After years of coaching many wonderful event planners, I see the same struggles over and over again. You CAN succeed in this industry and there are an incredible number of wedding and event planners who are running successful, profitable, sustainable businesses. Top five reasons why wedding and event planners aren’t succeeding AND what to do […]

Are finances causing your bride to settle for the less than perfect venue? Maybe her parents are footing the bill and determined to have the reception in the old church hall or in a not-so-nice event center. Whatever circumstance leaves your clients with a less than desirable venue, don’t panic. If the ugly duckling can […]

Yesterday, we talked about the main types of seating for brides and grooms at the wedding. Today, we are reviewing the types of seating for guests at a wedding. Three main options for guest seating styles: Open seating – Open seating at events means there are no table or seat assignments. A guest enters the reception room […]

Every event planner has a different style of portfolio. There is no right or wrong way to create a wedding and event planner portfolio. Here are the most common items to include in your wedding planning portfolio: Certificates or registrations from any courses or classes taken including online wedding planning classes and any others related […]

This post is inspired by Marie Forleo’s video on how to prepare for a big meeting. Here are ways YOU can prepare for an important client consultation: 1. Do Your Research – If the event is at a venue you aren’t familiar with, read through the venue website and online reviews before the consultation. Search […]

There are often disagreements in our industry on whether event planners should accept kickbacks and commissions from vendors they recommend. Here is the simple answer: If an event planner is taking commissions or kickbacks without their client’s knowledge, it is unethical. If you do not accept commissions or kickbacks, communicate this fact to clients so […]

Event design is such a relative term. What I can do versus what you can do versus what your competitors can do versus what Preston Bailey can do are so completely different. Different styles, different ideas, different clients, different visions, different strengths, different ideal budgets. Event design revolves around creativity. Creativity is a muscle. Just […]

One of the most challenging things for wedding planners is determining how to charge for your time and talent.  There are 4 basic ways to charge: Flat Fee – You charge a flat fee for services you are providing to your clients.  This is typically based on the type of event, amount of planning involved, the location, logistics, and […]