$10K Wedding Budget Challenge: Seattle

Here's a great article on planning a $10K Wedding in Seattle.

I 'faux planned' this for The Knot Wedding Planner challenge.
Though, all the Vendors & prices are very, very real!

The MIL Factor

Does your future Mother-in-Law make you wish you were MIA?

What's a girl to do?
This summer has been filled with brides-to-be with one major common denominator. The overbearing, ultra nosy, control freak MIL to be.

It's so sad to see friendly, put together, independent brides getting all worked up. Here's a few pointers on how to 'shut it down' before you waste any more mental or emotional energy on this.

How to Practice Diplomacy in a High Stakes + Stressful Situation

1) Run! {just kidding}

2) Develop a personal barrier : Team Buffer
Hopefully, fingers crossed, you have at least one friend who's great at dealing with difficult people, and has your best interests at heart. Utilize them. Bribe them. Sit them down, share with them a few of your wedding planning 'war stories', and your fears about possible wedding day disasters.

3) Schedule personal time {aka: spa appointments}
Having this 'on the books' is half the battle. Treat these appointments with the greatest level of respect. Maintaining your mental health cannot be rescheduled.

Event Planning Bootcamp returns September 13th

The 2nd installment of Event Planning Bootcamp is on the books!

When: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Time: 7pm – 9:30pm
Where: Spa Scotta

Early Bird pricing ends 8.31.09
Register here

Don't miss your opportunity to learn from an Industry Insider, on how to effectively launch your own event planning business.

Here's what past attendees have said about Event Planning Boot camp:

'This workshop was a great eye-opener to the world of event planning. Sandra covered it all, from marketing, branding, finding your niche, to the day to day life. I'd take it again!' - Cassie Keys


'I thought it was great! Not only fun, but educational and encouraging. Sandra told it how it is, but made it seem achievable. I think it's wonderful that she's willing to do this for aspiring event planners.' - Savannah Martin


This workshop is perfectly suited for all aspiring planners {wedding, business, social, non-profit}, and professionals new to the event industry.

Topics include:

· How to determine if event planning is a good fit
· Day in the life of an event planner
· Key ingredients of a successful services business
· Determining your unique selling position
· Developing a targeted customer base
· Defining your niche
· Elements of a killer marketing plan
· Personal style + image
· Individual Action Plan: what's your next step?

A detailed resource list will be provided to each attendee upon conclusion of the event.

Further details, registration + location can be found here.

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

Do You Aspire to Plan?

Are you keen to break into the Event Planning Industry, and make your mark?

Stay tuned for a forthcoming announcement later this week.

A groundbreaking workshop to be presented by Go2Girl Events in August 2009.

DIY Invitations for the Crafty Bride

So, you have a bazillion ideas about how you want your invitations to 'look'.

But alas, you have no time for a crash course in Graphic Design.

You seek to save some dough, and get that handmade look.

Here's a great new vendor source : A Crafty Bride

Their motto :: We Design. You Print.

2 friends {who just happened to graduate from the Art Institute here in Seattle} saw the need for fantastic design, but with DIY assembly.

For $300, you will receive a printable design {pdf file} for your invitation, rsvp, one enclosure and a thank you.

Brides will need a good printer, a paper cutter {an x-acto knife + ruler always worked for me}, and any embellishments they might want to add.

Obviously, this also allows Brides to print their invitations at a shop too.

It's completely up to you!

Rachel's 40th Birthday Party :: Old Hollywood Glamour

I had the distinct pleasure of planning + coordinating a friend's 40th birthday soiree!

It went off without a hitch, and was such a blast to be part of. It happened this past Saturday night in Pioneer Square {Seattle}.

Here's her grand video entrance. Notice all of her peeps, in the role of paparazzi!

How to Interview a Vendor

Many Brides feel intimidated when meeting with several Vendors in each category.

They don't feel that all of their questions are answered, and when that happens, they tend to wait until the last minute to make a decision. This can result in a BAD decision.

It's all about Preparation. Determine what your needs are specifically, what you are willing to spend, and if this Vendor category is a high or low priority for the event.

