Navigating a Bridal Show… Tips From The Blog

/in , , , , , , , /by

Navigating a Bridal Show…Tips from the Blog

Attending bridal shows are exciting, fun and exhausting all at the same time.  There are basically 3 different types of bridal shows, so, plan accordingly before attending.

The Big Ones!

These bridal shows are great for the newly engaged and very excited brides-to-be because there is LOTS of excitement, lots of energy, and lots of free stuff. At these bridal shows you will meet multiple vendors who offer the same type of service. The benefits are:

  •  You can sign up to win stuff
  •  You can see a fashion show of what is in style this season and next
  •  You can taste LOTS of different types of foods and treats
  •  You will take home a lot of freebie type of marketing paraphernalia

The following tips will help you with “the big ones”

1. Create a separate e-mail address for just your wedding and the vendors. This way, once you are married, it can be erased, saving you valuable e-mail space.
2. Create labels that include: bride’s name, groom’s name, address, phone number, e-mail address and wedding date. Print out a few sheets of these and take them with you.
3. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water. These shows are BIG, so you will have to buy drinks if you don’t bring them with you.
4. Bring your calendar to know what days you are available. Many vendors offer discounts if you book a consultation appointment with them on the spot.
5. Be patient. These shows are busy.  You will have to wait on line to get in, to register, and to see the vendors you are interested in.
6. Bring a camera. With all the displays there will be certain design aspects that will catch your eye and help the vendor you choose make your dream wedding a reality. (Be sure to ask 1st if it’s OK to take photos)

Example: http://tampabaybridalexpos.com

Big Event Shows

The Boutique Events

These events are great for those who like more one on one time with vendors. These events are usually held in more intimate locations, off beat places, or spaces that you might not know you could consider holding an event.

These events generally have only 1 or 2 vendors per service type. They may have a small fashion show or even an area where you could try on gowns.

These events are intimate, and give you time to really speak with and hear the vendors; You might even be able to have a little one on one Q & A right in the vendor booth.

There won’t be the same type of crowds and there will be way less giveaways and freebies.

These events are great to attend after you have had your fill of THE BIG ONES, or if you just like smaller, quieter types of events.

Example: https://www.facebook.com/events/532565216798856/

small show

The Trunk shows or Open Houses

These shows are small, usually held within the venue that is marketing the event.  At these events you will find the following…Vendor specific push. What does this mean?:

  •  If the location is a caterer, they will be showcasing food, with a few “preferred” vendors
  •  If the host is a bridal gown house, they will have gowns on display for you to try on, and will have some of their favorite support vendors there for you to speak with.
  •  Because these shows are small, there isn’t usually a fee for entrance or an RSVP needed. You may only need 30 minutes to navigate the entire event.

These shows are great for making final decisions on specific vendor types.

Example: http://whitemagnoliabridal.com/our_events.html

trunk show

Each kind of show has it’s own value. You need to decide which one is most valuable to you!

Now…go and have yourself a wholesale fresh flower day!

Link: check out one of Brides N Blooms Wholesale & Designs “Party It Forward©” boutique shows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dot_ps2mWk&hd=1

Secret Ingredient…

/2 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

Sometimes I think I am so lucky…. I have a job where I get to work with my great friend Dorelle! I get to work with pretty flowers! I get to create artistic things and usually we are working on something happy and full of joy. Best of all though, we get to meet lots of people!

I have always been an artist and I’ve worked in many mediums. (Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, flowers are a medium). When left to my own devices I like to try something new or put colors and flowers together in fun patterns!  As consultants though, it is our job to listen to what our client wants and make that vision a reality. Give us a picture and we can make that happen. Explain your vision and we will work hard to bring that picture in your head to life.

Occasionally, there is the  client who really doesn’t know what they want and has absolutely no vision for their big day.  Sometimes we have the DIY client, who calls our Wholesale division and needs some guidance.  That is where Dorelle excels. She is the idea girl. If someone who calls needs some help, she will spend the time helping them bring their vision together. In our Design division I am sure that is why we work together so well. Whatever she dreams up, I will try!

Our families and friends have said we should be in a TV reality show because we play off each other so well. I’m not sure how entertaining for the masses that would be, but for us when working on a project it certainly makes the day more enjoyable. I know it is clear to our clients that we love what we do and we like working together.  Flowers, Friends & Fun. I think those are our secret ingredients and is there a better way to work than that?

