Apples to Apples

Countless times I've been sitting with a couple and they start to explain how they have been comparing vendors to each other, and when asked what they are comparing, almost always the price is the only thing.

While price plays a huge factor, it should never be the only thing you compare. From a planner's aspect things to consider

• Years of experience :  With these years of experience comes the ability to handle any situation during your special day, the ability to work within your given time frame, and  to provide you with top notch service. On your important day, you need a planner who is able to think quickly and react in an appropriate manner. Plus the ability to guide you through difficult situations effectively.
• The number of events they have done and the sizes of these event.
• The ability to locate vendors who will meet your budget and vision without receiving a kickback.
• If they work full-time or part-time as a planner
• How many hours they will provide for day-of, if you are comparing day-of services
• Plus so much more but of course I'm a planner so I could go on and on... :)

 These are just a few simple things to consider when comparing planners. When comparing bakers, you should know if they are able to create something custom or traditional, if they work better in buttercream or fondant and so forth.  With DJ's, ask how large their selection is, do they have the newest music, do they have a back up power source (like After Hours DJ Entertainment does) and of course the quality of the equipment.

When it comes to photographer, you should be comparing the hours, extra shooters, how you will receive your photos, where they were trained, if they are comfortable with formal poses (even if that isn't what you are looking for. They need to be able to assist in making you and your guests look good in the photos.)  Diane Parsons from Parsons Photography says " A good photographer should enhance the style of the couple." This means they can capture the true feeling of the event.  Another very important thing to ask is how they back up the photos, do they do this at the wedding, and so forth.  (Note the photo: This was one of those times were the photographer only had a few seconds to capture the boy looking up the dress but on the other hand now the bridesmaid has flowers growing out of her head...)

When it comes to florists,  will they be creating standard creations or new custom ones, if they handle one or more weddings on your day, their knowledge of flowers and willingness to work with in your budget.

When all is said and done, you need to compare experience, the full services you will be receiving and perks.  Always feel free to ask a vendor explain their costs, this way you will feel better about your choice.  There are tons of great vendors throughout the state and when comparing, make sure you are comparing similar services.

Colorful Love

We all have our favorites.  The perfect shade of blue, the brightest yellow, the warmest red; and our favorites tend to be a part of our events.  When picking your favorite combo or trio of colors for your wedding or event, there are things to keep in mind.

Will your colors be contrasting, like bright red with a turquoise?  This is a color combo that can work amazingly but at the same time fail.  You don't want them to clash. Another choice is to have complementary colors, such as blue and yellow.  Or, a way to go is to pick shades of the same color.  We had a bride who picked many different shades of purple from light to dark. It worked with the space and her vision.  (See how pretty everything was?!?)

How will the colors work within your venues?  If you have your colors in mind prior to picking a venue, bring along a napkin or tablecloth if you can.  Remember certain colors will shine and work with a space, while others may fight the location.  If you have one color that you love, but don't know what to combine it with, pick a color from the venue.  If your location has an on-site coordinator, feel free to ask about what colors have been used in the space in the past, what works, what doesn't and consider the information.  If you find the perfect neutral venue, you may need to bring in a bright color to bring life to the room.

When working with color, always have a sample with you.  This way if you think you have found the perfect shade of peach, you will be able to pull out your sample and be 100% sure.  If you check your color in different lighting, make sure you still love it. I bought a comfy chair that I thought was gray, and when I got it home, I found out it was green; light made all the difference. If you have a sample of a color, have one that you can leave with your planner, cake designer, and florist.  Plus seen the photos below how well the flowers work with the colors of the dresses.

 

Think of how your colors will look on your wedding party.  They don't have to be perfect but at the same time you do want the colors to work on them.  (Thank you to Parsons Photography for lending a hand on some cute photographs showing off color)  You can see how some girls look great in the purple and others look great in the yellow. Just like how the little bit of watermelon color worked really well with the black tuxes on the guys. 

Lighting is a great way to change the color of a room.  Working with a company that knows how to be effective with lights, knows all the safety concerns, and has a large selection is the way to go.  It is smart to do a walk through with a lighting person to see how you can use a touch of color to make the room sparkle for you. 

Use color effectively & constantly without over-doing it. Work with colors that make you feel great from day one, and you will be happier! 

Watery Blue Birthday

Going blue for my birthday boy wasn't difficult, since I'm personally a huge fan of the color. What was difficult was when my son first requested a zu zu pet party, but thankfully must have seen my eye twitching and changed his mind.  I always attempt to give my boys an interesting and fun birthday without going over the top.  Being that I'm a planner, that can be hard at times.  I've learned from my oldest, though, that all they really wanna do is run around and have fun with their friends at this age.  A water themed event was the way to go for a hot Sunday afternoon and our sweet 4 year old birthday boy was more interested in playing in the sprinklers, and of course chasing everyone down with the hose was a perk too. 

