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Navigating a Bridal Show… Tips From The Blog

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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…

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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!

It’s going to take some time to plan…

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So, you’re finally ready to plan the big event! It could be a wedding, a bar/bat mitzvah, quinceanera, birthday or anniversary celebration.  One thing is for certain, it’s going to cost money and it’s going to take some time to plan.

My advice is simple, and straight forward:

1.   Start early:

checklist girl

Whenever possible, give yourself enough time to find the right venue & vendors. Interview vendors and make smart decisions based on solid information and choice rather than being forced to take whatever is available.

Make a list of what you need to do in order of importance and as you gain each piece, check it off on your list as done.

2.      Make a budget:

piggies

If you are like most everyone, money is going to be a big factor in planning your event. It will more than likely dictate each facet, so decide what is most important to you down to what is the least important to you. Be realistic about what each vendor will need to get what you want. It’s okay to be frugal, but don’t expect a $50,000 wedding on a $10,000 budget.

Brides N Blooms Wholesale and Design always asks our clients for their floral budget in our initial consultation. It helps the client think about what they will be comfortable spending and keeps us both on target with their budget range. It also helps us decide what flowers & design work we can offer without breaking the bank. We always tell our clients it is not our intention to reach into your pocket and take what you do not have to spend. There is nothing worse than having a client’s hopes for something be completely dashed because what we discussed ended up being totally out of their budget comfort zone. Remember, “budget” is not a dirty word, it’s a necessary word. No one will fault you for having a budget; we all just need to know what your comfort range is!

3.      Get Referrals:

coffee

If this is the first time you are planning a big event, talk to friends and family who have been there before. They will have insight into details that you might not have thought of.  Ask for and about the vendors they used and what they thought. If there is a vendor you seek that offers something new or is something that your friends/family didn’t have at their event, ask other vendors that you’ve contracted with if they can help. Many times when sitting down with a client we will share the names of different vendors we trust and have worked with. So don’t be afraid to ask. If you have the resources to use an event planner, that is a great option as well.

The time to plan goes by so fast, though sometimes it feels like you will never be done! If you are organized and keep to your budget and goals when the big day arrives you will be able to sit back and enjoy the day with all the happiness it deserves!

Now go plan to have a wonderful wholesale flower filled day!

Some wedding floral ideas by Brides N Blooms Designs:  http://pinterest.com/bridesnblmsdsn/roses-bouquets/    http://pinterest.com/bridesnblmsdsn/wedding-decor-miscellaneous-items/

 

Food Trucks for your Wedding?

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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

Wedding Disaster? Want a do-over?

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Hi guys:

I just came across this posting and thought it was worth sharing. WETV is looking for anyone who had a disaster at their wedding, that was caught on tape, and who wants a do-over.
Do You Have The Ultimate Wedding Disaster Story?

Did you suffer a wedding disaster that put a damper on your big day?

Does your wedding video play like a blooper reel?

Do you wish you could do it all over again and have the wedding
you originally dreamed of?

WEtv WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!!

WEtv is casting dynamic Southern California couples who deserve the ultimate DO OVER…a dream wedding celebration planned by an acclaimed LA-based wedding designer.

What happened to ruin your big day? Did your ex show up and object in the middle of your ceremony? Did a storm knock out your power or prevent most of your guests from attending? Were you forced to elope instead of having the great white wedding you dreamed of? If you live in Southern California and have your disaster caught on tape, you could get a second chance to have your dream wedding!

Contact us today with your story!

Danielle Gervais
Sr. Casting Producer
212-377-4543

[email protected]

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

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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!

Aisle runners Custom made for you!

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We’re so excited here at bridesnblooms.com. We found an amazing vendor with an even more amazing product!

Chic Unique Inc. is a company that specializes in custom made aisle runners. What a fantastic addition to your wedding (or any other occasion where you want to be the “center of attention”).

Chic Unique Inc. creates the most beautiful, handpainted aisle runners, unique to you. You get to pick the colors, the style, the ribbons, the verbage, and, best of all, what you will do with it after you walk on it.

It almost seems a shame to walk on such a beautiful work of art, but, hey, that’s what it’s there for. Once you have come down the aisle, you can choose to reuse the runner in various places at your event.

Beth recommends using it for a backdrop behind your sweetheart table, and then, once you return home, have it shortened and framed, or have a pillow made, for a keepsake that everyone can admire for years to come.

This is one of those items that “not everyone and their sister” will have. Be unique, be yourself!

So, if you are looking to step up the look of your ceremony and have a wonderfully beautiful keepsake for years to come, check out www.chicuniqueinc.com I’m sure you’ll be glad you did.

Now, have a wholesale flower filled day!

Custom designed gown sketch

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Hi everyone!

I have another fantastic vendor to introduce you to. I bet, unless you are a celebrity or a very high end bride, that you thought you couldn’t have a custom sketch of your wedding gown. That’s right, a true artist, skilled in fashion design will sketch out your gown, just for you!

What an amazing keepsake for you! You may not wind up keeping your actual gown, but, for all eternity, you will have a sketch of the gown you wore.

Is that not totally cool?

Here’s what Heather needs from you…

-Pictures of your dress-you can email or if you only have hard copies you can mail them
Any specific details you would like to focus on (if this is beadwork you must make sure it is clear in the pictures)
-She will also do a front view or a back view, or can do both for an extra fee
TIME:
-You should allow 2-3 weeks for the sketch to be completed and in the mail to you (so if this is a gift, please contact Heather at least a month in advance)
What you will receive :

-Either an 8×10 or an 11×13 picture of your sketch

Please Note: Heather’s sketches are an artistic interpretation of your dress as she sees it…..It will not be an exact replica.

You can reach Heather and check out some of her other masterpieces on her website.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/gownsketch

So, go ahead, have your gown sketched and have a wholesale flower filled day!