Brides to be need more than just skin deep beauty for their big day; to feel completely confident, radiant and fit in body and mind and to obtain that special glow it is essential to follow a healthy diet, take care of your skin and exercise.
The Sharanis Wellness Spa, newly opened and one of the many exclusive beauty exhibitors at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi, is offering just that to busy brides who are looking for radiance on the most memorable day of their life. Bridal parties even have the option of reserving the entire spa for the morning followed by a leisurely and scrumptious lunch in the spa’s café.
The Sharanis Wellness Spa is one of many exhibitors that will be offering exclusive promotions to brides-to-be, their friends and family at The Bride Show Abu Dhabi from 5-8 February 2008.
“We endeavour to become very much a part of each bride’s pre-wedding plans.” said Sharon Moore, Managing Director of Sharanis Wellness Spa. “We arrange a private consultation six weeks before their big day so that we can tailor-make an individual program to cleanse and purify the bride-to-be using herbal treatments, wraps and reflexology. Hair, skin and nails won’t just look nice on the day; the bride and her bridal party will look radiant and revitalized.”
The Sharanis Wellness Spa is taking part in The Bride Show Abu Dhabi to meet women in the UAE and tell them about their products and services. The spa is the UAE’s sole distributor of the sought after Spa Siem range and one of limited stockists of the newly launched Elemis Tri-enzyme Facial Treatment.
“Our exhibition area will look just like one of our treatment rooms, so that visitors get a feel for the atmosphere and the services we provide” said Moore. “We have just opened our doors and The Bride Show Abu Dhabi is a great way to meet potential customers and to raise awareness in the market. We are the best kept secret in town and its time to share this.”
Specializing in Asian wellness, Sharanis is the only spa of its kind in the UAE. The spa offers traditional Thai remedies, ancient Indian Ayurvedic treatments, studio classes, a nail spa and hair salon as well as advice from professional nutritionists, hypnotherapists, and Reiki specialists.
Located in Khalifa City A, an area already dedicated to leisure with the Abu Dhabi Golf course close by, the opening of Sharanis Wellness Spa provides the area with a haven of peace, quiet and sanctuary escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
“Our spa focuses on a holistic approach that relaxes our customers and offers them a one-stop-shop for all their health and beauty needs. Our services range from waxing to herbal wraps. Women preparing for their wedding especially like the all day Princess ritual, enjoyed in the breathtaking Indian suite,” said Moore.
The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will feature bridal dresses, honeymoon packages, evening wear, jewellery, wedding services and the official Scent of The Bride Show. The event will play host to the largest number of catwalk fashion shows in the UAE capital, as well as the final of the Swarovski Abaya Design Awards on the last day.
The Bride Show Abu Dhabi takes place from 5-8 February 2008 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre followed by The Bride Show Dubai from 23-26 April 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/220267
Saturday, December 29, 2007
A bridal show like no other
Attention all soon-to-be brides; if you’re looking for your dream dress at a dream price, Priceless Bridals can make your dreams come true and they’ll be putting on a bridal show to help spread the word on Sept. 22 at the Caruso Club.
“It’s really worth it for the girls to come out because it’s going to be a lot of fun,” says the owner of the one-stop bridal shop, Stacey Newell. “It’s going to be very different. It’s going to funky fun with a twist. It won’t have your typical music, and it won’t have your typical look for a bridal show. It’ll be like you’re in a club, but watching dresses.”
Newell, who’s been in the bridal business for the last seven years, will be teaming up with Charm Plus’ Benita Belellce and Mark Hovey, a producer from Lynn Mark Productions. Together, the threesome plan on putting together a night no one in the audience will soon forget.
Priceless Bridals owner Stacey Newell promises “funky fun with a twist” at the bridal show Sept. 22, which will offer guests a selection of beautiful dresses, entertainment and wonderful door prizes. The doors will be opened at 6 pm with a special cash bar, so for just $5, visitors can stop in, have a drink, view the special booths that will be set up, and enjoy watching the countless dresses that are going to be on display. There’s even going to be wine tasting, commentating, music, tons of door prizes up for grabs, as well as photographers and real estate agents to answer any questions that you may have.
“I’ve been doing fashion shows with Benita for 15 years, so we work very well together,” explains Newell. “I think it’ll be a blast and a lot of fun. We’re going to shake it up a little bit. It’ll be like a club-style fashion show with no wedding bell music.”
Located on Regent Street, the bridal shop was first opened just seven months ago when Newell decided to venture out and start her own bridal shop after years of working for other shops. She felt that there was a need in Sudbury for a bridal store that specialized in providing top-quality dresses at affordable prices.
“I offer gorgeous designer-label gowns at incredible prices all the time; whether they’re off the rack or they’re orderable, the prices are amazing and there’s a big selection,” says Newell. “Expect to be surprised when you come down. It’s not a huge store, but we offer a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and then once you experience that, you’re going to be overwhelmed with the prices and the selection.”
The shop features approximately 150 dresses and tons of accessories, like tiaras and veils. Half the store is made up of brand new, but discontinued in-stock gowns that are up to 80 percent off. The other half of the store is made up of gowns that feature all of the latest styles that can be seen in various catalogues. There’s even a fireplace set up in the shop. Ultimately though, the thing that Newell believes really grabs most people’s attention in this small, contemporary shop is its friendly customer service.
“We offer very friendly service and we give attention to all the girls because they’re not just a number and they’re very important to us,” she says. “That’s why I like to stay small. That’s why I’m here and I don’t think I’d ever move. I like the idea of one-on-one all the time. The girls like it because I’m always here when they come in.”
When she first opened for business, the owner expected to deal with maybe 50 brides in the first year, but the shop has already surpassed and doubled that goal with over 105 brides and five more months to go in the year.
It’s been a lot of work for Newell, who only has three part-time staff working for her, but it’s been well worth it.
“It’s blown us away and it’s been very overwhelming,” she says. “But, getting all of the excitement of a girl finding her dream dress is very exciting. It’s all about making them feel happy and welcome and making it a happy time; not a stressful time.”
Her friend, mentor and silent partner, Kathy Wells McNeil, has very high praise for Newell.
“Stacey is what makes Priceless Bridals and I think the reason people enjoy their experience here is because of Stacey and her great personality,” she says. “Stacey is the guru of bridal. She knows everything there is to know about bridal. When a girl walks through the doors, she knows exactly what dress is going to be perfect for the girl.
“She’s got the flair and she knows what’s hot and what’s not.”
http://www.northernlife.ca/News/Lifestyle/2006/09-13-06-bridal-show.asp?NLStory=09-13-06-bridal-show
“It’s really worth it for the girls to come out because it’s going to be a lot of fun,” says the owner of the one-stop bridal shop, Stacey Newell. “It’s going to be very different. It’s going to funky fun with a twist. It won’t have your typical music, and it won’t have your typical look for a bridal show. It’ll be like you’re in a club, but watching dresses.”
Newell, who’s been in the bridal business for the last seven years, will be teaming up with Charm Plus’ Benita Belellce and Mark Hovey, a producer from Lynn Mark Productions. Together, the threesome plan on putting together a night no one in the audience will soon forget.
Priceless Bridals owner Stacey Newell promises “funky fun with a twist” at the bridal show Sept. 22, which will offer guests a selection of beautiful dresses, entertainment and wonderful door prizes. The doors will be opened at 6 pm with a special cash bar, so for just $5, visitors can stop in, have a drink, view the special booths that will be set up, and enjoy watching the countless dresses that are going to be on display. There’s even going to be wine tasting, commentating, music, tons of door prizes up for grabs, as well as photographers and real estate agents to answer any questions that you may have.
“I’ve been doing fashion shows with Benita for 15 years, so we work very well together,” explains Newell. “I think it’ll be a blast and a lot of fun. We’re going to shake it up a little bit. It’ll be like a club-style fashion show with no wedding bell music.”
Located on Regent Street, the bridal shop was first opened just seven months ago when Newell decided to venture out and start her own bridal shop after years of working for other shops. She felt that there was a need in Sudbury for a bridal store that specialized in providing top-quality dresses at affordable prices.
“I offer gorgeous designer-label gowns at incredible prices all the time; whether they’re off the rack or they’re orderable, the prices are amazing and there’s a big selection,” says Newell. “Expect to be surprised when you come down. It’s not a huge store, but we offer a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and then once you experience that, you’re going to be overwhelmed with the prices and the selection.”
The shop features approximately 150 dresses and tons of accessories, like tiaras and veils. Half the store is made up of brand new, but discontinued in-stock gowns that are up to 80 percent off. The other half of the store is made up of gowns that feature all of the latest styles that can be seen in various catalogues. There’s even a fireplace set up in the shop. Ultimately though, the thing that Newell believes really grabs most people’s attention in this small, contemporary shop is its friendly customer service.
“We offer very friendly service and we give attention to all the girls because they’re not just a number and they’re very important to us,” she says. “That’s why I like to stay small. That’s why I’m here and I don’t think I’d ever move. I like the idea of one-on-one all the time. The girls like it because I’m always here when they come in.”
When she first opened for business, the owner expected to deal with maybe 50 brides in the first year, but the shop has already surpassed and doubled that goal with over 105 brides and five more months to go in the year.
It’s been a lot of work for Newell, who only has three part-time staff working for her, but it’s been well worth it.
“It’s blown us away and it’s been very overwhelming,” she says. “But, getting all of the excitement of a girl finding her dream dress is very exciting. It’s all about making them feel happy and welcome and making it a happy time; not a stressful time.”
Her friend, mentor and silent partner, Kathy Wells McNeil, has very high praise for Newell.
“Stacey is what makes Priceless Bridals and I think the reason people enjoy their experience here is because of Stacey and her great personality,” she says. “Stacey is the guru of bridal. She knows everything there is to know about bridal. When a girl walks through the doors, she knows exactly what dress is going to be perfect for the girl.
“She’s got the flair and she knows what’s hot and what’s not.”
http://www.northernlife.ca/News/Lifestyle/2006/09-13-06-bridal-show.asp?NLStory=09-13-06-bridal-show
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Promotional Products For Bridal Shows
Weddings are huge business. While word of mouth and internet advertising are good ways to advertise, many bridal consultants, florists and other wedding related businesses pick up the bulk of their business leads at bridal shows and fairs. Bridal fairs offer wedding related businesses the chance to influence thousands of happy couples in a single afternoon or weekend. Of course, the tradeoff is that you’re also competing with dozens and sometimes hundreds of other businesses who are all trying to grab the attention of the same market that you’re trying to snag.
Promotional products and advertising gifts hold the key to grabbing that attention long enough to pitch your service or products to your intended customers. When choosing promotional products for a trade show, these are the considerations you should keep in mind:
You can use promotional products for many different purposes at bridal shows.
