weditorial - a wedding and event planner's blog

Congratulations on Your Engagement

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 09:01:00 PST

Welcome to all of our newly engaged readers! We are so excited and happy for you! (We love, love, love weddings!)

We hope you enjoy watching this short video which showcases a sampling of the weddings we've had the pleasure to plan and coordinate. We take a very personalized approach to working with our couples, and feel strongly that our extensive experience is the key to creating a successful event, that is tailored to your vision and expectations.

We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our services or give us a call at 407-896-1476 - we'd love to get to know you better!

(c) E Delgardio 2010-2012

Year in Review: Wedding and Event Planning 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:54:00 PST

Every December, as the year draws to a close, I find myself thinking about the highlights of my year. Memories play through my mind like a movie trailer: faces, places, feelings and experiences combine to create a powerful emotional high. It's difficult to put into words, but all the trivial sands fall away to reveal the precious gems of a year gone by.

My first fortune cookie of 2011 proved to be right: "Many successes will accompany you this year". I placed that fortune message on my rear view mirror where it surprisingly survived the year.

I am proud of my professional accomplishments this year (see below!), however, I am more proud of the friendships that I've both made and maintained. Incredible people came into my life this year... some are clients and some are colleagues. While I strive to earn their respect and meet their expectations, I am truly humbled by their admiration and affection for me. This has been one of the greatest rewards of 2011, and I count all these special people among my many blessings.

Highlights from 2011...

Nominated as Social Event Planner of the Year in the BizBash Florida Readers Choice Awards, April 2011

Awarded Wedding Professional of the Year - Presented at the Orlando WOW Awards, September 2011

Achieved the designation of Master Bridal Consultant - presented at the Association of Bridal Consultants Business of Brides Conference in Baltimore, November 2011

Planned our first Commitment Ceremony, which took place in Orlando, June 2011

Designed our first White Party, a VIP red carpet event with a winter wonderland feel, December 2011.

Planning our first Surprise Wedding, coming soon on December 31st (shhhh!)

I would love to share more of my thoughts and greatest memories with you! Please find them on my website blog: weditorial

Happy New Year! Wishing you all the best in 2012!

Start Your Wedding Planning with Four Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:57:00 PST

Pictures speak louder than words - which is why we created this great video slide show of real weddings and included some important questions to consider as you begin your wedding planning.

Visit our website to learn more about our services or give us a call - we'd love to get to know you better!

(c) E Delgardio 2010-2012

Weddzilla's newest Featured Vendor Blogger

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:51:00 PST

Exciting news to post as I have been added as a Featured Vendor Blogger on the fabulous Weddzilla bridal blogsite. My Weddzilla posts will center on Questions posed to me by Weddzilla readers. I have decided to call my segment Ask the Countess. {I admit it's a bit quirky...}

My goal is to provide expert advice in an unpretentious manner, and interject a dash of humor whenever possible. Let's face it: Wedding planning is stressful enough. Hopefully Ask the Countess will be well received. To view and read my first post click here: Ask the Countess.

Keeping Pace with A Flair for Affairs' Weddings & Events

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:32:00 PST

Everything is going marvelously at A Flair for Affairs! We're enjoying a wonderful fall that's bursting with weddings, interesting projects and incredbile events.

We're ecstactic with our new blog and getting tons of glowing feedback on our latest posts! However, we're still receiving many hits from visitors to this blog (the original home of the weditorial blog) - so I thought it would be helpful to post a few quick & easy links for our fans:

Looking back on 2009 ABC Luncheon and Events
Announcing A Flair for Affairs' joins Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book !
An exciting evening at The Grand Opening of the Hilton Orlando
Elisa's thoughts on Remarkable Reception Style

Elisa chats with Sylvia Weinstock at a recent book signing event

With so many fabulous and exciting things happening all the time, we'll try to keep this blog synchronized with our posts on the website blog... Thanks for reading!

The Big Move!

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:58:00 PDT

To Whom It May Concern,

The weditorial blog has moved.

They asked me if I wouldn't mind keeping an eye on things here. I said "sure, why not". So, my job is to direct you to the new blog.
It's real simple, just click the fancy button. And thanks for visiting because it can get pretty boring just playing on Facebook all day.

Your friend, Baci

Still Hot! {Tips for a Sensational Send-off with Sparklers!}

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:55:00 PDT

We seem to get an incredible number of requests for sparkler exits! And why not? - it's an awesome and affordable photo op! However, there's often more to coordinating a sparkler exit than meets the eye! While sparklers are generally safe when used as intended, they still require careful handling. So, I've prepared some simple tips to help you plan a safe and sensational send off!

