Wow, it seems to take me far to long to blog about some of these great events. On 12-02-08, our Oregon ABC Chapter celebrated our 4th Anniversary. This annual GALA was truly over the top this year!
Molli Barss, of Soiree (http://www.bonsoiree.com/) asked me in January of this year what she could do to help me with ABC in 2008 - and I said - how about doing the GALA? What a good sport she is, as well as a top notch event planner! She carved out the time in her busy schedule to plan a party for event planners (a very picky group) and other wedding vendors that started our Holiday Season with a bang! She told me she wanted it to be a party where we could get out on the dance floor and have fun - like real guests!
Molli worked closely with Shellie Postlewaite from The Nines to showcase this newest Portland Hotel and their beautiful banquet space. The Nines, located atop the Macy's building at Pioneer Square offers luxurious guest rooms, a great bar, gorgeous banquet facilities, terrific food and a gracious and helpful staff.
New and Blue (http://www.newandblue.com/) provided the beautiful invitations that were hand calligraphed and mailed by Alesia Zorn (http://www.alesiazorn.com/). Alesia also created the unique table markers for the assigned table seating.
We started with cocktails in the pre-function space which features comfy couches and a magnificent chandelier in the stairway to the hotel lobby. Tray passed appetisers, complimentary cocktails and champagne - provided by Hybrid Moon Videography (http://www.hybridmoon.com/), an ABC logo ice sculpture - provided by Creative Ice (http://www.creativeice.com/) and music by The Swingline Cubs (http://www.swinglinecubs.com/) welcomed the guests.
The Ballroom was opened and the guests picked up their seating cards provided by Uncommon Invites (http://www.uncommoninvites.com/) and made their way to the beautifully appointed tables.
Royal Blue satin crush linen, silver chargers, silver candelabras with twinkly acolytes and chairs covered in white satin crush all provided by Barclay Event Rentals (http://www.barclayeventrental.com/) created an elegant holiday feel.
The beautiful menus done in white and blue with sparkly crystals provided by Silver Leaf Design (http://www.silverleafdesigns.net/) along with decadent chocolate truffles in a festive wrap provided by Moonstruck Chocolates (http://www.moonstruckchocolates.com/) finalized the tablescape and provided a great place to enjoy the meal.
During the dinner we were treated to a slideshow of a very creative photo shoot done at The Nines by photographer David A. Barss (http://www.davidbarssphotographer.com/) to celebrate the terrific space at The Nines. The beautiful models showcased tuxedos from A Formal Affair Tuxedo (http://www.aformalaffairtuxedo.com/), bridal gowns from Divine Designs and flowers created by East West Floral Arts (http://www.ewfloralarts.com/ . They looked their very best with hair & makeup by Boucle as they were artfully arranged in a variety of locations in the Hotel. The slideshow allowed us a great tour of the Hotel without leaving our chairs - while enjoying new fashions, floral and beauty styles for 2009!
After dinner the Swingline Cubs musicians and vocalists hit the stage entertaining us all in their award winning style. What fun for all those wedding professionals, to be able to get out onto the dance floor and enjoy the party, instead of working the party!
The guys from Fliptography (http://www.fliptography.net/) were also on hand, with their crazy 7 second photo shoots, and creating the magical flip books on the spot for everyone to take away with them. It was so much fun and people got back in line with different people to create more books.
All in all, the 4th annual Oregon ABC GALA was a huge success! Thank you Molli, and all of the Vendors who generously contributed their time, money and products to make this event so much fun for all of the attendees.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Weddings in Today's Economy
I am reprinting this article from Kylee Kindred, Publisher of Premier Bride of Oregon, with my own comments printed in green.
For those of us in the wedding Industry - it reiterates how to move forward! Please remember as a Wedding Professional - you are not out there alone!
With the downturn of the economy, many wedding professionals have been wondering if they will survive these times. It has been said that weddings are recession-proof and if the current statistics are any indication the number of weddings has not declined even in these uncertain times. Here are six tips to not only survive but THRIVE in today's economy.
1. Don't switch industries--the number of weddings in the U.S. stays consistent from year to year, even with economic troubles. The Wedding Industry is one of the best to be in. (Stick with what you love, your passion will show through and keep you going!)
2. Join networking groups--This is one of the key ingredients to the success of your business. Referrals from other wedding professionals is instrumental in building your business. Contact us today to find out about networking opportunities in our area. (How about joining ABC or ISES or another association - if you are not a member!)
