So you have probably have realized how quickly Pinterest is becoming the next best thing in social media. You see it everywhere but how can it work for you?

As a bride, Pinterest is a plethora of information and ideas for them to make the best choices for their wedding. It can range from DIY projects to the multimillion dollar décor that you love. The inspiration is endless. As a wedding planner though, how do you make it work for your business?

In January 2012 comScore reported the site had 11.7 million unique users, making it the fastest site in history to break through the 10 million unique visitor mark. The average Pinterest user is female between the ages of 24-54. Pinterest is becoming the place that brides are going to not only for inspiration, but to see vendor’s work. They could be scanning through for hours looking for the best floral arrangement, the best cake, etc, if you are not representing your work, how can you be found? As a vendor, there are a few things one should be wary of before posting every pic you have of your work;

1. Blatant self promotion is not looked kindly upon. To be successful, pinning from other Pinterest boards and other community members will make you more successful in the long run.
2. Pinning imagery that provokes interaction will maximize your result
3. If you are going to use Pinterest to help brand you, make sure you have the “pin it” buttons on your website along with your username for people to find you and follow.

Once you get started it begins a snowball of activity. Of course the most important advantage is the SEO benefits. With the obvious reason being, it can be linked to Facebook and Twitter for a more effective search results.

11 Pinterest Apps And Tools To Enhance Your Pinning Experience

In our industry, we strive to highlight the latest and greatest each related industry has to offer in order to achieve the most memorable, successful outcome for our clients. As event planners and designers we have an arsenal of ideas at our fingertips to not only embrace new trends, but to set new ones for our industry and others.

Identifying trends in special event planning and design can be as simple as perusing the numerous websites, blogs, mood boards, inspirational apps and photo galleries available today. Being a trendsetter is an altogether different approach toward being a true thought leader in our industry. The hallmark of a trendsetter is being the first to inspire others to do great things in the design, planning, production and implementation of an event.

These individuals are also the risk takers and artists of our time, leading the rest of us to further evolve the trends we’ve been inspired to embrace. Popular ideas have a way of moving from one related industry to another. For instance, music inspires fashion, fashion inspires design, and design overflows into our work, homes and events.

Inspiration is what allows a new trend to flourish. Inspiration can be found anywhere. From the smallest details to grand and monumental architecture, we can find our inspiration at any time and often when we least expect it. As a professional in the industry, it is important to develop your ability to capture your own inspirations. This will prepare you for working with clients to understand their vision, where it originated, and what inspired it.

Begin by practicing finding and capturing your own inspiration. The first step to recognizing and harnessing the ability to create new and innovative ideas in our industry is knowing how to recognize when you’ve been inspired.

What inspires you?

Is it a place? A vacation? What colors speak to you? How do those colors make you feel? Are there certain fabrics you love to wrap yourself in? Why? What type of art work do you enjoy? Who are your favorite designers in fashion? In architecture? In furniture? What is the style of your home? Your wardrobe? Your landscape?

You will find that you have already developed your sense of style that inspires you even if you haven’t tried. Most of us have a favorite color by the time we are able to speak.

Set a new trend and begin your next project by finding inspiration.
• Create an inspiration board or collection of things that make you feel good or inspire you.
• Search the Internet for images, fonts, designs, logos, fashion, shoes, objects, etc.
• Visit a museum, art gallery, charity store or antique shop.
• Watch a movie, read a book, listen to music.

Here is a list of websites to get started:

PrestonBailey.com

colourlovers.com

Pinterest.com

Polyvore.com

BridalCanvas.com

http://nymag.com/fashion/

http://www.flickr.com/

MoodStream.gettyimages.com

Veer.com

Audionetwork.com

itunes.com

Bubblebathgirl.com

http://weheartit.com/

http://coolboom.net/

http://psd.tutsplus.com/category/inspiration/

http://www.mostinspired.com/

http://design.alltop.com/

http://www.fuelyourcreativity.com/

http://vi.sualize.us/

http://www.formfiftyfive.com/

http://kellianderson.com/

http://muse.drewwilson.com/

I enjoy things that are natural and organic. I use very little make up and I try to be as natural as possible. Since I was a little girl, I walked barefoot whenever I could and I love the feeling of grass, sand and sea waves on my feet. Unfortunately, I live in the city, and I can’t walk barefoot very often… I’m inspired by the nature shapes (leafs, flowers, butterflies…), smooth and curvilinear. For example, I really like art nouveau, elegant and fluid.