Tip #1 - Purchase the right sparklers:

Ideally, you should be looking for the metal rod type in a length that's either 14" or 20" long. Shorter sparklers (8" or 10") will burn out too quickly for most staged exits, unless it's for an intimate group.

Morning Glories are attached to wooden rods (sticks) and have 3 distinct burning phases - usually a red flame for about 20 seconds, then a crackle/snapping phase for 20 seconds, and finishing off with 20 seconds of a green/white flame. Since Morning Glories tend to drop small glowing particles (think of burning tissue paper) they must be used with extreme caution. It's truly frightening to think of these fiery particles landing on skin, hair or clothing during a staged exit, so I avoid them at all costs.

Tip #2 - Displaying and Discarding Sparklers:

One of the best ways to display sparklers is to fill a pretty painted pail or metal urn with white sand and insert the sparkler rods into the sand. This way, the sparklers will stand upright, and the sand base will provide the weight needed to prevent the display from tipping. Since the receptacle can get quite heavy once the sand and sparklers are added, it's best to assemble this nearby to the area where the exit will take place, if at all possible.

On one or two occasions, I've seen sparklers placed on the guest tables or at each place setting (like a favor might be placed) but in those cases, they were also shorter than the recommended length, and in my opinion not a very attractive addition to the decor.

It's important to remember that following the sparkler exit, the rods will be hot and need to be collected with care. The sand filled urn or pail is an ideal receptacle; guests can just place the burned end of the sparkler rods into the sand where they can properly cool down before being placed into the trash. Other things that work well are metal trays, a baker's sheet cake pan, and heavy duty foil pans; ideally, receptacles should be placed nearby to both the left and right sides of the exit line up.

Tip #3 - How to Use Properly & Safely:

I always carefully consider the number of people to be involved, as well as the size and layout of the space. Naturally, we look for an outdoor location such as a wide walkway, a courtyard or driveway, for these options seem to work best. Before the Bride & Groom exit, we organize the line up of guests so that they are shoulder to shoulder and can hold their sparkler out and away from themselves. This is much safer than a staggered line where guests must reach around each other.

Secondly, we have our staff or a few designated helpers assist with the lighting. We start at the point where the Bride and Groom will begin walking and work our way towards the furthest point. We use butane lighters or sterno fuel (cans) to get the sparklers started - the constant flame is the key! We proceed at intervals - every 5 or 6 people - because a lit sparkler can also light other sparklers; this is an organized approach which speeds the process. A few strategically placed tiki torches also work nicely. Remind guests to take turns lighting their sparklers; it's unsafe to light multiple sparklers simultaneously.

It's important to maintain a safe distance from the newly wed couple as they make their way through the line up. Even though the sparklers are relatively harmless, it's better not to take chances; I avoid creating an 'arch' to prevent sparks from falling onto the couple. Likewise, if children are involved, they must be closely supervised; a parent may even want to give their attention to the child's safety and protection rather than holding a sparkler.

In my experience, if there are more than 100 or so guests participating in the send-off, it becomes more difficult to get the timing of the lighting and exit just right. Whenever this is the case, I suggest that the wedding party send off the Bride and Groom as the other guests watch - this cuts the number of participants down significantly! It's also an excellent way to control costs.

Skylighter is an excellent online resource for sparklers and realted pyrotechnic products, and they have posted some wonderful pointers and valuable infomation on their website page for Wedding Sparklers .

Photo Credits: Art Faulkner, Elegant Imagery, Misty Miotto

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

Do You REALLY Need a Wedding Planner?... {Wedding Advice from a Caterer}

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:45:00 PDT

I love, love, love this blog post by caterer Debi Brim; I'm so excited to be able to share it with our weditorial(tm) readers!

Do You REALLY Need a Wedding Planner? I say, "Heck, YEAH!"
by Debi Brim - Cater It Simple

In this era of cutting back and pinching pennies, it’s only natural for brides to look at what costs they can cut from the budget. And since most of us have been planning our wedding since we were, oh I don’t know …… FOUR!!!! …… we tend to think “oh, it’s just a wedding! Anyone can throw one of those together!” So it’s also natural to think a wedding planner is just an extra expense.

Want to know what I think? Well, I’m going to tell you anyway.

“In today’s economy” (a phrase I’ve come to hate more and more each day), it is more important than ever to have a wedding planner.

Planners are the ones who actually SAVE you money:

· They review your contracts to be sure that what you THINK you’re getting is what you’re actually getting.