There’s more to promotional products than giveaway business gifts, and most companies that specialize in creating promotional items and corporate gifts can handle all of your promotional needs. The more business you do with a single company, the more likely it is that you’ll be eligible for volume discounts and special pricing on individual parts of your order. Among the things you can order from promotional specialists are:
1. lead generation incentives
2. customer appreciation gifts
3. exhibit displays
4. presentation materials
5. informational flyers and leaflets
6. product carrier bags
7. staff apparel
8. Use promotional products to attract attention
9. to your display space.
There are many ways to do this. You might choose, for instance, to offer a “gotta have it” promotional giveaway to those who visit your booth and make an appointment for a consultation. You mi
ght use a brightly colored exhibit stand to catch the eye, or create an arresting display of colorful printed balloons. Whatever you choose, remember that you’ll be competing for attention with many other displays. Find ways to make yours unique and outstanding.
Use promotional apparel to give your booth attendants a cohesive appearance.
The people tending your booth are, like it or not, part of the display. One way to make sure that they “fit” your image is to invest in promotional polo shirts, jackets or other matching apparel.
Check the prices and ideas for printed materials
For handouts at bridal shows and exhibitions.
A firm that specializes in promotional printing is often expert at designing both booth displays and the promotional materials that you’ll be handing out from your booth. One way to make sure that all of your materials coordinate is to order them all and have them all produced by the same company. Take advantage of the professional design services that most promotional products companies offer at reduced prices or even free when you place an order with them.
Put your carry away gifts in eye catching bags or packages.
Many exhibiters at bridal shows and wedding expos put a lot of thought into the colors for their booth, the choice of appreciation gifts and lead generation incentives – and completely miss one of their best opportunities to increase name recognition. I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched booth attendants scrambling for any sort of bag or container for attendees. Invest in generously sized printed carrier bags for your takeaway materials and appreciation gifts. Your exhibit visitors will appreciate the extra room to stow all the stuff they pick up at other booths – but it will be YOUR logo that’s on display.
For additional information on advertising gifts, corporate gifts or promotional items then why not check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today and start to make big savings.
http://www.articlehub.us/articles/4654/1/Promotional-Products-For-Bridal-Shows/Page1.html
Promotional products and advertising gifts hold the key to grabbing that attention long enough to pitch your service or products to your intended customers. When choosing promotional products for a trade show, these are the considerations you should keep in mind:
You can use promotional products for many different purposes at bridal shows.
There’s more to promotional products than giveaway business gifts, and most companies that specialize in creating promotional items and corporate gifts can handle all of your promotional needs. The more business you do with a single company, the more likely it is that you’ll be eligible for volume discounts and special pricing on individual parts of your order. Among the things you can order from promotional specialists are:
1. lead generation incentives
2. customer appreciation gifts
3. exhibit displays
4. presentation materials
5. informational flyers and leaflets
6. product carrier bags
7. staff apparel
8. Use promotional products to attract attention
9. to your display space.
There are many ways to do this. You might choose, for instance, to offer a “gotta have it” promotional giveaway to those who visit your booth and make an appointment for a consultation. You mi
ght use a brightly colored exhibit stand to catch the eye, or create an arresting display of colorful printed balloons. Whatever you choose, remember that you’ll be competing for attention with many other displays. Find ways to make yours unique and outstanding.
Use promotional apparel to give your booth attendants a cohesive appearance.
The people tending your booth are, like it or not, part of the display. One way to make sure that they “fit” your image is to invest in promotional polo shirts, jackets or other matching apparel.
Check the prices and ideas for printed materials
For handouts at bridal shows and exhibitions.
A firm that specializes in promotional printing is often expert at designing both booth displays and the promotional materials that you’ll be handing out from your booth. One way to make sure that all of your materials coordinate is to order them all and have them all produced by the same company. Take advantage of the professional design services that most promotional products companies offer at reduced prices or even free when you place an order with them.
Put your carry away gifts in eye catching bags or packages.
Many exhibiters at bridal shows and wedding expos put a lot of thought into the colors for their booth, the choice of appreciation gifts and lead generation incentives – and completely miss one of their best opportunities to increase name recognition. I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched booth attendants scrambling for any sort of bag or container for attendees. Invest in generously sized printed carrier bags for your takeaway materials and appreciation gifts. Your exhibit visitors will appreciate the extra room to stow all the stuff they pick up at other booths – but it will be YOUR logo that’s on display.
For additional information on advertising gifts, corporate gifts or promotional items then why not check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today and start to make big savings.
http://www.articlehub.us/articles/4654/1/Promotional-Products-For-Bridal-Shows/Page1.html
Bridal show opens Saturday
Ever wonder how you are going to arrange everything in time for your wedding? And where will you find the people who offer the services you need?
Get the answers to both questions at the 27th annual Wonderful World of Weddings show.
This year, the show is being managed by Expo Productions, Hartland, which took over after longtime manager Norma Seider retired last year.
Expo Productions President Jay Partington said the show is similar to previous years, with a few updates, some new exhibitors and plenty of fresh ideas.
For example, booths will provide information on financial management, getting that first apartment, buying unpainted furniture, and even getting your teeth brightened.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 people attend the show each year. Most are women.
"I think more men are becoming more involved in the wedding and decision-making," Partington said. "That's why some of the newer booths such as honeymoon gifts or gift ideas for groomsmen, ideas for bachelor parties and tuxedos, are geared just for men."
For women, one of the most popular features of the Expo are the bridal shows scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
They are produced by Center Stage of Milwaukee and will feature bridal gowns and apparel for the wedding party, lingerie and floral items, formal wear accessories and headpieces. In the finale, floral bouquets with attached gifts will be thrown into the audience.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4208/is_19950105/ai_n10179802
Get the answers to both questions at the 27th annual Wonderful World of Weddings show.
This year, the show is being managed by Expo Productions, Hartland, which took over after longtime manager Norma Seider retired last year.
Expo Productions President Jay Partington said the show is similar to previous years, with a few updates, some new exhibitors and plenty of fresh ideas.
For example, booths will provide information on financial management, getting that first apartment, buying unpainted furniture, and even getting your teeth brightened.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 people attend the show each year. Most are women.
"I think more men are becoming more involved in the wedding and decision-making," Partington said. "That's why some of the newer booths such as honeymoon gifts or gift ideas for groomsmen, ideas for bachelor parties and tuxedos, are geared just for men."
For women, one of the most popular features of the Expo are the bridal shows scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
They are produced by Center Stage of Milwaukee and will feature bridal gowns and apparel for the wedding party, lingerie and floral items, formal wear accessories and headpieces. In the finale, floral bouquets with attached gifts will be thrown into the audience.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4208/is_19950105/ai_n10179802
Wedding Magazines - Wedding Guides
*
Modern Bride - an interactive guide for the bride-to-be, offers advice on planning your wedding.
*
WedNet - resource for brides and grooms featuring articles, editorials, reference materials, checklists, listings and more.
*
WeddingBells - source of ideas for a wedding celebration, from the publishers of an award-winning magazine.
*
Bride's Magazine - resource for wedding planning, advice, bridal registry, dresses, and shopping.
*
Today's Bride - contains a searchable collection of ideas, trends, traditions, products, and services.
*
Elegant Bride - includes wedding and honeymoon planning guides, fashion information, and contents of current issue.
Bridal & Wedding Magazines - National & Local
*
American Wedding Guide - wedding planner for brides includes advice and listings of wedding resources.
*
Asian Bride Online - featuring wedding planning, articles, fashion, honeymoon planning for brides and grooms.
*
Bibi Magazine - fashion and bridal magazine for South Asians.
*
Bridal Guide - features wedding planning, fashion and beauty, and honeymoon advice.
*
Bride Again Magazine - magazine designed for encore brides. Editorial deals with everyday problems, blending families, finance, honeymoons, dresses, and more.
*
Bride's Magazine - resource for wedding planning, advice, bridal registry, dresses, and shopping.
*
Cape Cod Bride Magazine - wedding and bridal resource, with online budget and honeymoon planners.
*
Chicago Bride - includes articles and directory of local services.
*
Elegant Bride - includes wedding and honeymoon planning guides, fashion information, and contents of current issue.
*
Irish Weddings Online - includes leading Irish wedding Venues, photographers, dress designers, and exotic honeymoons.
*
Manhattan Bride Magazine - offers wedding tips from experts and directory of local resources.
*
Modern Bride - an interactive guide for the bride-to-be, offers advice on planning your wedding.
*
New England Bride Online - registration needed to access wedding information, personalized page, and vendors.
*
New Jersey Bride - information on halls, caterers, music, locations, and other local wedding services.
*
NH Wedding Magazine - includes articles, tips, guide to local wedding professionals, and more.
*
Perfect Wedding Guide - Magazine and Website
*
Perth Bride Magazine
*
Premier Bride Magazine - Your Local Wedding Resource
*
Shaadi Style Magazine - contains the latest bridal and party fashions along with information on etiquette and cultural ideas for planning or attending a South Asian wedding.
*
Southern Bride Magazine - advice, news, articles for the bride.
*
Southern New England Weddings - dedicated to brides planning their wedding in Newport, RI, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and southern New England.
*
Today's Bride - contains a searchable collection of ideas, trends, traditions, products, and services.
*
Today's Bride WedWorld - created by a Canadian magazine. Features a bridal forum, shopper's guide, and announcements.
*
Wedding Planner & Guide - Wisconsin and Northern Illinois bridal publication with listing of businesses to plan the perfect wedding.
*
Wedding Solutions - South African wedding magazine and search directory including articles, advice, tips, and news.
*
Wedding Style Magazine - planning for sophisticated brides.
*
WeddingBells - source of ideas for a wedding celebration, from the publishers of an award-winning magazine.
*
Weddings Inc.
*
Weddings Magazine - information, advice, stories and more for planning a wedding in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
*
WedNet - resource for brides and grooms featuring articles, editorials, reference materials, checklists, listings and more.
http://www.bostonbridalshows.com/weddingmagazines.html
Modern Bride - an interactive guide for the bride-to-be, offers advice on planning your wedding.
*
WedNet - resource for brides and grooms featuring articles, editorials, reference materials, checklists, listings and more.
*
WeddingBells - source of ideas for a wedding celebration, from the publishers of an award-winning magazine.
*
Bride's Magazine - resource for wedding planning, advice, bridal registry, dresses, and shopping.
*
Today's Bride - contains a searchable collection of ideas, trends, traditions, products, and services.
*
Elegant Bride - includes wedding and honeymoon planning guides, fashion information, and contents of current issue.
Bridal & Wedding Magazines - National & Local
*
American Wedding Guide - wedding planner for brides includes advice and listings of wedding resources.
*
Asian Bride Online - featuring wedding planning, articles, fashion, honeymoon planning for brides and grooms.
*
Bibi Magazine - fashion and bridal magazine for South Asians.
*
Bridal Guide - features wedding planning, fashion and beauty, and honeymoon advice.
