Pronovias at Love Couture {Trunk Shows}

7 Secrets to Getting a Job with a Wedding Planner (or Anyone Else)!

As you can imagine, we get a lot of applicants interested in being wedding planners. Why not? It sounds fun, seems glamorous, and has a low entry point. Technically, you don't need any specific training or degrees or even classes to start planning weddings. Back when I started (cue the dramatic music), there were almost no classes and no degree programs and you certainly couldn't major in event planning like you can now.

Times have changed. Universities like GW and George Mason offer classes and degrees (I even taught the wedding planning class at GW for a spell) and wedding planning is a booming business with more potential planners entering the market every day. Lots will open their own businesses and some will do quite well. For others, they'd rather start with an established company or learn the ropes through an internship. 

For everyone hoping to score an internship or even an entry level position with an event planner (or really in any industry), here are some tips on how to stand out from the crowd (and at this point the crowd of applicants is quite large).

#1-- Please take the time to address your email or letter to an actual person. I get scores of emails addressed to "To Whom It May Concern" or just "Hi" or "Good Morning." Since I run a small company and it takes all of two minutes to go on my website to find the name of the owner (me), not doing this tells me that you don't take initiative, you don't know how to find information or you're sending a blanket email to fifty other wedding planners.  Regardless, it gets your letter tossed in the trash pretty darn quick. Do your research!!

#2-- Don't assume I'm also Generation Y or Z or whatever we're up to now. Texting me for a job (yes, this happened to a wedding planner friend of mine) or tweeting me isn't the way to go (unless I've sent out a tweet asking for applicants). I don't mind emailed resumes but keep it professional and don't assume all potential bosses are social media friendly.

#3-- Check for mistakes before sending a resume. We all make mistakes but sending a resume that mentions how detail-oriented you are shouldn't have spelling or grammatical mistakes. And don't rely on "spell check" to save you because we all know how goofs can slip through that.

#4-- Do your homework on my company. We get tons of form-style letters from people saying how much they want to work for me without giving any specifics. Take the time to check out my website and mention specific elements of the business you like and then connect that back to yourself. Maybe you see that we donate part of our profits to the MS Society and you helped plan an MS Walk in college. Great! That shows me you've done some research and gives me a sense of connection to you.

#5-- Break the rules! This is a tough job market so you need to stand out from the crowd. Avoid telling me any of those typical resume phrases that career centers seem to love. I don't want to hear that you feel you could "best maximize your interpersonal skills" with my company.  I do want to hear that you think of yourself as a cross between MacGyver and Martha Stewart or that you are a social media diva and know so much about SEO that you could make my head spin. That would catch my eye. We're in the business of creating "Wow" factors for clients so be prepared to WOW me!

#6-- Know about weddings. If you're applying for a job as a wedding planner or intern, I want to know that you actually know about weddings and this isn't just a passing fancy. On our intern application, I have people tell me what wedding blogs they follow and what wedding books/magazines they've read. You'd be shocked by the number of people that say "none."  On the other hand, I gave an interview to a woman once who had no actual wedding experience but she knew all the wedding blogs and trends and showed that she had a burning interest. You shouldn't do anything you don't have a passion for so if you don't have a passion for weddings, find something else.

#7-- Connect to me. A lot of positions are still obtained through connections. If you don't have one, make one!  Did we go to the same college? Did you go to the same college as one of my associates? Are we from the same state? Do you know someone I know? Do you share the same hobbies or interests? Follow our blog, follow us on Twitter, learn about us. The more you know, the better the chance to connect. Even a small connection is a connection and, as social media shows us, today it's all about connection (even tenuous ones).

This post wasn't meant to scare you off but it was meant to help you put your best foot forward and ultimately get a job in the wedding industry. My wedding planner colleagues and I talk often about the number of people we have applying for jobs that make the mistakes I've talked about. So now you won't!  Good luck and I'll see you out there!
Laura

Rivini at Carine's {Trunk Shows}

Anna Maier at Hitched {Trunk Shows}

This summer and fall you'll attend plenty of weddings, and of course you'll see plenty of wedding gowns walk down the aisle. As a bride yourself, we know you're wondering how to find the gown that's going to make you stand out from the bunch when your big day arrives! Never fear—the Hitched gals will help you find a gown that's sure to be talked about for years to come at our Anna Maier Trunk Show, coming up on Friday, June 8th & Saturday, June 9th!

