Q. The full bridal party including key family members want to have a fun get together before the wedding but still have it tied into the wedding festivities.  Do you have any suggestions?

A. Inter-active educational get togethers are hot trends today.  One suggestion is to divide the wedding party into teams e.g. bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents etc. and bring in experts trained in mixology to have guests compete to design the perfect signature wedding drink for the bridal couple (which can be alcoholic or non alcoholic).    Custom aprons can be handed out to design the teams and they can serve a dual purpose by becoming a wedding keepsake.  Teams get to tell the bridal couple the reasons they selected specific ingredients and how they represent the wedding couple for example, a sprinkling of nutmeg to add spice to their marriage.  Another suggestion would be to hold this event at a cooking studio where the bridal couple and their guests will be schooled on how to make one perfect dish.  The bridal party prepares the meal and everyone gets to sit down and enjoy dinner they have created together.  Custom aprons would be an appropriate take away gift here as well and a gift bag with the ingredients from the evening’s meal plus the recipe can be given to the bride and groom to get them started.

Q. The couple I am planning a wedding for would like something different as an ice breaker at their wedding as not a lot of the guests coming will know one another. Drinks will be passed and there will be a variety of food stations so guests will be mingling and moving around and they would like to have something that will be a conversation starter as well.

A. A number of planners have started to use artists who are skilled at sketching or painting the scene in front of them as it unfolds.   These artists are experts at capturing guests in action and their painting is timed to be finished by the end of the cocktail reception.   The complete sketch or painting can then be used two ways.   It can be framed and given to the bridal couple as a remembrance and a smaller version (copied with artist permission) can be made into unique thank you cards that all the guests can enjoy.    A live artist is usually combined with live background music.   What will be important is to find an artist who can deliver what they promise with regards to timing as well as the quality of their work.  A top entertainment management company can help you find the right person for your event.  They know and stand behind the artists they represent.  They carefully screen those they handle and you know going through them that what you have contracted will be provided e.g. you won’t have to worry about artists booking themselves too tightly scheduled, not showing up, not dressed appropriately or not behaving in a professional manner.  The cost may be more than if you booked a performer direct but you are paying for their expertise and handling.   Planners don’t necessarily have the time to stay on top of who is hot, who is new – entertainment is just a small part of what they do – while with entertainment management companies it is their sole means of income.  They are continuing out and about sourcing new talent and training them to work well in corporate, social and wedding settings.   They are also experienced at matching the right performer with the right event.   A good entertainment management company pays for itself in the results it produces.

Q. I am looking to grow my wedding planning business. I presently get word of mouth referrals from weddings I have done from both wedding guests and suppliers I am working with, I take part in local wedding planning events and have taken out ads in local newspapers is there anything else I can be doing to attract new business?

A. You may want to consider getting involved with non profit organizations and lending your event planning talents to them in exchange for receiving recognition in their event program.  Working with committee heads and chairs – depending on the event and organization – could serve to introduce yourself to a new circle of acquaintances.  It also offers you the perfect vehicle to showcase your talents.   Because a planner’s workday can be hectic it may be advisable to come in under the capacity of event planning advisor to key committee members as opposed to taking on specific responsibilities.  That way they get to benefit from your expertise and receive “hands on” training which will invaluable and help them with planning future events.  You could also offer free wedding planning consulting sessions for “x” number of hours as a silent auction item to be bid upon to maximize your exposure.  What will be important is choosing an organization that will be doing a fundraising event that will be a match for your wedding and event planning skills..