*
Bride Again Magazine - magazine designed for encore brides. Editorial deals with everyday problems, blending families, finance, honeymoons, dresses, and more.
*
Bride's Magazine - resource for wedding planning, advice, bridal registry, dresses, and shopping.
*
Cape Cod Bride Magazine - wedding and bridal resource, with online budget and honeymoon planners.
*
Chicago Bride - includes articles and directory of local services.
*
Elegant Bride - includes wedding and honeymoon planning guides, fashion information, and contents of current issue.
*
Irish Weddings Online - includes leading Irish wedding Venues, photographers, dress designers, and exotic honeymoons.
*
Manhattan Bride Magazine - offers wedding tips from experts and directory of local resources.
*
Modern Bride - an interactive guide for the bride-to-be, offers advice on planning your wedding.
*
New England Bride Online - registration needed to access wedding information, personalized page, and vendors.
*
New Jersey Bride - information on halls, caterers, music, locations, and other local wedding services.
*
NH Wedding Magazine - includes articles, tips, guide to local wedding professionals, and more.
*
Perfect Wedding Guide - Magazine and Website
*
Perth Bride Magazine
*
Premier Bride Magazine - Your Local Wedding Resource
*
Shaadi Style Magazine - contains the latest bridal and party fashions along with information on etiquette and cultural ideas for planning or attending a South Asian wedding.
*
Southern Bride Magazine - advice, news, articles for the bride.
*
Southern New England Weddings - dedicated to brides planning their wedding in Newport, RI, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and southern New England.
*
Today's Bride - contains a searchable collection of ideas, trends, traditions, products, and services.
*
Today's Bride WedWorld - created by a Canadian magazine. Features a bridal forum, shopper's guide, and announcements.
*
Wedding Planner & Guide - Wisconsin and Northern Illinois bridal publication with listing of businesses to plan the perfect wedding.
*
Wedding Solutions - South African wedding magazine and search directory including articles, advice, tips, and news.
*
Wedding Style Magazine - planning for sophisticated brides.
*
WeddingBells - source of ideas for a wedding celebration, from the publishers of an award-winning magazine.
*
Weddings Inc.
*
Weddings Magazine - information, advice, stories and more for planning a wedding in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
*
WedNet - resource for brides and grooms featuring articles, editorials, reference materials, checklists, listings and more.
http://www.bostonbridalshows.com/weddingmagazines.html
Bridal shows: Local shows offer deals and information
Make the wedding of your dreams a reality at the local bridal fairs coming up this month. The Thanksgiving Point Wedding Expo offers a place for the groom, a bridal salon to see the latest hair styles, a fabulous fashion show and more! The first 50 brides to attend each day will receive a UtahBrides
.com Ultimate Bridal Portfolio at no charge. Visit www.utahweddingexpo.com to enter to win a Home Starter Grand Prize package. Just answer the question: What is the key to a successful marriage?
At the Bridal Extravaganza! at the Tahitian Noni International Visitors Center, brides are free if they preregister, and everyone else (12 and up) is $5 at the door. The first 150 brides will receive a free Bed Bath & Beyond gift bag valued at $25.
The Bridal Fair at Provo High School offers a free updo and tote bag for each bride along with fashion shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., live entertainment and food. There is also a live radio broadcast with 101.9 the End and celebrity DJs.
Each show has a wealth of local vendors, top wedding professionals and industry leaders as well as opportunities to win many great prizes.
Vendors include photographers, cake decorators, wedding gown salons, spas, printers, reception centers, jewelry stores, florists, travel agencies and hoteliers.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20070111/ai_n17133409
.com Ultimate Bridal Portfolio at no charge. Visit www.utahweddingexpo.com to enter to win a Home Starter Grand Prize package. Just answer the question: What is the key to a successful marriage?
At the Bridal Extravaganza! at the Tahitian Noni International Visitors Center, brides are free if they preregister, and everyone else (12 and up) is $5 at the door. The first 150 brides will receive a free Bed Bath & Beyond gift bag valued at $25.
The Bridal Fair at Provo High School offers a free updo and tote bag for each bride along with fashion shows at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., live entertainment and food. There is also a live radio broadcast with 101.9 the End and celebrity DJs.
Each show has a wealth of local vendors, top wedding professionals and industry leaders as well as opportunities to win many great prizes.
Vendors include photographers, cake decorators, wedding gown salons, spas, printers, reception centers, jewelry stores, florists, travel agencies and hoteliers.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20070111/ai_n17133409
Bridal show opens Saturday
Ever wonder how you are going to arrange everything in time for your wedding? And where will you find the people who offer the services you need?
Get the answers to both questions at the 27th annual Wonderful World of Weddings show.
This year, the show is being managed by Expo Productions, Hartland, which took over after longtime manager Norma Seider retired last year.
Expo Productions President Jay Partington said the show is similar to previous years, with a few updates, some new exhibitors and plenty of fresh ideas.
For example, booths will provide information on financial management, getting that first apartment, buying unpainted furniture, and even getting your teeth brightened.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 people attend the show each year. Most are women.
"I think more men are becoming more involved in the wedding and decision-making," Partington said. "That's why some of the newer booths such as honeymoon gifts or gift ideas for groomsmen, ideas for bachelor parties and tuxedos, are geared just for men."
For women, one of the most popular features of the Expo are the bridal shows scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
They are produced by Center Stage of Milwaukee and will feature bridal gowns and apparel for the wedding party, lingerie and floral items, formal wear accessories and headpieces. In the finale, floral bouquets with attached gifts will be thrown into the audience.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4208/is_19950105/ai_n10179802
Get the answers to both questions at the 27th annual Wonderful World of Weddings show.
This year, the show is being managed by Expo Productions, Hartland, which took over after longtime manager Norma Seider retired last year.
Expo Productions President Jay Partington said the show is similar to previous years, with a few updates, some new exhibitors and plenty of fresh ideas.
For example, booths will provide information on financial management, getting that first apartment, buying unpainted furniture, and even getting your teeth brightened.
Between 4,000 and 5,000 people attend the show each year. Most are women.
"I think more men are becoming more involved in the wedding and decision-making," Partington said. "That's why some of the newer booths such as honeymoon gifts or gift ideas for groomsmen, ideas for bachelor parties and tuxedos, are geared just for men."
For women, one of the most popular features of the Expo are the bridal shows scheduled for 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
They are produced by Center Stage of Milwaukee and will feature bridal gowns and apparel for the wedding party, lingerie and floral items, formal wear accessories and headpieces. In the finale, floral bouquets with attached gifts will be thrown into the audience.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4208/is_19950105/ai_n10179802
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A Career in Wedding Planning
As a wedding planner you can have a rewarding career that lets you use your creativity to organize the happiest day of people's lives.
In our busy society it's no wonder so many couples turn to a professional wedding planner to ensure their wedding is as stress free as possible. With more than 2.5 million weddings taking place in the United States alone last year, there are more opportunities for wedding planners than ever before.
As long as you have the desire, you can become a wedding planner. No special education or experience is necessary to break into this career and succeed. If wedding planning sounds like the career of your dreams, here are ten steps to breaking into this fabulous job, based on the FabJob Guide to Become a Wedding Planner, published by FabJob.com.
1. Develop your skills
Successful wedding planners have a number of traits in common. They are usually creative people with excellent interpersonal skills who love to plan events. While most of these traits come naturally to many wedding planners, an important skill that some need to develop is organizational ability. To help you stay organized, you can create timeline schedules and checklists, and use organizational tools such as a day planner or binder to keep track of all the wedding details and paperwork.
2. Learn about Weddings
There are numerous details involved in planning a wedding -- from selecting the wedding date to choosing the menu for the reception. You can learn how to plan weddings by taking continuing education classes or through self-study. To teach yourself, help out with as many weddings as possible, visit bridal shows, read wedding magazines, and conduct informational interviews with clergy of various faiths, recently married brides and others connected to the wedding business such as florists and caterers.
3. Create a portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of photographs that show people your skill at planning weddings. To develop a portfolio, offer your services to friends and family who are getting married in exchange for pictures for your portfolio. (You can ask them to write reference letters for you as well.) You can also include photographs of table settings or room decorations you have created in your home, or pictures from your own wedding to show your creative side.
4. Find a job in the wedding industry
Even if you plan to start your own business, consider getting a job in the industry first. Besides employment benefits, these positions can be used as a stepping-stone to gain valuable experience and contacts. Wedding coordinators are hired by hotels, country clubs, and churches across the country.
Some of the more exciting options include working as a wedding coordinator at an attraction such as Disney World or at a resort in a location such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Europe or the Caribbean. Many other job opportunities for "bridal consultants" are available with companies that supply products and services for weddings including bridal shops, department stores with gift registries, florists, and caterers.
5. Set up your own business
Setting up a wedding planning business is not much different than starting any other business, with a few exceptions. You should be able to work from home as long as you set aside an office space free from interruptions from children or pets. This is especially important if you plan on holding meetings with clients there.
Set up costs will be minimal but you will need a computer, fax, business phone line, cell phone, business cards, and marketing materials such as a website. Before setting up your business, take advantage of the free advice offered by agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration.
6. Choose a specialty
Wedding planners offer a variety of services and packages based on their specific skills and interests. For example, you might offer complete wedding planning services, wedding day co-ordination only, or consult with brides and grooms who want to plan their own weddings. Some wedding planners specialize in arranging "destination weddings" at resorts or on cruise ships. Decide which services you would like to offer.
7. Develop relationships with vendors
Vendors are suppliers of any product or service related to weddings, such as limousine companies, musicians, photographers, party supply companies, invitation printers, etc. Vendors can be a valued partner in planning a successful wedding and a great networking ally.
Conduct informational meetings to learn about their services, and what discounts they can offer you as a wedding planner. Before recommending a site for a wedding ceremony or reception, visit and inspect the premises. Take notes on the condition, size, cleanliness and capacity of each venue so you can guide your clients in making suitable choices. Always follow up with vendors after the wedding with a thank you note or to discuss any changes you want for future.
8. Get clients
One of the best ways to get clients is through your relationships with vendors. Supply business cards and brochures to the bridal shops, caterers, florists, photographers and other vendors you work with, and ask them to recommend your services to their customers who are getting married. Other ways to market your services include advertising, networking, participating in bridal shows, or even organizing your own bridal show.
9. Consult with clients
Once you start getting calls from brides and grooms, arrange a client consultation meeting. The purpose of this initial consultation is to learn as much as possible about the couple and what they want, so you can show them how hiring you will help them achieve the wedding of their dreams. Be prepared to ask questions to find out what type of wedding they want, their budget, number of guests, etc.
At this meeting you will discuss your fees, which might be an hourly rate such as $50 per hour or a flat fee. Explain how you can help them have the worry-free wedding of their dreams.
