Wedology 101- the reveal!

The secret is out.

After months upon months of planning, secret trips to DC and hiding in the corner of Starbucks with laptops and big ideas, the wait is finally over. So what exactly is Wedology 101?

I've never hidden it- I love bridal shows. I love going, I love participating, I love sampling ten kinds of wedding cake. I love bridal magazines- I love the pretty dresses and the content, especially when local.

I've always felt there was a missing link, however. As a bride, it's great to meet fabulous vendors and learn how things can look lovely. But how do you survive it all?

How do you plan seating arrangements when families don't get along? How do you deal with a bridesmaid that wants to wear a cardigan to cover her dress? How do you register when you've lived with someone and already have the essentials?

Thus, Wedology 101 was born over coffee with Jennifer McBride of McBride Events. Between the two of us, we've seen 700 weddings. We may not have seen everything, but we've certainly come darn close.

Wedology 101 is every phone I've ever gotten from my friends at odd hours, about how not to offend families with their invitation wording. It's the times I've had to hand tissues to friends when their wedding parties refuse to play nice.

Specifically, Wedology 101 is an interactive and fun seminar hosted by Jenn and myself. Our plan is to take the stress out of wedding plan by talking about the realities of being a bride.

The fabulous Wyndham Virginia Crossings has agreed to partner with us and host our inaugural event on Sunday, August 15. As you may have seen, Celebrations in the Richmond Times Dispatch is now featuring our monthly column- and there's more where that came from! But you didn't think I was going to reveal all of it in just one blog did you?

So far, the response from the wedding industry locally has been nothing short of amazing- apparently we're not the only ones who see a need for this.

What's next? Jenn and I just put the finishing touches on our next article. The blog will be rolling out soon and behind the scenes, we're working fast and furious to put together quite the event.

Have a bride who may benefit? Ticket sales will begin shortly, and we'll be sure to announce it when it does.

Interested in getting involved? Email me at meghan {at} ofdconsulting {dot} com for more information.

Until next time,
Meghan

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Attention Women Entrepreneurs!

I'd like to give a little shout out to an upcoming event here in Richmond. Shanelle Calvin offers a free quarterly workshop series called "Building your Business." The goal is to empower women to build their business in a recession and includes two 20 minute interactive sessions, networking and a brief interactive session with Shanelle.

I will be one of the speakers as I present the ins and outs of Press Releases- what to include, how to distribute, and other great little nuggets.

The next one is May 22 at the Virginia Center for Architecture from 1-3pm. Space is limited so you must RSVP through- http://www.rsvphere.com/events/735e3de163ad47c9bfde64aeebc8814d

Hope to see you there!

Until next time,
Meghan

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Tentative Holds: A wedding vendor's new best friend

I'm not a hard sell kind of person. Never have been. After all, I was selling weddings, not cars.

Brides didn't want me to pressure them- forcing a pen in their hand to sign the contract. Instead, my style was to make them feel like we were making this decision together.

Sure, I'd razzle dazzle them during the site visits, and stayed in touch, but I never once made a bride feel like she had book me THAT DAY or the world would come crumbling down.

I faced naysayers- those outside of the wedding world (is there one?) who relied on cold calls, snappy tag lines and wildly firm handshakes. I still face it to this day, but do you know what? I have met or exceeded every sales goal I've ever made for myself, so I must be doing something right.

Make no mistake though- there is a fine line between taking the pressure down a notch, and losing a bride all together because you let them slip through the cracks.

It’s not easy making a transition into sales, but it’s essential if you want to get the business and put food on your table.

When I have a client who is hesitant to put on his or her sales hat, I start by introducing them to the idea of tentative holds with their clients.

It’s a simple concept really- meet with a bride for an initial consult and then offer to hold her date tentatively for a one (or two) week period, giving her first right of refusal on the date. After that time, she either needs to go to contract, or release the date.

What, you may ask, happens if another bride comes to the table ready to sign before the hold is up? Just give bride #1 the courtesy of 24 hours to make her final decision.

Quite often, Brides need a push and the longer you hold out, the better chance you’re going to let other opportunities get by. It also gives you a reason to follow up with the bride and keep in touch. Plus, it never hurts to give the impression that you’re busy and wanted by the bridal masses.