My favorite time of the day is dusk; I love the orange and red sunset colors in the skyline. The city starts to calm down and it all becomes more peaceful and silent. It’s the time where lights are turned on at home, and the candles are lit…it’s the most romantic moment of the day! And then, at night, you can see the stars, the moon and if you are lucky, the fireflies…

My ideal wedding would be outdoors, surrounded by big trees and grass everywhere. It would look like an enchanted forest, at dusk, with romantic lighting everywhere. I would like to feel like a fairy or nymph in this wonderful environment. My color palette is leaf and sage green and lemon with touches of persimmon and lilac.

Weddingstar will manufacture and distribute the Preston Bailey Tabletop Collection to national, regional and specialty retailers around the world with particular concentration in the U.S., Canada, UK, Russia and Australia. An anticipated 3,000 retail outlets will offer the Preston Bailey Tabletop Collection. Direct-to-consumer sales will be available at www.weddingstar.com.

The initial three-year agreement is a first for both entities. It marks the first occasion that Weddingstar has invited an internationally-recognized event designer to create a signature line of products, and it is also the first time that Preston Bailey has used his artistic vision to create tabletop accessories for world-wide retail distribution. Together, Weddingstar and Mr. Bailey intend to transform the wedding planning experience for brides around the world.

“Our partnership with Preston Bailey will help brides create a Preston Bailey experience for their reception with tabletop accents that are as distinctive and as memorable as is every bride’s wedding,” says Rick Brink, President of Weddingstar. The initial launch will include reception table items such as vases, candleholders, candelabras, place card holders and chair treatments. Not all of the durable materials and production finishes have been chosen at this time. Additional design details, as well as a few select pieces from the collection, will be unveiled prior to the official launch.

Preston Bailey’s one-of-a-kind wedding creations are legendary and he is renowned for transforming generic spaces into spectacular, theatrical experiences. Mr. Bailey’s partnership with Weddingstar will be a multi-tiered product introduction and will give brides the incredible opportunity to select decorative wedding items designed by Preston and augmented with instructions. At long last, everyone can add The Preston Touch™ to their wedding decor.

“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Weddingstar, a company I have long admired for their impressive selection of quality wedding products and accessories,” says Preston Bailey. “This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire couples and offer practical, accessible solutions. Every bride deserves to have her dream wedding, and we want to help.”

About Preston Bailey and Preston Bailey Designs

Preston Bailey is recognized as the premiere event designer and taste maker and has more than 30 years of wedding and event experience under the auspices of his namesake company, Preston Bailey Designs. He is best known for his ability to completely transform generic (sometimes no more than a shell) spaces, into opulent, theatrical environments, translating his clients’ fantasies into awe-inspiring reality. His one-of-kind events have attracted such notable individual clients as Donna Karan, Jennifer Hudson, Matt Lauer, Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers, Uma Thurman, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Catherine Zeta-Jones as well as members of several royal families. In August 2010, Preston partnered with Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute to create the first-of-its-kind online course, which was later adopted by over 2,000 academic institutions. Preston Bailey’s Signature Wedding & Event Design certification program offers students the opportunity to learn the step-by-step process and techniques utilized by this industry pioneer. As a follow-up, Preston launched a Floral Design Course series in February 2012.

As an author, Preston has written five bestselling books: Design for Entertaining, Fantasy Weddings, Inspirations, Celebrations and Flowers, which was published by Rizzoli in September 2011 and is already in its second printing. Headquartered in New York City, Preston Bailey Designs is a privately-held company and maintains international offices in Indonesia and the Middle East.

For more information please visithttp://www.prestonbailey.com. Follow Preston Bailey on Facebook and Twitter.

About Weddingstar Inc.

Weddingstar is one of the world’s leading designers, manufactures and retailers of wedding favors and accessories and is dedicated to providing quality service to brides around the globe - with shipping into over 70 countries and distribution points in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, and Russia. With over 3,000 product offerings, Weddingstar’s ever-expanding selection of bridal products includes wedding accessories, wedding centerpieces, wedding cake toppers and personalized napkins. Eighty percent of their products feature exclusive designs inspired by Weddingstar’s talented design team and design partners. With almost 30 years of experience in the wedding industry, and having received numerous business awards, Weddingstar has earned a reputation as the source for ‘Putting the Wow into Weddings.’ For more information please visit www.weddingstar.com.