3. Look at your competition--look at how your competitors are attracting brides, their pricing and their marketing strategy. Make sure you know your competitive advantage! (Are your prices on your website - if not, you might consider it - as many Brides eliminate based on their budget and if they don't know what you charge - they may not even contact you.)
4. Don't lower your prices--if you don't plan on lowering your level of service, do not lower your price! It is much more difficult to raise your prices than to lower them so don't undo all the hard work you have put in to get your prices where they are.
5. Be consistent--make sure your print advertising, website, and other marketing materials are fresh and effective. It does not help you to have a fabulous print ad and a so-so website. you will lose business you may have otherwise had. (If you haven't updated your look for awhile, consider doing it now!)
6. Don't cut out all your advertising--Don't create your own recession! Maintain your presence in the wedding market so you are not trying to catch-up later. If you pull your advertising for 2009, you are looking at trying to rebuild your business in 2010 and beyond. Brides need to know you have the product/service they need for their wedding.
As we head into 2009, I wish you all a successful year! ~ Cherie
For those of us in the wedding Industry - it reiterates how to move forward! Please remember as a Wedding Professional - you are not out there alone!
With the downturn of the economy, many wedding professionals have been wondering if they will survive these times. It has been said that weddings are recession-proof and if the current statistics are any indication the number of weddings has not declined even in these uncertain times. Here are six tips to not only survive but THRIVE in today's economy.
1. Don't switch industries--the number of weddings in the U.S. stays consistent from year to year, even with economic troubles. The Wedding Industry is one of the best to be in. (Stick with what you love, your passion will show through and keep you going!)
2. Join networking groups--This is one of the key ingredients to the success of your business. Referrals from other wedding professionals is instrumental in building your business. Contact us today to find out about networking opportunities in our area. (How about joining ABC or ISES or another association - if you are not a member!)
3. Look at your competition--look at how your competitors are attracting brides, their pricing and their marketing strategy. Make sure you know your competitive advantage! (Are your prices on your website - if not, you might consider it - as many Brides eliminate based on their budget and if they don't know what you charge - they may not even contact you.)
4. Don't lower your prices--if you don't plan on lowering your level of service, do not lower your price! It is much more difficult to raise your prices than to lower them so don't undo all the hard work you have put in to get your prices where they are.
5. Be consistent--make sure your print advertising, website, and other marketing materials are fresh and effective. It does not help you to have a fabulous print ad and a so-so website. you will lose business you may have otherwise had. (If you haven't updated your look for awhile, consider doing it now!)
6. Don't cut out all your advertising--Don't create your own recession! Maintain your presence in the wedding market so you are not trying to catch-up later. If you pull your advertising for 2009, you are looking at trying to rebuild your business in 2010 and beyond. Brides need to know you have the product/service they need for their wedding.
As we head into 2009, I wish you all a successful year! ~ Cherie
Monday, December 8, 2008
Bravo! Live Trade Show
The Bravo Event Trade Show was held in October at the Oregon Convention Center, on the Main Display floor. This show is for event planners to attend and see the newest ideas for decor, catering, transportation, venues, entertainment, rentals, invitations and more! The best of the best in Oregon set up over the top displays for the 1 day show.
This year Uncommon Invites ~ http://www.uncommoninvites.com/, partnered in a collaborative space with Barclay Event Rentals ~ http://www.barclayeventrental.com/, Blum, Design in Flowers ~ http://www.blumfloraldesign.com/ and Gourmet Productions ~ http://www.gopro-lo.com/.
We set up a 20' x 30' tented structure, draped in fall tone chiffon with 2 iron chandeliers, and iron sconces on each of the tent legs. The chandeliers and scones gave off a warm glow encouraging the planners to enter the tent. They were able to sample fabulous foods from the creative staff at Gourmet Productions. Our oversize "feasting table" featured 12 place settings in golds, black and white. The china, flatware, linens and stemware were provided by Barclay Event Rentals, with fabulous floral designs by Jordan at Blum! Uncommon Invites provided custom menu cards, place cards and table markers.
Barclay, Blum and Uncommon Invites also created 4 over the top tablescapes for display, to show what can be done at any event. Our tall Casino Table was the hit of the show - featuring green felt over black linens, black & chrome bar stools, white square china, menus with actual playing cards on them, vibrant floral in black glass vases and real poker chips and dice! This table had more pictures taken of it than any table on display!