10. Be recognized as a professional
Successful wedding planners are always interested in learning new ideas they can use with their clients. Consider joining a professional association for wedding planners to keep up with new developments in the industry. Clients will be impressed with your affiliation to a professional organization, especially if it certifies you as a professional wedding planner.
Based on the FabJob.com Guide to Become a Wedding Planner. The complete book gives detailed advice on how you can get paid to plan weddings, be hired for a job in the wedding industry, or start your own wedding planning business. It is available online through www.FabJob.com/weddingplanner.asp (NOTE TO EDITORS: This article may be edited for publication in your newsletter or on your website but must include the title of the guide and a live link.)
Planning A Wedding? Tips On How To Attend A Bridal Show
If you’re getting married, a Bridal Show is a great place to get started. Since 1996, I have attended or participated in over 150 Bridal Shows, and I thought I would pass on some tips to you, to make your trip a little easier. You can find local Bridal Shows being held anywhere from malls to hotels, convention centers and wedding facilities. You can expect to see anywhere from 10 to over 100 wedding vendors, and every single one of them is competing for your business. What to do? How to start? What to bring?
If possible, find out which vendors will be participating in the show before you attend. This will help you map out your plan of attack. Knowing who will be there in advance, as well as maybe having a layout of the show itself, you can seek out the vendors you really want to talk to, and those that aren’t so important to you.
Wear comfortable shoes and leave your coat in the car. Many shows do not offer coat check and it can become quite a burden to lug your coat, your purse, your brochures, and everything else around! This is why you need to…see next item!
Bring someone with you! Bring your Mother, a Bridesmaid, and yes, your fiancé may even enjoy himself! They can help you with collecting information and would be happy you included them in the planning process! As for your fiancé? Just tell him that he can win free stuff and eat free cake!
Other than some cake samples, and possibly appetizers, most Bridal Shows will not have food or drink available to purchase. Make sure you eat before you go, and bring a beverage.
Don’t take too many people with you. They’ll wander off and you’ll spend all your time trying to keep everyone together instead of focusing on your goals for the day.
Bring address labels. I recommend printing out labels on your home computer with your name, address, phone number, email address and wedding date. I also recommend opening a free email account that is designated strictly for all the wedding info you will receive and then cancel them email account after you have booked all of your vendors! You can also rent a P.O. Box to handle all the wedding brochures and mailings you will receive, and then cancel the PO Box when you no longer want the mailings. However, just remember, these vendors will use the information you provide for them – if you don’t want sales pitch phone calls or mailings, simply do not give out your phone number or address! You may miss a great deal though!
Bring the following items: pen, notebook, date book, checkbook, credit card and a large tote bag to carry everything in. Many vendors offer special pricing if you book with them and leave a deposit with them the day of the show. Still not sure if this vendor is truly the one you want? Ask if they would be willing to extend the special price to you for any length of time after the show. Most vendors won’t have a problem working with you. If they say no, it makes you wonder why you need to do it RIGHT THERE AND THEN! Say thank you, and pass on by. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be.
Before you place that deposit, be 100% sure that you have read and agree to all the details on their contract concerning the description of what it is you are signing up for and their policies. What sounds like a great deal won’t be so great if you later find out the DJ takes an hour break and your cake doesn’t come with a stand!
If you plan on attending the Fashion show portion of the day, make sure you arrive at least an hour early. Seating is often first come, first serve, and if you’ve brought all 12 of your Bridesmaids along, you want to guarantee good seats for everyone!
If attending the Fashion Show isn’t so important to you, then use that time to visit with the vendors. Since the majority of brides will be watching the show, you will have a better chance to actually talk to a vendor and it will be a much quieter atmosphere.
If you are provided with a “Bride” sticker, don’t be embarrassed to wear it! It can become confusing for vendors to identify everyone that attends, and if they know you are the bride, you are more likely to get special treatment!
When filling out any contest entries or door prize drawing slips, print clearly! Who would want to miss out on winning a free limo for their wedding because no one could read your phone number?
The best place to take notes is on the actual brochure handed out by each vendor. That way you connect a face to your notes, to your brochure, and it will be easier to remember when you make your follow up calls.
Most shows will charge a nominal fee for attendance. Make sure you pre-register if the option is available, and don’t be too embarrassed to call the company hosting the show to see if they offer any discounts on admission.
Enjoy yourself! It’s just a bridal show! Nothing HAS to be set in stone that day. Many of the bigger shows will be crowded and noisy – don’t let this deter you! Use this time to gather information and enjoy any of the special offers extended to you. You are the Bride; you make the rules when dealing with vendors. It’s YOUR day, not theirs!
Charity Plaster is the Owner of A Charmed Event, a wedding and event planning company. She is a Certified Wedding Coordinator, creator of a local Wedding Workshop and licensed Officiant who has helped hundreds of couples bring their dream weddings to life.
A Guide to Choose Wedding Vendors
When you are planning for your big day, you will need to come across quite a number of vendors. You need to hire a company to prepare wedding favor, caterer, baker for your wedding cake and so on.
Although it is unavoidable that you have to hire different wedding, most couples have a feeling that it is quite difficult to search for suitable wedding vendors. In fact, a badly chosen vendor can ruin your wedding. You should never overlook the task of searching for the professionals and here are some suggestions when you are searching for them.
No one will deny that a wedding professional with good reputation will be worth trusting. One of the best ways to gather information of the reputation of them is to consult your friends and relatives who have married. Their experiences are certainly invaluable. If your friend had bad experience with a particular wedding vendor, I will suggest you better choose another vendor to help you, no matter how attractive their services are.
You can also go to bridal shows to meet different wedding professionals. One of the advantages of going to a bridal show is that you can meet a lot of the vendors at the same place. You will find nearly all the different trades you need to approach for your wedding. In these shows, the vendors may urge you to join their programs. However, you should allow yourself some time to think about it first. It is in fact not necessary for you to make the decision right the way. Instead you can collect their contact information and call them later if you decide to hire them.
Besides, you may also consult the staff of the wedding venue you choose. They will probably have a list of vendors who constantly working with them. Since these vendors usually have quite a lot of experiences in planning a wedding in the venue. They may be able to provide more suitable services.
You should also check on the internet for different wedding professionals. You can gather a lot of information with Yahoo or Google. You can even take a look at different wedding forums and newsgroups on weddings. Users of these forums and newsgroups will share their experience and you may also ask for their opinions on the wedding vendors.
Local bridal magazines can also be good sources of gathering information. You do not need to buy every bridal magazine but it will be good to buy a few for the sake of gathering information. You can check the advertisements in the magazines and also take a look at the comments by the editors of the magazines. However, you should be always critical about the comments because some of these "comments" are not really comments. They are indeed advertisements.
In conclusion, it is not enough to rely on only one of the above ways to gather information. I will suggest you to use all of the above methods in order to gather the information. When you see an advertisement in bridal magazines, you can ask on the forums for opinions of the wedding professional. At the same time you may also need to ask your friends for opinions so that you will not make a wrong decision.
Jerry Leung is a wedding invitation designer with great interest in Chinese Style Wedding cards. He designs unique Personalized Wedding Invitations. Besides, he runs a blog on weddings to share his ideas on items such as Wedding Cake. You can also find lists of wedding vendors from his Wedding Directory Websites.
Planning Your Own Wedding
Okay. It’s finally happened. Your honey has popped the question and now you’re officially engaged. What next? Well, if you are like most people, the next step is to set a date and plan for the wedding ceremony and reception. What follows are a few tips to help you plan for your wedding on your own.
Unless it's a good reason to hurry (like an impending military deployment), take the time to discuss this carefully with your groom. Experts agree that firstly, give yourself time (a year or little more is not an unreasonable amount of time) to make sure the plans you make come to fruition. This gives you the necessary buffer you need to make any kind of changes in your original plans that may come up.
Secondly, the busiest times a year to have a wedding falls around Valentine's Day, the month of June, and around Christmas. While it may be cute to plan your nuptials around these times for sentimental or personal reasons, you need to be aware that these are most likely to be the busiest times for a florist, caterer, or even your favorite church when it comes to booking them for their services. Try to choose a wedding date other than these times to allow friends and family to attend more easily.
Next, take into account the amount of money that you are comfortably able to spend on your wedding reception and ceremony. Unfortunately, the hard truth is that that the expense of a wedding is probably one of the biggest outlays of cash you will make in your life, right up there with the cost of a college education or your first home. Depending on your financial resources (are you paying for this yourself or would you get help from one or both sets of parents), you need to take careful stock so that you can adequately plan for the costs that your wedding is going to incur.
Depending on your time schedule, it might be advantageous to attend the annual bridal shows offered in many cities. They are usually very good for new brides. They showcase the different services available like florists, caterers, and bridal shops that are in or near your community. Realize that what they are going to show is, of course, the more expensive things they offer, but it can be a really educational experience both for getting ideas for your own wedding and to give you a more accurate idea of what the true costs can run you.
In conjunction with these bridal shows, many times the brides-to-be are given a copy of a free wedding planning guide to keep track of things. or example, the florists you chose, the kind of flowers you ordered, who you chose as a caterer, the musicians or DJ that you hired for your wedding reception, etc. Sometimes wedding planning guides are offered at the same time of year free from your local newspaper. If you need further help you can use one of these or find books to help you plan from your local bookstore. Thankfully, the internet contains innumerable sites which offer advice, tips, and information on how to plan your own wedding ceremony.
L Hayes is a wedding professional and owner of Wedding Favors Emporium. They carry an extensive line of unique wedding favors. They offer many popular gift ideas such as place card holders, beach favors, and bridesmaid gifts. For more information about discount and cheap wedding favors, wedding planning, or wedding reception ideas, visit their website.
Bridal Show Savvy - Tips Every Bride Should Know
Planning a wedding is an experience that can be exciting and scary at the same time. There are so many decisions to make while the clock ticks away. Music...dresses...invitations...flowers...these thoughts clutter the mind and leaves little time to enjoy the whole wedding planning experience. One way to help simplify the wedding planning process is to attend a bridal show. A bridal show is basically a one stop shopping experience where local vendors gather under one roof to show their products to potential customers. Florists, photographers, bridal salons and more are available to you to offer their services and expert advice. Visiting with the different bridal vendors in one location makes it easy to compare prices and services and in turn, to save you time and money. There are several do's and don'ts when it comes to bridal show shopping. Here is a list of tips to help you to become a savvy bridal show shopper.
Tip# 1:
Register Before the Show Most
Admission is discounted or free if you register prior to the show.
Tip#2
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be doing a lot of walking.
Tip #3
Return Address Labels
Bring along a roll of return address stickers. These are useful for prize drawings. Use the stickers rather than filling out the entry forms.
Tip#4
Bring Pen and Paper
You will need to take notes to remember what the vendors tell you.
