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

fine tuning...

Exciting things going on!  I've been looking at website designs and have spoken to a designer to check on pricing and ideas, etc.  Checking out a lot of event/wedding sites to see what I like and would like to incorporate on my page....have a few months before it will be up and running, but am enjoying "window shopping" to assist in the creation.  Designer is also working on a business logo for me, am excited to see what they come up with.

I only have 3 lessons left to my bridal consultant course with Penn Foster before I receive my diploma, but I have like 10 more months to complete it.  I am slowing down on the educational side and gearing up on the many details of starting a business.  Things that need to be in place before I can go any further.  Also, waiting to hear from ABC regarding my Novice level membership and to see what options I may have as far as serving an internship with area consultants to gain more hands-on experience.

The "big picture" can only happen with fine tuning of the details, details...    ;)

best made plans...

so...I was supposed to head out to a Bridal Show this weekend in Fayetteville when I received a phone call from the Event Coordinator and told it was re-scheduled for October 10th instead.  No big deal, typically, but I have already booked a hotel room at the venue through Priceline (name your own price)....so no refunds.  I have a call in and am hoping the hotel will make an exception and transfer my reservation to that weekend in October since the Bridal Show at their facility was the entire reason for my trip.  Keeping fingers crossed.

Kiss the Brides Expo from Tisha Kemp on Vimeo.

It just goes to prove that just when you think you have it all covered, circumstances beyond your control teach you otherwise. You just gotta laugh!    ;)

8/26/2010   YEAH!!!!  The hotel will work with me and transfer my reservation to the October date!!

technology...technology... I hear the song....

So, am trying to get the hang of blogging, Twittering, setting up business Facebook page and getting a custom domain name for a website that I'd like to design for RSVP Event Planning by Kathy, however it's a bit more involved than it looks.   ;)   I have things started, but finding out more exact info, for someone that hasn't kept up with ALL the details of social networking, is challenging to find.  However, I shall prevail and by next week all should be in place and I will be well-educated in "Face-Blog-Ittering-Design!"

pictures....

Finally d/l pics from Sunday....awesome room and view!!  I was in a room on the 5th floor and just left of the entrance so I was overlooking the dam area, saw mountains AND lake.

entrance to main lobby

comfy!!

the dam, which was part of my view

 night view from my balcony