We also created a winter wonderland table featuring a crystal and silver tree; a picnic table with adorable custom placemats and a luxurious holiday table - rich with gold and jewel tones.
Dave Bigler of Bigler Productions created a montage video of the Bravo Live show. I met with Dave this week to view the finished product, and get a copy of the video for my files. Be sure to look for the shots of our tables, especially the casino table! You can see this and other videos at his site: http://www.biglerproductions.com/.
This year Uncommon Invites ~ http://www.uncommoninvites.com/, partnered in a collaborative space with Barclay Event Rentals ~ http://www.barclayeventrental.com/, Blum, Design in Flowers ~ http://www.blumfloraldesign.com/ and Gourmet Productions ~ http://www.gopro-lo.com/.
We set up a 20' x 30' tented structure, draped in fall tone chiffon with 2 iron chandeliers, and iron sconces on each of the tent legs. The chandeliers and scones gave off a warm glow encouraging the planners to enter the tent. They were able to sample fabulous foods from the creative staff at Gourmet Productions. Our oversize "feasting table" featured 12 place settings in golds, black and white. The china, flatware, linens and stemware were provided by Barclay Event Rentals, with fabulous floral designs by Jordan at Blum! Uncommon Invites provided custom menu cards, place cards and table markers.
Barclay, Blum and Uncommon Invites also created 4 over the top tablescapes for display, to show what can be done at any event. Our tall Casino Table was the hit of the show - featuring green felt over black linens, black & chrome bar stools, white square china, menus with actual playing cards on them, vibrant floral in black glass vases and real poker chips and dice! This table had more pictures taken of it than any table on display!
We also created a winter wonderland table featuring a crystal and silver tree; a picnic table with adorable custom placemats and a luxurious holiday table - rich with gold and jewel tones.
Dave Bigler of Bigler Productions created a montage video of the Bravo Live show. I met with Dave this week to view the finished product, and get a copy of the video for my files. Be sure to look for the shots of our tables, especially the casino table! You can see this and other videos at his site: http://www.biglerproductions.com/.
Junebug Weddings
What is the benefit of attending the ABC International Conference? My state members ask me this every year - and I always answer - NETWORKING!
This year, I had the opportunity to meet the 3 gals behind the hip wedding website Junebug Weddings - in Seattle, Washington. The site is http://www.junebugweddings.com/ Their site is NOT your typical wedding marketing site. They have about 60 REAL weddings posted. They feature the color palette for each, have fabulous photos, tips and trends.
They also share with the Brides their Hot List of Vendors in each wedding category in the area. Because of networking, we got to visit with them in California - show off our products and then after the conference be asked to participate as an Invitation Vendor.
Check out their site - no matter where you live - there are so many beautiful photos, that you can spend literally hours browsing the site! and I know that Vendors and Brides alike will find plenty of new ideas and enjoy the quality of the size as well.
This year, I had the opportunity to meet the 3 gals behind the hip wedding website Junebug Weddings - in Seattle, Washington. The site is http://www.junebugweddings.com/ Their site is NOT your typical wedding marketing site. They have about 60 REAL weddings posted. They feature the color palette for each, have fabulous photos, tips and trends.
They also share with the Brides their Hot List of Vendors in each wedding category in the area. Because of networking, we got to visit with them in California - show off our products and then after the conference be asked to participate as an Invitation Vendor.
Check out their site - no matter where you live - there are so many beautiful photos, that you can spend literally hours browsing the site! and I know that Vendors and Brides alike will find plenty of new ideas and enjoy the quality of the size as well.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
FAVORS! FAVORS! FAVORS!
We now offer a complete line of Wedding Favors, Bridal Shower Favors and New Mommy & Baby favors!
We have teamed up with the fabulous Kate Aspen Shops, to offer a huge array of favors to you. Kate Aspen does NOT market to the public directly - they rely on Dealers like Uncommon Invites to get the word out and link to their shopping cart.
You can access the complete catalog by using our direct link: http://uncommoninvites.0.kateaspenshops.com/ or by going to our website: http://www.uncommoninvites.com/, and looking for the Uncommon Favors logo!
Check it out - everything is adorable, you can personalize your tags, choose your own packaging on many items and the price is Affordable!