Is it tough? Sure. Does it take some practice? Likely. Is it effective? Absolutely.

Bonus- trying to get a Bridezilla to latch on to another unsuspecting soul? Yep, you can use this trick for her too- even if your “other bride” is a date on your couch with some Thai take out and your sanity.

Not that I ever did that. ;)

Until next time,
Meghan


Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

The rest is magic...

I start with a quote today by one of my new favorites Casey Bunn with http://www.rsvphere.com/, who first made the introduction between myself and the lovely bride and groom, and their families. A flurry of emails have passed through my inbox today and the title of this Blog is Casey's sentiment, which sums up yesterday quite nicely.

If you asked me my favorite part of yesterday, I'd be hard to pick just one. Perhaps it was walking into the Mill at Fine Creek (http://www.themillatfinecreek.com/) and finding owner Lisa Benusa and her staff happily buzzing around the kitchen readying for the Big Day.

Although I think it's safe to say that any time I bumped into one of my wedding vendor colleagues, it put a big grin on my face.

It may have also been when I finally was introduced to the Mother of the Bride, when I became the receiver of the world's biggest hug.

I most certainly can't forget the moment I stood waiting with the Bride just before she walked down the aisle with her dad. I'm proud to say I was the last to see her before she became a Mrs.

Ultimately the best part, for me, had to be after I kicked off my shoes and found refuge on my couch after a busy evening of manning the kids room at the event. The bride and her mom had given me a present early on in the day, and I finally had a moment to open it. It was a beautiful silver globe that said "Thank you for making my dreams come true."

So that, my friends, is my favorite part of the day.

Below, you'll find several wedding moments, captured by the unbelievably talented Meghan McSweeney (www.meghanmcsweeney.com). Stay tuned for next Sunday's Celebrations section in the Richmond Times Dispatch, for more wedding loveliness.

It was, very simply, Magic.

Enjoy,
Meghan

Credits
Reception Site: The Mill at Fine Creek (http://www.themillatfinecreek.com/)
Wedding Cake: A Cake to Remember (http://www.acaketoremember.com/)
Groom's Cake: Cakes by Graham (http://www.cakesbygraham.com/)
Photographs: Meghan McSweeney Photography (http://www.meghanmcsweeney.com/)

RBA Annual Open House

I'm pleased to announce that we have finalized plans for our Annual Richmond Bridal Association Open House, which will take place March 10 at the Crowne Plaza Downtown.

As many may know, I took over management of RBA last fall. It's been a wonderful journey thus far and I am most excited to share the fantastic things we have in store for our membership in 2010 and beyond.

The Open House is a great way to not only get to know us, but tell us about yourselves! The event takes place from 6-8pm and there will be an opportunity for you to speak about your business.

The Richmond Bridal Association is our area's only local professional member only organization dedicated to our wedding industry profession. We value education, networking with our peers and promoting our businesses to brides. We are also an advocate for the industry and have many wonderful sponsors who work with us to make that happen.

If interested in checking us out, please feel free to email. The deadline to RSVP is March 1.

Until next time,
Meghan

meghan@ofdconsulting.com

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Project Wedding- an Update! The Richmond Wedding Community Joins Forces

What a week- I can hardly catch my breath or stop smiling.

To catch those up who may have not read my last post, I had caught wind of a story of a local bride and groom facing terminal illness and a short time to put together a wedding for 150+ people. The mass email to my wedding industry network went out Tuesday afternoon and before you knew it, my inbox and voicemail were flooded with those who wanted to help.

Suddenly I felt like Santa Claus, calling the Mother of the Bride (and often!) to share with her the awesome response and amazing vendors who are pitching in for what I have affectionately dubbed Project Wedding, on February 21.

I've had many people ask me to keep them up on the latest so in attempt to reach the masses, I thought I'd update everyone on my Blog.

Where to begin?

