Safeguarding Yourself When Hiring Vendors

After alot of chatter in the industry about a local vendor (which will remain nameless), I decided that I wanted to write about how to safeguard yourself when hiring your vendors.

Tip #1: Be suspicious of "pay in full" opportunities. I know that alot of vendors offer some kind of discount for paying in full, because it cuts back on bookkeeping time, which allows them to book more events, but you need to weigh out your options. If you pay significantly prior to services rendered, what happens if they go out of business? Luckily, these days alot of credit card companies can "get your money back," but if you paid by check, then you are in for a long journey to get it back.

Tip #2: When paying, have a paper trail. Either pay by credit card or check, never pay with cash! And, be sure to get a receipt! You don't want your vendor asking for a balance the day of your wedding when you paid them weeks before. Have the paperwork to back it up.

Tip #3: You should be able to contact your vendor throughout the planning process. Sure, if your wedding is a year away, you may not get that immediate response to an e-mail, but your vendor should always welcome your questions, concerns, etc. throughout your planning.

Tip #4: If it's too good to be true, it probably is. The vendor that you hire should be within the middle of the different quotes that you received. Never higher the cheapest vendor. You will get what you pay for, or they'll tack on all of those additional fees (service charge, delivery fee, etc.) which could total much more than you were originally quoted. When you hire a vendor, it should be because of the "value" that they can offer you, not about how cheap it is.

Tip #5: Get everything in writing. In addition to a contract that outlines everything in detail - responsiblities, duties, etc., you must also get any additional information in writing. If there has been a change or additional duties or responsibilites added to the original scope of work, get an addendum to your contract outlining these items in detail.

Let us recommend the best vendors in the area, give us a call at 813-426-5280 or e-mail us at staci@uniqueeventdesign.com

Our First Bridal Show!

We are so excited to be featured in the 2nd Annual Davis Island Garden Club Bridal Showcase on Sunday, March 1, 2009. This will be our first bridal show and we could not have picked a better one! Shannon Wilson and our friends at Table 6 Productions will be producing the entire show! Some of the great vendors that will be there are Limelight Photography and Viola Videography. Be sure to come and check out our booth!



Davis Island Garden Club Bridal Showcase
Sunday, March 1, 2009
12:00 - 4:00
Admission - $5.00
81 Columbia Dr.
Tampa, FL 33909
http://www.digclub.org

2009 Wedding Trends

Sorry no blogs last week. I had a few crazy days.

Since we are full steam into 2009. I wanted to point out some 2009 wedding trends that we are seeing...

Personalizing Your Wedding
This is not a new trend. Brides personalize their wedding in so many different ways - through branding with monograms, having custom decor, even getting married in locations personal to the couple. This trend is not seeing a dwindle, in fact, you are striving for the next big thing at your own wedding. This is every exciting for us, because we believe that every client is unique, so their wedding should be just as unique.

Not Your Grandmother's Color Scheme
No more two color schemes. Today's brides are using as many as six or seven colors for their weddings. Some are even having completely different color scheme's for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Combinations such as brown, aqua, red, ivory and rust, purple, teal, orange are splashing into receptions.

Bring on the Bling
Once again, nothing new here, but today's brides are finding new ways to "bling" their weddings, crystals in the stems of toasting flutes, and strands of rhinestones wrapping centerpieces. The 2009 bride will find the newest and most innovative ways to add sparkle to their big day.

Coordinating Centerpieces
There has been a rise of brides who want a combination of two kinds of centerpieces - one high and one low. But now, we are seeing 3 and 4 different kinds of centerpieces. They all coordinate with the same color or flower, but completely different styles.

Inside the Box
Brides are pulling away from the typical room of round tables and are now combining square and rectangular tables with the rounds, or doing a room completely of squares. It can sometimes be difficult in the smaller rooms, but it you have the space, this trend really catches guests off guard.

Underwater
A single flower or a few stems submerged beneath water is not only a modern, contemporary look, but will save the bank! The more extravagant the design, the more expensive. In 2009, with the economy not at it's best, brides are using this option to save money and create a more minimalist look.

Battery-operated Lighting
Yes, those LED / battery operated candles aren't going anywhere! Not only are the safer, but are a great option for outdoor events, as well as those venues that are fearfull of fires. Just turn them on and they will flicker all night. Some even last up to 300 hours, far longer than that last guest leaves the dance floor.

No Planner, No Plan
Brides are hiring planners more than ever. They accept the additional cost with the understanding that the planner will actually save you money in the long run, therefore paying for themselves. Planners have been in the field for some time and know the best locations, vendors, tricks, etc. It's the same reason why so many brides share info. You have never done this before (ie. planned a wedding) and you should seek out those that have, previous brides which will offer some information and planners, which offer a world of info and bring up those "things" that you never thought of.

To learn more about the latest trends in weddings and other events or to get started developing your own event style, contact us at Unique Event Design: 813-426-5280 or http://www.uniqueeventdesign.com/.

FREE Engagement Photo Session!!!

Mollie Grady Photography is offering a FREE engagement session, with purchase of any wedding package, to any bride that is recommended to her by us. Be sure to mention that you were recommended by Unique Event Design, LLC to receive this offer!!

Contact them today!

Ph: 941-504-8000
http://www.molliegrady.com/

Photography of Jen & Shane's Wedding

Check out the great pictures of the November 22nd wedding of Jen & Shane. Mollie Grady with Mollie Grady Photography, captured the event - http://www.molliegrady.com/.

A Sultry Wedding for Melinda & Ali!

I was so honored to be a part of Melinda & Ali's wedding on January 3! This couple is in love!!! They could barely keep their hands off each other, which made their sultry color palette of red and black with accents of white very fitting. The University of Tampa Fletcher Lounge was the setting for not only their vows, but the reception too, which gave my staff and the UT staff thirty minutes to turn the room over! The decor was very simple with unique touches, such as garlands of carnations wrapping the candleabras and water & rose petal filled vases lining the aisle. The combination of the historical venue and the bright reds and black was truly something to see. The couple even surprised their guests with a choreographied tango, complete with a red rose in the groom's mouth, and we surprised them with a sparkler send off at the end of the night! We did all of the decor flowers, while Tampa Bay Florist did the personal flowers. Complete Music provided the DJ and Video services, while Micheal Heape Photography captured the event. The was my first time working with Michael Heape, and from what I saw on that little screen on his camera, the pictures are going to be beautiful! Congratulations Melinda & Ali!!! You two were made for each other!

On a Side Note, I was Featured!!

My friend Stephanie with Fish Hawk Weddings, who did the flowers my own personal wedding, featured it on her website!

http://www.fishhawkweddings.com/featured_weddings.cfm

Just thought I'd share my excitement!

Happy 2009!

I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2009! I am extremely excited for the new year! We already have a number of weddings booked, so keep an eye out for lots of pictures and descriptions.

Our first wedding is this weekend, so be sure to check back for a recap!