· They have a huge Rolodex of wedding vendors and can match you up to the ones who can do what you want on the budget you have.

· When touring a venue, the bride is caught up in the emotion of the moment and is only seeing how pretty everything will look. The planner is looking at parking spaces, what condition the restrooms are and where they are located, how and where the bar and the caterer will set up, and are there enough outlets for the DJ and the caterer’s carving station?

· When a bride is talking to the caterer, the bride is in turmoil trying to decide between chicken and fish. The planner is asking what the server/guest ratio is and how much is the cost of each server?

Let me share some stories on how planners have helped brides.

- Bride hires wedding planner after selecting the venue but before signing the venue contract. When planner reviews the contract, she finds the bride has contracted for the use of the building ONLY. Bride thought she was getting tables, chairs, linens and lots of other things that the bride thought “were always included” at a reception. The planner saved the bride over $6000 on a bad contract. Well worth the $2000 the bride paid the planner.

- Bride decides to forego the professional planner and use her best friend, who after all, was a bridesmaid three times, so she knows ALL about planning weddings! The friend failed to take note of the facility’s $2000 fee for turning on the air conditioning and the newly married couple had to come up with this money at the very, VERY last minute, which was a severe cut into their honeymoon fund.

- The band hired by the bride was telling bride and planner where they would be setting up, what time they would be there and where the wives’ table would be. Planner corrected band member by showing him the already-decided place they would set up, giving him the actual time he would be there and asked him what he meant by a wives’ table? Band member says, “Oh the wives always come to all of our gigs.”

Planner told him this was not a “gig”, this was a wedding, the wives were not on the guest list, and there would be no wives table because there would be no wives. Band member began to argue the point. Planner fired the band and hired a professional DJ. Bride was relieved.

When times are good and people have good jobs, they don’t worry about costs as much. I’m not saying they don’t comparison shop, but they tend to buy bells and whistles instead of staying in a budget. It’s easy to plan a wedding when you’re not paying attention to every penny.

When times are tough, a couple just can’t afford last minute surprises. But they’ve never planned a party for 200+ people before and there are questions they just don’t know to ask. An event planner knows those questions and when he/she asks them, the bride saves money.

As a caterer, I’m always relieved to see a professional planner walk into the room. I know the details are going to be handled, things will run on schedule, and it will be a very pleasant event for everyone.

If you have a tight budget, you NEED a wedding planner. Today, more than ever, it’s the best investment you can make in your wedding.

Remember, it’s your wedding. You have ONE SHOT to get it right. Get a professional on your side who is going to be looking out for you on your very special day.

Debi Brim can be reached via email at info@cateritsimple.com

Websites:
http://www.cateritsimple.com/
http://www.cateritsimple.blogspot.com/
http://www.bannascookies.com/

{Thank you Debi!!!}

Fashionable Feather Hair Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:30:00 PDT

I adore feathers! They look amazing in bouquets and centerpieces, and here you can see they're equally fabulous when used as bridal hair accessories and headpieces!

The handcrafted designs shown here are by Head Dress Couture Designs. Katie Hestla and Heather Schroeder-Lewis are the women behind Head Dresss, which is based in Orlando, Florida.

I was thrilled to work with Grace (right) who is a huge fan of feathers too! Grace also loves color, and selected her bridesmaids hair accessories to compliment the dramatic colors featured in her wedding decor.

Custom feather hair pieces are a unique memento of the day and make great gifts! They will surely be enjoyed for years to come!

Another source we've found is Lo Boheme. Lo Boheme is the wife-husband team of Lauren (Lo) and Josh Christensen based out of San Diego, CA.; their vintage style accessories can be purchased online at Etsy

Additional images from this event are featured on our website: Featured Affairs - Flair For The Dramatic. Photos courtesy of Art Faulkner.

Gelato: A Sweet Sensation for Your Reception!

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:00:00 PDT

What could be cooler than fresh, gourmet gelato?

Candy bars, chocolate fountains and cupcake towers have been all the rage, but a Gelato Cart will have your guests buzzing about your originality and good taste! This cart appeared at one of our weddings and featured six delicious flavors of premium, handmade gelato!

Muse Gelato in Orlando creates it’s gelato and sorbets fresh and natural. They use the finest ingredients to create the most intense and imaginative tastes. Muse Gelato currently offers more than 60 gelato flavors and 20 sorbet flavors, plus limitless custom flavor options!

If you're looking for a tasty alternative to the standard dessert add-ons, consider this all natural & flavorful choice!

