SHOW ME the Bridal Shows....

Went to Joplin this past weekend to check out the MetBride Show there.  It was a bit smaller than anticipated, but was able to come away with a few ideas and information.  This weekend I am headed to Overland Park to check out the Perfect Wedding Guide show....they are advertising over 250 booths...WOW!!!
http://kansas-city.perfectweddingguide.com/events/bridal-shows/8208/

Even though I can't take pictures I should be able to come across some ideas I can use in the future as well as obtaining some valuable information.  Next weekend it's the "All About Weddings" show in Springfield, MO.  Looking forward to being able to talk with local vendors and other local consultants.

 http://www.allaboutweddingsmissouri.com/weddingshows

Networking is soooo important in making those all important working relationships.   ;)

it's in the mail.....

I spoke with Membership Services at ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) Friday and was told my Novice trial membership packet was in the mail to me!!!!  My free membership is for 6 months!!  Originally it was for only 3 months, but thanks to some changes I now will receive 6 months... Woohooo!

I also will have ALL the same benefits as a paid membership, except being at the Novice level I
I won't receive referrals of brides from ABC and I cannot use the ABC logo on my website, business cards or any literature (although I can use the words, a proud member of ABC).  Once I advance to Consultant level both restrictions will be lifted.  In the meantime I can search out internships with other consultants to earn experience and take full advantage of my trial membership.  I am THRILLED and hoping the packet will arrive soon.

on the radio..... ohhhhh, on the radio...

I was soooo nervous and excited Thursday morning (9/2/2010) as I arrived at the radio station.  I had received a call after I had written one of the DJs about a caller's comment on the show, and was asked to come in and help answer his upcoming wedding questions and share with listeners various wedding etiquette "rules."

I was there 7-8 AM and during intermittent breaks we talked about topics such as, Is it okay not to invite children to your wedding/reception?, How much should I spend on a wedding gift for the couple?, What is appropriate attire for guests attending a wedding?, and wedding no-nos like, Guests, Turn OFF your cell phones during the ceremony...do not text, do not take pictures!, Guests, please ask the Photographers if you can piggyback off their photo shoot before you snap pictures!, and Whomever is listed on the invitation envelope is invited...it's not okay to invite other people (children or dates) and write them in on your RSVP. 

I had so much information that I wanted to share, but the breaks were only about 2-5 minutes in length...time flies... and the two DJs were sharing their comments as well, plus we had a few call-ins too.  I had a blast and am hoping I helped listeners be more aware.  I left a practical gift of Thank You notes and a Bride's Thank You handbook for the groom-to-be and his Lady.  (One MUST remember to write and mail-off those thank you notes for all the generous wedding gifts)!! 

 It was such an incredible opportunity/experience and my Thanks goes out to Fotsch and McClain's Morning Buzz, Power 96.5 here in Springfield, MO!!!!   www.facebook.com/fotsch.mcclain    www.power965.com