No sooner had I sent the email, and I had received an email from Lisa Bemusa, owner of the lovely Mill at Fine Creek (http://www.themillatfinecreek.com/) who has graciously offered to host both the ceremony and reception. Party Perfect (http://www.partyperfect.com/) and Classic Party Rentals (http://www.classicpartyrentalsva.com/) has offered to donate any and all rentals needed for decor, while Champagne Taste Catering (http://www.champagnetastecatering.com/) instantly donated their services.

Another one of my first emails was from Monica with By Invitation Only (www.gobyinvitationonly.com), who offered several of her wonderful products. PhotographersMeghan McSweeney (http://www.meghanmcsweeney.com/) quickly offered her services along with Micah Berry, videographer with Guestroom Media Productions (http://www.guestroommediaproductions.com/). Icing on the cake came in the form of a complimentary Photo Booth from Lisa Ann Setchel with Freeze Frame Photo Booth (http://www.freezeframephotobooth.com/).

I've also received notes from those who heard of our story from others- Natalie with avenue 42 designs (http://www.ave42.com/) has offered her make up artistry services.

Speaking of cake, there is plenty! Kara Buntin with A Cake to Remember (http://www.acaketoremember.com/) will be taking care of the wedding cake with Graham Haddock from Cakes by Graham making the Groom's Cake (http://www.cakesbygraham.com/).

If that wasn't enough on the sweets front, Pat with River City Bean Company (http://www.rivercitybean.com/) and Jeanne-Louise Womble with de Rochonnet delights Chocolatier (http://www.derochonnetdelights.com/) will be handling the favors.

When the couple was in need of an officiant, I looked no further than Mr. Meredith Winn, a staple at many of my weddings over the years (www.goingtogetmarried.com/officiant).

I am overwhelmed by the number of wedding planners who have come to our rescue. While we will have many wonderful ladies on hand the day of the event, I did select Lindsay with LK Events and Design (http://www.lkeventsanddesign.com/) as the lead planner to help pull this together in such a short time.

We've also seen a joint effort in the florist community- with assistance offered by Floraculture (http://www.floracultureonline.com/), Flowers Make Scents (http://www.flowersmakescents.com/) and Flower Girls (http://www.flowergirlsinc.com/).

My post is becoming a virtual "Who's Who" of Richmond Wedding Vendors and you'll have to forgive me- I am just thrilled to have such great people on board and wanted to make sure to give credit where credit is due.

Up next- more planning as we go full steam ahead into the Big Day. Many have asked what they can do to help and as I've told others, we would certainly appreciate anyone who can lend a hand the weekend of the wedding- I'd love to try and offset some of the labor costs for our vendors if possible.

Also- Catering. While Lisa and Whitney have both been extremely generous in donating food, I'd be thrilled if I could also offset these costs with other Caterers perhaps willing to donate a tray or two of food.

Above all, I am grateful for the kindness showed to this family in the last week, and can't wait for February 21 to arrive.

My cup runneth over.

Until next time,
Meghan

http://www.ofdconsulting.com/

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Coming Together for a Good Cause

Let's face it- life isn't easy.

Whether we're dealing with the recession, personal issues or just a bad day, sometimes life hits you hard. Then, you come upon another person's story, and you suddenly become grateful for all that you have.

This very thing happened to me Monday night as a colleague shared the tale of a local Richmond bride and groom faced with the very worst- so very little time together.

It doesn't matter who they are specifically but the story is this- the couple have been together for years and the groom is faced with a rare form of cancer. They just learned that he has 6-8 months to live so they've moved the wedding up to this month.

We all know how much weddings can cost-- and why many of us wait and save as much as we can. Well time isn't a luxury in this instance.

So it was time to step up. After all, I have the pleasure of knowing so many great wedding people. So I wrote to the masses- my colleagues, my association members, my friends.

Thus far, the response has been amazing- from cakes to photography, receptions, minister, invitation shops, you name it. Everyone has been willing to assist this couple, whose wedding date is fast approaching on February 21. There is a reason I'm in the industry that I am and if today just deepened my gratitude either further. As I collect the names, I will gladly post and give kudos to these generous, wonderful people.

We still, however, need help- whether it be labor the weekend of, or food to help feed the approximately (150) guests. No offer is too small, and know that those involved are most appreciative.

