Memorable Events

"I just want this event to be fun."

"I want people to remember our wedding."

"This will be the best event our guests have been to all year."

All questions and statements I hear continuously by customers as they start envisioning their wedding or event.  The questions that follow are not quite as exciting because they deal with the how and the what that is needed to actually makie their weighted statements a reality. 

So, what are the keys to making your event or wedding memorable - one that your guests remember for years to come?

First, you must think like your guest.  Many people forget there will be guests at their event.  Guests are your largest marketing advocates, whether positive or negative, so it is important that every aspect of your event be considered with them in mind.  Answering questions about your guest demographic, guest activities and amenities during your event, and special customer service perks can help your event be successful.

Example:  After making a complimentary room blocking for your guests, you should be able to get a room list of those who have checked in from the hotel.   Most hotels will do a complimentary room drop (or one for very little money) to where you could make sure there was a letter of appreciation, small gift basket, or even a local gift card in each room as a welcome to your guests.  Including a schedule of events or next steps for their involvement would help your guests feel welcome in their new environment.  Additionally, it will increase their excitement for the activities and upcoming schedule of events.

The beauty in the current event industry is that there is no right way of doing things.  Sure, certain venues or vendors will tell you the way they would do things, but there truly is no right way to do it anymore.  This makes it so easy to be creative and unique in planning your event.  Guests look for something new in what they are doing.  New could come in the form of decorations, room layout, schedule of events or even the removing of certain traditions that guests have come to expect.  The door is open for each host to add a little of themselves into each moment.  This will leave your guests hungry for more, anxiously anticipating the next thing that will put your stamp of creativity on the event.

Example:  recently I worked with a Bride and Groom who had a particular fondness in Malbec wine.  All of their guests would know that this was something uniquely special to who they were. So instead of doing a standard champagne toast, they opted to do a Malbec toast instead.  Keeping their guests in mind, they did offer alternatives to those who were not fond of red wine, but the slight difference in tradition adds a spice of flavor to who they are as people, leaving a unique stamp on the day's festivities.   

Lastly, I wrote about budget being the first step in wedding planning, though also extremely important with any event.  Part of being flexible with your budget is being willing to spend extra on guest comforts rather than your own.  After all, the majority of the success surrounding your event will be impacted by the feedback and comments you receive. Therefore if it is between the expensive pair of shoes or additional hors d' oeuvres for your guests, choose to get a cheaper pair of shoes. Your guests won't notice your shoes' price tag, but they will know if they are standing around with nothing to do for 45 minutes. 

Keeping the guest moving and anxious for what is next will ensure the success of your event.  Guests will be your largest advocates if you set them up for success. 

Wedding Planning on a Budget

Wouldn't it be nice if we all had endless amounts of money or a celebrity store house full of funds to pull off the most elegant wedding we have always envisioned?  Unfortunately, the honest truth is that most of us are middle class Americans looking to have a beautiful wedding that won't cause us to be bankrupt in the near future.  The question is, how does one plan a wedding on a...brace yourself....BUDGET! Is it truly possible to have the sought after champagne tastes on the brutal beer budget?  ...

Absolutely.  You just have to be smart about your money and be willing to put some effort into your day. After all, it is your day, so it should have some of your flair to it anyway (but that's a whole other post...)

First things, first.  Have a sit down meeting with all those financially responsible with aspects of your wedding.  Using a budgeting spreadsheet specifically dedicated to weddings can be a good starting point.  This type of a tool can help you understand how to prioritize your funds appropriately.  Any starting point is a good starting point with the understanding that some items might have to be shifted later on.

Working with an event planner can help you understand industry standards and trends, adding input into your budgeting priorities.  There are always creative ways to replicate those elegant centerpieces you've seen in the Brides Magazines or the invitations you've coveted from The Knot.  An event planner can help you create those looks at a fraction of the price.  An event planner can also help you negotiate pricing and contracts as you work with vendors and venues who may offer you more than you need in the name of "wedding packaging."  The wedding industry is lucrative because we don't understand all we are getting, or not getting in some cases, for the money we are spending.  You want to make sure you are only paying for what you need.  This will ensure that your budget stays tight and your overall costs low. 

In the end, you are going to spend money on your wedding, but it doesn't have to be more than the first house you and your spouse will purchase.  You are in control.  Surround yourself with the appropriate tools and event planner to make your wedding successful, elegant and creative, so that your day will be one you remember with delight.