Tip#5
Browse but Don't Buy
Meet with the bridal vendors to see what they have to offer but don't be pressured to book their services at the show. Take information with you to go over at home.
Tip#6
Ask Questions
Bring a list of questions to ask the bridal vendors. They are there to help you. Jot down any price quotes or tips they may have to offer.
Tip#7
Create a New E-mail Account
Register for a free e-mail address that you can use when filling out forms. When the wedding is over you can cancel the account and not receive any unwanted wedding information.
Tip#8
Gather Information
Take as much literature home as you can. What you may not be interested in today, you may decide tomorrow that you would like to try.
Tip#9
Rate Bridal Vendor Information
Bring a marker or colored pen to rate the vendor information on a scale of 1-10 (10 being best). Mark the flier or business card of the bridal vendor with your rating so you can remember how interested you are in what they are selling.
Tip#10
Bring Along a Friend
It is fun to have someone to share the experience with and to offer a second opinion.
Tip#11
Bring Your Checkbook
You may want to book a service or give a deposit to hold a date.
Tip#12
Relax and Enjoy
Bridal shows can be hectic but don't get overwhelmed. Decisions take time and do not need to be made in one day.
For the perfect must have keepsake every bride should own visit http://Keepsake Frames and Flowers Keepsake Frames and Flowers.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
What To Expect From A Bridal Show
Most bridal shows are scheduled in the months of January and August. Tickets are usually between $5.00 and $10.00 with a one or two dollar discount if you purchase your tickets online before the event. Prizes may be offered for the first 100, 200 or 500 brides to attend, which usually includes a copy of a major bridal magazine such as “Modern Bride,” a local bridal guide, a pin that says “Bride to Be,” as well as tickets for drawings and sweepstakes.
The most recent bridal show I attended started at 11:00 and ended at 5:00. They had a mini bridal fashion show that started at noon and showcased about 20 wedding gowns from one of the exhibitors. The “Runway Fashion Show” which included more gowns and tuxedos was scheduled for 3:00. The prize drawings were announced at 2pm and 4pm. Having arrived at 11:00, my guests and I had visited all the exhibitors, watched the mini fashion show, and were done by around 12:30. I recommend going to bridal shows later in the day in order to be there for the main events and giveaways. Also, I noticed that there were plenty of free magazines, buttons, and gifts for people arriving after 12:30.
Expect to see a multitude of local photographers at any bridal show you attend. You will be a little overwhelmed by their displays, but spend a little time looking through their photo albums, which contain some of their most personal and unusual candid shots. You will have fun sampling wedding cakes from all the local bakeries. Even better, is seeing new trends in wedding cakes. I saw rich, brown layered cakes with gold leaf accents, and bold, bright colors such as magenta, purple and hot pink.
Unless you want to be bombarded with phone calls and emails from wedding professionals, be careful about the forms you fill out for the exhibitors. My daughter filled out a form for a free cruise giveaway. She was called after the show and asked for her credit card number over the phone. Remember, that even if you “win” something, it may be a $500 discount off of a $2,000 photography package.
Being able to talk to so many wedding professionals in one place is very beneficial. Looking at companies online, who all claim to be the best at what they do, is impersonal and confusing. The exhibitors are friendly and helpful. You will be able to determine for yourself whether you like the taste and look of their cakes, or the design of their flower arrangements. You may not win a prize, but you will come home with a free magazine, some referrals, and some great new ideas for your wedding.
Kathleen Terrana is the owner of Beautiful Bridal specializing in discount tiaras, veils, bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Visit our site for additional wedding tips, advice and information.
Promotional Products For Bridal Shows
Weddings are huge business. While word of mouth and internet advertising are good ways to advertise, many bridal consultants, florists and other wedding related businesses pick up the bulk of their business leads at bridal shows and fairs. Bridal fairs offer wedding related businesses the chance to influence thousands of happy couples in a single afternoon or weekend. Of course, the tradeoff is that you’re also competing with dozens and sometimes hundreds of other businesses who are all trying to grab the attention of the same market that you’re trying to snag.
Promotional products and advertising gifts hold the key to grabbing that attention long enough to pitch your service or products to your intended customers. When choosing promotional products for a trade show, these are the considerations you should keep in mind:
1. You can use promotional products for many different purposes at bridal shows.
There’s more to promotional products than giveaway business gifts, and most companies that specialize in creating promotional items and corporate gifts can handle all of your promotional needs. The more business you do with a single company, the more likely it is that you’ll be eligible for volume discounts and special pricing on individual parts of your order. Among the things you can order from promotional specialists are:
1. lead generation incentives
2. customer appreciation gifts
3. exhibit displays
4. presentation materials
5. informational flyers and leaflets
6. product carrier bags
7. staff apparel
2. Use promotional products to attract attention to your display space.
There are many ways to do this. You might choose, for instance, to offer a “gotta have it” promotional giveaway to those who visit your booth and make an appointment for a consultation. You might use a brightly colored exhibit stand to catch the eye, or create an arresting display of colorful printed balloons. Whatever you choose, remember that you’ll be competing for attention with many other displays. Find ways to make yours unique and outstanding.
3. Use promotional apparel to give your booth attendants a cohesive appearance.
The people tending your booth are, like it or not, part of the display. One way to make sure that they “fit” your image is to invest in promotional polo shirts, jackets or other matching apparel.
4. Check the prices and ideas for printed materials for handouts at bridal shows and exhibitions.
A firm that specializes in promotional printing is often expert at designing both booth displays and the promotional materials that you’ll be handing out from your booth. One way to make sure that all of your materials coordinate is to order them all and have them all produced by the same company. Take advantage of the professional design services that most promotional products companies offer at reduced prices or even free when you place an order with them.
5. Put your carry away gifts in eye catching bags or packages.
Many exhibiters at bridal shows and wedding expos put a lot of thought into the colors for their booth, the choice of appreciation gifts and lead generation incentives – and completely miss one of their best opportunities to increase name recognition. I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched booth attendants scrambling for any sort of bag or container for attendees. Invest in generously sized printed carrier bags for your takeaway materials and appreciation gifts. Your exhibit visitors will appreciate the extra room to stow all the stuff they pick up at other booths – but it will be YOUR logo that’s on display. For additional information on advertising gifts, corporate gifts or promotional items then why not check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today and start to make big savings.
Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional products, promotional items and business gifts company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques.
Promotional products and advertising gifts hold the key to grabbing that attention long enough to pitch your service or products to your intended customers. When choosing promotional products for a trade show, these are the considerations you should keep in mind:
1. You can use promotional products for many different purposes at bridal shows.
There’s more to promotional products than giveaway business gifts, and most companies that specialize in creating promotional items and corporate gifts can handle all of your promotional needs. The more business you do with a single company, the more likely it is that you’ll be eligible for volume discounts and special pricing on individual parts of your order. Among the things you can order from promotional specialists are:
1. lead generation incentives
2. customer appreciation gifts
3. exhibit displays
4. presentation materials
5. informational flyers and leaflets
6. product carrier bags
7. staff apparel
2. Use promotional products to attract attention to your display space.
There are many ways to do this. You might choose, for instance, to offer a “gotta have it” promotional giveaway to those who visit your booth and make an appointment for a consultation. You might use a brightly colored exhibit stand to catch the eye, or create an arresting display of colorful printed balloons. Whatever you choose, remember that you’ll be competing for attention with many other displays. Find ways to make yours unique and outstanding.
3. Use promotional apparel to give your booth attendants a cohesive appearance.
The people tending your booth are, like it or not, part of the display. One way to make sure that they “fit” your image is to invest in promotional polo shirts, jackets or other matching apparel.
4. Check the prices and ideas for printed materials for handouts at bridal shows and exhibitions.
A firm that specializes in promotional printing is often expert at designing both booth displays and the promotional materials that you’ll be handing out from your booth. One way to make sure that all of your materials coordinate is to order them all and have them all produced by the same company. Take advantage of the professional design services that most promotional products companies offer at reduced prices or even free when you place an order with them.
5. Put your carry away gifts in eye catching bags or packages.
Many exhibiters at bridal shows and wedding expos put a lot of thought into the colors for their booth, the choice of appreciation gifts and lead generation incentives – and completely miss one of their best opportunities to increase name recognition. I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched booth attendants scrambling for any sort of bag or container for attendees. Invest in generously sized printed carrier bags for your takeaway materials and appreciation gifts. Your exhibit visitors will appreciate the extra room to stow all the stuff they pick up at other booths – but it will be YOUR logo that’s on display. For additional information on advertising gifts, corporate gifts or promotional items then why not check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today and start to make big savings.
Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional products, promotional items and business gifts company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
How To Choose A Wedding Site - Tips And Ideas For Brides And Grooms Planning A Wedding
GENERAL INFORMATION
We recommend that if possible, both bride and groom will attend all interviews. Always carry a note pad and pen to write down important information and questions that may arise during your interview.
Actually, choosing the wedding site that is just right for you, is a lot of fun. Before you start looking, you should brainstorm. As you do, take to consideration your budget, your wedding theme, the atmosphere you want at your wedding, your interests, and your guests.
The location is one of the most important aspects of your wedding so consider carefully what will make yours a special, one-of-a-kind wedding event. You have many option including a do it yourself wedding (friends and family contributing of course.) Following is a list to get you started. Ideas for wedding sites include:
A Home - do it yourself wedding,
Auditoriums - usually on a rental basis,
Beach - public domain may need permit and or license,
Bed and Breakfast - full service,
Camp Grounds - do it yourself wedding,
Club Houses - do it yourself wedding,
Country Clubs - most offer full service,
Conference Centers- some offer full service, some are on a rental basis,
Convention Centers - some offer full service, some are on a rental basis,
Hotel - Ball Rooms - Grounds or - Gardens. A Gazebo makes a wonderful setting for a wedding ceremony- full service
Houses of Worship - Churches - Synagogues - Temples - Mosques - etc...some offer full service, some are on a rental basis, some can only facilitate the ceremony,
Mansions - full service
Museums -some museums offer celebration rooms and may even help with special wedding themes, especially historical - usually on a rental basis,
Parks - Great - do it yourself wedding,
Patio - Gardens - do it yourself wedding,
ranches - usually on a rental basis,
Resorts, full service
Rented Halls - usually on a rental basis,
Stadiums - usually on a rental basis,
Yachts or Cruise Ships - full service,
You can probably come up with some more ideas.
Unless the location is your top priority, choose the dream location and a few alternative sites that will be just right for you, so that if necessary you can be flexible. Some location are natural for weddings and offer all the amanities you need. Others rent the space and leave the rest to you, still others are free but you have to make all the arrangements. So, consider your budget, consider the work involved, consider your guests and choose the site that will afford you your dream wedding. The information you gathered, is actually a wonderful preparation for your interviews.