ABC International Conference
November 8-12, we were in Newport Beach, California at the Fairmont Hotel for the Annual ABC International Conference, with 39 states and 14 countries represented coming from Italy, Mexico, Singapore, Budapest and more!
Sunday evening brought a Welcome Party - poolside at the hotel - with fun food - games show games - music - a "rum only" bar - a magnificent wedding cake and the best photo booth I have ever seen.
President of ABC, David M. Wood, and the entire staff welcomed everyone with enthusiasm and smiles. At the opening session on Monday morning, David talked about the economy and where we all stand. He was quick to remind everyone that this is the time to keep advertising, get out and network with new people and remind everyone that you are still in business and flourishing! These tough economic times will weed out those who are not passionate about the industry and clear the way for those who are, to increase their market share. Do NOT give up!
Uncommon Invites participated in the ABC Trade Show located in a tent outside the main ballroom with crystal chandeliers and white ceiling fans moving the air on those 78 degree days - in November! We were pleased to meet so many new Vendors and to showcase our new products. Our note cards were well received, prompting many orders in our inbox when we returned from conference.
Monday evening we were thrilled to be invited to a private tour of Wildflower Linens. Mei Ng, VP of Wildflower Linens rented a bus, and took about 20 of us to see the warehouse! 23,000 square feet of linens and chair covers, for those of us with a severe case of "linen envy", you can never see too much of a beautiful thing. The showroom was spectacular and the founder of Wildflower ~ Youngsong Martin gave us the tour and told how she started the business - coming from the fashion design side - NOT the linen side of the industry. Be sure to check out their website at: http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/.
We also participated in the Tuesday night off site event at the Dana Point Oceanography site. We provided the invitations to this Seaside Soiree, along with the menu cards. It was a fun evening with terrific food and entertainment.
We had fabulous speakers, discussing web advertising, Generation Y, understanding the new ABC points system for advancement, short seminars with the "Masters" - those who have been in business over 10 years and have a wealth of information to share, a fashion show and more. Exquisite cakes, floral displays, printed menus and linens were on show at each meal - prompting a flurry of photos at each event and creating a buzz about how creative those ABC Members are!
The highlite of the event was a luncheon featuring Colin Cowie - event planner to the stars! When he walked into the room there was a collective sigh, as each person was so excited that he was there and willing to graciously share his knowledge and photos. His photos were amazing - things that most of us only hear about or get a glimpse about on the news! He talked about how he started, and where he was today. He introduced his core staff and bragged about their skills and their families as well. He is a consummate gentleman, beyond talented and full of fun!
My highlite of the event came right after lunch, when I was presented with the Dorothy Penner Heart Award, for Passion and Excellence to the Wedding Industry. This is a HUGE honor, one which I will cherish for the rest of my life. I join with a very select few in ABC who hold this award and I am so proud to be included with them. After my "acceptance speech" which I don't remember at all, there were a flurry of photos, then Colin came up and hugged me and congratulated me and said that this award was so special because it came from my peers. He was so right!
After I got back to my seat, Colin then said to David Wood, that he had an idea to raise some funds for the "Miss Dorothy" Award. He offered to pay the expenses for someone to join them at an event in the next 24 months, and shadow him and his crew. Wow - they threw the bidding open at $100, and the entire room stood up - when it finally reached $10,000 (!!!) they awarded it to the first person who had stood up at that amount. But 2 more wanted to participate - so Colin agreed to that if ABC would cover their travel expenses. It finally came to 13 people who paid $10,000 for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Absolutely unbelievable - it was a fabulous end to the luncheon.
I attended the State Coordinators meeting on Wednesday morning, our 1 time a year when most of us are in the same room - what a great end to this conference for me. We took the rest of the day to explore Balboa Island before flying home to the Great Northwest - and the rain!
For those of us from Oregon who attended this event, it will remain in our memory bank as a wonderful experience. Attending were: Cheryl Skoric ~ Bouquets and Balloons; Petrel Chapman, Social Catering Director ~ Embassy Suites - Portland Downtown; Pat Smith, Owner ~ West Coast Event Productions; Cindy Rosen ~ Encore Events; Melissa Reynolds - Production Coordinator ~ Uncommon Invites and me.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next ABC Conference in Indianapolis in 2009. State Coordinator for Indiana, Gloria Boyden, MBC and her team are well into the planning, and promise an over the top event! For information on the conference and all about ABC - go to: http://www.bridalassn.com/.
