Congratulations to this month’s winner of our free trip giveaway. Cassandra and Jared will be spending a full week on a spectacular Five Star Resort Getaway in their choice of one of more than 65 resort and 16 exotic location destinations!
Monthly Winner: Wedding Guide’s Honeymoon Giveaway
March 8th, 2010Boston Bridal Show Scam…Learn from [vendor] mistakes
March 5th, 2010NEWS ANALYSIS AND OPINON: By now you may have heard about the Boston Bridal Show scam. If you haven’t, here is the short version…
Many Boston area wedding vendors were taken in by an elaborate scheme. Having invested significant money in booth rental and exhibit preparation, at the eleventh hour, they discovered that the heavily promoted show would not happen. In fact, according to the venue, it didn’t ever exist. Brides, too (several thousand by news reports), had purchased advance admission passes to the show.
For the brides, it was just an annoyance. For vendors, it was misplaced effort and lost dollars, both in the hard costs of booth rental and show preparation, as well as a lost marketing opportunity for wedding business.
As I observe wedding business professionals, I see frequent mistakes when spending marketing dollars…. particularly on NEW bridal shows, publications or websites. The Boston situation is the most extreme example. But there is plenty to think about.
Here is a quick list of what I observe happening… all to often.
- When a new show, publication or website comes into your area, have healthy skepticism. There are no guarantees of success, but the track record of existing show producers is something you can check out with other industry professionals.
- If you are considering exhibiting with a first-time promoter in your market, and you can only afford an investment in one show, you are in dangerous territory. Trade Associations, such as BSPI (Bridal Show Producers International) do not even consider applications for membership, before a a show producer has a 3-year track record. The members understand that it takes some time to establish a credible track record.
- You are always better to be a spectator, at a show, before spending hard dollars on being part of it. On a new show, let other people take the risk, unless you have money to burn.
- Ask fellow vendors about their past show successes and challenges. Any answers you get, immediately after a show, should be discounted. A thoughtful wedding professional knows that the show is the trigger for appointments, followed by sales. As well, you should observe their trade show presentation, and see if it’s up-to-snuff, in your eyes.
- Don’t believe the hype! Many promoters (wedding show producers, nightclub promoters, concert promoters) are highly positive people. Some are very energetic, and can whip you into a frenzy. Slow down. Gather your facts, and don’t get caught up in the hype. The final result rarely lives up to the hype.
- The Numbers: An ethical show promoter should provider clear numbers, in terms of: registered brides, grooms, other attendees. Typically, the number of brides attending a show will run 40-50% of the total attendance. Recently, I observed a show promoter being asked by a wedding professional, “So how many brides did you have at your last show?” The Promoter responded, “We over 1600 people registered for the show.” It was an accurate answer, but a misleading. The question was “How many brides?”, not “How many people (total)?” - The real answer would likely by 500-800, or thereabouts. The same promoter slapped Bride stickers on other people in the wedding party to make it appear that there were more brides in attendance than reality would show. Exhibitors were not fooled for long, and were incredibly annoyed by the failed deception.
- Filter the feedback from exhibitors: It’s always good to talk with wedding professionals who are not in your category, and therefore don’t have a direct stake in your success or failure. Even then, a wedding professional, almost unknowingly, tries to justify their big marketing investment by talking positively about it. They are unwittingly hyping themselves. Get comfortable asking probing questions of willing wedding professionals in a different environment to try and get to the reality the matter.
So there is history, hype, and an actual result. It is good to remember the old adage.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t believe the hype!
–
Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Authority
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Special Event: The Lion & Rose’s Tasting Mixer
March 4th, 2010The Lion and Rose Catering Chef’s would like to invite you and a guest to our mixer. Come sample our cuisine and meet a variety of San Antonio’s wedding and event consultants, photographers, bakers, decorators and others vendors that are essential in the planning of your memorable wedding.