FULL SERVICE WEDDING SITE and FACILITIES
These are venues that can take care of every little detail regarding your ceremony and reception. You'll still need to attend to your personal needs. You'll need to attend to the attire, wedding accessories and wedding gifts for each other, family, and wedding attendants.
SITES AVAILABLE on a RENTAL BASIS
Many wedding sites that are available on a rental basis. Some provide the space, others provide tables and chairs too while still other provide linens, tableware, flatware and glassware as well. There are also rental based sites that have a working relationship with selected caterers and are familiar with other wedding service providers and vendors.
PUBLIC SITES
Public parks, beaches, gardens etc... make great wedding sites and are perfect for do it yourself weddings. They offer you the opportunity to express yourselves in an unconfined atmosphere. Most are free to use but you'll need to do the majority of the planning and contracting. Your first step is to find if you need any permits and or licenses. If you do, obtain them.
HOME
Many apartment complexes, condominums, mobil home parke and gated communities have club houses for their residents´ use. So whether you choose to have your wedding in a home or a club house, you'll need to be in charge. Do recruit your family and friends and assign them appropriate tasks. Most will be honored to be asked and excited to be a contributing part of your wedding.
HOW TO FIND WEDDING SITES
Once you have chosen the type of wedding site you want for your wedding, do the following:
You want only the best! Be selective!
Now, check the internet for local wedding sites and go to their websites.
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT OF THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FACILITY:
QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FACILITIES:
Please note that not all questions apply to all. Each question will indicate what venue(s) it is directed to. fs = full service - rb = rental basis - ps = public site
* If you plan not to include children in your reception, do not alienate guests who'd rather bring children than miss your wedding. You should provide a babysitting service for such guests.
Once you made your choice, you need to receive a written contract signed by the person in charge, and dated. The contract must include all of your responsibilities and all of the responsibilities, warranties and guarantees offered by the facility. Caveat Emptor - Buyer beware! Read each contract very carefully, on, under and above the line. Be sure that you understand it fully and agree with all the terms. If you have questions, concerns, or are uncertain, contact them for clarification. In most parts of the USA you have 3 days to examin the contract and if you need to, cancel with no penalties.
Copyrights © 2007 All Rights Reserved Nily Glaser
Nily Glaser, the CEO of A-wedding Day at: http://www.a-weddingday.com She writes important articles, and has presented workshops for wedding professionals all over the USA. To read more of her articles CLICK HERE Her web site is very popular for its discount wedding gifts, bridal accessories, print your own invitations, favors and the very unique items offered including the exclusive line of wedding Accessories By Nily.
How To Show The Woman You Married That You Love Her
What have you done lately to show the woman you married that you love her? Did you take her out to dinner? Maybe you bought her some flowers or chocolates? A man likes to do these things for a woman because it’s easy and fast. But is your wife really appreciating the flowers and chocolates? In this article I have mentioned a few other useful tricks you can do to show your wife that you love her.
1. Validate the woman you married
A woman needs her man to validate her feelings. I know sometimes this is challenging for you to do, especially if you disagree with something she needs your support on. There is a correct way to do this without being offensive and hurting her feelings.
First of all be understanding of your wife’s feelings and then collaborate her on her thoughts and ideas even if they differ from yours. In essence, when you listen to your wife’s feelings, without criticizing her, you have essentially given her the validation she needs. Everyone needs validation from time to time; it makes them feel useful and productive individuals.
By trying to be more understanding, essentially you will be respecting the woman you married. Tell her how much you like her decorating style, or how she manages the home, or the way she dresses. Find the things about your wife you really like, be honest and tell her the great things you love about her instead of keeping those feelings inside.
Validation is a form of acceptance that you can give your wife. By accepting her for the woman she is it will make her feel safe and secure being your wife. A woman who feels safe and loved will ultimately give more of her self to her man.
Ironically, a husband can validate his wife’s feelings better when he takes the role of spiritual leader in the home. A man who feels secure in his position is more likely to make his wife feel good about who she is in the marriage. They work better together as a team, accomplishing more for them selves and the marriage.
2. Be more Affectionate with your wife
Hold your wife’s hand while watching TV, taking a walk, or driving in the car. Massage her back or feet without asking for anything in return. Your wife likes to be touched and fussed over occasionally, know when that time is by being attune to your wife’s feelings, and paying special attention to your wife on those days.
2. Surprise your wife with something totally unexpected
Instead of golfing with your buddies on Saturday, take your wife to a romantic outside lunch if it is summer or fireplace lunch in the winter. Then take her to a romantic comedy matinee movie. If you have the money to spend, book a hotel room for the night with a Jacuzzi and enjoy the night together! Your wife will love all this.
Make her a homemade all-occasion card on the computer telling her how important she is to you in your life. Make her feel special. Get creative, draw her a picture, and spend time on creating this card, she will love it that you took the time to make her a card rather than simply buying one from the store. It is the simple things in life that mean the most.
4. Give your wife the whole day off from cooking, children, and house cleaning.
This isn’t too hard. On your day off do everything for her. Do all the things she does for you. If you don’t know how to cook, order pizza or Chinese food. Let your wife spend the day with her friends shopping or going to lunch, etc. When she comes home give her a back rub, take her shoes off, draw her a hot bubble bath and let her take a long bath. When she comes out from her bath, light the candles, caress her some more and just be there for her all the rest of the evening. Be her loving, romantic and protecting man so she can be the woman God made her to be for you.
5. Appreciate all that your wife does
All of the above will show your wife that you love her and appreciate her for everything that she does. Being understanding of your wife’s feelings and needs on a consistent basis will improve the quality of your marriage a great deal. By taking the respective roles that God has designed for each gender will greatly enhance the happiness of your marriage. Be the man of the house so she can be the lady of the house.
~~
Angie Lewis has written another valuable book geared to married women and women who are thinking of getting married. In her book Angie shares her inspired divine wisdom that took her years to figure out and apply into her own marriage of 22 years. She shows you step by step biblical applications for a happier and forever lasting marriage.
"LOVE THE MAN YOU MARRIED" (A Woman's Handbook For Marriage) will be released to the public in Febuary 2006.
For more information on this book visit Angie's website http://www.spiritual.journeybooks.4t.com/
Subscribe to get your FREE monthly newsletter so you can learn to stay happily and forever married! http://www.heavenministries.com/
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Second Wedding Dress - Encore Brides Don't Settle for Second Best!
GONE are the days when the second time bride known as the "encore bride" has to settle for scaled down ceremonies with fewer guests.
With over 45% percent of all weddings today involving one or both partners who have been married before, it's difficult to tell from the attire whether the modern bride is marrying for the first or umpteenth time. In fact, the modern bride who is lucky enough to find love again is trampling on the old traditions. Now their wedding is based on their taste and their budget. With the motto being: "This is the last time, and it's got to be the best."
The “encore bride” is in a different place than when she had her first wedding. They are confident, they have more money to spend, and they know what they want. Their focus is on "simple elegance".
Whether it is your first, second or third wedding the focal point is still the wedding dress. These brides are seeking dresses that are tailored rather than poufy - a sexy, sophisticated look with the emphasis on quality fabrics.
Today's trends in bridal gowns are all about you. Your second wedding gown should reflect your personal style, your fashion sense and what kind of wedding you want to have.
When shopping for that perfect dress it helps to know your body type so you can choose the gown that highlights your best features and downplays the areas you wish you could forget.
Here are some of the latest fashion trends to help get you started:
Trains are fine, but keep them simple, again matching the formality and style of the wedding.
Show some skin: At this year's runway shows, many designers decided to go bare. Creations featured mostly strapless gowns that place the emphasis on the bodice: gently weaved, beaded, or simple with demure jeweled straps.
Body-Conscious: Designers are very body conscious these days, with shape taking precedence. This is good news for any bride: most of these dresses have a slimming effect. The ever-popular A-line (also known as princess) is a long cut that draws the eye downwards, and often has a built-in train. This does not mean that designers have abandoned the classic traditional gowns...the skirts still float but the cut is meant to flatter the body.
Embroidery and Lace: These two mainstays of bridal fashion never go out of style and let’s not forget beading. Today's bride wants the opulence in beadwork with many designers choosing crystals over glass beads.
Color: This component of a gown has never been so popular. Brides are actually thinking outside the box these days choosing jewel tone gowns in gold, silver, and a variety of pearl tones. However, second time brides still are confident enough to wear white, after all "white symbolizes commitment and faithfulness" so why not!
Where to Look: Magazines are the traditional way a bride begins her gown search, but why not look for a gown online? Most designers now have WebPages, and a collection of name gowns can be found on a number of websites. And if you're wondering, "Will the gown of my dreams fit me right?" there's help to be found on a multitude of websites which determine your body type and then suggest the dress type that is best for your figure.
Finally Hit the Runways! The latest fashions needn't remain a trade secret. Bridal shows, which feature live runway presentations of the current trends and designers, are an excellent way to view a variety of gowns.
A wedding is a celebration of love so indulge and take your time finding that perfect gown. The number one comment I receive from second time brides is..."this is definitely it, I'm not getting married again".
Gail Young is a co-founder of The Bridal Chalet, an online bridal boutique selling designer style couture and traditional wedding gowns and bridal accessories. A second time bride herself, Gail combines her extensive knowledge of the industry with her passion for designing couture bridal fashion. The Bridal Chalet has a collection of exclusive designer wedding gowns geared to the second time bride – the Sara Houston Collection.
Visit her website at: http://www.bridalchalet.com
How To Decide Between Flat Bridal Shoes Or High Heeled Bridal Shoes For You Wedding
Many women think that the only way to go is high heeled when it comes to bridal shoes but should you always follow the crowd? Over 80% of the women asked the question, "Would you wear high heels or flats on your wedding day?" answered that they would choose high heeled bridal shoes. There are many cases when high heels are inappropriate and after all you not only want to be beautiful on your wedding day but comfortable as well.
Even those that said they would wear the flat bridal shoes stated that the only reason they would wear flats would be if the venue of the wedding dictated it. Some even said they would forego shoes totally if they were being married on the beach. I see this all the time where I live in Florida. Almost unanimously they agreed that there wasn’t a chance that they would wear flats if they were going to have a church wedding or if being married in a hotel or even a garden setting. Why are women so opposed to flat bridal shoes?
For most women their wedding day will probably be the single most stressful day in their lives even if it is the culmination of a lifetime of dreaming. With this in mind consideration also should be given to the possibility that high heels present a considerable risk of stumbling or falling due to them getting caught up in the wedding dress.
I believe that all the hoopla over the high heeled bridal shoes comes from the writers of fashion magazines and those on TV shows that feature celebrity weddings. They all espouse the supposed attributes of high heels with claims that they will make the bride’s walk look more lady like and sexy. I personally disagree with them and I don’t believe that high heels necessarily make a woman look sexier, with the right dress flats or even no shoes at all can look very hot.