Breaking the Ice (again....)

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:24:00 PDT

The fact that I've not posted a blog entry since April has been a major source of frustration for me! Especially since I so enjoy writing; but it seems that all I've had time for is quick little posts on twitter and facebook!

In the past few months, some amazing and wonderful things have transpired! We have completed some extraordinary weddings and special events, one of our special projects has been nominated for a 2009 Orlando Wow Award, and a few other special projects are 'in development'. It's no wonder I've not had the time write! Fortunately for me, no shortage of things to blog about going forward!

I'm excited to share everything we've been up to!

Modern Elegance: Kirsten & Rich's Wedding {Portofino Bay Resort, Orlando}

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:41:00 PDT

February:2009

I can't believe how time has flown by since this magnificent wedding! Our couple, Kirsten & Rich, we're so incredibly wonderful to work with! Their February nuptials took place at St. Margaret Mary in Winter Park, and were followed by a reception at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando.

Kirsten was a vision in an elaborately beaded Lazaro gown; bridemaids and groomsmen looked very sharp dressed in black for this formal, evening affair.

Kirsten's overall vision for the reception was a warm and romantic setting incorporating both tradtional and modern elements: red roses, hanging crystals, the glow of candle light, satin finish linens and dramatic lighting.

Additional images from this event are featured on our website: Featured Affairs - Romance & Splendor Photos courtesy of Damon Tucci.

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:48:00 PDT

"Get educated, get involved and lead others."
-Elisa Delgardio

Laura Schwartz speaks about the Power of Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:45:00 PDT

This week I attended another fabulous ISES Orlando meeting! Our "Re-Introduce Yourself" meeting was held at the Hyatt Regency and boasted an attendance of over 100 ISES members and guests. Everyone was buzzing about Laura Schwartz of White House Strategies and looking forward to hearing her speak; she had tailored a presentation specifically for our group about the power of networking and how to network more effectively.

Laura has a dynamic personality and her boundless enthusiasm is contagious! She did an outstanding job of communicating great concepts and techniques for "building bridges" and optimizing your networking resources. Her presentation sparked many ideas for me, and I plan to implement some of her suggestions in the coming months.

One thing she said really stuck with me. She said, "Be the B"... At first my eyebrows raised (yes, she had my attention with that one!) and then she explained that it's great to be in the position to connect an "A" and a "C" - in other words, be the person who connects others. Being the "B" essentially makes you the bridge, and helping others is a way of leading by example. This resonated with me because I often find myself in this exact position and it was nice to be reminded that even when you're not directly benefiting from a situation, your role is important - sometimes key!

Hip Tips - How to Personalize Your Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 03:59:00 PDT

Today’s brides and grooms are very savvy and typically look for an elevated level of customization and personalization. Much like “brand building”, they look for every opportunity to incorporate monograms, logos and motifs into their wedding. Many of my couples have at least some experience with graphic design and they astound me with their creativity and resourcefulness! Other times, they call upon our expertise to help them create a cohesive look. It’s not difficult to pinpoint a few areas where details can easily be incorporated to unify event design.

Fonts: Download one or two custom fonts and use them exclusively on all the wedding stationery and printed accessories (place cards, programs, etc.). Favorite sources: My Fonts and dafont

Motifs and Monograms: The possibilities are endless! Use these on invites, programs, table decor, gobos, adhesive decals (such as Wonderful Graffiti), the wedding cake, favors, etc.

Color Themes: Color can be used in so many ways to achieve so many different things! Color themes are most impressive when colors are carefully matched to prevent discord (accidental variations). When using color to support other event themes (think of a Tiffany theme) pay close attention to the use of color for maximum impact - sometimes less is more. One of our favorite online inspiration sources for color themes: Style Me Pretty

As a wedding planner and event designer, I use all of these techniques, plus a few other signature stylings and personalized enhancements to boost the {FAB} factor of every event. I truly appreciate variety and don’t feel that every details needs to match completely. However, it is important to note that when you begin drawing the guest’s eyes to details, they best be well coordinated and tailored to compliment each other.

For more pictures of stylish weddings and events please visit our Wedding and Event Galleries.