Where:
The Lion & Rose
700 E. Sonterra Blvd.
San Antonio, TX 78258
210-878-0034
When:
March 31st from 5:30 to 8:30pm
RSVP is Requested
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Congrats to a Wedding Guide professional…
March 2nd, 2010Congratulations to Veronica Esparza, owner of Absolutely Delicious Catering and Event Staging and Old San Francisco Steakhouse, winner of the National Association of Women Business Owners, San Antonio Chapter Entrepreneurial Spirit Awards in the “Inspirational” category. These annual awards are bestowed upon outstanding women entrepreneurs in the Greater San Antonio area and celebrate excellence, commitment and ingenuity in business.
Inspirational Award
Veronica Esparza
Absolutely Delicious Catering & Event Planning
I decided to become a business owner when I was very young (6years old) I use to sell candies and other good in the streets of my home town in Mexico to help my mother with the household financial needs. I was not aware that I had made this decision, but my experiences growing up in Mexico set my life as an entrepreneur in motion. My Grandparents had a substantial impact on me as a little girl. I watched them take their simple farm and turn it into a General Store. Most Farmers in the area sold their bounty to established markets and traded for services, but not my Grandparents. They built a modest store front and marketed their raw goods as prepared products and capitalized the profits for themselves. Instead of selling fresh squash, my Grandmother would sell fresh made pumpkin candy, pumpkin fillings for pastries and make four three times the amount than if she just sold the fruit. I definitely saw the benefit to creative thinking and maximizing the bottom line!
Our business is unique for several reasons. I believe that the personal relationship which I am able to develop with my clients is unique in this industry. My clients become like family after we go through the process of developing their event. I spend a lot of time with my clients and we discuss many things which ultimately give me insight as to how to make their event special. My staff is uniquely talented and I consider them to be the best in the business. I work with top notch Designers, Service Experts and my Chef is second to none.
I am most proud of what my staff has achieved both professionally and personally. If it were not for my staff, my vision would be just that, a dream. Because of the people I work with, my dream is a reality.
The greatest lesson which I have learned to date is to trust my instincts. I refer to my childhood in Mexico again; I was raised by very strong, creative folks who made critical decisions when others took the safe route. I have made every mistake that I could, but if I trusted my gut a little bit more; I would have a saved myself some heartache!
I have alluded to why I feel my business is successful; my Family background and my talented staff. But I believe that it is my sincere desire to receive customer feedback which keeps me ahead of the game. I believe that what I feel about myself is meaningless unless my clients feel the same way! I also believe that I cannot rest on my achievements and that we are only as good as our last event. We always have areas to improve on.
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Bouquet Tutorial
March 1st, 2010Your bouquet is a representation of your personality and wedding style. Be sure to follow these guidelines to help you and your bouquet look your best on wedding day!
When walking down the aisle and for photos, try to hold your bouquet at your waist line. If you hold it at bust level, it gives off a feeling that you are nervous (which you probably are, but they don’t need to know!) You might feel strange doing this, since your hands will be lower than comfortable, but it’s temporary and it’s the best way to show off the detail on your bodice and the flowers themselves.
You will also want to avoid holding the bouquet directly against your gown to prevent damage to the flowers, as well as keeping the ends of the stems away from fabric in case there is any moisture remaining in them. You should leave your flowers in water until about 30 minutes prior to your ceremony.
Fun poses with your flowers include holding the flowers toward the camera so your photographer can get a shot of the blooms with you slightly out of focus in the background, looking over your shoulder with your bouquet up near the same shoulder, and a group photo with you and your bridesmaids showing off all your flowers. Be creative and have fun with it!
Don’t forget to ask your photographer to take specialty shots such as your wedding rings nestled in the blooms, details of the wrap if it is unique or you are using an heirloom locket or rosary, or some interesting shots of the bouquet in unlikely places. You should also get some shots of the bridesmaids’ bouquets, bouts, and corsages to round out your photo album!