Some fun floral designs:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q9ffmkYdwE&hd=1

Ellen & Dorelle

Friends & Business Partners!

Friends & Business Partners!

Food Trucks for your Wedding?

/in , , , , , /by

As our long time readers know, we are all about bringing cool and unusual vendors to the forefront. No, they aren’t all for everyone, but, it’s good to know what’s out there, that might spark some interest.

This time we are going to highlight food trucks. Yes, I went there…Food trucks have made there mark on the culinary landscape.

They have food trucks that specialize in pretty much anything you may want. In fact, you could have your entire event catered by food truck chefs.

DC-wedding-food-truck-by-Poetic-Reality-Photography

Start with a truck that specializes in sandwiches or small bite morsels, for your Cocktail hour.  https://www.facebook.com/PaniniRiffic &  http://www.spunkyspirits.com to bring the cocktails.

Then bring on the Entrée truck… http://www.mobilemunchiez.com/

You could have almost ANYTHING you could think of. Got Vegan friends, Yeah there’s a truck for that.  http://www.therandyradish.com/

Now the best truck drives up, the Dessert truck… http://www.smoothinandshaken.com/

So in days gone by we had chocolate fountains (nice, but, messy)

Then we had Dessert tables (awesome for take-home goodies)

The cookies and milk/coffee doggie bags (very nice for those who maybe a bit tipsy from the open bar)

But, imagine being able to bring your guests outside, and instead of the “ice cream truck” which, in the Summer is still a GREAT option, they would enter the Dessert truck. They could pick out whatever desserts their heart desired, and it would all be “FREE”…

Wait..what if you gave them a Golden ticket to enter the dessert truck…but, I digress as thoughts of Willie Wonka fill my head.

Go on, dream it up, You are sure to find a “food truck” for that. I have found that the chefs on the trucks are more than willing to work with you, to get the very best bang for your buck, AND bring the cool element to your event.

Now, go have yourself a wholesale flower filled day…Remember, bridesnblooms.com where the flowers are always fresh from the farms to your arms. Wholesale flowers and design, helping you save money on your bulk flowers, one event at a time.

Links for more vendors: https://bridesnblooms.com/links.html

A flip Wedding…Staying ahead of the Curve

/in , , , /by

Hi everyone:

I know that I have been lax in updating my blog, I promise to work harder at getting relevant info to you in a timely manner. That being said, I found this wonderful article, and though I have written about this particular vendor before, not all of you have been followers for a long time.

The article was found on a site called “Think like a bride.com”

I hope you like it, I know I did!

******************************************************************

I have built a reputation of being pretty spot on in terms of trend tracking, well here is the next one. I rarely take on clients for full on marketing campaigns anymore, but this one was too hot to pass up. I want you, my faithful readers to be ahead of the curve. In the coming months, your brides are going to be asking you about My Flip Wedding. What, you ask, is a Flip Wedding? It is the brain child of the wonderful folks at Storymix Media and it is a way for brides and grooms to capture the memories of their wedding (before and beyond) in a DIY way with amazing results. Storymix Media will rent the simple to use little Flip cameras as a package, your bride then gets them into the hands of the people who know her best, her friends and family. Once they have filmed the bits and pieces of the big day from their unique point of view, the cameras are packed up and sent back to Storymix Media. They upload the footage and then the bride can use their easy-peasy storyboard editing system to pick the scenes, the theme and the music. The Apple Certified Pros at Storymix then edit them into a wonderful highlight reel. Videographers, don’t panic. This isn’t to replace you, this is in addition to you. I think, even cooler than couples using it for their wedding are all the other applications I am seeing. Grooms are using them for their bachelor party, brides are capturing their shower and girls day. Couples are taking them on their honeymoon. The possibilities are endless. You see the thing is, sometimes your best friends and family see things that you (and your videographer) miss. It is like getting to be a guest at your wedding. You can find out more in today’s press release.  Next month, OffBeat Bride is doing a feature on My Flip Wedding. Here is another heads up. I am seeing some copy-cats start to climb out of the wood work.

Don’t go there. Mike and Ariane at Storymix Media have been doing this since 2006 for pros and consumers alike. The new part is that now they have launched a wedding division specifically for the bridal market. Trust me, the team at Storymix Media knows what they are doing. For the record, no this isn’t a sponsored post but they are a client of mine.

