Since 2009 we have been using the term "Wedding Specialist" and "Event Specialist" instead of coordinator or planner. Sometimes people ask us why we use the word Specialist. So I thought I would write a post about it and explain why we have chosen to use one word over another.
Specialist - Per the Websters Dictionary means - One who specializes in a particular occupation, practice or branch of learning.
Our Specialists are just that. We specialize in knowing how to plan and organize your wedding or event, how to work with your budget so that you have a realistic view of what is important and where to splurge, we KNOW the professionals in the industry that will mesh well with you and your personality as well as fit within your budget, we can take your vision and know without much research how to make it happen. We keep up to date on trends, finds, ideas and styles so that you can rest assured that your wedding or event will be all you want it to be.
We Specialize in knowing where to go to find the unique items you want to help make your vision come true. We are true Professionals who have committed time and energy into learning the things we need to know so that we can be a Specialist in our field. We are NOT photographers, florist, caters, filmmaker, we are your wedding Specialist or event Specialist. You work with the above professionals as they are the specialists in THEIR field.
Yes we do Plan your wedding or event and YES we do Coordinate your wedding or event however, we Specialize in doing this in the absolute best possible way, as well as, making your vision become a reality. Do we plan or coordinate a wedding or event we see? No we plan and coordinate a wedding or event YOU see.
While the term Specialist is not widely used in the industry it is one we have been using. And yes on our marketing material we also use wedding coordinators/planner and event coordinator/planner. But we prefer Specialist.
Showing posts with label Wedding Specialist Portland Oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wedding Specialist Portland Oregon. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Importance of a Professional?
Many people think they can save money on their wedding by choosing vendors not professionals. Below is a brief article of some questions you need to ask those who will be participating in your special day. You WANT/NEED professionals at your wedding. Not just vendors or Hobbyists. You will have a much more enjoyable time and the wedding will be more successful, still need to save some money in the budget? That’s just fine there are lots of ways to do that and still get your professionals.
Here are some basic questions you need to ask any wedding professional you are meeting with for your wedding. Q=Questions, R=Reason the questions needs to be asked.
Q. Are you licensed with the state?
R. If they are not you may have less help if something goes wrong, and most people who are NOT licensed with the state are more of Hobbyist and less Professionals.
Q. How long have you been in BUSINESS?
R. Make sure you ask business not industry. Some people can say they have been in the industry but not in business for themselves. New Business’ are fine to book with but you will want to make sure that they have all their paperwork, time-lines, contracts and business in order. Also if they are new to owning their own business as for referral from past clients.
Q. Can I look at your Portfolio?
R. This will give you a glimpse into the type of work they have produced. Make sure that they have a variety of images, events or ideas they can show you. If they only have one or two events in their portfolio then they may not have the depth or experience you will be looking for.
Q. Ask to see a copy of their contract while in your consultation.
R. You will want to read through it before it is given to you to sign. If there is something in the contract that would prevent you from signing it you will want to know before a proposal is given to you with the contract. This will also give you a chance to ask questions about anything in or not in the contract.
Q. Ask if they have business insurance, If yes ask for a copy of their COI.
R. You want to know that they have taken the time to protect THEIR business. If they have taken the time to do this most likely they are going to also take care of you.
Q. Ask for some testimonials or reference from past clients
R. There are a lot of online reference sites. This is a good way to check and see how happy past clients really are. Chances are if they are listed even without a testimonial they are less of a hobbyist. If they have testimonials you can read them.
Keep in mind these are just a FEW of the questions you will want to ask. We can work with you on additional questions that are professional specific during a consultation.
R. If they are not you may have less help if something goes wrong, and most people who are NOT licensed with the state are more of Hobbyist and less Professionals.
Q. How long have you been in BUSINESS?
R. Make sure you ask business not industry. Some people can say they have been in the industry but not in business for themselves. New Business’ are fine to book with but you will want to make sure that they have all their paperwork, time-lines, contracts and business in order. Also if they are new to owning their own business as for referral from past clients.
Q. Can I look at your Portfolio?
R. This will give you a glimpse into the type of work they have produced. Make sure that they have a variety of images, events or ideas they can show you. If they only have one or two events in their portfolio then they may not have the depth or experience you will be looking for.