It's evident when looking at the gowns in the Anna Maier collection that designer Charles Bunstine is extremely conscious of the little details. From selecting the finest European fabrics to intricately hand-draping every pleat and fold, each Anna Maier gown is created with an incredible amount of personal attention and care. From sleek, sophisticated lace (a Hitched fave) and dramatically draped satin, you're sure to find a gown that perfectly suits both your figure and your personality..

What: Anna Maier/Ulla~Maija Bridal Gown Trunk Show

When: Friday, June 8th & Saturday, June 9th

RSVP: 202.333.6162 or appointments@hitchedsalon.com [Please remember, gown trials are by appointment only!]

All the Details: By purchasing an Anna Maier gown at the trunk show, you'll receive a complimentary muslin fitting, which ensures a fit that will be unlike any other garment you've ever worn. You'll also have the opportunity to meet designer Charles Bunstine, who will assist you in selecting gowns and offer suggestions for how to tweak them for your specific shape.

This is an opportunity that's not to be missed, so be sure to make your appointment today by phone [202.333.6162] or email [appointments@hitchedsalon.com].

Wedding Uggs!

The famed Australian footwear designer, Ugg, has come out with a wedding line of their boots. Bride or bridesmaids can select from three different options: Sparkles I Do, Fluffy Flip-Flop I Do or Bailey Bling I Do.

What do you think of the new fancy footwear? A wedding "do" or a wedding "don't?"

Happy Memorial Day!

As you may imagine, Memorial Day is a huge weekend for weddings. Even in D.C. where the city becomes a madhouse with bikers and parades and demonstrations and Rolling Thunder.  Every Memorial Day, our team is out in full force and this year was no exception. We had weddings at The Mellon, The Building Museum, The Fairmont Hotel, Meridian House and even a destination wedding in Turks and Caicos!

Every year as I weave my way into the city, I love to see all the bikers assembling for Rolling Thunder even if I'm not crazy about the wild detours I have to take to get around them. I love their patriotism and spirit (and all that bad-ass leather)! Last year as I was setting up a wedding at The Mellon, I heard the low rumbling of the bikes and ran outside to watch the thousands of bikers roar past on Constitution Avenue then hurried back inside to finish setting out place cards.

A couple of years back, one of my fabulously fun brides decided to do photos down at the Lincoln around all the bikers. This is one of my all-time favorite shoots (thanks to the uber-talented Matt Mendelsohn).

The bikers were so nice and loved being a part of her pictures and she really got into the spirit of things.  I hope these guys are still out there on the Mall flying their American flags high and having a great time.  Happy Memorial Day everyone and special thanks to all the brave souls who have given their lives in service!

The Case for a REAL Bow Tie

I would have to say the number of times a year anyone in one of my wedding parties wears a real bow tie is probably between 1 and 5%.  Not so much.  This past weekend, I had advance notice that the gentlemen would, in fact, be wearing real bow ties and may need assistance in tying them.  No problem, I'm a pro!

Only the week before the wedding did I completely understand why this was the much desired choice of the mother of the bride.  I received the picture below in an e mail explaining that if you are not wearing the real thing, this look is simply not possible.

Needless to say, my mouth dropped.  How RIGHT she is!  The attractive look was spotted by more than one groomsman by the end of the night.  I am officially inspired!

Sara

Mason Jars? Say It Isn't So!

Most people who know me, also know that the improper use of Mason jars at weddings can send me over the edge. Like wanting to use Mason jars in a formal museum setting or if the couple has never actually used a Mason jar in real life (for something other than a drinking a cocktail at someone else's rustic-chic wedding).

So it's shocking that I actually endorse these adorable and practical Mason jars with lids pre-cut for straws.  It grieves me that I think they are "pinch me cute" and am thinking of ordering some for myself. Oh, the shame.  But, seriously, aren't they clever?

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Honeymoon Planner!

Top 10 Reasons to use a Honeymoon Planner

10. You are on your own to fix your own problems if you’ve booked your own trip.
With a travel agent experienced in honeymoon travel you get 24 hour 7 days a week customer service department so you are never alone. You don’t need to waste your time and money on your holiday fixing problems. When you book your travels with a travel agent you are never alone.