As I noted in my initial email to my vendor friends, I'm not wearing my OFD hat or my RBA hat today. I'm simply reaching out to my readers as a friend and a colleague. This family did not ask for our help, but only one question remains- how can we not?

If you want to help- feel free to email me meghan@ofdconsulting.com or on Twitter @ofdconsulting.

If I have been of service, if I have glimpsed more of the nature and essence of ultimate good, if I am inspired to reach wider horizons of thought and action, if I am at peace with myself, it has been a successful day.
~Alex Noble


Until next time,
Meghan

meghan@ofdconsulting.com

http://www.ofdconsulting.com/

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Let's Talk Pricing

During my reception venue days, I used to love when a bride called and her very first question (often interrupting me) was,

"How much do you cost?"

When I first started out, I would answer this in a roundabout way, asking questions about the bride's needs and going on (and on) about what we could offer, before actually giving a price.

Well, I learned quickly that this was not the way to go. I then shifted gears and simply said "$15,000," accept the imminent hasty good-bye and move along with my day.

Now that price tag was by far, the most expensive way to rent my venue by frankly, they didn't see value in what I was doing and I wasn't going to waste my time explaining it. Yes, it's important to get the sale, but it's equally important to work efficiently and qualify clients as quickly as possible so that you may spend your time with prospects who may actually hire you.

Pricing can be a touchy subject, but alas, I'd like to dive headfirst into it today.

When I think about pricing, I can't help but think about my own shopping habits. After all, I'm not only smack dab in the middle of the bridal demographic, but not too long ago myself, I was booking a reception venue, DJ and cake for my own wedding.

Like most, I lack time. I lack time to do laundry, fight dust bunnies and make home cooked meals every night. Secondly, I'm from a generation of short attention spans. If a web site takes more than 10-15 seconds to load, then it's time to move along.

So it pains me to see wedding vendor web sites that dance around the topic of pricing, as well as vendors who won't give you a clear cut answer when asked the pricing question over the phone.

After all, what is there to hide? Why not be up front with a prospect to save her and yourself time?

Remember- Brides may be discriminatory shoppers but not in the same way as you and I are about our respective crafts. When I worked with a five diamond, five star property, I knew that the majority of brides were not going to see the difference between four or five stars. Since pricing was a factor in their decision making process, I was always quick to give it to them. If we didn't meet their budget, I would happily send them several suggested venues (aka customer service 101).

If I didn't, I knew perfectly well that they would have three of my competitors in their back pocket, of whom, they may have seen very little difference. If they had their pricing and information readily available and I didn't, it was a safe bet that I would be overlooked.

Afraid your competition will catch wind of your pricing structure? Well I've got news for you- if they want it, they're going to find a way to get it, whether you post it or not.

Ultimately, I'm not suggesting that you plaster every single pricing guideline on your web site. Instead, give brides a range so they don't have to go hunting for it. Don't make them call you if you are already out of their budget. After all, you have much better things to do with your time. And so do they.

And here's the thing- if you have taken the time and made the effort to price yourself accordingly, as well as have a great product/service and are showcasing it effectively...

..then what's the big secret?


Until next time,
Meghan


http://www.ofdconsulting.com/

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Bridal Gowns 101

I've said it once and I'll say it again- success and education walk hand in hand.

More specifically, to know the wedding industry inside and out will give you an advantage over your competitors. Period.

I had the pleasure of joining Richmond's Wedding Planners at a special event at Bella Rosa (www.bellarosabridal.com) on Sunday, as we took the time to educate ourselves on the wedding gown and tux industry. I was instantly transported into the world of Bridal Gowns 101- hems (French vs. American!), alterations (add the cost to your budget- stat!) and timelines (10-12 weeks before arrival!).

The benefit of being a wedding planner with extensive knowledge of the wedding gown purchasing process is clear- you give your clients yet another reason why you are a resource and simply indispensable. Kudos to the ladies who took time on a rainy Sunday to better their craft!

While not a planner myself, I enjoyed the opportunity to get the behind the scenes tour of the bridal gown and tux industry.

