Event Planning Boot camp! August 2nd

Just 2 days left until the launch of this workshop.

Pretty darn excited to share all the content I've put together for Aspiring Planners, and those wanting to learn more about getting into the Events Industry.

Here's the 411:

· How to determine if event planning is a good fit

· Day in the life of an event planner

· Determining your unique selling position

· Developing a targeted customer base

· Defining your niche

· How to create a killer marketing plan

· How to develop a strong brand

· Personal style + image

· Action plan: specific steps to take next

There's room for 3 more. Join us!

Register at http://go2girlevents.eventbrite.com

Guest Gripes................We're back!!

Clearly, it's time for Round 2.

If you somehow missed out on Round 1, please review here.

Here goes......

Top 5 Guest Gripes

Flamboyant Accommodation - You know, it's great that you want everyone to stay at the W Hotel, or even the Four Seasons. But, guess what? Guests have already paid an arm + a leg to get your wedding {airfare, clothing, time off from work, being forced to spend time with family}.
It's time to eat a piece of reality pie. Your guests don't want to spend $500/night for a Suite. They aren't celebrating anything.

'Lack of Couth' Hosts - Remember that gift certificate to Bed, Bath + Beyond that Aunt Shirley gave you?
It was for $50, and you used it within a week of the wedding.
But somehow, you overlooked saying thanks. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for failing to send a HANDWRITTEN thank you note to each and every guest {present or not}.
If you think your lack of tact will go unnoticed, think again.

Crap Food - Spend the money, and have at least one edible entree. Please remember that these people are your GUESTS. Treat them as such.

Tacky Traditions - Money Dance, Hokey Pokey. Seriously, do I have to even bring these up? This is a WEDDING RECEPTION, not a child's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese.

Receiving Lines - Please, oh please....Limit this to the Bride + Groom only. It's a guarantee that guests will be making small talk, or just staring at members of the Bridal Party that they don't know. Cut out the awkward factor, and just let guests congratulate the 2 people they really came to see.


Any other Guest Gripes you care to share?

Izzy Girl Invitations :: Vendor Spotlight

It's always a joy to work with someone who just 'gets it'. No need for an embellished explanation, just a few ideas here and there, and then they run with it.

That's what working with Janet Maples, owner of Izzy Girl, is like. She's perceptive, friendly, has a great eye for design, and a true passion for paper goods.

Bridetiquette recently sat down with her, to get the scoop on her path into the events industry.

Tell us a little about yourself…I started my career in broadcast journalism and television production, and have since moved on to work as a web designer and now an invitation designer. I live with my husband, 8-month-old daughter, and two dogs with big personalities in the Green Lake area.

What inspired you to start your business?
I’ve always designed invitations for friends and family, but it wasn’t until I created my own invitation for our wedding that I started to receive calls and e-mails from friends and friends of friends wanting to hire me to design something special for their event. It was at that point that I started to think about starting my own business.

Where are you located? How can clients reach you?
I am located in the Green Lake area. I meet clients anywhere that is convenient – in my neighborhood, in theirs or somewhere in between.
I may be reached at 206.390.0678 or by e-mail at info@izzygirl.com.

What special things do you create for weddings?
I can create any paper good that is needed for any event - from the invitation to the thank you note and everything else in between. I was recently asked to create a jar label for homemade jam that the couple was adding to each welcome basket.

Any advice for all of the brides planning to get married in the next year?
There are so many options out there for every aspect of your wedding. Don’t feel pressured into going in a direction that does not fit your style. Make a personal statement and be true to yourself!

What is unique about your product line?
Each design is handcrafted, with custom detailing that guarantees your invitation or announcement is truly one-of-a-kind with the ultimate goal of creating an experience for each guest as they open the invitation to your event. I like to think “in the box” (invitations don’t necessarily need to be sent in paper envelopes!) and pair different materials such as fabrics, crystals, and stitching – to name a few – with various printing methods.

Where can we see/purchase/order your product?
You may view some sample pieces at www.izzygirl.com. I also have a portfolio on hand at swee swee paperie in West Seattle. Otherwise, we can set up a complimentary consultation to talk over your design needs.

What inspires you?
My clients! I am involved in their most personal milestones and love to share in the passion they have for colors, design elements and ideas for their event. I conceptualize every design detail to bring their vision to life.

What price ranges do your products fall into?
Wedding sets start at $8.00 per set. Pricing goes up depending on paper, materials, embellishments and type of printing, however, as every invitation is personal and the range of what people want is so different, pricing really does vary.

What do you bring to the industry that sets you apart?
I offer unparallel customer service. I work closely with you every step of the way to make sure we come up with the perfect solution that is true to your style and personality. My craftsmanship is of the highest quality giving the finished invitation a unique branding that sets the tone for the event.


Thank you Janet for sharing your approach to truly original custom design invitations. Your portfolio is amazing!

So, You want to be an Event Planner?

This workshop is for you.

Dive into the world of events, with a two hour bootcamp style workshop, packed with information, and presented by an industry insider.

No matter what your focus or area of interest {weddings, corporate, social, non-profit}, this workshop will help you lay the groundwork to launch your own business.

Sandra Watson launched Go2Girl Event Planning in 2007, and since then has grown from a Weddings only business, to include Milestone + Business Events, Small Business Consulting + Coaching.

She has a passion for sharing the strategies + techniques learned in growing her own business, and to help you effectively troubleshoot any shortfalls or setbacks.

Why have the knowledge if you can’t inspire, empower + educate?

Workshop Highlights include:
Finding your Unique Selling Position
Creating a Brand
Defining your Niche
Action Plan: specific steps to launch your business

What will you have as a result of participating in the workshop?

A framework to break down your big ideas into smaller feasible steps.
Access to an expert already working in the events industry.
An opportunity to network with others interested in the same field.

What all is included?

Two hour intensive workshop, chock full of information and interactive exercises.
An individual game plan. You’ll leave with tangible steps to take.
A resource list featuring hand-picked favorite websites, blogs and books.
30 minute Q + A session at the end of the workshop to address additional topics.
Drawing for a 1hr coaching session with Sandra of Go2Girl Events {$65 value}


Further details, registration + location can be found here.

Questions? Feel free to contact Go2Girl Events at workshops {at} go2girlevents.com