9. In today’s Internet-savvy world, many people choose to take control of their travel plans, and we’ve all heard the horror stories – undisclosed travel times, the luxury hotel suite that was anything but luxury or the lackluster tour guide. Some travelers like the risk and “adventure” of do-it-yourself traveling. But, the more discerning traveler knows to let a travel specialist do what they do best. If you are looking for a fun adventure, see more about Costa Rica & Belize Adventures.

8. Their buying power is greater than yours. Experienced travel agents come with a lot of clout because they move a lot of people and have contacts at many hotels and destinations that can work to your advantage that you would not have if you booked your trip on your own. They have gained first-hand knowledge of all global destinations offered, allowing them to plan the ultimate vacation. Because of the personal relationships they’ve established with global hoteliers, clients often are treated to complimentary breakfast, food & beverage credits or priority upgrades. Read more about Elite Services

7. You were certain that the resort you’d booked for your honeymoon was on the water because you could see it plain and clear in the photo on their web site. Turns out there was a highway between your room and the ocean. A honeymoon travel specialist will help you find the right room and view to meet your needs and your budget…they have the knowledge to help you determine the difference between oceanfront and ocean view. Check out Jade Mountain in St. Lucia (above) where all the rooms have infinity pools and views of the Caribbean Sea.

6. Your room was the most affordable in the resort which gave you the best “value” like the web site promised, but that meant it was nearest to the street and in front of the disco that was open all night, so you never got to sleep and still can’t get that ABBA tune out of your head. Let the professional’s help you plan your honeymoon…that’s what a honeymoon planner is for.

5. All of your friends who booked through a luxury travel advisor had special passes for a private tour of the Vatican, except for you, so you stood in line for three hours in the hot sun, just to see the main rooms. While you were waiting your friends met the Pope and then went off to sip Prosecco cocktails in the garden of the Hotel du Russie. Want a European honeymoon?

4. You didn’t realize until you got to the airport that your passport needed to have at least six months on your passport before it expired. Now you know! So, you’ll go next year. Let the travel professionals help you with the details of planning your vacation. See a Youtube video on the MALDIVES.

3. A honeymoon specialist is your advocate; someone who is accountable for the time and money you are investing. Travel specialists works for you, not for hotels, cruise lines or airlines. Learn about how to customize your Tailor-Made Journey.

2. Honeymoon specialists travel the planet in search of the most romantic destinations and the search still goes on.  Some even offer a Honeymoon Gift Registry.

1. With the million and one things you have to do before your wedding day, a honeymoon specialist will take a huge item off your "to-do" list (or keep you from nagging your fiance to do it). Enough said.


Thanks to Teresa from Honeymoon Islands for her tips. Honeymoon Islands has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Great Escapes as offering the most unique romantic honeymoon ideas and locations. They also currently serve on the travel advisory board for Islands Magazine, Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Magazine, Spa Magazine, Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine. See the travel specials and recommendations posted on their Facebook page.

Grids Waffles {Food Trucks for Weddings}

One of the fun DC wedding trends is having food trucks. Enter Grids Waffles!  This fun company makes gourmet, fabulously flavored waffles stuffed with deluxe sweet and savory fillings. Check out some of the offerings:

I Know What You Grid Last Summer                                                               

Chocolate Chips, Strawberries, Whip Cream

Nitty Griddy                                                                                                      

Nutella, Bananas, Whip Cream

Grids S’mores Waffle                                                                                       

Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows, Graham Cracker Crumbs, Whip Cream

Gridlicious                                                                                                      

Bacon and Syrup

Griddy Up & Go                                                                                                

Bacon, Cream Cheese, Fresh Green Onions

Great Grids of Fire

Nacho Waffle w/Jalapenos, Melted Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa

Forgridden Love                                                                                             

Red Velvet Waffle, Cream Cheese Frosting, Whip Cream

P-Griddy

Pizza Waffle w/Mozerella Cheese, Pizza Sauce, Fresh Basil, Garlic Salt

They will even create custom flavors for your wedding. Talk about a fun treat at the end of the night (or as guests wait for their cars at the valet stand). Yum!