Eventfully Yours

Money Saving Tip - Speakers

Most corporate events feature a guest speaker of some sort.  It may be a former politician, famous author or musician.Regardless of who it is, speakers can hit a budget HARD!  Professional speaker fees can go upwards into the six figures.  In fact, I may rethink my career choice!

Seriously though, if the budget from your next corporate can't afford a high price speaker, start looking locally.  Contact local colleges and universities for professors who teach on the subject your target audience may be interested in.  A lot of times these professors are published authors or even considered the authority in their industry.  They won't be free, but in most cases are considerably less than others.  Also, by looking local you cut down on travel costs, lodging, meals, etc.

Fabulous First Dances

I'm sure by now you have seen a video of this latest wedding trend.  Guests are caught unaware as the bride and groom spring a surprise dance on them.  I just wanted to share one of my favorites with you.

Have any of you had a fabulous or funny first dance?  Please comment and share!

Looking for Guests!

If you regularly visit this blog, then you are aware that I have a talk show on Blog Talk Radio called Event Talk.  I haven't been on air in a few weeks due to the fact that I am revamping the show and trying to get more guest participation.  The show will be back on air and live on September 1, 2008 at 10:oopm EST.  Our first show topic will be about event lighting.

I am looking for guests for future shows.  If you have a product or service that in any way appeals to or is used by the event industry, then you could be a guest.  If interested, please click on the email me link and include some information about your product or service.  If you have your own blog or website, include that as well.  If it is for a product, attach a photo if possible.

I look forward to receiving your emails and having you as a guest on Event Talk!

Money Saving Tip - Ceremony Sites

If you are planning a summer event or live in a part of the country where your weather is mild all year round, there may be some hidden jewels in your city!  These jewels are city parks.  I know the first thought in your mind is a city park!?  But you will be surprised.  Take a day to visit some of your city parks  and see if you see a site that you like.

The above photos are of the Italian Garden which is part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.  It is one of the most popular wedding ceremony sites in Cleveland and guess what for residents of Cleveland, the cost is only $150.00 and for non city residents, just $175.00! 

Start scouting your city today to uncover a hidden jewel!

Twitter, Anyone?

MySpace.  LinkedIn. Facebook.  Social networking is the IN thing these days, but if you are anything like me you barely have the time to breathe!  If you still want to be up on all the cool tech things, then Twitter is for you.

What is Twitter?  It a free social networking website where you basically keep in touch or "follow" people on your list to find out what they are doing at any given moment.  You update people on what you are doing through mini blogs or "tweets" (I'm so cool, I know the slang!).  Your tweets can't be more than 140 characters and can be as simple as, "I'm sleepy" or whatever your little hearts desire.  You can even tweet from your phone!  I have an iPhone and I use a free application called Twitterific to tweet. 

This is a blog about tips for event planning, so I will now get to my point.  As I was tweeting the other day, I thought how great Twitter is for event professionals.  You can update attendees simultaneously about any changes to programs or schedules.  It can even help when communicating with vendors, clients, etc.  So, everybody start tweeting!  Sign up for Twitter today and become one of my followers.  Click here for my Twitter url.

Chic in Chicago

I attended the wedding of one of my husband's close friends over the weekend and I just had to share some photos! I love events, especially weddings and this one did not disappoint!  Handled by the excellent staff of LOLA Events, everything went smoothly for the ceremony held at the swanky River East Art Center.  After the ceremony, guests were treated to a cocktail hour complete with passed hors deourves.  We were also free to browse the art and sculptures while the hardworking and talented staff  of KehoeDesigns transformed the ceremony site into the space you see below.

Bravo to you guys for a job well done!  The use of fuchsia with the chocolate and blue was validation for me, because I've been trying to convince people to do it for the longest and guess what?!  I was right!  But seriously, if you have been to a spectacular wedding, please comment and tell why it was so spectacular.

Money Saving Tip - General Planning

Tap into your resources! Now you are thinking what is she talking about? I'm talking about your friends, family or colleagues.

You may not know it now, but there are aspiring singers, artists, florists, etc among us. Find out by asking. This can save you lots of money when it comes to your event.

But beware! Have them show you a sample of their work and if appropriate, audition for you. If they are not good, don't be afraid to pass on their services. Shoddy or substandard products or services is not worth any discount!

Make sure that they are also responsible and dependable. Meaning be on time and deliver on their promise. Nothing can ruin a relationship faster than a broken promise. Let them know that if they can't come through, to let you know right away.

Until next time, eventfully yours!

08-08-08

I just wanted to share a couple photos from a wedding we had the pleasure of working on this historic date!

The wedding of Amanda and Andy took place at the historic Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. The ceremony was held on the beautiful West Terrace and the reception was held in the Manor House Carriage Room. We worked with some great vendors on this wedding, which included Spencer Photography, Pink Petals Florist, White Flower Cake Shoppe, Event Lighting, Robert J. Events Catering and One Fine Day Videography.

The photos show some of the special touches of the day. The beautiful cake, the couples' monogram that we put on the bathroom mirrors, the lavendar uplighting that completely transformed the room and the place card tree. Congrats to the happy couple!

 

 

 

Money Saving Tip - Entertainment

Want live music at your next event, but not able to make it happen on your budget?  Try local high schools and colleges in your area.  Call the music departments and speak with the teachers to see if any of their students would be interested in performing live for a nominal fee.  Most times you may only need to feed them and that shouldn't be a problem.  Take the timing of your event into consideration if you decide to use students.  Most teenagers have curfews.  Also, be careful if you have an open bar and you are using teenage performers.  You may request that they bring along a chaperon.

Until next time, eventfully yours!

Communication is the Key

I grappled with what category to place this topic under. I was split between etiquette and general planning. I finally decided on general planning, but this is a matter of etiquette as well.

If you are the primary planner for an event it is easy to let your tastes and preferences to take center stage. This happens a lot, especially when people are footing the bill for the event. Even if this is the case, it is still important to communicate your decisions to those close to the event. Just giving people a heads up about things that will take place can overcome hurt feelings and any misunderstandings.

For example, if you are a bride to be and have decided to not have any of the traditional things at your wedding, such as your father escorting you down the aisle or father/daughter dance, be sure to discuss this with your father before hand so that he is well aware of this.

For corporate functions, this is very important since most times you are working on an event for your employer or a client. Failing to communicate issues in this situation could cost you your job and your business reputation.

In closing be sure that communication is on the top of your to do list for your next event.