Going back to comfort, you must consider that as a bride you will be on your feet for quite a long time. You don’t just wear the shoes for the wedding and then it’s all over. You will be visiting with guests, friends, and relatives, dancing, having pictures taken and more. Possibly the answer is to have two pairs in the same style and color scheme of your wedding theme. That way you can have a pair of higher heels for your wedding and then the flats for the rest of the day so you are more comfortable.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about wedding shoes as well as designer shoes at http://www.designershoesplus.com
Friday, November 2, 2007
In Direct Sales - Maximize Sales To Brides
No matter what kind of product you represent, there is a good chance you can provide a valuable service to any Bride. In fact, Bride Magazine reported that approximately 80% of all brides spend an average of $50 per bridesmaid gift. In addition, brides spend more on themselves in the six months prior to their wedding than in any other six-month period in their life.
From cosmetics and personal care products to jewelry and clothing, many direct sellers offer just what the soon-to-be-bride is looking for! Here are some creative ways to reach brides:
Locating Soon-to-be-Brides
Check your local newspaper for engagement announcements and locate an address or phone number through your local directory. Contact the bride-to-be directly.
Take a local Wedding Planner out for coffee and share how you can help brides prepare for their big day. Offer her an incentive for passing on leads to you or, better yet, recruit her into the business!
Contact Bridal shops and wedding gown designers in your area to set an appointment to see how you might complement what they already offer their brides. Ask to place a drawing box in their shop that reads “Free bridal gifts – sign up today!” or “Need extra money to help pay for your wedding?” Then contact the entrants to suggest they hold a show/party to earn their bridal party gifts for free.
Participate in a Bridal Fair
Although they require an investment of your time and money, bridal shows are often a great way to meet new customers, schedule shows/parties, or locate potential team members. Pair up with another person on your team to make it more fun and less costly.
Go on a Bridal Treasure Hunt
Ask everyone you know, “Who do you know that is either getting married or is in a wedding this summer?” Then contact the bride and offer to meet with her privately to show off the lovely products you have to offer.
Gift-wrapping
When you are sharing your products with potential brides, mention the service of free gift-wrapping and delivery. This way you are eliminating the hassle of shopping for gifts and also the time to wrap each gift with care. This is a time for Brides to focus on their special day, not the trivial details.
Product Selection
Have some "Hot selling" items or "Bridal Savvy Selections" ready to share with your potential customer. This will help her envision the possibilities and see some of the beautiful products first hand. Remember, you are merely presenting ideas. Allow the Bride-to-be or customer to make the final selection. Also have an example of some products wrapped in the way the final products will be delivered.
When you set a goal to maximize your selling and sponsoring opportunity with soon-to-be Brides, you will be tapping into a new stream of revenue that could set the stage for higher sales and more team members for the entire year. Make it a priority TODAY!
Jane Deuber is a Co-Founder of http://www.DSWA.org (the only association dedicated to the needs of the independent party plan and network marketing professionals). Discover what makes the DSWA so unique. Listen to three motivating and informative free teleseminars by visiting http://www.mydswa.org/tele_class.asp
Promotional Products For Bridal Shows
Weddings are huge business. While word of mouth and internet advertising are good ways to advertise, many bridal consultants, florists and other wedding related businesses pick up the bulk of their business leads at bridal shows and fairs. Bridal fairs offer wedding related businesses the chance to influence thousands of happy couples in a single afternoon or weekend. Of course, the tradeoff is that you’re also competing with dozens and sometimes hundreds of other businesses who are all trying to grab the attention of the same market that you’re trying to snag.
Promotional products and advertising gifts hold the key to grabbing that attention long enough to pitch your service or products to your intended customers. When choosing promotional products for a trade show, these are the considerations you should keep in mind:
- You can use promotional products for many different purposes at bridal shows.
There’s more to promotional products than giveaway business gifts, and most companies that specialize in creating promotional items and corporate gifts can handle all of your promotional needs. The more business you do with a single company, the more likely it is that you’ll be eligible for volume discounts and special pricing on individual parts of your order. Among the things you can order from promotional specialists are:
- lead generation incentives
- customer appreciation gifts
- exhibit displays
- presentation materials
- informational flyers and leaflets
- product carrier bags
- staff apparel
- Use promotional products to attract attention to your display space.
There are many ways to do this. You might choose, for instance, to offer a “gotta have it” promotional giveaway to those who visit your booth and make an appointment for a consultation. You might use a brightly colored exhibit stand to catch the eye, or create an arresting display of colorful printed balloons. Whatever you choose, remember that you’ll be competing for attention with many other displays. Find ways to make yours unique and outstanding.
- Use promotional apparel to give your booth attendants a cohesive appearance.
The people tending your booth are, like it or not, part of the display. One way to make sure that they “fit” your image is to invest in promotional polo shirts, jackets or other matching apparel.
- Check the prices and ideas for printed materials for handouts at bridal shows and exhibitions.
A firm that specializes in promotional printing is often expert at designing both booth displays and the promotional materials that you’ll be handing out from your booth. One way to make sure that all of your materials coordinate is to order them all and have them all produced by the same company. Take advantage of the professional design services that most promotional products companies offer at reduced prices or even free when you place an order with them.
- Put your carry away gifts in eye catching bags or packages.
Many exhibiters at bridal shows and wedding expos put a lot of thought into the colors for their booth, the choice of appreciation gifts and lead generation incentives – and completely miss one of their best opportunities to increase name recognition. I can’t count the number of times I’ve watched booth attendants scrambling for any sort of bag or container for attendees. Invest in generously sized printed carrier bags for your takeaway materials and appreciation gifts. Your exhibit visitors will appreciate the extra room to stow all the stuff they pick up at other booths – but it will be YOUR logo that’s on display. For additional information on advertising gifts, corporate gifts or promotional items then why not check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today and start to make big savings.
Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional products, promotional items and business gifts company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wedding Dresses - How To Avoid The Top 7 Mistakes Brides Make When Looking For A Bridal Gown
One of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding is selecting the perfect bridal gown. Whether you know what you are looking for, or if you are just beginning your wedding dress search, there are several things you should be aware of to avoid making the mistakes many other brides before you have. A wedding dress is a large investment that most brides have dreamed of for a long time; a decision no bride wants to take the chance of getting wrong.
General observations reveal several factors that are repeated over and over again which lead to the wedding dress being the stuff of family legend, the focus of a television show or feature on an interactive website.
Mistake 1
Before you set foot in a wedding dress store, do your research. Read magazines, visit websites, attend bridal shows. This will help narrow down the many available options before you start looking. It is so easy to be swayed when you walk into a store full of glamorous bridal gowns where the assistants treat you like royalty - as they should! Develop a clear idea of what you like by compiling a clipping file of the dresses that appeal to you. And don't be afraid to consider dresses that aren't sold as wedding dresses.
Mistake 2
As you do your research into styles and types of wedding dresses, it is imperative that you have a wedding dress budget. Set a budget and keep to it. If you fall in love with something that is over budget, work out which element of your wedding you can pull the shortfall from before placing a deposit on your dream wedding dress.
Mistake 3
In the flurry of wedding dresses and bridal fabrics, it is easy to be caught up in all the hype and forget to ask the important questions. While researching, make a note of all the questions that come to mind and compile a checklist of your wedding dress requirements.
Mistake 4
Give yourself ample time to shop for a wedding dress; the more time you have, the better. If you decide on a special or custom made bridal gown, remember that delivery can take three to six months from the measurement session. This delivery period will vary at different times of the year. Give yourself plenty of time and allow for mishaps such as delivery delays. Tell yourself that it is not a race - be patient and you will find THE perfect wedding dress. It is far better to take longer, than to hurriedly purchase the wrong style bridal gown.
Mistake 5
Limit the number of bridal shops you visit in one day. To make correct judgments and comparisons, it is best to have a mind that is fresh and full of energy and enthusiasm. Jumping from one bridal shop to another will make you exhausted and confused. All the bridal gowns will begin to look the same, and you could very easily come home with the wrong dress simply because you were tired and overwhelmed.
Mistake 6
When you try on a wedding dress, always do the 'movement' test. Can you sit in the wedding dress? Is it easy to walk around in? Is it too tight? Can you lift your arms, bend and stretch in it? Most importantly, is it easy to breathe and can you dance? If you feel constricted now, you will be watching everybody dancing and enjoying your wedding reception from your chair. If your wedding dress has a train, practice walking, turning and handling it in the store.
Mistake 7
Of course when you are trying on wedding dresses you will take family and friends to give you second opinions and feedback. A word of advice however - limit your support team to one or two friends whose honest assessment you can trust. Having too many opinions will only make the process more frustrating and cause more inner conflict. Don't forget to ask how the bridal gown looks from the back. You are unable to see what they will see when you walk past them down the aisle and stand facing the officiate.
Choosing your bridal gown is one of the most important fashion decisions you will ever make so be sure that it is the right one. Avoid the common traps and pitfalls that catch all too many brides with their wedding dress and you will always be proud to show your wedding photos.
Cater To Your Customers With Promotional Products
Promoting a catering business involves more than placing a few adverts in the magazines and newspapers. Advertising can take a big chunk out of your marketing budget, but in a crowded market, it’s a necessary evil. That’s why it’s vital to make every last bit of your advertising budget work its hardest. There are some very effective ways to use promotional products to advertise your catering concern to both the general public and in specialized markets. Promotional products and promotional items make your advertising budget go further in a number of ways:
- People will remember you when your business gives them a gift.
- Everyone loves to be appreciated, and promotional products make great thank yous.
- Promotional giveaways provide an incentive to customers to book parties and events with your company.
- Promotional clothing can be a great way to dress your servers for particular types of events. A luau t-shirt at a beach party is more memorable than the traditional white and black attire, for example.
- If you have a line of takeaway food or specialty gourmet goodies, promotional containers can make quite an impression on recipients.
- A professionally designed exhibit stand can be a great draw at industry shows and wedding expositions.
Research in marketing has proven time and again that people are more likely to do business with companies that use promotional products and promotional gifts in their marketing – but many people only associate promotional products with retail sales. In fact, food services are among the ten top buyers of promotional products. Here are just a few of the ways that you can use promotional products to publicize your catering business.
Trade show and convention giveaways If much of your business comes from appearances at bridal shows, conventions or other types of trade shows and exhibits, you can use promotional products and business gifts to attract attention to your booth or exhibit area. Cooking or entertainment themed promotional products can also serve as incentives for attendees to add their names to your mailing list. Use more valuable incentive gifts to encourage attendees to book a party or dinner before the end of the conference.
Publicize your business with promotional mailouts Direct mail is one of the most effective marketing techniques when used correctly. Research shows that when you include a free gift, you’ll increase the response to your mailing greatly. You’ll increase response even more when you include an offer to your recipients of a free booking gift.