Now, go and have a wholesale flower filled day!

Traveling Make-up artist: NY,NJ, PA areas

/in , , , /by

Beauty begins inside. Some of us need a little help with the outside. There is a special lady, who’s company is based in Nutley N.J. who can help you look your most beautiful on your special day, but, she comes to you with  an even more beautiful inside.

Deirdre, the owner of Deeva Beauty, is a licensed cosmetologist, makeup artist, and educator; with a background freelancing for Estee Lauder, Lancome, Revlon, and trained by M.A.C. A big fan of ‘provocative’ beauty and the Old Hollywood pin-ups, Deirdre is known for her ‘easy glamour’ style and the one to go to if you want to look GLAMOROUS but classy. Her favorite look is SMOKEY EYES and pouty lips, but fear not, a natural ‘girl next door’ classic bride is doable as well if that is what you desire.

With all that said, when you check out www.deevabeauty.com you will see what an amazing person Deirdre actually is. She shares hints and tips, she helps with questions you may have, she travels to your location to help you save time and energy, and a portion of each of her sessions goes to help various animal agencies. Even if all things were equal, this, (which they are not), puts her on higher ground.

Here is a direct quote, (which I love), from Deirdre’s website…”But I’m not just another makeup artist and DeeVa Beauty isn’t just another company seeking profits. It is a platform to look deeper within and find compassion and kindness towards God’s helpless, knowing your beauty does not only lie in your looks but in your humanity, ethics and your courage to make a difference. We all want to find an authentic experience, a way to live more passionately…to connect with something.”

makeover

So, if you want to be more gorgeous, if you want to have a Deeva make-over party, or you just want to look the very best you can look, on your special day, give Deirdre a call. You will be happy that you did!

Go get beautiful, Call Deeva Beauty and have a wholesale flower filled day!

Officiant extraordinaire! PA, MD, DC

/in , , , , /by

Hi everyone!

Today we have a Local treat for PA, MD and DC brides. If you are looking for the perfect Officiant we have found her for you! Rev. Judith L. Guasch!

What do we love about Judith? How about everything!!!

As your wedding officiant, Rev. Guasch believes it is important to create a wedding ceremony with each couple that is as unique as they are, because each couple’s story is different and unique.  When working with couples, together, you will write a wedding ceremony which reflects your relationship, your spiritual values and your own cultural heritage.  With Rev. Guasch as your wedding officiant, You create a wedding ceremony all your own which bridges the old traditions with the modern contemporary in what she calls “Re-Traditionalizing.”   And when you have ownership, You are in control.  So, whether you are getting married for the first time, or renewing your vows, having a traditional wedding, Civil union, or doing something different in an unique setting, Rev. Guasch is the one and only wedding officiant who  will help you make your wedding day a day to truly remember!

One really cool element that Rev. Guasch brings to the table is that she actually helps you to “tie the knot”, This is accomplished via the Handfasting technique.”  The Ancient Celts tied knots over and around the hands of a couple during a marriage ceremony, so that the couple would be bound to a life of blessings, health, and happiness.  Hence we get the expression “Tie the Knot.” If you choose a handfasting ceremony with Rev. Guasch you can quite literally “tie the knot”, with the help of your friends and family; Creating a unique memory and a wonderful memento to have and to hold! 

Rev. Judith L. Guasch, M.Div. is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  She received her Masters of Divinity in 1999, and is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Take advantage of Rev. Guasch’s deal for 2011-2012 weddings.

Couples who book now for Nov. 2011 through Nov. 2012  receive a $20 discount on their ceremony fee.
Services must be booked and Planning Fee paid in order to receive discount.

Check out Rev. Gausch’s website www.lovely-uniqueweddings.com or give her a call at 717-222-9173.

Here’s to happy planning, and a wholesale fresh flower filled day!

Calligraphy…done right!

/2 Comments/in , , , /by

Hi everyone:

So, it’s time to play the “why should we spend our money on that?” game

You found the perfect location, you chose the perfect dress, you found just the right invitations, now, you just have to address them all. You have to make sure you spell everything  just right, you have to make sure that people open the darn things…WOW, I bet you didn’t think about all of that! So, how do you get the point across that this is an important envelope? There is something really great inside, I want you to read it!!!