Article submitted by Eden’s Echo.
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Something Sexy, Something Fun
March 1st, 2010Today’s contemporary brides are constantly on the lookout for new ways to express their love for their betrothed. By using tasteful and elegant images of a women’s sensual side and creating a collection of photos to show this off, brides-to-be are making a special gift to give their future husbands.
Some gift ideas include small albums, calendars or enlarged portraits. There is definitely a sensitive nature to this type of session so it is recommended to meet with several photographers and pick the professional you feel most comfortable with. After you have chosen your photographer, ask them if they have any recommendations on hiring a specific stylist who can help you create the look you are going for including your attire, make-up and hair.
Be creative when thinking about the theme of your session. Always popular are the Vintage and Pin-up looks but you may want to do something more Classic and Modern. Most photographers who offer Boudoir Photography will be able to accommodate any style of Boudoir. The most important thing is to remember to have fun!
Article submitted by élan Imaging.
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…What Makes a Great Wedding Album?
February 26th, 2010When your wedding is over, the images captured by your photographer are one of the few things you will keep forever. Without question, the most impressive way to share your memories is a wedding album. A true “flush mount” wedding album will lay flat with no seam providing you with a spread that can be more than 24 inches wide and 12 inches tall. Printed on the finest photographic paper, each beautiful custom designed spread will literally “jump” off the page to tell another chapter of your wedding story. Incredible covers ranging from leather to metal to acrylic complete your custom album.
To create your perfect wedding album, follow these steps:
1. Capture great images – a great album begins with great images. Photographers who specialize in albums compose and shoot many images specifically with your album in mind.
2. You select the images – this is about your story, so you should start with your image selections and then your photographer should supplement those with images that will enhance your album.
3. Creative post processing – besides basic retouching, various advanced and creative techniques should be applied to your album images.
4. Professional design – your photographer should use professional layout designers to design each page to feature your images in uniquely beautiful and creative ways.
5. Uncrowded design – you want to make your key images large and not crowd a spread with too many images. Some photographers price by the image rather than by the page / spread so their designers can use as many spreads as they need without increasing the cost to their clients.
6. You approve the design – no album should go to production until you are completely satisfied with the design.
7. Paper and Cover selection – your photographer should assist you in selecting the type of paper and cover to complete your album.
8. Professional Album Production – your photographer should use a well known and highly regarded album manufacturer.
9. Final inspection and delivery – your photographer should thoroughly inspect your album and formally deliver it to you. Any flaws in workmanship should be guaranteed to be fixed to your satisfaction.
As you look for a photographer, if an album is important to you, keep the steps above in mind. It is also important to keep in mind the difference between an album and a book. Books are press printed (not printed on photographic paper), have flexible pages and typically will not lay flat with a seamless two-page spread. If you are going to invest in a custom design, then the additional investment for an album over a book is modest and you should invest in an album.
Albums are not cheap – they are an investment for those who want to take advantage of this unique way to share and preserve the memories of their wedding day. Most brides will look back on their albums as one of the best investments they have every made.
Article submitted by Patrick Motola Photography.
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Contest: Peacock Photography – The Perfect Match
February 23rd, 2010The Perfect Match Contest:
Planning on getting hitched or know someone who is? Then listen up…..this is BIG!
We are giving away a wedding package from Peacock Photography to the winner of The Perfect Match Contest. All you have to do is show us how you are “the perfect match”….get it?
What does that mean?
Send in a picture of yourselves that illustrates just this. You will be judged on creativity and alikeness. This will probably be the only time in your lives that looking alike is “acceptable” for a couple. So go all out! Themes are welcome and even encouraged.
What do we get if we win?
Wedding Photography Package including:
- up to 8 hours of wedding day coverage
- dvd of all images
- $200 credit towards an engagement/bridal session or towards an album
What’s the fine print?