Here's a general Vendor Questionnaire I provide to clients, to get them started.
You can tweak for different categories, by adding specific questions for your needs.

Vendor Questionnaire Sample

Category:
Name:
Price Range (circle one): High End In the Middle Low End
Recommended by:


How would you describe your style?
How many times will we meet before the Wedding Day?
Do you only book one wedding per day?
What sets you apart from other Vendors?


Do you have a price list, or price range available?
What happens if I have an unexpected change in plans? What are your cancellation terms?
Is there a monetary penalty for reducing my order number, or hours of service?

Do you require a deposit?
Is my deposit refundable in part?
Do you accept checks and credit cards?
Can you provide a few current references?


What’s your favorite part about a wedding celebration?
How do you interact with the wedding party and guests?
What attire will you wear at our wedding?

Do you anticipate and prepare for the possibility that something will go wrong?
How would you handle it?
What is the farthest distance you’ll travel? Are travel fees additional?

Being prepared builds confidence, and you'll walk away with the information you desperately want!

Feather + Flower Power :: So Faux Stylish

I absolutely adore fresh flowers, and have a personal allergy to potpourri, or silk flower arrangements used as decor in a home, shop, spa....

But if you're looking to save a bit of dough, and possibly cut down on the Fresh Flowers cost, here's a few options that will not your socks off.

Gorgeous Boutinnieres, Fascinators and more!

All are handmade, and courtesy of amazing merchants on Etsy.com

WeddingWire 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™

I'm thrilled to report that Go2Girl Event Planning + Design has won a 2009 Bride's Choice Award.

Thank you to past + current clients who took the time to spread the love!

It's wonderful to receive an award that is determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility.

This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US.

“We are excited to launch this annual award program to honor high-performing vendors based solely on the experiences of our WeddingWire community,” according to Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer.

“This year’s recipients have set the bar high, exhibiting excellent service and expertise in the wedding industry.”

The SWIP :: Gorgeous New Meeting Space

I previously announced the Launch Party for The SWIP (Seattle Wedding Industry Professionals) in late January.

I'm delighted to now have photographs that capture the essence of the space.

Meeting clients + vendors here is a great way to make a connection without interruptions!

It's absolutely beautiful, and all thanks to Lindsey Runyon Design!

Premier Party :: Georgetown Studios @ The Engine Room

Looking for something to do with your sweetie on Valentine's Day? Maybe you're on the hunt for an edgy, new space to hold your nuptuals + reception?

Attend a great party in an amazing space on February 14th. Features include: huge windows, 25' ceilings + a 4300 square ft. room. {Oh, and it's housed in the Original Rainier Brewery - too cool}

When? Valentine's Day {6 - 9pm}
Where? Georgetown Studios {5970 Airport Way S.} Seattle, WA
Who? Pulp Catering will be serving their Specialty Cocktails, delicious food will be provided by City Catering, and Kathryn Barnard will showcase her photography.

Come out + celebrate!

Art of the Cupcake

Lately I've become a bit obsessed with the cupcake.

Not the taste, flavor combinations, or even the (at times) breathtaking price.

But the beauty in the presentation.

There is a rare breed of baker that treats each one with the love of a blank canvas.

I recently stumbled upon photos from one such whimsical baker in the UK.

Her name is Sarah Jones, and she owns thelittlebakehouse.

Here's a sampling of her eye candy cupcakes:

Too cute to eat? Well, maybe not - but darling nonetheless. Cheers to you Sarah!

Seattle Wedding Industry Professionals

Get ready for the launch of Seattle's premier boutique wedding shop.
The Seattle Wedding Industry Professional's network (SWIP) is opening its doors this Thursday at 3pm.


SWIP is a new collaborative of independent wedding professionals who share a boutique meeting space in Seattle, and I'm thrilled that Go2Girl Event Planning is a part of it!

We support each other with inspiration, exposure, and share a wonderful luxury meeting space with colleagues + clients!

For those of you who are busy wedding planning, this is great place to meet with a small group of some of Seattle’s best wedding vendors in just one stop!

You’re Invited!