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

"Whose Your DeeJay?" [Thoughts on Weddings and DJ Entertainment]

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:44:00 PDT

This weekend, I had the pleasure of working with a cute young couple who had a very tight wedding budget. I was confronted with a few challenges while coordinating their wedding, not the least of which was the fact that the friend who officiated their wedding was also playing the role of DJ/MC. And while I must commend the bride and groom for their efforts in organizing a complete playlist of music for the evening, here are some of the glitches we encountered:
- There was no prelude music for the ceremony
- There was no exit music for the recessional
- The first dance song ended up on the wrong iPod (and we had to track it down)
- The music selections for dinner were a bit unorthodox
- The pre-programmed music selections did not leave any room for 'playing to the crowd'
...and so on...

Fortunately they had me to help keep things running smoothly, and overall things went very well; the couple had "their day, their way" and they seemed oblivious to glitches.

When I'm wearing my "Day-of" coordinator hat, I must be careful to provide support, not criticism. As a Planner, I would strongly advise against this type of scenario and take appropriate steps to illuminate and eliminate potential glitches. However, when circumstances dictate that I play the hand I'm dealt, that's precisely what I do. And let's face it: if the couple could have afforded a wedding planner, they likely could have afforded a professional DJ as well.

Ironically, I returned home to find an email from a colleague who provides exceptional DJ services. Obviously, fresh off a gig and needing to vent - here is his email to me (but it reads more like a plea to Brides & Grooms):

"Elisa - I wonder why brides don't trust their DJ to play the right music? I have had way too many brides completely program their wedding music to the point that they have had to hear certain songs in a certain order and at certain times."

"Most good DJ's have the ability to read the crowd and know what to play when to play it. I understand that you may not want to hear a certain song or songs, but to totally program the entire function, just defeats the purpose of having a DJ. You might as well just bring your iPod. Oh that's right, you would have to rent the speakers and no one would be able to talk on the mic and introduce you in..."

"If you trust your DJ to do that, then trust him/her to play the right music.
Most of us do this for a living. I personally do 75+ weddings a year, so I may have seen a wedding or two in my life. We don't want you to be unhappy so we are going to do the best possible job we can. We are going to do a good job, trust us!"

I contemplated the situation he described and couldn't help wonder why this is so... Where does it stem from? And then a thought occurred to me:

Picture the wedding I described - glitches and all - and then try to estimate how many of the 100 guests in attendance understood the entertainment arrangements. It's quite possible that a few people (maybe more) were unaware that the DJ was not a hired professional. It's also possible that an engaged couple or two were present, in which case they were likely wondering what to expect from their wedding DJ... Would they feel the need to dictate the entire evening to ensure their satisfaction? Hmmmm.... yes, I'd say that's plausible.

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

Tips for Brides & Grooms: Protecting Yourself in Today's Uncertain Economy

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 04:30:00 PST

According to The Wedding Report, wedding spending has declined significantly since 2007 - almost by 30% (averaged) overall. The vast majority of wedding vendors can attest to the a downsizing of wedding budgets, as well as a drop off in bookings (new clients). Consultants and Coordinators in particular have seen postponements and cancellations spike in recent months.

Everyone is feeling the pinch; while engaged couples are trying to save, Photographers, DJs, Consultants and Venues are trying to survive. Competition for new bookings is fierce, thus creating a buyer's market which gives couples shopping for wedding vendors and services more purhcasing power. But how can you spot a "true bargain"? I'd like to offer a few tips to help you make a sound investment:

1. Perform a Status Check - Do your homework to determine if the vendor's company is healthy. A healthy company is "current", meaning they have an up-to-date presence, including a website featuring pictures of current staff, projects and client testimonails. A company that is healthy is typically involved in Professional Associations, and may be known as a leader in their industry. Healthy companies are growing (even now) and are gearing up for a great 2009-2010 wedding season. Look for current blog posts, quick responses to emails and phone calls, and positive recommendations from others (friends, vendors, etc.).

Look for evidence of
a well established business
with a proven track record.

2. Beware of the high pressure sales pitch: The best vendors are eager for your business but not desperate.

3. Beware of Part-Timers: A part-timer (sometimes known as a 'moonlighter' or 'weekend warrior') may be able to offer a very competitive price, but do they have the equipment and experience to deliver the quality of product or service you are looking for? What is their stake in the success of your event and are they driven to ensure your complete satisfaction? Does the Vendor's Contract protect both parties?

4. Beware of Start-Ups: The poor economy has spawned a huge number of start-up businesses; people who have lost jobs or need extra income are becoming entrepreneurs. On one hand, it's beneficial to the market to have more affordable options, but who is the person behind the start-up? Do they have any experience with weddings? Will they grow tired of this new business venture in 6 or 9 months and leave you in the lurch? Is it worth the risk to hire someone with no track record?