Rules/Guidelines:
- the wedding can take place anywhere (minimal travel fees will apply outside of the Austin area). But don’t feel limited to just Texas….we travel anywhere!
- dates are subject to the availability of Peacock Photography (you will be notified via email if your date is unavailable)
- the wedding must take place before Valentine’s Day 2011
- upgrades to the wedding package are totally allowed! (email for additional costs)
- submit entries to cyndea@peacock-photography.com
- with your photo, include wedding date, location, and both of your names
- Entries must be received by midnight CST on Sunday, February 28th
- A panel of judges will pick the top finalists to be announced on the following Tuesday (March 2nd)
- Voting will then be open to the public (click here for Peacock Photography’s blog & voting) for 24 hours
Get excited! And spread the word!
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Helpful Wedding Photography Tips
February 11th, 2010Photography is one of the most important investments you will make for your wedding day – it is the one tangible thing that will outlast the cake, the flowers, and all the other decisions you’ll make while planning the big day. There are a few things you can do to help your wedding photography look more seamless and romantic:
1. Count to five every time you kiss – One, one thousand. Two, one thousand. Three, one thousand….etc. This allows your photographer a chance to capture the shot and maybe one more. Remember that flashes need to recharge for a second or two between shots!
2. Talk to your venue and baker about cake placement. Try not to place the cake against a wall or in a corner. If you must, then make sure you leave about three feet of room between the wall and the table so your photographer can squeeze in to get the moment.
3. If possible, avoid big events taking place near mirrors or uncovered windows at night. Remember that the flash reflecting can ruin a shot completely.
4. When you are dancing, please do so slowly and with purpose. Remember you are being photographed, so try to look at each other or in the same direction. If you are dancing fast or both looking over the other’s shoulder, you won’t get a good first dance photo.
5. When throwing the garter and bouquet, take a quick look to make sure your photographer is ready. Don’t just toss as soon as you’re in position to do it. Many of these shots are missed because it happens too quickly.
6. When the Best Man and Maid of Honor make their toasts, try to be near them. It makes a much better photo if you are all in the shot together toasting each other.
7. Leave your veil on for the formal photos and through the first dance. It may be inconvenient or fussy, but you will regret the money you spent on the veil if you only have it in photos of the ceremony.
8. Try to make sure your photographer has a schedule for the evening. They do need a few breaks, but don’t want to miss anything important.
9. When using sparklers, please make sure you get the ones specifically made for weddings because they smoke less. Also, ask your coordinator and venue if they can help organize the guests’ use of the sparklers. They photograph better if they’re lined up perfectly, and your guests aren’t waving them around between you and the camera.
10. Ask your guests to take it easy on the personal camera use. Although it is perfectly acceptable to bring them, let them know that you hired a professional to capture all of the big moments.
Article submitted by FACES by Jessica.
To discuss this post with other brides-to-be, visit Bride Talk – our online bridal community for Austin & San Antonio areas…Getting Ready for Spring Honeymoons
February 10th, 2010With winter almost over and spring on the horizon, wedding season will be in full effect. With spring weddings there are spring honeymoons and the dilemma of how to pack on the honeymoon getaway. May these tips help you next time you’re faced with airports, baggage claims or traveling.
- Pack a change of clothes in your new spouse’s luggage and visa-versa in case one bag gets lost or delayed.
- Always carry valuables, medicines, perishables, irreplaceable and fragile items on your person or in the carry-on. Things like cash, cameras, heirlooms and jewelry should never be checked luggage. Even if luggage isn’t lost, sometimes when traveling over seas, it may be delayed a day or two.
- Try not to pack to many white clothes. You tend to look like a tourist and white gets dirty easily and can’t be worn twice if necessary.
- Look up what the airport security requirements are for the cities you are departing from on the Internet so that you are prepared at security checks.
- When headed somewhere with high levels of humidity, packing some of your delicates in large zip lock bags prevents excess creasing and absorbing the moisture. Just make sure that you get as much air out as possible.