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/)

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.

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.

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.

Holiday Cards- Undercover Sales Tactic

I always have to smile when one of my many business books coaches me to send holiday cards to clients and vendors this time of year. I equate it to placing a tray of freshly made chocolate chip cookies in front of me, and asking me to eat them. In other words, no need to twist my arm.

Today’s blog, however, is not about my love of all things merry, or about the white Christmas tree that gets pulled out of the box as soon as the leftover Thanksgiving turkey finds a home in my fridge. Today is about sales tactics and how the holidays can give you an edge.

Quite often I speak with vendors who simply refuse to make a sales call. And you know what? I don’t blame them. It’s difficult enough to muster the courage to blindside a prospect, and then you also have the opportunity to enjoy the fear of rejection hanging over your head.

I always encourage clients to reach out to others with a purpose. If you have a reason in mind- those jitters start to make way for confidence. With the holiday season knocking at our door, what better reason is out there than to wish our colleagues and clients well?

From a sales standpoint, this allows you to remain relevant in the eyes of your next potential piece of business.

Case in point- during my Catering days, I always took a large gulp when I realized my busy holiday season was behind me. Among our staff, I was always the first to lock my office door for a couple of hours, and work on the 100+ cards to my clients, prospects, colleagues and vendors. Before I knew it, my phones were ringing from people thanking me for the card and the “oh hey, while I have you on the phone, I was meaning to call about booking a…”

Game. Set. Match.

A few tips to get you started:

1) Sending holiday cards isn’t exactly a new thing so dare to think outside of the proverbial tinsel and garland decorated box and send holiday cards for New Years. Or better yet- send out Thanksgiving wishes and you’ll be the first in line.
2) Work the repeat business. Holidays cards should not just be sent to your 2010 brides, but to previous brides and grooms as well. Down the road, they may need you for other jobs, such as family portraits, a birthday cake or a venue for their parents’ wedding anniversary. The door doesn’t have to close once the wedding cake is cut.
3) Don’t forget your wedding industry colleagues- more than likely, your brides are booking you in part because one of them referred you.
4) Finally, be sure to include your own vendors- whether it be your web designer, graphic designer or your insurance broker. Remember- part of your success is due to the people in which you surround yourself.

So, grab your contacts list, a good pen and some egg nog, and see the revenue start filling up your stocking.

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 Panels and Birthday Parties

It's been an exciting week, personally and professionally, for OFD Consulting.

This week marked the 6th Birthday of the Richmond Bridal Association (http://www.richmondbridalassociation.com/), as well as our Annual Bridal Forum, a chance offered exclusively to RBA members to sit down with a dozen local brides and mothers of the brides, to discuss everything any anything as related to the planning process.

Luckily, we have put the finishing touches on what I feel is a successful recipe- brides and moms of various budgets and locales (ranging from hotels and country clubs to backyard soirees and outdoor banquet facilities) combined with vendors eager to learn.

While I feel that the majority of what we learned should be an exclusive privilege to our RBA members, I am happy to share some of the more interesting points we heard:

1) Yellow pages- they serve a better purpose keeping a table steady than they do as an advertising tool. Brides and moms aren't using them. Period.

2) Brides are still turning to the old standbys- wedding magazines, bridal shows and a good solid web site.

3) Vendor and friend referrals are stronger than ever. Might be time to start asking yourself how your relationships with fellow vendors are going.

4) Value is big and Brides/Moms need to see it in your work- now more than ever.

Interested in joining us for next year's panel? Then mark your calendar for March 10, 2010- our annual RBA meeting for Prospective Members.

And what, may you ask, happened to OFD personally this week? Well that's me up there- finally putting my feet up at The Jefferson after my wedding to the guy behind the lens.

Until next time,

Meghan

meghan@ofdconsulting.com

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

Bridal shows- a guide for newbies and veterans alike

So your wedding business is hitting its stride and you're feeling good enough about your cash flow that you’re ready to cut a big check for a big sexy print ad. After careful consideration, you select your publication and when it’s time to submit your ad, you give them this- a blank piece of paper.