5. Beware of "Free": "Free" is a hook; it's a term that often denotes an extra added value. Conversely, free also has no refund value, so like it or not, you're stuck with it. (ex: "That free album you gave me was poor quality." "The free candle centerpices only lasted halfway through the reception." ...Get the picture?)

For additional pointers on what to look for when hiring a professional wedding planner and coordinator, please visit our Website

Fun & Festive Wedding & Party Favors [ Kernel Encore, Orlando ]

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 17:45:00 PST

Here's an idea that sure to please everyone on your guest list! Custom flavored popcorn treats, wrapped & ready to go, in every color of the rainbow!

Below, our purple and lime green color theme was complimented by individual bags of custom blended flavors: Peanut Butter and Grape, Grape & Green Apple and Caramel Apple.

Our guests could not believe their eyes and were so excited to receive such an original favor! Pricing is quite affordable and shipping is available to any locale. These make great gifts, too! Please visit the Kernel Encore store in Orlando or visit their online store

Orlando Planners travel to attend Kelly McWilliams' {We Wed Brunch} Event

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:49:00 PST

Today started at 4 am, as I prepared for the long ride to South West Florida for the We Wed Brunch. (Thank goodness for the company of Kerline Docteur!)

We arrived at the most impressive(!) Miromar Lakes Beach Club at 9 am and were very excited by the great turnout. For Kerline and me this was a fabulous opportunity to exchange ideas with a whole new group of wedding professionals, and personally meet Kelly McWilliams (Weddings By Socialites), a well respected colleague. Kelly's knowledge of social media marketing and networking was truly impressive; not only did she share her own remarkable stories and experiences about with us, she did an outstanding job of coaching us to better utilize blogging and micro blogging services to enhance our professional network.

I'm so glad I made the trip because it was an absolutely wonderful day! I'm looking forward to connecting with Kelly and all my new SWFL friends at the cutting edge of SMM!

Website Tune-Up

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 10:31:00 PST

Excuse me, but I am taking a few minutes to pat myself on the back: I just completed my first website tune-up of 2009!

I won't go into any long winded explanations or step-by-step instructions, but I can certainly recommend some key points to freshen things up for the new year! (Some of these tips may not work well for flash websites.)

5.5 FREE TIPS:

1. Check the expiration of your domain name. Tell the search engines you plan to be in business for a long time by pushing your domain renewal back for at least three to five years.

2. Update the dates and links referenced on your site. If your website footer reads "Copyright 2006" it need to be updated immediately. Ideally you should list a span, such as: Copyright © 2001 - 2009. Also, delete references to past events that might date your site (with obvious exception to your history of work or resume of experience). Test all the internal links on your site to ensure that navigation is fully functional. Delete any outbound links that are 'dead'.

3. Have you checked your stats lately? There's a multitude of ways you can do this. One way is through Google's product "Analytics". Analytics is free and I was able to get it up and running myself. If you have some general knowledge of reading html code, and you have access to edit your site, you can probably do this yourself too, and it will cost you nothing. Otherwise, you can ask your webmaster to implement this technology on your behalf. A second option would be through your web host. Some hosting services offer tracking as part of the hosting package, or as an add on service. Statistical information regarding your website traffic is usually easy to decipher from these types of sources. There's nothing for you to set up, per say, you just log in and review the info.

Checking your stats will give you key information about the most visited pages on your site, how long visitors spend reading or reviewing the info, how many visitors by day, week, month, etc.

4. Take a look at your page titles; that's the information that pops up at the very top of the browser and provides the primary description for your product or service. You may want to lengthen them or shorten them. First things first: Each page on your website should have a unique title or at least be customized to reflect the content of the page. If the title bar on every page of your site reads the same, you should make the appropriate revisions to differentiate them, thereby increasing the relevance of your keywords, content and search results.

5. Purchase multiple versions of your company name. Why? For starters, this will prevent the brand confusion that results when a start up company selects the same or similar name to yours. Also, it helps customers find you even if they spell your company name incorrectly or can't recall the exact web address (this happens ALL the time!). Think about the way you use the web and how you search for others, then reverse the process to create additional avenues for customers to find you. Then, be sure to "point" all the secondary domains to your website.

5.5 BACK UP YOUR SITE !! If you can't do it yourself, ask your webmaster to do it for you.

One final recommendation: Don't' forget to run a Copyscape scan to document and protect the integrity of your content. If you are the true and original author of the content, you will surely want to know if someone has plagiarized your work. Also, plagiarizers beware: website content can be authenticated all the way back to the launch date of a site.

