the while extolling the virtues and benefits of this fine organization! I'll be with my fellow NACE comrades on the Showroom floor on Tuesday & Wednesday, so if you're planning to attend - please stop by, say "hi" and learn more about how you can be a part of NACE!
April 11-12th
Eventology: The Science Of A Wedding Business
The Omni Severin Hotel/Indianapolis, IN.
I am so honored to have been asked to return and deliver a workshop for the attendees of Eventology! Last year, I had the chance to co-host the conference's Opening Session with my planning colleague, Ali Phillips..and was deeply moved by the response my presentation evoked. This year - I'm gonna take it the the Nth Power and focus on the issue of "Confidence - How To Get What You Want AND Need In The Wedding Industry"!! I don't pull punches - my plan is to make attendees dig deep and come out empowered and inspired!!!
April 30th
The 3rd Annual "I DO Brunch" For Wedding Planners
Baltimore, MD.
This is my signature event and I can't wait to network with all of my fellow planning colleagues for a day of amazing food, jaw-dropping decor, excellent entertainment, relevant discourse & discussion, SWAG for days and a few surprise thrown in. On this day - it's all about the PLANNER..it's your chance to be fawned over, pampered and celebrated for all of the hard work you do!!
May 26th
LoveMEXICO - NYC
New York City
I'm back to the Big Apple - with one of the best destination programs ever!! Mexico is an AMAZING location to host weddings, vow renewals, anniversaries or any milestone event - this one day conference will give insight and incredible information on how you can introduce your clients to the wonder that is Mexico!
July 24th -27th
NACE Experience 2011: Beyond Expectations
The Silver Legacy Resort & Casino/Reno-Lake Tahoe, NV.
NACE Experience! 2011 Reno Tahoe will take you beyond the expected. More than an industry conference, the NACE Experience! conference is four days in which every minute is a lesson, networking session or professionally prepared meal that you will want to reproduce with clients.
The education program, nationally renowned speakers and hands-on lessons in culinary and design skills will make you better at what you do. The professional networking, our growing tradeshow, Marketplace, and the people you will meet will give you more opportunities to do it! Experience! attendees are masters of their crafts in every facet of the catering and events world. They are either new to the profession looking for business contacts or veterans will to provide seasoned advice.
The most unexpected feature of the NACE Experience! is the price. It includes ALL of your meals, education and social and networking function.
December 5th - 7th
LOVEMexico
Riviera Maya/Mexico
This is the BIG ONE!! I'm headed back for a 3rd year to this absolutely fantastic event which brings destination and romance wedding professionals from all over the world to the sunny beaches of Riviera Maya! With days full of relevant education and information...and nights dedicated to the fine cuisine and entertainment of Mexico, this is a conference you don't want to miss!!!
There's more to come - but I think this is a great start...don't you????
Monday, January 17, 2011
Paying For Your Wedding
Last night's episode continued the saga of "supermodel" Cynthia and her supper-club owning fiance', Peter, as they head down the road towards matrimony. Their journey has been fraught with anger, disagreements, money issues, with the smooth-as-silk-fine-as-wine actor and author Hill Harper even coming on to help them "mediate" (to no avail...in my opinion). Well - last night, Peter dropped the shoe off his other foot...wait for it...wait for it....and told our bride-to-be that because of "financial issues", he officially CLOSED his business. Yep - you heard me. Closed it down. Shut the doors. Nothing to see here, folks - let's keep it moving.
Cynthia's response was not unexpected - she lost her mind. She's been "dreaming" of this wedding and "it's all she had", especially since their relationship was most definitely "strained". Peter was quite honest in saying that the lavish nuptial shindig she and her sister HAD been planning would more than likely not be able to happen, but (and here's the crazy part), he suggested that she "go and assume like it would". **blank stare**.
Ok...time for me to shut this nonsense DOWN. According to Peter and Cynthia, there was an extra $20,000 needed to finish paying for the wedding festivities. I'm just going to put it out there - POOR PLANNING. Period. As a professional planner, I've got clients who come to me with all sort of "financial situations" - but it's my job to work with them and be the one willing to give em' a reality check in the BEGINNING. Weddings cost money (that's a whole separate topic I'll be covering later) and as such, you need to be on the same page when it comes to shelling out the money for this event. I know - stuff looks AMAZING when you see it on television, in the magazines, on displays in the store...but you have to be practical with the situation in general. If you know that your finances are tanking - DON'T PLAN A HUGE WEDDING. Appearances mean nothing - especially when you can't fund them.
And before anyone comes back with the snappy retort of "stuff happens", let me clue you in right now: I know that. I've had it happen to clients where one of them got laid off or something else occured that changed the "picture". But because we were prudent - those things didn't completely blow their event out of the water. A couple of people decided to postpone their wedding until their financial footing was better - and I totally respected that move. Others scaled back on their plans and relied on my know-how to give them something wonderful to remember, within their new budget. That's what I do - my job is to make it work..but in order for that to happen, you have to be upfront and honest.
People talk a good talk...but the proof is in the pudding. Judging from what is shown on the series, it's not like Peter & Cynthia didn't KNOW there was trouble afoot with the supper club. They did. And if that's where the funding was coming from, it would have been in their best interest to rethink their celebration. The economy, while rebounding slowly, is still erratic and mercurial - you have to be cautious and smart. I always advise potential clients to be extremely realistic about how their event will be paid for and to have backup plans in place "just in case". Life and it's situations can be extremely fickle...weddings are no exception.
I always tell people that money can be wonderful or a downfall. It all depends on how you manage it. For as much as I love a good wedding...I respect it more when a couple starts out on the right foot - able to live after the "I Do's" have been said. Life starts the next day after the marriage license has been signed - I give you the first "24" to revel in the glow..after that, get ready for the real deal. But if you are backed into a corner because of trying to finance a "blowout baller party" for everyone else, you're going to end up fighting like rats (amongst yourselves) to get out......
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
My First Blog Contest
Getting married and you're in the Baltimore/D.C. area? Here's a way for you to enjoy fabulous food, tour TWO great venues and meet some of the region's top wedding professionals - Putting On The Ritz Caterers is hosting their annual Maryland Bridal Show on Sunday, January 30th at the Great Room At Savage Mill from noon - 3 p.m. And to add a little "sumthin'" extra to the pot, yours truly will be at their sister location, the Historic Savage Mill Manor House, at 1:15 and 2:15 p.m., meeting and greeting...along with dispensing some valuable "tips and tricks" to get you started on the road to matrimony!
Tickets are available for purchase, but.....I'm doing a little contest that will allow you to get two tickets for FREE!!!!! The rules are simple...however, you gotta follow the directions :) Here we go:
1) "Like" Premiere Event Management, Putting On The Ritz AND The Maryland Bridal Showon Facebook
2) Post on all of our pages, "I want to have Dessert With The DIVA!!"
That's it - pretty simple, huh? We'll be monitoring our pages closely and will contact those persons who play along!!!
**Complimentary shuttle service will be provided between locations**
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