Vivid Expressions at Vow 2011!!

It was such a pleasure meeting so many simply lovely Brides & Grooms after this weekend's stunning 2011 Vow Magazine Bridal Event. The Bridal Event took place last Sunday at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Our booth created an enchanting element (and a bit of a buzz) as vendors and visitors alike were drawn to the warm, magical pink glow of the lighting form our booth. An enormous Birdcage stood in the middle of the Vivid Expressions booth featuring a romantic sweetheart table and natural wood colored Chavari Chairs.

The soft and elegant tablescape consisted of cascading mint green fabric dancing with ribbons of pink, blue and gold. Artful glass apothecary jars showcased soft colored Calla lilies, Snapdragons, Tulips, and other delicate flowers. The most dramatic element of the tablescape design was Event Art including copper placecard holders, copper plaques, hand-sculpted clay Roses & Calla Lillies and our signature a fresh flower Sculpture of a Peacock floating near the back of the table. Nearly 100 excited couples visited our booth and signed up to visit our Event Design Studio-gallery this Saturday during our "Winter Bridal Open House".





We hope you will be able to join us for our up-coming "Winter Bridal Open House" on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at our Event Design Studio-gallery. For more information please visit www.vividexpressions.com

Count down to the "Vow Bride Magazine Event"!

A moment of awe, even shock accompanied by a stunned look and breathless silence. A few moments to process what was just said... wait, did he (or she) say what I think they just said? They "did" and are now waiting for you reply. Then the words rush from your lips as your heart races with excitement followed by smiles, giggles and maybe a few joyful tears... "Yes! Yes!" This is a scene thousands and thousands of blissful Couples will share tonight as they "pop the question" on Valentine's Day.

Well, congratulations to you and all of the already thousands of soon to be Brides & Grooms who have gotten engaged over the last few months from Thanksgiving until Valentine's Day (a time we in the industry know as Engagement Season). And what a perfect time for all of you overjoyed Couples start thinking about (and even planning) your special day because not only is this Engagement Season but it's also Bridal Show Season. And although both seasons are drawing to an end there are still great opportunities to discover all the fantastic options and services available to you. In our region very few Bridal shows stand out like the Vow Bridal Event being held this Sunday, February 20th at the Virginia Beach Conventional Center.

For over 10 years Vow Bride Magazine has captured all the beauty, fashion, trends and splendor of everything wedding our are region. A sensational must have magazine for every Bride, once a year Vow Bride Magazine comes to life in vivid reality during the annual Vow Bridal Event. Vivid Expressions is delighted to be one of the participating vendors in the up-coming 2011 Vow Bridal Show!

Vivid Expressions is just one of dozens of fine Vendors contributing to this year's signature give-away of a complete wedding package sponsored by Vow! To learn more about the event or to register online and receive $2 off the admission visit http://www.style-events.com/Vow2011/register.htm

We are planning something special so be sure to visit our booth (#70) at the Vow Bridal Event!

Getting the Venue & Vendors you really want (Part II)

So, their website stole your heart, they swept you off your feet at a Bridal Show, and you are in love, love, love with a particular Venue or Vendor.... now what? In my last post I shared that fact that when it comes to getting the Venue and Vendors your really want the "early Bride" has the advantage. I wrote about why starting a conversation with the Venue and Vendors you REALLY, REALLY want as soon as possible can REALLY, REALLY pay off. Well, now that you know how important it is to start talking to those Vendors you are smitten with as soon as you can about your wedding I wanted to follow-up by sharing how to best prepare to start that conversation.

There are a few things we (as Vendors) will need to know right of the bat in order to better determine how we can help you. I know, this sounds a little strange - after all, you know what you need for your wedding... right? Well, if you are in the first stages of the planning process and are a little anxious about where to start here are a few things you will need to determine and be prepared to discuss as you first begin chatting with a Vendor.

The first step will be to understand and crunch the numbers! There are 3 numbers in particular... establish your:

1. Wedding Date: If you have a specific date in mind that is special to you by all means select that date. However, when you and your Fiance are in the midst of considering different times of year, significant moments in your lives, or sentimental seasons take a moment to consider that the best way to ensure you'll book the Venue and Vendors you really want is to give yourself plenty of time. Most Brides and Grooms set their wedding date between 10 months to 1 year in advance - although, I've even seen some couples setting a date for up to 18 months out. Remember, the more time you have to plan, the more options you will have available to you.

2. Your Approximate Number of Guests: Be prepared... this is a number that will fluctuate. Very rarely does a couple say they will have 100 guests or 200 guests and actually end up sending out that many invitations or certainly have that exact number of guests attend the wedding. On the other, this number is extremely important because it will help you determine the right Venue to accommodate you and/or the costs of a myriad of other expenses which often change based on the number of guests. (Note: The average wedding in the United States is between 150 - 180 Guests.)

3. Your Budget Range Ah yes, the budget. For many, nothing brings a Bride's and Groom's grand dreams of a spectacular, Celebrity-style wedded affair back to reality like a discussion about the budget. Now, if you or your Parent's have been saving for this day since you were 13 years old or you have a Trust Fund and money is truly "no object" this may not apply to you. However, in my experience, even the most Financially Well off Client did not get that way without having some understand of money or doing research. As uncomfortable as it may be for some couples to talk about a wedding budget it is important to research the costs involved in a wedding and the services associated with it.

The truth is most couples have no idea how much a wedding costs until they begin planning a wedding. They soon discover it is very, very different from planning a Holiday or Birthday Party. For example; did you know the average wedding in the United States (even during the current economic conditions) is approximately $28,000? The best way to approach your budget will be to think in terms of Range and Percentages.