Sunday evening brought a Welcome Party - poolside at the hotel - with fun food - games show games - music - a "rum only" bar - a magnificent wedding cake and the best photo booth I have ever seen.
President of ABC, David M. Wood, and the entire staff welcomed everyone with enthusiasm and smiles. At the opening session on Monday morning, David talked about the economy and where we all stand. He was quick to remind everyone that this is the time to keep advertising, get out and network with new people and remind everyone that you are still in business and flourishing! These tough economic times will weed out those who are not passionate about the industry and clear the way for those who are, to increase their market share. Do NOT give up!
Uncommon Invites participated in the ABC Trade Show located in a tent outside the main ballroom with crystal chandeliers and white ceiling fans moving the air on those 78 degree days - in November! We were pleased to meet so many new Vendors and to showcase our new products. Our note cards were well received, prompting many orders in our inbox when we returned from conference.
Monday evening we were thrilled to be invited to a private tour of Wildflower Linens. Mei Ng, VP of Wildflower Linens rented a bus, and took about 20 of us to see the warehouse! 23,000 square feet of linens and chair covers, for those of us with a severe case of "linen envy", you can never see too much of a beautiful thing. The showroom was spectacular and the founder of Wildflower ~ Youngsong Martin gave us the tour and told how she started the business - coming from the fashion design side - NOT the linen side of the industry. Be sure to check out their website at: http://www.wildflowerlinens.com/.
We also participated in the Tuesday night off site event at the Dana Point Oceanography site. We provided the invitations to this Seaside Soiree, along with the menu cards. It was a fun evening with terrific food and entertainment.
We had fabulous speakers, discussing web advertising, Generation Y, understanding the new ABC points system for advancement, short seminars with the "Masters" - those who have been in business over 10 years and have a wealth of information to share, a fashion show and more. Exquisite cakes, floral displays, printed menus and linens were on show at each meal - prompting a flurry of photos at each event and creating a buzz about how creative those ABC Members are!
The highlite of the event was a luncheon featuring Colin Cowie - event planner to the stars! When he walked into the room there was a collective sigh, as each person was so excited that he was there and willing to graciously share his knowledge and photos. His photos were amazing - things that most of us only hear about or get a glimpse about on the news! He talked about how he started, and where he was today. He introduced his core staff and bragged about their skills and their families as well. He is a consummate gentleman, beyond talented and full of fun!
My highlite of the event came right after lunch, when I was presented with the Dorothy Penner Heart Award, for Passion and Excellence to the Wedding Industry. This is a HUGE honor, one which I will cherish for the rest of my life. I join with a very select few in ABC who hold this award and I am so proud to be included with them. After my "acceptance speech" which I don't remember at all, there were a flurry of photos, then Colin came up and hugged me and congratulated me and said that this award was so special because it came from my peers. He was so right!
After I got back to my seat, Colin then said to David Wood, that he had an idea to raise some funds for the "Miss Dorothy" Award. He offered to pay the expenses for someone to join them at an event in the next 24 months, and shadow him and his crew. Wow - they threw the bidding open at $100, and the entire room stood up - when it finally reached $10,000 (!!!) they awarded it to the first person who had stood up at that amount. But 2 more wanted to participate - so Colin agreed to that if ABC would cover their travel expenses. It finally came to 13 people who paid $10,000 for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Absolutely unbelievable - it was a fabulous end to the luncheon.
I attended the State Coordinators meeting on Wednesday morning, our 1 time a year when most of us are in the same room - what a great end to this conference for me. We took the rest of the day to explore Balboa Island before flying home to the Great Northwest - and the rain!
For those of us from Oregon who attended this event, it will remain in our memory bank as a wonderful experience. Attending were: Cheryl Skoric ~ Bouquets and Balloons; Petrel Chapman, Social Catering Director ~ Embassy Suites - Portland Downtown; Pat Smith, Owner ~ West Coast Event Productions; Cindy Rosen ~ Encore Events; Melissa Reynolds - Production Coordinator ~ Uncommon Invites and me.
We look forward to seeing you all at the next ABC Conference in Indianapolis in 2009. State Coordinator for Indiana, Gloria Boyden, MBC and her team are well into the planning, and promise an over the top event! For information on the conference and all about ABC - go to: http://www.bridalassn.com/.
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