#AuthenticallyAmbiance: Bridal Show Prep

Marketing Materials...Booth Design...Giveaways...Oh My!

We are about a month away until the Fort Belvoir Bridal Show. That means a calculated to-do list about a mile long for me. I prepare for bridal shows with great intention. I choose the Fort Belvoir show because it is smaller and allows me the opportunity to actual talk and address concerns of passersby. Year after year, it seems to really pay off for me, more so than the larger shows.

The end of my 2016 was intense self-reflection training. Through a couple Instagram business challenges, I managed to finally focus on defining and understanding my ideal client. I set big, clear cut, manageable goals. I also added on services like invitations and personalized gifts. I updated our Full Service package to include much more. Heck of the way to end a year, I know.

In a nutshell, all of these things need to be present and make an impression at this year's bridal show.

Decision...decisions...

Yesterday, I ordered a new invitations album, so bride-to-be's have something to touch, hold, feel and ask questions about regarding our invitations and accessories affiliation with Carlson Craft. I generally promote the on-line boutique but I haven't found that photos of invitations nor lip service have captured the attention of the bride-to-be.

I have designed to give away a personalized pillow to one lucky couple for subscribing and inviting Ambiance into their inbox monthly. It truly IS one of my new favorite things! I am totally obsessed with this First Date, Yes Date, Best Date personalized pillow design. The winner will get to choose the color. I think this is also a great gift idea for mothers and maids in attendance, plus it shows off a few ways we love our personalized gifts affiliation with Thirty-One and how we work it for weddings.

I generally do not like the large table that comes with traditional bridal show set-ups. It cuts off access to interaction if you stand behind that thing. But I do need to showcase one or two of our non-floral signature centerpieces, now included in our Full-Service package. More than anything, I've got to show and drive home the fact that you get more when you book with Ambiance.



Finally, I think I'll have a banner made. Something slim but tall. This isn't something I've used in the past but I want to make sure that if I'm engaged in conversation, something else still has access to the same message. The banner can't just be the logo either. I think it has to encompass everything I'm highlighting in the booth.

Looks like I've got my work cut out for me.  The banner design will provide tricky but I'm looking forward to nailing this challenge with subtle, sophistication that is Ambiance.




#thrityone #thirtyonegifts #virginiaweddingplanner #dayofcoordinator #weddinginvitations #weddinggifts #bridalshow #bridal fair #weddingshows #ido #love #engaged #mstomrs #wedding #authenticallyambiance

#AuthenticallyAmbiance Thankfulness

This morning, I'm up early, out on the deck with the soul purpose of getting my mood together before the man child wakes. Yesterday ended on a terrible note. Out of nowhere (late afternoon) my mood soured and I just couldn't shake it.

Writing seems to help me gather and refocus my thoughts, so I began to journal about what I am thankful for. What I wrote surprised me. Two simple words...another day.

Today, I am thankful for another day. It signifies another chance to get "it" right. Another day to simply try. Another day to improve. Another day to do differently or more of the same. Another day is another opportunity for me to feel something new, learn something new, and share a new experience.

This is as authentic as it gets for me.

When the wedding plans begin to overwhelm you, when doubt creeps into your mind, when anxiety seems to keep you up a little longer each night, when you can't image spending another weekend meeting about cakes, flowers, colors, and dreses; when you feel at the end of your planning rope...

!STOP!

This is a sign you need a moment. A healthy moment.  to reflect on all the good, all the can's instead of can'ts. You need a moment to be thankful for all things, big and small. A warm, sweet, creamy cup of #Starbucks. Hell, the money to afford a cup of Starbucks. Find your thankfulness in a close parking space, someone to kiss in the morning, a friend to meet for lunch, mindless tv that makes you laugh or just the quiet moment to yourself that didn't seem possible only a day ago. Take five minutes, 24 hours, or a whole weekend to reflect and regroup. I promise you'll find renewed spirit and be ready to tackle whatever you have lined up.

Now, failing to heed to this red flag may and will likely result in the following : moodiness, increased sarcasm, the biting off of loved ones heads, hasty decision making, overspending, avoiding email and phone calls, increased snacking (usually sweets and  potato chips...and wine, also sometimes considered a snack), swearing, tears and in extreme cases...adult tantrums. Don't let this be you!

Post a comment of what you are thankful for on our Facebook page starting today at Noon, EST, then share the post to be entered for a chance to win a $20 credit toward thank you notes from our #carlsoncraft e-boutique, to capture more of your thankful moments. Window Shop Now.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing onSaturday, July 23, 2017 at NOON, EST. Winner will be  announced on our Facebook page, so stay tuned. I can't wait!

Ready, Post,then Share...www.facebook.com/ambiancespecialevents