#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

Pardon My French: No Bull...Buy Her A Bag!

1. Make-Up Bag 
2. Tissues
3. Phone Charger
4. Phone
5. Change of Shoes
6. Bobby Pins
7. Evening Bag
8. Deodorant
9. Lotion
10. Curling Iron 

Just a few things any bridesmaid is likely to have on her person for the day of your wedding. These are single bridesmaids, of course, because women with children know, a mom, isn't getting away with a evening bag. 

To my point...depending on where you and the maids get ready, she'll be traveling with a minimum of ten items to support you and keep her glamorous look for an endless number of hours. She needs a bag to put it all in. More importantly, as your wedding planner, I need her to have a bag to put it all in. THE most organized wedding days have order and attention to detail, through and through. 

Zip Top Utility Tote

Your maids are no exception. From ceremony to reception; photos and everything in between, she will have the items. She will need these items. And I will have to help her with each transition you make throughout the day. When the glam squad arrives to the venue, the very first question typically asked has nothing to do with you...the bride. Instead it is, "where can we put our stuff". Stuff?!?! 

The child in me wants to shout "not it" and take a step back like a second grader ready to play tag. The sophisticated professional in me knows better.  Aside from my standard tasks of executing your wedding details and timeline, I must also help your wedding party keep up with their $#*!. They look to me to know where it is, when they can go get it, and where it will be while they eat...dance...party! 

I can be honest with you, ALL phones (that are not mine) look the same to me. We may as well add chargers in too. Soooooo no, I don't remember what your phone looks like...or where you just had it. Hell, we just met...like yesterday. And when the bar finally closes at the end of the night, finding misplaced lip gloss and/or phone chargers, is comparable to searching for  a needle in an very beautiful, well designed haystack. 

Let's not do this anymore. The best and most fluid weddings I've assisted with, each maid has a bag. Something I can line up against any wall, in any room, and know that they are all accounted for, at a glance. 

All-In Organizer

#ambianceadores The All-In Organizer from Thirty-One Gifts. It is one of the best multipurpose bags for this very use. Not too big...not too structured. It's perfect! Plus, you don't have to worry about if it is her style to use as a purse after the wedding because it's a small tote...she can use it for literally anything. The kids, car, work, closet, farmer's market...whatever!

What is important is that it will get her through wedding day with ease.  All of her things in an easily identifiable/coordinated bag that can even hold her favor AND bouquet at the end of the night. Can't think of a better wedding gift that serves so may purposes. 

Mathematically speaking...

Less Worry = Less Questions = Less Fuss and ultimately equals more focus on YOU and your needs from your maids and myself. So how about it? Let's get shopping. Shop the catalog for the All-In Organizer, only $20 (w/o personalization), HERE. 

#thirtyonegifts #personalizedgifts #wedding #inspiration #personalization #bridesmaidsgifts #weddingpartygifts #weddingplanner #bride #groom #ido #love

Wedding Plans made Even Easier

Ambiance is expanding...again!

In 2015, we adding invitations and wedding accessories from Carlson Craft to our repertoire in an effort to streamline the wedding planning process for our clients. Our idea was to maximize convenience and efficiency.

Recently, I've fallen in love with a utility tote that I simply can't live without from Thirty-One Gifts. It helps me keep organized while promoting the sophistication of my business brand. My light bulb moment came when a client wanted to talk options for wedding party gifts. Thirty-one offers various ways to gift, organize, and personalize your life.

Wedding or Christmas Gift for the Newlyweds!
https://www.mythirtyone.com/1858974

When your life involves a wedding, I can tell you, the best and most organized Day-Of's are the ones where the bridesmaids each have a tote (usually with their name) to keep up with their cell phone, chargers, make-up bag, and extra shoes. My staff and I line them up on a wall in a safe room and the maids know exactly where to retrieve their things. And no panic calls at the end of the night, asking if we've found...insert expensive, irreplaceable item here...

Best of all, they are gifts people will use over and over in their daily life. And yes, there are a few great options for the guys too.

Gift For Your Maids...only $10.
https://www.mythirtyone.com/1858974

I think Thirty-One products are a perfect fit for Ambiance; endless options for personalized gifts and home decor to welcome you to Forever After.

Already, love Thirty-One? Host a registry party for the products you love.

New to Thirty-One? Stay tuned to our page for upcoming events/specials or request to join our FB group: #AmbianceAdores XXXI.

Cheers to New Beginnings, friends...Ambiance Special Events and Thirty-One. It's the reason our couple's spend more time together and less time in meetings!