I welcome any comments you may have. And please feel free to share your favorite, fast & easy tune-up tips as well!

© 2009 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

{ Attitude } is everything!

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:00:00 PST

"Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens."

- Kahlil Gibran

The universe is talking to me. The message is loud and clear, and it's coming at me from all directions! It's in the books I’m reading, the emails I’m receiving, the shows I’m watching... it says "Change your attitude!". Well, ok then. It doesn't cost anything and it sure would be nice to have a brand new, upgraded attitude.

I've come to realize that a positive attitude is one of the most powerful attributes a person can possess. The ability to be positive – at home or at work, in thoughts and in actions – is related to all the good things we seek in life, such as health, happiness, love and success. For some this comes easily, for others it requires more effort. (As you may have guessed, I fall into the latter category.)

This year, I am setting some different goals for myself. Instead of resolving to exercise more, eat less and keep my desk clutter free, I will focus my energy on being positive. I want to smile more and complain less, I want to nurture my inner spirit by connecting with more positive people and making better choices, and I'd like to encourage others to do the same.

No; strike that.

I will smile more and complain less, I will nurture my inner spirit by connecting with more positive people and making better choices, and I will do my best to lead others by example.

Recommended reading: Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Gold Book of YES! Attitude"

A Flair for Affairs welcomes 2009!

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:00:00 PST

What a year it's been! 2008 has proven to be an incredible year for us and now it's coming to a close. As we move forward into 2009, we're grateful for so many things - especially our truly good friends and newly wed friends! ;) We'll cherish the memories and mementos of magnificent projects, special days and great accomplishments that were part of 2008 and greet the New Year with excitement for what is yet to come.

It seems appropriate at this time to offer our most sincere THANKS to everyone who has referred, recommended, utilized or reserved our services (YOU!!). We are so grateful for your business, support and friendship! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008 Highlights & Favorite Recollections

Ferretti Wedding
Darius Vow Renewal
Relaunch of A Flair for Affairs website
Grande Hospitality Gala
ISES Esprit Award Nomination
engage! 08
Chatting with Sasha at Eventworld
ISES events at IKEA, Heaven and Isleworth
Launch of weditorial tm

A Panel of Industry Experts Speak to Students at Rosen College of Hospitality Management

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:23:00 PST

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to share my insights and experiences with students at the Rosen College. I was in good company because other members of the panel included ISES Orlando Chapter President Christine Logan (T. Skorman Productions) and fellow ISES Board member Byron Loper (Ice Magic). Laura Ball (Orlando Marriott Downtown) was on hand to represent NACE and I was delighted to represent ABC and ISES. Dr. Mary Jo Ross, CSEP CPCE had invited us to speak to the students about our multifaceted careers in the special event industry (which I always enjoy!). Also worth mentioning is the fact that rising stars Laura Ball and Byron Loper are RCHM Alumni and former students of Dr. Ross.

It was very exciting to be able to share valuable information (pointers) with the students regarding networking with other industry professionals, as well as tips for getting noticed by prospective employers, gaining experience and building their resumes. They are so lucky to have these types of educational opportunities!

© 2008 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved

Picking the Perfect Wedding Cake

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:48:00 PST

This post is long overdue! I have a few words of advice on the topic of wedding cakes and I will try to keep it short and "sweet".

There are many things you need to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the cake that's right for you. My experience has been that Cost, Purpose, Flavor, Style and Size are the most important factors to consider, although every couple will prioritize these factors differently.

I coach my clients to approach the cake selection process like this:

#1 - Identify the purpose of the cake: Will the cake be the 'dessert' for the event? Or will you have other sweet treats, for example, a chocolate fountain or a plated dessert that will be served to your guests? If the cake is the singular dessert that will be served after the meal, you will want to pay particular attention to the size and flavor of the cake.

#2 - Consider the cost: Many of my couples are looking for ways to trim excess expenses from their wedding budget (especially in today's economy!). Here are some money saving tips:

Simple = savings! Wedding cake prices can vary widely and oftentimes a large part of the cake's cost can be attributed to the complexity of the design and how it's decorated. Fondant icing and intricate designs will drive up costs; foregoing these options is cost effective and will not affect your guests enjoyment of this dessert. Likewise, a 'kitchen cake' (a simple iced sheet cake that's kept in the kitchen) can supplement the number of servings at an affordable price.

What are you saving it for...? Make your cake go farther by serving the top layer. Honestly, you don't want to eat that cake a year later! Here's a fresh idea: consider using a bakery that offers an anniversary cake.