I, of course, was especially delighted to participate in "Shop Talk" sessions with two of Richmond's finest- Ryan with Mosaic Catering (www.mosaicedibles.com) and Graham with Cakes by Graham (www.cakesbygraham.com). Ryan sat us down to discuss Catering and role Planners play. It was an engaging discussion of shared roles, challenges and how to make a Bride's Big Day a Good Day for the vendors. Graham touched upon the ever important subject of Budget. The discussion moved along to why brides budget the way the do, how they decide to allocate funds and the importance of ascertaining "hot buttons" (aka the things that matter the most to the bride and groom) before making selections.

Ultimately, it was a day of shared ideas, industry talk and ultimately, better preparing yourself for what you do. Special thanks to Bella Rosa for being gracious hosts.

If you're a vendor and would like to see the day from a Planner's eyes, then I'd suggest visiting Merriment Event's Little White Book (http://www.brideslittlewhitebook.blogspot.com/). Courtney also attended the event and offers a glimpse into Wedding Gown Know How.

Until next time,
Meghan

http://www.ofdconsulting.com/

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Anatomy of a Bright Idea- Fin

Game. Set. Match.

The Richmond Bridal Showcase has come and gone and I couldn't be more thrilled with such a productive weekend.

For those of you following my latest OFD adventure, I came up with the bright idea several months ago to reach out to the Richmond area wedding vendors at this weekend's Richmond Bridal Showcase with their very own Bridal Show Survival Kit.

When vendors arrived Saturday and Sunday to their respective booths, they were greeted with all the fixings for post-show recovery: aspirin, a good cup of Joe and foot cream.. along with mints to make it through the day while sneaking in beloved samples of wedding cake and hors d'oeuvres!

The kits were a bonafide success, as I continued to received compliments throughtout the day and into this week.

The Bridal Show Survival Kits were the perfect example of the value of creativity. Dare to think outside of the proverbial box and get people talking.

The only complaint? That I didn't save one for myself.

Until next time,
Meghan

PS. I've posted several of my bridal show pics below on my facebook page so be sure to visit- www.facebook.com/ofdconsulting

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

And we're ready for the Richmond Bridal Showcase!

Anatomy of a Bright Idea- Part Deux

If you haven't taken the time to scroll down and read my initial post (already. small. ego. deflating!), then allow me to catch you up in 140 characters or less:

I wanted OFD to make a big splash in 2010. And I figured it out while showering.

Consider yourself caught up!

In order to reach out to the wedding industry community, it was important to remember what it's like to be a wedding professional. January means bridal shows. Bridal shows mean BIG business- along with achy feet, hoarse voices and the occasional bridal overload head ache.

Personally, I love bridal show day. I love seeing the vendors and I love the happy brides with shiny rings. What I quite possibly love the most, however, is when all is said and done and I can sit. And drink something hot. And put my feet up. Preferably with aspirin in hand.

Thus, the Bridal Show Survival Kit was born.

So there I was- in the middle of a big idea, trying to get from Point A to Point Q. Luckily, the wonderful Showcase Productions (http://www.richmondbridalshowcase.com/) was on board and supportive of my idea.

Next dilemma- How do I find foot cream? Allow me to rephrase- how do I find foot cream en masse?

Well, after countless hours on the internet (with the occasional slip into Lostpedia.com- hey, I'm only human!), I found everything I needed, and in bulk. Boxes? Check. Labels? Check. Survival Kit Goodies? Check Check.

While most of my finds were thanks to the world wide web (thank you Al Gore!), I did reach out to my favorite local coffee guru Pat Smith with River City Bean (http://www.rivercitybean.com/) for the good stuff. I've been a fan of RCB and Pat's for over two years. Her coffees were often featured at the Jefferson and it's, to date, the only kind I get angry at if not readily available when I need it. Holiday Blend? Don't get me started.

So here we are- four days out from the Showcase and half of the boxes filled and sitting in front of my Christmas tree which yes, is still up. The remaining half will be completed tomorrow evening with the help of my free labor.. err, husband.

At this point, you would think "smooth sailing" right? Wrong.

Now I have to figure out how to actual transport this all. I'm hoping my evening shower will help jog my brain.