We filled our yard with water loading docks for the guns, (way easier than having all the kids running inside to fill or attempting to use the hose), a few different sprinklers and of course a Gatorade fill up spot for the kids.
Needless to say I'm not a cake creator but I do my best.  This year the request was for a marble cake since his older brother had enjoyed one the prior month.  It must have been good since there wasn't a single piece left after 30 minutes.

I don't think I could have ordered up more perfect weather and the group of friends to spend the day with.  The night ended with a roaring fire in the firepit, an adult water gun fight and of course a super tired yet happy birthday boy.  Thank you to everyone who came and helped us celebrate! 

Tip: Offer a special area for kids to grab their drinks & treats.  

To display or not to display...

...that is the question.  There still seems to be a debate about whether a vendor should display their cards at a wedding or any other event. As nice as the fan of business cards may look at the edge of the bar or next to the cake, they shouldn't be there.  When the client has purchased an item, be it an outstanding candy buffet or flowers, as amazing as they may be, someone's wedding isn't the correct place to display the company information.  This day is about the couple, and while they have chosen vendors well, a good vendor won't feel the need to promote their work at someone else's gathering.

In the years of planning, I've seen many different vendors attempt creative ways to display their company name at a wedding. Some dj's will place a company banner behind the music set up, or sometimes even in front. A better suggestion would be to have a nice name tag with the company name and their name.  Nothing ruins a first dance photo like a huge company banner behind them.  I've seen cakes delivered with the cake company's logo on the cake board, and while this is a minor way of letting people know, it can be considered disrespectful unless cleared with the couple first.  The best idea is to  simply find the coordinator and give them a set of your cards.  This way if a guest asks, the planner can share the business card, or if they decide to ask the bride and groom, they can direct them to the coordinator.

Sometimes, such as certain sponsored events and charity events, this is different of course.  It would be advisable for any couple planning a more private event, such as a wedding, inform the vendors that if they would like, they may hand the coordinators a few extra cards just in case.

Vineyard Wedding

Congratulations to one of our favorite couples, Jacqui and Eric.  The vineyard setting was perfect for their eco-friendly wedding.  Guests were able to enjoy a glass of wine before wandering out into the vineyard for a memorable ceremony.  Surrounded by the  joyous friends and family, they became husband and wife underneath the arch that Eric built himself.

We worked hard to eliminate as much wasteful products at this wedding as we could.  We will be sharing how soon.  Once again congratulations Mr & Mrs. Fettig, and thank you for letting ESTOccasions be part of your day.

estoPrints

I'm thrilled to introduce you all to Jess Enos...she is one of our talented creators at estoPrints (our printed embellishment department of ESTOccasions).  When it comes to invitations, you have to have a passion for it, and needless to say Jess has it.  She has a creative outlook on creating something for everyone, even our clients on a budget.  We've been working to add to our vintage, nature, modern and classic collections.  If there is a piece of art you love, or a color combo but you can't locate the best match for your invitation, come see us.  estoPrints will be at our CT Bridal Event & the Spring Bridal Event.

Weddings, Birthdays, Events and more, estoPrints will have you covered.  Let us show you the best match for your event and your budget.  Consider joining us on Facebook and checking out more photos on their too. prints@estoccasions.com

The Hunt for the Perfect Wedding Professional

You’ve found the perfect venue.  It gives you the space for a cocktail hour, breath taking reception room, and the perfect size dance floor.  You find yourself looking through the venue’s pamphlet and you notice their preferred vendor list. It is important to ask if these vendors are preferred because of their talent, professionalism, and knowledge of the location or due to the fact that they have paid to be included on the list.  If they have paid to be on the list, this doesn’t mean that they won’t provide you with excellent service, but it is important to be aware of why they are being recommended. 

When working with one vendor, and recommendations are made for a photographer, cake designer, florist, or any other wedding professional, always ask what the relationship is between the vendors.  Ask if they offer a discount, or a referral fee, because these are important to consider.  (As a planner, we do not accept or offer referral fees, since we base our recommended vendors on their skills, passion, talent and professionalism. Plus, we do not feel that it would be honest to accept payment from a client and from a vendor.  This is why it’s one of the policies of ESTOccasions.)

When meeting with a vendor, consider it an interview process for you both.  It isn’t appropriate to arrive more than 10 minutes early or more than 10 minutes late for either party.  Make sure you connect with your vendor; you should feel relaxed and informed at the same time. If you have a planner, and want them to be there, make sure your vendor knows they will be meeting with your planner also. Ask them to bring along a copy of a contract to view.  Don’t be pressured into signing the contract, but do ask if you can have 24 hours to consider their offer and then sign.  If you take longer to consider the offer, it may expire and the vendor may have already moved on to another client. If you love the offer, don’t let the vendor get away. Also, if you know from the start that their packages aren’t in your budget, don’t waste your own time or theirs.  This is where working with a planner can help you find the right vendor for your vision and your budget, without wasting any time.  It is also not appropriate to make numerous requests for information from a vendor if you do not retain them.  Vendors are not free consultants; they are professionals that make their living providing services and advice. 

There are plenty of great wedding professionals and with some effort, time and research you can find the perfect match for you.