Grocery store cakes are not always cheaper! Set a cake budget and then look around for a custom cake baker who can work within that budget; chances are you will be able to find an independent baker/bakery who can make the cake of your dreams at a price you can afford. (Note: Always get references, taste samples and ask to see pictures!)

#3 - Make it flavorful: I always recommend serving the best tasting cake you can, especially if the cake will be the primary (only) dessert. And, whenever possible, order layered cakes in multiple flavors! Three layers of yellow cake with white icing screams 'boring'. I realize that some people just prefer vanilla or chocolate, but when it comes to your wedding cake, why order something you can buy any other day of the week? Make it memorable! There are so many options available to brides today - why not take advantage of them?

#4 - Selecting the perfect size: As a general rule, some guests may decline a serving of wedding cake, or some guests may leave before cake is served. While bakeries seem to provide serving information based on very small pieces (my opinion), odds are you will not run out of cake if you order the cake based on your guest count. Here are some money saving tips:

When the wedding cake is not the only dessert, you can likely order less servings - up to 10% - 20% less!

If a Groom's cake will be served in addition to the wedding cake, you should deduct an equal number of servings from the size of the wedding cake. For example, based on 120 guests and a groom's cake sized to serve 40 guests, you would order the wedding cake to serve 80 people.

Another thing to be aware of is that bakers/bakeries that specialize in wedding cakes have perfected the baking methods that allow large cakes to be stable; this means that the cake is firm without being dry, and easy to cut. Cakes that are overly moist, undercooked, or filled with chunky fruit (such as fresh strawberries, for example) can result in a lot of wasted cake.

#5 - Stylish cakes rule when it's all about the look: Style is the highest priority for some of my brides, and there's not much that can top that joyous gasp of, "Look at my cake!". In these circumstances, cost is less of a concern, but using 'dummy cakes' (iced and decorated styrofoam layers) to boost the height of the cake may save a few dollars over ordering more cake than you require. On the other hand, you can plan to use the extra cake at the wedding brunch or arrange to donate uncut cakes to a nursing home.

One last bit of advice: be sure that your baker/bakery provides boxes for leftover cake!

Emerging from the Blog Fog

noreply@blogger.com (Elisa) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:05:00 PST

I don't even know where to begin.... I'm feeling pretty badly about the fact that my blog is withering in the corner like an unwatered plant! It's certainly not for the lack of things to write about.... It's actually just the opposite.

During the past six to eight weeks I've had the pleasure of working on some really spectacular projects! I spent a number of weeks working with the Director of Events at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management assisting with the development of the 2009 Grande Hospitality Gala. It was very exciting to be invited back as Assistant to the Event Producer, as I had a phenomenal time assisting with the 2008 Grande Gala!

Fall wedding season is keeping me quite busy! I was fortunate to squeeze in a post on an event that took place early in October. Subsequently, I've been posting little blurbs on Facebook regarding my recent adventures with weddings and events.(Be sure to check out the A Flair for Affairs fan page if you are active on Facebook!)

During October I was also busy planning a wonderful event for the Central Florida members of ABC. With the help of my ABC LNG Co-Director, Kerline Docteur, we organized a luncheon at Casa Feliz and had the privilege of having Rebecca Grinnels, President of Engaging Concepts as our guest speaker! She gave an outstanding presentation to our group and I continue to receive raves about her and endless compliments on the event. It was a great day! (I could've and should've written a full blog on this alone, but alas, the days just keep flying by!... I may try to recap it more completely after I catch up...).

ISES's monthly event was held at IKEA in October; the event centered on a Table Top Design Competition using preselected IKEA merchandise and featured well known ISES member Ira Steiman as our speaker. Teams of ISES members and guests created about a dozen amazing tablescapes which were judged by the IKEA managers. It was an incredible treat to be part of an event that has NEVER been done before!

Looking forward to December, there is a huge industry luncheon on the horizon...! I've been attending committee meetings for this event on behalf of ISES and ABC and I'm really excited about the holiday theme that's taking shape! This event will take place at the stunning Ginn Reunion Resort on Dec. 4th - can't wait!

Let's see... Let's see... what am I leaving out...? I think I forgot to mention the chihuahua puppy (!) who joined our family about 5 weeks ago. His name is Baci - which I believe means 'kisses' in Italian. He's the cutest little thing and seems to be adjusting to his new life; overall he's been quite good and we love him!

Whew! - I'm suddenly feeling much better!

© 2008 E. Delgardio All Rights Reserved