Sounds ridiculous, right? Well it's no different than the countless vendors I see spending the big bucks on wedding shows only to come ill prepared.

You know the usual suspects- they come in bleary eyed balancing their coffee with their box of props twenty minutes before showtime. They start shutting down their booth early-- tired after a long day of sitting. Then the worst offenders of the bunch- those who drop off their business cards and run in the other direction before anyone can gently remind them that they really should actually stay for the show.

This blog today, however, is not about them. Some day, I will gather these vendors in a big room, impress them with my analogy and then pull out a chalkboard with the following four affirmations: 1) I will arrive early, 2) I will dress appropriately, 3) I will drink only non alcoholic beverages during the event and 4) I will stay until the end.

Today, it about the rest of us. Like you, I've participated in many bridal shows along the way- the big ones, the small ones, the sold out ones and the unattended ones. After enough shows, you become comfortable- you know who you want to be placed near (Anyone with cake samples!), what you need to drink in order to not lose your voice (Hot black tea with two Splenda!) and how long it takes to set up your booth so that you have exactly two minutes to go before show time (3 hours, 45 minutes and 12 seconds!).

Comfortable isn't bad per se, it just can lead you down a slippery slope of complacency if you aren't too careful.

With that being said- take the following five pieces of advice to heart:

1) Marketing Plan-If you don't have one, get one. If you do have one, make sure that your bridal show goals are in line with your overall marketing strategies and position statement. If not, then get them in line. And quick.

2) Booth placement- it's easy for us to want to be near our wedding vendor friends. After all, Sunday is very often our only day off for the week-- why not spend it near people you like? Being near friends, however, often tempts you to the dark side- that is, chatting and gossiping with your buddies instead of focusing on the task at hand- getting the business. Do not select booth placement based on friends instead of foot traffic- period.

2.5) Speaking of friends, we easily fall into the trap of chatting with only the people we know in town. Dare to break out of that shell and introduce yourself to the new kids on the block- no doubt they will appreciate the gesture and who knows- maybe that's where you'll get your next referral.

3) Be the Bride! Or in other words- attend shows. Are you new to the business and gearing up for your first string of shows? Do your research and hit the road- see what options are out there. Secret shop your competitors. Get booth ideas! Same goes for the veterans- take the hour trip to another show to check out new and fresh designs- whether it be booths, photo albums or marketing materials.

3.5) With that being said, don't forget the cardinal rule- don't take time away from the vendor while they are working their booth. They are there to get brides- not tell you where they got their brochure printed. Grab their business card and contact them in their office the following week.

4) Know your options- I run comparisons of bridal shows for clients all the time and it always surprises me when vendors can't believe how many shows we have in Virginia. I recently customized a list for one client with over 20 (count them 20) options . I absolutely believe in sticking to the shows that work for you-- but if you're looking to expand the business, get out of your comfort zone and add a few more to your schedule.

5) FOLLOW UP-we've heard it all before.... This piece of advice, however, is about how you do it. Yes, you'll more than likely get a list of all registered brides after the show (very valuable, but alas, another blog for another time)- but what about those brides with whom you really connected? Have sign up sheets at the ready and make sure their names get on it. As they walk away, make quick reminder notes about the bride- she'll appreciate you remembering little things about her Big Day. And then CALL them. One vendor recently lamented that she didn't like calling because she didn't want to *bug* them. Remember- you are a RESOURCE to these brides.

Ready to knock that next bridal show out of the ballpark? Then give me a call.



Until next time,

Meghan

meghan@ofdconsulting.com



One plug- if you haven't checked out Marc McIntosh's Secrets of Selling to Brides (http://www.bridalshowcase.com/), I would certainly recommend it. I attended years ago as a wedding vendor and walked away ready to ace my next bridal show.