July 29, 2009

Strategies to Make the Most of Bridal Shows


This past weekend I attended the Bridal Show Extravaganza. This show is one of the largest in Houston and when I say large, I mean large. I was completely exhausted after all the walking we did. I attended this with one of my very excited brides and she wanted to see everything. And there was definitely a lot to see.

There were tons of vendors from photography, cake decorators, bridal party attire, wedding planners, you name it, they were there. There was so much to see, one could easily become overwhelmed with the whole process, unless you had a wedding planner or coordinator like Alpha Prosperity Events. Therefore, since it is my job, as a Houston Area Wedding Coordinator, to make sure that you don't get overwhelmed, I have listed some things you can do to make the most of your time, while attending a bridal show in Houston or in your area. If you keep these thoughts in mind, I guarantee, you will feel like you got something accomplished.
  1. Before going to the show, try to find out what vendors will be there. You can usually find this out online at the show's website.

  2. Make sure you are not pushed for time. These shows have many vendors and ideas available and you don't want to miss any thing because you are in a rush.

  3. Decide what vendors you are still needing to select or interview. Visit those vendors first.

  4. Come prepared with a list of questions, the first question being, "Are you available for my date?" If they are not available, move on to the next vendor. Keep your questions brief for this first contact.

  5. Be prepared to schedule an appointment. Vendors are trying to meet as many people as possible, just like you are. If you like their answers to your few questions, and they may be someone you want to consider, schedule another consultation with them at a date later in the week. Be aware of when their "show special" ends, and make sure it will still be available when you meet for your consultation.

  6. Take your own notes, listing what you liked and didn't like about each vendor you speak with. Try to also write something about the vendor or the booth (very organized, nice outfit, close to Missouri City and Sugar Land area, loved the booth colors in pink and brown) to help you remember who was who.

  7. Keep all your notes in one place, like your planner or notebook. The vendor will probably have fliers and handouts, but don't rely upon these only because you won't remember who was who after talking with so many.

  8. Bring the groom, if you can talk him into it. It's his wedding too, and he might have some helpful ideas or suggestions about what he would like to see. Also, there are lots of tuxedo vendors at these shows as well, so you can get him and the groomsmen all "tucked" away.

  9. Try not to have too many people attend with you because everyone will have an opinion and will pull you in different directions. But it is good to have a few trusted friends to help with some ideas and to help hold the many items you will pick up along the way. (All that paper gets heavy after awhile).

  10. If you feel very comfortable with a particular vendor and they are meeting all of your needs, be prepared to book that vendor, right then and there. This is especially true if you are at on a short time line or if this vendor is a popular provider of service.

  11. You may want to bring your own pre-printed labels. Vendors will be seeking your name address, wedding date and email when you enter for their give aways and raffles.

  12. Bring your datebook, checkbook, credit card, so that you can take advantage of discounts and "show specials."

  13. There are lots of freebies and ideas so register for everything but ask the vendor what they plan to do with your info. We wouldn't want to get spammed.

  14. Wear comfortable shoes because you will do lots of walking.

  15. Have fun and enjoy the attention because you will get lots of it.
The bridal shows in Houston offer a lot of vendors, information and great deals all in one place. You can do as much shopping or as little shopping as you like, it is totally up to you. These vendors have made a substantial investment to put themselves and their product before you. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to get some face to face contact with those you are trusting to help make your wedding day perfect.

And for those of you that can even fathom the thought of going to a bridal show or any thing like it, hire a wedding coordinator to make all of this planning so much easier.




July 24, 2009

Trendy Wedding Entrance

It seems that this is a really hot video clip on You Tube right now. Indulge me if you have seen it already but I couldn't resist sharing it with my trendy followers out there. This is very different from what we are used to but I just love it. Maybe I can convince my upcoming wedding couples to try this wedding entrance. Click here to enjoy this video.

JK Wedding Entrance

July 19, 2009

45 Lessons Life Taught Me

I really like these lessons. I don't always follow them... so there is room for improvement. How many of these lessons do you subscribe to or follow? Ponder and Enjoy!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me.. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19.. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now.. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously.. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."


Apply these lessons to your life, your relationships, your career or business. Are you making any changes as a result of these lessons?


July 12, 2009

Don’t Let Planning the Wedding, Ruin the Wedding -

Is planning your special day getting to be a little overwhelming? Are there too many things that need to be done and not enough hands or time to get them done? Do you need someone that is knowledgeable, trustworthy and capable to take care of the small or large details?

Well, stress no more, because the wedding and event coordinators of the Houston based, Alpha Prosperity Events are ready and able to assist you with any of the details you need to create your memorable day. As your Full-Service Planner, your Day of Coordinator or as your venue decorator, we are fully committed to the success of your wedding or other special event.

One of our objectives, through Alpha Prosperity Events, is to provide organization, resources and support to engaged couples, so that they can have the wedding they want, the way they want it. Your choice of any of our planning selections or packages, allows you the opportunity to enjoy your wedding, with the full confidence that all of the details have been managed and coordinated to your delight and satisfaction.

Contact us today at (713) 516-7046, to check our availability or to schedule your free personal consultation.


July 5, 2009

Looking for Silver & Golden Anniversary Couples


As those of you who follow us here at Coco Trendy Events know, I truly believe in long lasting marriages and relationships. I have been exposed to quite a few couples who have celebrated or will soon celebrate 25 and 50 years of marriage, and I can only hope and have faith that my husband and I will live to celebrate this milestone with each other.

I have had the wonderful opportunity of coordinating a few wedding anniversary celebrations and I must say, it brings the joy to what I do as an event planner. We must celebrate these anniversary milestones every chance we get. Especially when there are so many statistics out there talking about how high the divorce rate is. So this is one of those places where we are going to celebrate these wonderful teachers of marriage and commitment.

If you or someone you know is celebrating a 25th or 50th Wedding Anniversary (anything after 50 years is most welcome), we want to highlight you or them. Send us some information including their names, wedding date, some info about the couple and a few photos of them or their wedding anniversary celebration. We would love to highlight them in our showcase of "Relationships Standing the Test of Time." You can email us at info@alphaprosperitymanagement.com or leave the info at our contact page at Alpha Prosperity Events.