Because some costs will fluctuate give yourself a reasonable budget range. Example; $20,000 - $25,000 or $27,000 - $32,000. Remember, your budget will have to be broken down into percentages where each category of the products and services will receive a portion of. Example; A percentage for Venue, Catering, Attire, Photographer, etc. Keep this number in mind when you are asking Venues and Vendors about services but also keep in mind they will be a "Percentage" of the total.

Gotta, gotta have it!!

Really, really want a specific Vendor but not sure you can afford them? Ok, here is were the budget range comes into play. I've had a wide range of Clients with a wide range of budgets and what I've found is not every Bride (and Groom) values the same things. One who would kill for a particular Venue could not care less about the Dress and ended up buying one at a consignment shoppe. Another who didn't care where it took place as long as they had a certain Photographer. So the next step is to really determine what is most important to you and adjust the percentage to reflect what you really want. For example; I've worked with a Bride who had her heart sent on 3 things - particular Venue (very high-end location) with great food, a High-end Photographer and a particular Planner (me). That (well, and the Groom) was what was the most important to her. In the end she reduced the number of guests at her wedding and opted for our simple floral designs and created a breathtaking, intimate wedding experience!

With the exception of possibly your wedding date these numbers do not have to be set in stone (although I have heard of a couple who actually changed their wedding date just to book a particular photographer they loved... true story). These numbers will be used as a frame of reference to determining the best fit for you and if the Vendor can accommodate your needs. Ok, so what are you waiting?.. Happy Planning!!

Getting the Venue & Vendors you really want (Part I)

While many people may postpone "Big Day" planning for "Big Game" party planning I was inspired to write this post about a problem I've noticed some Brides are having.

After the beginning of "Wedding Show Season" and weeks (or for some months) of procrastination, some Brides and Grooms are finally finding time to start the process of planning for their "Special Day". The phone here at the Event Design Studio-gallery has been ringing with enthusiastic Brides who have been newly re-energized by some recent Bridal Shows. And as much as I adore chatting with excited Brides eager to begin envisioning their wedding day, I've also found myself gently (and sadly) turning Brides away who have their hearts set on hiring us only to find that we are already booked for their date. Oh don't get me wrong, we are by no means booked up for 2011, in fact, we have plenty of availability but there are simply some days that are just more popular than others and are already taken.

I've noticed that some Brides, especially those who are a little anxious about their budget, have held off until the last minute to explore their options with some Vendors. And this is completely understandable, after all, it's a very big, emotional decision and you should not feel pressured into making a snap decision. The problem, on the other hand, is that this is the opposite approach they should be taking. If you are concerned about your budget but have "fallen head over heals" with a particular Venue or the work of a specific Vendor then you should contact them as soon as possible and start a conversation!

Remember, some "highly sought after" Venues and Vendors are so because they offer unique, high-quality and even one-of-a-kind services and as a result they tend to book up earlier than others. For example; we offer a limited Caricarture service for Clients. In the past our Clients have been mainly Holiday Parties, Children's Parties, Company Picnics, After Prom Parties, etc. However, in the last year or so this service has become extremely popular for rehearsal dinners, cocktail hours, and wedding receptions. In the last few days we have actually received several calls for dates in the next 6 months requesting Caricature Services (many of which on the same day). Unfortunately, we are already booked for Wedding Design, Flowers, Decor and Coordinating Services on some of those days and even our other secondary Artists are booked too.

If you have your heart set on a certain Location, Planner, Photographer, Florist, Caterer, etc at least start talking to them early. Contact them for a consultation and to check their availability. I'm not saying you have to sign a contract right way but start the conversation - most Vendors are delighted to:

1. Check availability and offer little known booking tips.

Example: Most people try to book a Saturday wedding but did you know some Venues and Vendors may offer special pricing for less popular days or time? Some Brides & Grooms take advantage of lower prices for Friday, Sunday and even weekday events that may be offered by their dream Venue.

2. Offer suggestions of services that may fit your needs

There may be products, service solutions and even industry innovations you not be aware of. Example: Many Client's contact us for Planning and Coordinating services and are then excited to discover that we also offer Linen Rentals and Floral Design services too. While Full Design and Coordinating Services may not be a good fit for some Brides we may be able to offer a Partial Planning service with other recommendations... it all starts with a phone call and being open to learn what the Vendor can do for you.

3. Stay in touch.

Being able to put down a deposit is ideal but if you are still looking around and you are really leaning towards a particular Vendor you may be able to ask for a written proposal, for them to follow-up with you in a few days or, in some cases, a "1st Refusal" (that means mark you as interested in the date for a limited amount of time and if another Bride calls about the date they can call you back to see if you are still interested). Now by no means is a Vendor required to hold a date for you without a deposit. In fact, there is no way to guarantee a date is reserved for you without a deposit however, if you are working with an established professional Planner and you are sincere about using their service they may consider offering this as a courtesy only.

4. Help you create a Payment schedules.

Another advantage of contacting Vendors as soon as you can is the opportunity to break-down your payments over time. This may make their service more affordable over a designated period of time

5. Or, if all else fails... Referrals.

I myself have happily referred Brides and Grooms to another colleagues of mine who I know will be a good fit for a couple and will provide the quality of service they are looking for if we can't help them. I've also received referrals from colleagues who are familiar with the quality of service we offer our Clients and were booked on a particular date. In general, we in the Wedding and Events Industry want customers to have a great experience. We want people to find other qualified professionals that help us enhance our local industry and have no problem pointing them in the right direction.

Tomorrow I'll post the best steps for getting the Venue & Vendors you really want for your wedding!

Janel Keen, Owner Artistic Director at http://www.vividexpresisons.com/