Q. Ask to see a copy of their contract while in your consultation.
R. You will want to read through it before it is given to you to sign. If there is something in the contract that would prevent you from signing it you will want to know before a proposal is given to you with the contract. This will also give you a chance to ask questions about anything in or not in the contract.
Q. Ask if they have business insurance, If yes ask for a copy of their COI.
R. You want to know that they have taken the time to protect THEIR business. If they have taken the time to do this most likely they are going to also take care of you.
Q. Ask for some testimonials or reference from past clients
R. There are a lot of online reference sites. This is a good way to check and see how happy past clients really are. Chances are if they are listed even without a testimonial they are less of a hobbyist. If they have testimonials you can read them.
Keep in mind these are just a FEW of the questions you will want to ask. We can work with you on additional questions that are professional specific during a consultation.
For additional support in choosing Professionals contact us now for a complimentary consultation.
Events by Lisa Marie
www.eventsbylisamarie.com
www.facebook.com/eventsbylisamarie
503-830-7779
Friday, May 20, 2011
Reasons to hire a Wedding and Event Planner
There are many reasons a Wedding Planner, Coordinator or Specialist may be for you. Some of which may include stress management, budget control and time. Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and energy both physically and emotionally. So why not sit down with a Planner or Specialist who can help guide you through the process. Below are some details as to how a Wedding Planner/Specialist can help make your wedding run smoothly and have it be enjoyable for all involved.
Stress – There are many decisions that need to be made and many have an intense timeline that needs to be followed. Professionals need to be found, interviewed and booked, dresses need to be picked out and ordered in time to have them arrive and be fitted, Invitations need to be sent out with RSVP’s being tracked. Centerpieces need to be designed to fit the overall theme. All these things can make planning a wedding stressful but can also be things a Planner does for you thus reducing your stress and creating a memorable and fun wedding.
Budget – How many times do you get married? Many people are not familiar with what venues cost, or how much they should pay per person for catering. Wedding Planners/Specialists have the ability to help you wade through the proposals and negotiate them down or cut out what you do not need so that you are sticking to the budget. They also know where to go for the items you need within the budget you have.
Time – you may just not have enough time to be able to plan your wedding. Because of this you may fall victim to thoughts and ideas others have for you. By hiring a Wedding Planner/Specialist you are able to plan your wedding the way you want it done while still having time to live your life. We also have no relation to your family and friends and can tell them NO. Creating your perfect day not theirs.
Things to consider- Day of Coordinators are fabulous when you want to plan things yourself but still want the comfort of knowing things will come together. Regardless of if you have lots of decoration you want set up or a big grand entrance to be organized, a Day of Coordinator can make your wedding relaxing and fun. They take on all the stress of completing the set up, managing the timeline, notifying other professionals and making sure things run smoothly. Who wants to be in the bathroom when the best man tells the DJ he is ready for the toast. NOT THE BRIDE that's why hiring a planner to help with your day is a good idea. We are there so that you, your husband, family and friends can all enjoy the day without having to worry about all the little details.
Why Hire Us?
Simple – We have experience with weddings from 50-500 guests, we listen to your vision and make suggestions based on what you are looking for, we work hard to make your day perfect and we are budget friendly. We can help you negotiate many of your contracts to help you SAVE money as well as having an inventory of our own for you to rental, keeping your cost lower by not having to buy them. Additionally we have happy clients and years of experience in the industry.
Lisa Marie
Events by Lisa Marie
Wedding and Event Specialist
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Welcome to our Blog
Welcome and thank you for taking the time to read our blog. Please check back often or follow us as we continue to add articles, links and pictures from our events. We look forward to helping you plan your events with style, paying special attention to the details, time-lines and your vision, so that you can enjoy a great time with family, friends, co-workers or whoever is in attendance. Feel free to contact us at any time for a complimentary consultation with one of our three Event Specialists (also known as planners or coordinators).
Thanks again for stopping in.
Lisa Marie
Owner/Lead Specialist
Owner/Lead Specialist
Events by Lisa Marie
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