Until next time,
Meghan

www.ofdconsulting.com


Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

RBA Announces New Officers

With the new year comes changes for our Richmond Bridal Association. Below, you'll find the press release regarding our newly elected officers for the Executive Board.

Many thanks to Graham Haddock (Cakes by Graham), Bill Gilliam (Choice Entertainment) and Naomi Meyers (Weddings by Naomi) for serving the last two years-- and beyond in some cases!

In other RBA news, we are thrilled to start off 2010 with our monthly member meeting at the *new* Lemaire at The Jefferson Hotel. Our keynote speaker will be Steve Mullen with EndGame PR, who will be discussing Web Marketing.

We are also putting the finishing touches on our winter wedding themed booth for the Richmond Bridal Showcase (www.richmondbridalshowcase) on January 10th. I've been so pleased with the many members who have volunteered their time to help us- it will no doubt be our biggest and best yet!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RBA Elects New Officers

Richmond, VA--The Richmond Bridal Association has elected new officers and directors for 2010. Their respective positions took effect January 1, 2010.

Serving as Membership Director will be TeriLynne Petersen, Director of Catering, Wyndham Virginia Crossings; Programs/Education Chair will be Angela Smith, Director of Bridal Services and Marketing, Classic Party Rentals; Meetings/Events Chair will be Colleen Cook, Owner, CC’s Events and the Secretary will be Kara Buntin, Owner, A Cake to Remember.

Jerry Littleton, Owner, GML Design, was re-elected to serve a one-year term as Community Relations Chair.

Kristen Parr, Sales Manager, Wyndham Virginia Crossings, will continue to serve as the Public Relations/Marketing Chair.

Meghan Ely, Owner, OFD Consulting., will continue as Managing Director.

The Richmond Bridal Association, established in 2003, is a professional organization for the wedding industry, and promotes educations and networking among its peers. . RBA and its members acknowledge the need to preserve and encourage fair and professional business practices. As a condition of membership, all members pledge to adhere to a Code of Professional Ethics. RBA also promotes community involvement among its members, and works closely with its philanthropy, The Association for the Support of Children with Cancer (ASK).

For auld lang syne..

Frankly, I get a little tired as I begin to even reflect on the events of 2009.

This year has seen many changes but with it, I gained a house, a company, a new name and a fantastic husband. Not too shabby.

New Year's Resolutions are a funny thing. I like to have them but find them outdated before I even get started. That is to say, life just is constantly evolving so a goal set one day may not get me to where I'd like to go the next day.

So for tradition's sake however, I'd like to throw a few out there- and chose to do so through my Blog in an attempt to be held accountable.

In 2010, I hope for the following:

1) OFD to continue to grow locally and beyond as the choice marketing/pr solution for wedding professionals hoping to build their business.

2) A rejuvenated RBA that holds on to all the good parts (wonderful members, networking opportunities, great presence at the bridal shows) and builds on what can make us better. We've already started by welcoming the fantastic Steve Mullen with EndGame PR (http://www.endgamepr.com/) to our January meeting at the *new* Lemaire, to discuss Web Marketing. Down the road, we will continue to offer great educational opportunities to our members.

3) Like many, I hope for balance- of work, family, friends... okay, and the final season of Lost. There, I said it.

And just to give myself a little boost of confidence, I set a short term goal and have already met it! As you can see from the top of the Blog, I've finally named my Blog something other than OFD Consulting. I hope to co-brand Illuminate with OFD in the Richmond Wedding Industry and beyond. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements down the road.

Now you're turn- what are your goals for 2010?

Until next time,
Meghan

http://www.ofdconsulting.com/

Meghan Ely is the owner of OFD Consulting, a niche marketing group geared towards wedding professionals. She is also the Managing Director of the Richmond Bridal Association, and has a regular spot on Bridesight TV.

Marketing to Brides- A Vendor's Take

I am just putting the finishing touches on a Blog regarding last night's annual Richmond Bridal Association Bridal Panel, but in the meantime, please enjoy this perspective from wedding cake vendor A Cake to Remember- http://acaketorememberva.blogspot.com/

I appreciate Kara's insight and want to reiterate my thanks to all of our participants.

Until next time,
Meghan
meghan@ofdconsulting.com