There are many companies who chose to remain apolitical in business. This is a sound philosophy if yo want to maintain the status quo. However, it is my opinion that the right to marry whomever you choose is a decision beyond race or gender. Love is all conquering. As a long time supporter of LGBT rights, Oh, Henry Events is paying close attention to the legislation attempting to overturn the gay marriage ban in Texas. With the recent election of Republican Governor Greg Abbott we may not join the 30 states now allowing for same sex marriage tomorrow, but the good fight continues.
*photo credit nbcnews.com
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1. Build your communityIf you want to have a reoccurring event on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis there is no way to shortcut building your community. Artist Amanda Palmer writes in The Art Of Asking that people want to help when they feel like they are part of something. When you start a show, or performance, or dance party - whatever it is, you have to consistently connect with your audience. There is an exchange of ideas and energy happening and this is what makes people want to come to your event. There is no way to make this happen overnight either. Overtime, consistently communicating with your audience will help you build your following. 2. know your audience Every marketing textbook will tell you to know your target audience. Who does your event appeal to? What does your event look like? Who is going to come? How will you find them? Most importantly, how will they find you? Understanding all of these layers will help you determine who your audience is. Only then will you know how to reach them so they know your event exists. 3. don't over saturate There is a new song on the radio that you love and at first you don't mind listening to it over and over. Then you find yourself changing the station when it comes on. If you're fortunate enough to find an audience for your event you can love them, inform them, entertain them - but don't oversell them. It's just after Valentine's and he finally proposed. You told your friends, shared photos of the ring, and your Facebook status has been updated. Now, cue the barrage of questions about details. When is the wedding? Which venue? What kind of food? What do you want your dress to look like? Where will you get his ring? Whoa, you say - we just got engaged. Brace yourself for this new stage. Once the ring goes on your finger the questions can be non-stop. It's ok to say that you don't know yet, and you just want to take moment to enjoy this new phase of your relationship. Then, when you are ready the first step is usually to pick a venue. Often, the available venue dates are influential in your wedding date. From there, just remember to take it one day at a time. Wedding planning is a marathon, and minimizing your stress can allow you to enjoy the journey. Using a wedding venue that provides catering is an one way to make it a little easier to manage your budget. And there are several venues that are gorgeous and have great food. A few we have worked with are The Terrace Club, Chateau Bellevue, and Thurman's Mansion at the Salt Lick. These venues also provide the majority of your table rentals, (go for the chair upgrades), basic linens, staff, and even centerpieces at The Salt Lick.
Most venues that do not provide on-site catering have a recommended or approved catering list. These are usually folks with whom the venue has worked, and they know the caterers can easily set-up and provide great service. Many of these venues do not have full kitchens, so you will want a caterer who can bring everything they need on-site. For private parties, there is a lot more flexibility with catering options, and the choices can be overwhelming. Just about every restaurant in Austin offers levels of catering. It is important to ask if they provide staff to help serve so your guests aren't responsible for set-up. If you are open to a more non-traditional option, reach out to one of Austin's many food trailers to ask for catering for your next event.
If you love looking at photos to get ideas for your wedding, there are an endless amount of resources. Here are a few of my favorite. 5. The Knot I love this site because they have ideas and photos for just about anything you could ever want for your wedding, plus about 50,000 things you never knew you wanted. They separate by cakes, and hairstyles, and dresses, oh my! You can even set up your own (free) account and save your favorite items, dates, etc. 4. Pinterest Oh, let's face it - Pinterest is great for everything. But it's also a really convenient place to put your photos and ideas for all of your vendors to see. If you haven't yet, set up a Wedding board and use it to make sure everyone knows your vision.
2. Austin Wedding Day Austin Wedding Day is local, so you will be able to see a lot of images from Austin venues. This helps to be able to visualize how the same space can look very different depending on the couple's style. 1. Style Me Pretty This is one of my favorite sites from which to draw inspiration. Their showcased weddings are always full of unique and personal style, and could not be any more gorgeous. 7. Hire A Planner I know this sounds self-serving, but honestly, there are so many little things that you may not have the capacity to think about on the day of your wedding. For example, do all of the people doing readings have copies, and when should you line up before the ceremony? Who will cue the band during cocktail hour while you are taking photos? None of these details should be on your mind. While family will often be glad to help, that means they can’t relax and fully enjoy the party. Having a professional to lean on means more fun for you and your guests. 6. Take Time To Eat During the day you’ll be busy with the girls doing hair and make-up and all the little things that go with getting ready. You may also be concerned with feeling good about how you look in your dress. But don’t forget to eat during the day and at the reception. It will help you have enough energy to make it through the day, and not let the champagne go to your head too quickly. Not to mention, you picked an amazing menu and you should enjoy it! 5. Enjoy Pinterest, But Don’t Go Crazy I planned a wedding for a bride who said she spent six hours a day on Pinterest getting ideas for her wedding and could not make a decision. Pinterest and The Knott, and other bridal resources are great for ideas and photos. I only caution to not let it consume you. I’ve found brides often feel a little low after the wedding because all of a sudden the anticipation is gone and you have a lot of free time. If you try to keep level through the process, it’s an easier transition when it is all over. 4. No One Else Knows The Plan You’ve spent the last year meticulously pouring over every detail of the big day. Now that the reception is actually happening, you see the florist used a slightly different shade of rose in the centerpieces or the DJ is playing a remixed version of that Beyoncé song you wanted. No one else knows what you planned for. To your guests, everything is going just like you always dreamed. At this point it is best to not sweat the small stuff and enjoy the company of your family, friends, and new partner. 3. .If You Have Fun, So Will Your Guests Let’s be honest, you want everyone to have fun at your wedding – it’s a huge party, and maybe the biggest and most expensive one you will ever throw. The easiest way to ensure this happens is for you to have fun. Your bridal party, family and guests will all take their cues from you. If you remember to just enjoy the moment you will find people leave saying it was the best wedding they have ever been to. 2. Don’t Put Off Your To Do List Don’t save anything on your To Do list for the day of the wedding, except getting yourself ready of course. Wedding favors, programs, décor, those last little errands all should be completed before the day of the event. This way you keep your stress level as low as possible, and leave a little time for real last minute hick-ups, like traffic or torn hems. 1. Savor The Moment This is it. This is what you’ve been planning for. The ring, the fiancé, the party, the spouse, the life you are getting ready to live together. All of these people are here to show their love and support for you. Look around and actively take the time to appreciate every moment of it. It goes by in a flash, so make sure you take time to really be in the moment. |