Promotional products make great booking incentives. One way to bring in more event bookings is to offer a booking incentive for reserving a date in advance. You can encourage customers to book on your off nights by offering promotional products like USB flash drives (perhaps loaded with a cooking software) or other similar item to those who book your firm for nights or time periods that are typically slow for you. You can use the same strategy for encouraging clients to book well in advance.
Presentations look more professional when presented in high quality presentation folders. Promotional products companies specialize in presentation materials including folders, leaflets and flyers. Most employ professional design departments that can help you create eye catching and unique designs to make your business stand out.
For additional information on promotional products, promotional items and check out the leading promotional gift suppliers online today!
Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional items and promotional products company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details visit www.ideasbynet.com
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
7 Tips To Surviving The Bridal Expo Jungle!
Do you remember that scene in "Mean Girls" when Lindsay Lohan is daydreaming about the high school girls as if they were animals fighting in the wild? (It was hilarious!) Well, I can tell you... that scene reminds me of the chaos at the Bridal Expo!
Bridal shows can be completely OVERWHELMING for a bride. There are so many other brides, so many booths, everyone is trying to get from point to point and it can really get crazy. I'm going to give you some savvy tips and tricks for hitting the bridal expo with style and sass!!
Tip # 1: Wear comfy shoes! -
You're going to be walking a mile on a hard tradeshow floor. Yes, it's lovely to look fashionable but the brides in stilettos never last long at the bridal fair. If you really want to see everything and be comfortable think about your feet first! (But be a little elegant and leave the stinky gym sneakers at home... opt for some cute supportive flats).
Tip #2: 1000 Brides Gather In 1 Place -
You think it might be a bit of a mob scene? Well then you're absolutely right! If you really want to get some valuable one on one time with the exhibitors I recommend planning the timing of your visit to the Expo. When the fashion show is taking place the booths slow down significantly. This is a great time to chat with an exhibitor or try on dresses at the gown sale. I also recommend first thing in the morning (especially if you want your pick of all those frugally priced gowns).
Tip #3: Your Hand Will Cramp -
Many exhibitors will be offering prizes at their booths and you'll be asked to fill out a ballot form. You waste valuable time writing out your contact info again and AGAIN. So print off a couple sheets of labels that include your name, your groom's name, your wedding date, your address, phone number and email. Then it will be easy to just peel and stick your info to the ballots. Then you can spend quality time checking out all the cool stuff on display!
Tip #4: Watch Out For Bridezilla! -
I often see the dreaded bridezilla at the Bridal Expo. You know her... she's the girl that pushes your Mom aside so she can get a better look at the booth, she criticizes your wedding colors when she overhears you gushing about them, she muscles her way to the prize box while telling the exhibitor she doesn't want any information (just the prize!) and she complains loudly about how expensive everything is.... Oh yes... Bridezilla always makes an appearance at the Bridal Expo. But don't let this kind of bride ruin your good time! She has a bunch of BAD karma surrounding her so just IGNORE HER and have some fun!
Tip #5: Be Patient & Be Nice –
Be the opposite of bridezilla. The exhibitors at the show have brought some really great deals with them... some that you won't even know about unless you talk to them! It's true! This kind of mentality will get you far with exhibitors. I find myself giving extra nice brides FREE advice! I know other exhibitors do too!! (because we all want to work with nice brides).
Tip #6: Hydrate! –
The Round Up Centre with over 1000 people in it at any given time can heat up pretty quick. And you can bet the water ain't cheap! So bring along some water for your journey. You don't want to get a headache!!
Tip #7: One Step at a Time –
Okay, the truth is that there are going to be A LOT of booths, people, and noise at the Bridal Expo. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming. YES, there are a lot of choices but you don't have to choose EVERYTHING or choose ANYTHING right there and then. Here are a couple of TIPS within my TIPS to dealing with all the choices:
Seek And Ye Shall Find – Know what you are looking for and enjoy the rest. Don't feel like you have to choose ALL your vendors from the Bridal Expo. This is just a sampling of your city's finest. You may connect with some vendors, you may not. This is a great opportunity to meet people face to face and figure out if they should be part of your wedding day.
One by One - Approach each vendor calmly, ready to hear the sales pitch (yes- the sales pitch). The exhibitors are there to sell to you. You're there to buy right? So if someone is overwhelming you just ask them politely to SLOW DOWN. You don't need the info dump! Ask the questions you want answered.
Thanks But No Thanks - If you're not interested thank them and walk away. Don't take the flyer and load up your bridal bag. Guess what? You'll quickly rifle through that bag ONCE after the fair, pulling out the vendors you connected with... and then it'll sit in your closet to be found on your 2 year wedding anniversary!
Follow these tips so you can enjoy planning for your big day. Good luck!
Ciara Daykin is Calgary's premiere Wedding Choreographer. Brides wanting a dazzling, dashing, dream-filled wedding turn to Ciara for all their wedding planning needs.
Ciara is a proud member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.
Sign up for Tips & Tricks for the Vibrant & Stylish Bride and Party Host at: http://www.fireflyoccasions.com
Email: info@fireflyoccasions.com
Wedding Flowers: Defining Your Expectations
The wedding flowers that decorate the church will go a long way toward setting the mood for your wedding. Done right, a selection of well placed wedding flowers can give your event the sense of joy, expectation, solemnity, or pageantry you and your intended anticipate for your wedding. Done poorly… well, your wedding flowers will set the wrong mood for your wedding at best. At worst, your wedding flowers will make it appear that your wedding happened in a tacky looking facility or several decades earlier (actually, it can get worse, but we won’t talk about that – The point is to make sure we stay on the top of the scale with our wedding flowers, not the bottom).
The success of your wedding flower arrangements and decorations depends on your florist’s attention to detail, sense of style, flair, expertise, and the connection that the two of you achieve. Don’t assume that because a particular florist is highly respected you will get the wedding flower arrangement of your dreams. If there is no meeting of your minds, if you don’t feel like they are grasping what you are trying to communicate about your wedding flowers, theme, or both, keep looking. In most cases your wedding flowers will be more to your liking with your second choice that fully understands the theme and mood you are trying to set than with the reputed best florist in the city who isn’t listening or just isn’t managing to understand what you want from your wedding flowers.
Finding the right wedding flower specialist is easy if you begin your search prepared and know what to look for and what to stay away from: Being prepared means doing some dreaming about your wedding flowers. Doodle. Search bridal magazines. Look at wedding flower schemes in books and dream. Go to bridal shows. Go to weddings, if you can get an invitation, and dream. Collect pictures of wedding flower arrangements that you think will fit into the theme that you want to design your wedding flowers around. In short, have a pretty clear idea of what you want in your wedding flowers before you ever start visiting florists and bring the pictures with you. This will help them understand your vision for your floral arrangement.
The second step is like the first: Don’t even think of going to a florist without swatches of the material from your dress, the bridesmaid’s dresses, and any other fabric that might affect the wedding color scheme (this is true of your cake decorator too). This is most especially true of your dress. White wedding dresses come in a wide variety of shades of white, so to ensure that the wedding flowers will properly accent your dress bring a swatch. A professional florist will know how to set it off so that the wedding flowers draw the attention to you in just the right way.
Once you have done your homework it is time to start actually looking for a florist to provide your wedding flowers. As in every other discipline, your first move should be to talk to people who have recently gotten married and get referrals from them. There is no shame in learning from the success and failures of others and doing so will generally save you a lot of grief. In the process, no doubt, you will discover that while most any florist can provide wedding flowers, some are more skilled, gifted, and experienced than others. Your goal is to identify these people and choose one of them to take the stress of your wedding flower needs off your hands.
Remember, wedding flowers work or don’t work on the florist’s attention to detail, creativity, and their ability to match your style. But part of their ability to perform depends on you communicating what you want and providing pictures and swatches. It’s your wedding; make sure it goes right by taking the time to prepare before you go shopping for those wedding flowers.
Jeanette Shinn is the co-owner of Your Exciting Wedding Favors http://www.ExcitingWeddingFavors.com a website dedicated to helping brides realize their wedding day dreams with tons of tips, ideas, and the latest wedding news stories from across the country, as well as offering wedding favors, and accessories to enhance the entire wedding experience. Jeanette is also the founder and edible design artist behind Layer By Layer, http://www.frostingonthecake.com, a special order bakery serving weddings and other special occasion needs of the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Promotional Items For Trade Shows
Even companies that seldom do marketing and fulfillment often buy promotional items for trade shows. Trade shows, where industries go to show off their newest and brightest ideas, are also the place where most companies spend big dollars on promotional items because the people they impress at trade shows are the people who can make or break a new product or product line.
Promotional gifts at trade shows fall into three different categories:
Attention getters
Every trade show stand has to have something to give away that is inexpensive, easy to carry and very visible. That something should, of course, have the name of your company and/or product on it. It should be something that is useful enough that those who take one with take them home at the end of the show and continue to use them, therefore increasing the visibility of your brand name and product.
The problem is that most companies presenting at trade shows and home shows and bridal shows and other types of shows where promotional items are an expected thing never get past the “inexpensive” part of the suggestion. They happily order up hundreds of cheap plastic key rings or pens and put them out on the table at their booth, then wonder whether they ever really got their money’s worth.
Of course they didn’t! Think about it. What do you do with a pen when it’s handed to you as you’re walking around? Most people… tuck it into a pocket. Where no one else will see it. Plastic pens are great promotional gifts, but they’re generally hot effective as attention getters at trade shows. One of the very best trade show takeaways is – believe it or not – the lowly carrier bag. Think about it again – if everyone around you is handing you key rings and pens and little gimcracks, what are you going to be most thankful for? There you go. Everyone else’s carefully planned promotional items will get dropped right into yours – and your name will be all over the show.
Incentive gifts
The second category of promotional items at a trade show or exhibition is incentive gifts. You’re handing out your attention getters willy nilly to anyone that walks by… but people have to earn your incentive promotional items by doing something – preferably something that will lead to a sale of your products or services. These promotional items should be more valuable than your attention getters, but not so expensive that they break your advertising budget. A good rule of thumb is to figure out how much you’re willing to pay to make a sale, then divide it by the number of prospects you usually need to pitch to before you make a sale. Basically, your incentive gifts are “payment” to people to listen to your sales pitch or sign up for your contact list.
Thank you gifts
The final category of promotional items you should have on hand at your trade show is thank you gifts. As opposed to incentive gifts, which are meant to entice people into listening to your sales pitch or setting up an appointment with your sales staff, thank you gifts are for those who actually commit to a purchase, as well as for those people who have the potential to bring in really big orders. These are the most valuable tier of promotional items, meant to impress and solidify business relationships.
For additional information on promotional items, business gifts and marketing promotional products why not check out the market leading online suppliers where you will find a massive range of items to choose from and also get exceptionally low prices combined with highly professional fast service levels.
Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's leading online promotional items and promotional products company based in the north of England. Established in 2001, he has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details visit www.ideasbynet.com
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