Opening Party

Thursday, January 29th :: 3 -7pm

For details + directions, visit : http://www.theswip.com

Vendor Spotlight :: cathyswraps LLC

Many brides want to add a green element to their big day, but hope to save some $$ too!

If you're still searching for an Eco Chic item to add to your decor ---look no further than cathyswraps LLC.

These decorative vase wraps will fill multiple roles from Wedding Aisle decor, to Tabletop design, and finally, Favors for your parting guests.
______________________________________________________
We recently caught up with Cathy Skraba, Owner of cathyswraps LLC, to discuss her inspiration + brilliant business idea.
___________________________________________________________________
Tell us a little about yourself...
I officially launched cathywraps LLC in 2006, though I spent years developing the idea. I have two children, a 10 year old daughter and an 8 year old son.

What inspired you to start your business?
I do believe in the saying "necessity is the mother of invention".

I had a successful freelance graphic design business, but wanted to stay home with my young children. Our family was created through the miracle of adoption, and I wanted to enjoy every minute, so I needed to get creative to pay the bills!

Around that time, my mother (fondly known as Doey), asked if I would think of ways to spiff up a vase that attached to church pew clips. She invented the pew clip, and enjoys much success with it, but wanted a way to give the display vase a makeover.

Being a graphic designer, I developed the idea of a decorative sleeve with fun patterns + colors. And the idea of cathyswraps LLC just grew from there.


What is unique about your product?
cathyswraps is a practical, versatile new vase. It can be used for centerpieces or party favors, it can become a gift vase by adding one of our coordinating gift tags, or it can be used as aisle decor.

It's available in trendsetting colors + patterns, and is easily personalized.

When brides uses our vases, they create continuity throughout their special day. They also get more value from their flowers, but using them in more than one locale.

Our vases are created from repurposed materials. The paper for the decorative wrap had been specially ordered for a local coffee company, but never used, and the plastic pots were warehoused for over 10 years.

The paper, made partially from post consumer waste, is printed with water based inks.















What price range does your product fall into?
cathyswraps are sold in sets of 12, ranging from $36 for the vase + decorative sleeve, to $48 for the vase, decorative sleeve + 12 pew clips.

Where can clients contact you + see your product line?
website: http://www.cathyswraps.com
email: info@cathyswraps.com
phone: #206.284.8268 or #800.435.3813

To order a sample to play with, test on church pews, or show to a florist...please visit my etsy shop: http://cathyswraps.etsy.com

Thank you Cathy!

Cha Ching :: Save Some Dough on Your Big Day

Wanting a bit of Economic Stimulus to further your Wedding Budget?

Here's a few practical + (hopefully) useful suggestions on how to keep your pockets full.

- Schedule the Ceremony for Late Morning :: This will allow a Light Lunch Reception.

- Look Outside for Locations :: Parks, Beaches, Community Centers. Look into costs + availability. Many allow reservations of up to 1 year.

- The Wedding Dress : Think Gently Used, Vintage or Consignment.

- Lose the Cocktail Hour. Or, make it a Cash Bar until Reception time.

- Get Flowers at the Farmers Market :: Bouquets will be made before your eyes!

- Use Ceremony Flowers as Reception Decor. This is a no brainer.

- Reduce the Bridal Party numbers

- Cut the Invitee List

- Plan a Destination Wedding (just the 2 of you!) :: Throw an elaborate At Home Reception.

- Book a photographer for a reduced number of hours. Develop a strategic timeline to capture the most important moments.

- Get your girlfriends (with photo skills) to capture all the 'Getting Ready' scenes.

- Skip Favors entirely (nobody will miss them - we promise!)

- Plan a local Honeymoon :: Not your own backyard - but within 3 hours of drive time.

Do you have a unique way to embrace your inner Recessionista?

What's Your Philosophy?

Stumped over what to give at the Bridal Shower? Everyone's been there!

Or, maybe you're the Bride to Be and want to give your Bridesmaids a gift of beauty?

Here's your solution.............
Every girl craves great skin, shiny hair + to smell good too!

Philosophy has you covered. Prepackaged gifts for the Bride.

How darling is the Hat Box presentation?

You can keep all your goodies inside.

And a special selection for the Bridal Party too!