By Cho Phillips

In general, the wedding and event industry is dedicated to providing extraordinary celebrations and creating lifelong memories. During these special occasions clients and industry professionals are commonly overwhelmed in the planning and execution of an event. As a result, many legal pitfalls are potentially lurking for unsuspecting event professionals.

Routinely, wedding and event planners fall into a pattern of discussing and providing services before a written contract is executed. Although it can be a challenge, a priority should be placed on finding a comfortable balance between friendly business and responsible planning. Of course, no one wants to be the person pointing out all the possible things that may go wrong on a bride’s big day. This type of pessimism may suggest that the company has had past problems dealing with customers or are only concerned with securing their payment. However, to avoid having clients turned off by this process event professionals should express to a client how and why it is beneficial for each party to openly discuss otherwise gloomy subjects before event preparations begin. You may find that thoughtful disclosure on tough topics tends to show qualified experience and mature professionalism. These qualities will help relieve any client apprehension towards finalizing an agreement. Thus, a core balance between competing business concerns ought to be where the parties arrive when an agreement is finally implemented.

Similarly, document transparency is paramount to the satisfaction of any costumer experience. Typically, event professionals new to the industry will utilize cost-efficient generic internet templates. In contrast, seasoned industry leaders more often than not, will hire an attorney to finalize each separate agreement. Regardless, of where you are in your career, what is essential is client participation during contracting. In other words, give the client a chance to participate in defining the main provisions of the contract. What you may discover, is that after this process the client’s trust in your business will skyrocket. For that reason, when the day comes, clients will be able to fully indulge in their moment, without the worry of any unwelcomed surprises.

Tips for professionals:

Preparation is everything. Any attorney will tell you that a legal contract cannot be created until the goals and wishes of the parties are defined. Therefore, be prepared to sit down at length with each potential client and meaningfully flesh-out their objectives. If an event professional has properly prepared, then the negotiation over contract details should be reasonably pleasant.

Furthermore, event professionals need to research and understand any potential liability exposure they may have regarding a specific project. Some of these risks are associated with breach of contract claims, employer/employee tort liability or intellectual property infringement. If hiring an attorney is not in the budget, there are plenty of resources an event professional can use to help them get legally educated. These include plainly-explained legal supplements and free legal aid.

Last piece of advice, do not informally negotiate product and service contracts. Generally, this practice can be attributed to the initial “wooing” of the client. Although our industry may at times demand a gentle touch, all event professionals should enter into well-defined written contracts with each client. Some important considerations to contemplate include the rights and duties of each party in relation to payment terms, the modification of service dates, and any foreseeable changes to event details. The reason for formal contracts is because to many ill-defined handshake deals reached in good faith have ended in costly litigation. More importantly, it only takes one contentious misunderstanding not in writing to irreparably harm your business reputation in the community. As a result, once a well-defined contract has been signed a legally protected event professional may begin work on a client’s project.

Legal Disclaimer: Information contained in this article is for general guidance. Accordingly, the information is provided with the understanding that the authors and publishers are not herein engaged in rendering legal or other professional advice and services. As such, it should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a licensed attorney.

Photo  Sources;

Client meeting - http://www.weddingpresentsstore.com/wedding-contracts

Legal contract - http://www.designaglow.com/store/storefront.php

When you sit down to plan a dream wedding or other social or business event, your goal is to create an experience guests will talk about long after the party is over. From the thoughtfulness put into the logistics of travel and accommodations, to the details and ingredients placed on the dining table, every aspect of a gathering creates the overall event experience.

Because an experience is what we perceive through our senses, the most memorable celebrations are the ones that entertain all five senses. For example, through sight we are delighted by décor, colors, and lighting. Smells from the kitchen awaken our anticipation of tasting savory foods and delicious desserts. Our sense of touch is intrigued by the choice of fabrics, flowers, and table décor. And listening to music offers entertainment and a sense of nostalgia.

At Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute (LWPI), Preston Bailey’s students learn the fundamentals of event planning and design by addressing the event experience by using the formula A6™ along with the five senses. This combination of identifying the architecture of an event and layering it with an appreciation for the five senses is what leaves a lasting impression with guests and clients long after the celebration is over. The A6™ formula identifies all areas of the event experience from beginning to end. The A6™ of an event represents Anticipation, Arrival, Atmosphere, Appetite, Amusement and Appreciation.

1.Anticipation
Anticipation is created once the word gets out that a celebration is in the works. Anticipation is accomplished through invitations, announcements, and the general buzz about what is being celebrated. For example, a formal invitation is a subtle way to communicate a black-tie event.