Calligraphy is your answer! I have found a great vendor for you to work with.

Megan Chapin is your world class Calligrapher.

I believe that calligraphy can and does set the tone for your event.  Whether it ‘s a wedding, anniversary party or special birthday, the person who receives a hand-lettered envelope in the mail knows that the event is going to be special.  We get computerized junk mail every day…invite your guests the way you would want to be invited!!

Megan truly enjoys working with a client from the beginning of the planning process.  There are so many ways to integrate calligraphy into your event – from the designing of an invitation ensemble to menus and programs and place cards too!  Megan can work with your theme and will happily discuss any ideas you may have–the more creative the better!

As a professional Megan can answer questions you may have about invitation vendors. She can help you find vendors in your area. Megan will also help you with current etiquette and wording, when to mail your invitations and the like.

Please visit her website www.meganchapincalligraphy.com for more info. about her and to see samples, get pricing, list requirements etc. and feel free to call and ask questions!  There is no fee for you to call — 508-278-7290

Now, go out and have a beautifully written day and don’t forget to fill it with wholesale fresh flowers!

Wedding Cakes…Bergen County N.J.

/5 Comments/in , , , /by

Hello all you lucky Northern N.J. folks! We have just found a fantastic wedding cake creator for you.
Have you been looking for an exceptional artist to create your dream cake? Well, your search stops here. Lisa at Sweet Grace Cake Designs will delight your tastebuds and dazzle your eyes with her amazing abilities. Lisa honed her artistic skills at
The Fashion Institute of Technology and is a hobbiest gardener. Fashion plays a large part in designing cakes and a designer needs to keep up on and create new trends. She loves to adorn her cakes with sugar flowers which she hand-makes to create realistic blooms.
So, once you have settled on the beautiful blooms that you will be receiving from bridesnblooms.com, simply inform Lisa of what you have chosen and she will replicate them for your cake, so, your guests can have their flowers and eat them too!
Take a look at her work, www.sweetgrace.net  she does awesome cakes besides the traditional wedding cake and she even does cupcakes and cookie favors.
If you log onto weddingwire.com you will find a 20% discount on a grooms cake for the month of June.
Have a yummy, wholesale fresh flower day!

Customized Chocolates!!!

/in , /by

Ok you guys, I have found another amazing vendor for you!!! What would you say if you could have your chocolate and customize it too? I don’t mean like M & Ms, (ho hum), I mean decadent amazing yummy 1″-4″ individual morsels of scrumptious melt in your mouth chocolate that have your name or your picture right on them!

Yes, this is possible! No matter where you live, No matter why you want this product, you can have your chocolate and eat it too!

Mother’s Day is coming!!! Send your Mom the gift that really says ” I love you” or Respect, or Cherish or all of them in 1 beautiful organza bag!

Call Gwen, at 1(866) 439-2462,  tell her you read about her great company 

Chocolate Graphics

on our blog. You will get 12 pieces of chocolate, 10 words & 2 flowers in an organza bag for just $7.95 (plus shipping). Now, just for Mother’s Day.

This fabulous product is also great for Graduates, Fathers, Print your logo and give them to your clients or prospective clients.

We think this is just Fantastic and we think you will too!

Have a wholesale fresh flower day!

Hand Painted glassware

/1 Comment/in , , /by

What’s more personal than a custom handpainted gift item? I have found a very cool artist who can custom make your glassware and a whole lot more. Are you constantly looking for “just the right” gift? Do you have a loved one who has one of those names that you NEVER find on anything? What about something really different for your friend that has everything?

Check this site…http://www.aressa.etsy.com The painted house and more. This talented artist will make anything look more beautiful by hand painting or putting her talent to use on an ordinary hanger. Yes, you can buy “painted” glassware in most department stores, but, they are not custom designed, the colors aren’t your  1st choice, they don’t have your name painted on them, and they simply don’t say that you put very much thought into your choice.

If you are looking for a really interesting and different idea for a gift for your wedding attendents, your parents, or just someone you love, I say go ahead and put it on glass!

***here is A painted house’s April special…*** I OFFER 10% DISCOUNT ON MULTIPLE HANGER ORDERS! BRIDE’S HANGER IS FREE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL WITH MULTIPLE HANGER PURCHASES!**** ©

Here’s hoping you have a wholesale flower filled day!