2.Arrival
A well-planned arrival is as simple as a thoughtfully placed sign or emailed instructions to an event location. Also, don’t fall short of anticipation when guests actually arrive! Have someone assigned to greet them to make everyone feel welcome.

3.Atmosphere
Event atmosphere includes everything that surrounds guests. When designing a celebration, it is the atmosphere that engages and entertains our senses. From the moment a guest enters the celebration, the design of the atmosphere adds to the event experience.

4.Appetite
The appetite of guests is an opportunity to bring cultural and visual elements into the event design, which helps create a specific mood and energy. In many cultures and traditions, food is a major focus of social gatherings and plays an important role in giving an event its character and distinction.

5.Amusement
Amusement is an important part of the event experience. From the dance floor and music to games and traditions, most celebrations include the element of entertainment.

6.Appreciation
Appreciation is part of the event experience because guests should always feel appreciated for coming to celebrate. Appreciation is commonly represented with a favor at the end of the event or a thank-you gift basket placed in guests’ hotel rooms.

Cho Phillips is the founder of Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning Institute
http://www.theWeddingPlanningInstitute.com

Photo Credit:
Anticipation:http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2011/05/classic-black-white-calligraphy-wedding-invitations/
Arrivalhttp://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/240765
Atmospherehttp://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/259118
Appetitehttp://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/269687
Amusement:http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/photo/285152
Appreciation: http://greenweddingshoes.com/real-wedding-dana-scotts-sweet-oregon-wedding/

1. Harvest Maple Fall Wedding Boutonniere 2. Fall Wedding Bouquet Hair Comb Set 3. Fall Wedding Crocheted White Shrug/Bolero 4. Fall Wedding Hair Clip 5. Fall Wedding Flowergirl Dress 6. Fall Flowergirl Hair Wreath

Become A Certified Wedding and Event Planner Today!

7. Fall Wedding Gold Twisted Necklace 8. Fall Wedding Mason Jar Lanterns 9. Fall Wedding Marshmallow Pop Favors 10. Plantable Paper Fall Wedding Favors Kit 11. Fall Wedding Pumpkin Flowergirl Basket 12. Fall Bridal Shoe Clips

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13. Fall Wedding Custom Wedding Directional Arrow Sign 14. Fall Wedding Signature Tree Guestbook Alternative 15. Fall Wedding Oak Leaf Wine Charms 16. Autumn Wedding Cone Favors 17. Autumn Wedding Russet Cork Garland 18. Autumn Wedding Invitations

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Plastic bags are the worst possible choice for your gown because plastic emits fumes that can yellow your gown. If you have a bag made from muslin or tyvek, there will be no harmful fumes, but bags are not a particularly good choice for long-term storage. Hanging for long periods of time can distort the shape of your gown even if it is hanging from the ribbon loops attached to inside seams. All fabric, especially lace, will stretch if you hang it, and who needs a big bubble where the bustle should be or a saggy-looking bodice?

Having a professional clean and pack your gown in an acid-free wedding chest is a much better option. A professional will pack your gown so that it maintains it shape perfectly with a minimum of folds and creases, and the wedding chest takes up a lot less room in your closet than a big bouffant gown bag. Wedding chests also protect your gown from sharp objects that can slice into your dress. And they are a much more effective barrier against insects and mice than bags. A bride once came to me in tears because mice got into her bag before the wedding, shredded her train to make a nest, and left her a present of lots of little black stuff!

No museums that I know use bags to store textiles, and that, too, should tell you something: An acid-free wedding chest is a better choice than any bag.

Seminar instructors help students meet all assignment requirements, create project presentations, and prepare for the industry CWEP Exam. Seminar students receive access to LWPI’s online student center, which includes the student library, community, and resources for six months after the one-day seminar. Each LWPI student also works with a trained and certified wedding and event planning mentor who guides them through the certification process and assists with students’ internship experiences.

Life is busy, and starting a new career takes time. Find a seminar location near you, and get started today on your path toward becoming a certified wedding and event planner!

Click here to enroll for CWEP Seminar with Online and Mentor
Click here to enroll for CWEP Online Only with Mentor
Click Here for the CWEP College Classroom Schedule
Click to enroll in Preston Bailey’s Signature Wedding and Event Design Course
Click to Enroll in LWPI’s Green Weddings Course
Coming Soon! Preston Bailey’s Series of Floral Design Courses

CWEP Tuition will vary based on enrollment options such as online, seminar, college classroom, etc.