Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Expert Status!


What a year Weddings InStyle has had - and TRUST me when I say - we couldn't have done it without the help of our AMAZING vendors.  Earlier this year Weddings InStyle was awarded Top Venue in Ottawa, in all of Ontario, for all of Canada and we placed 3rd overall in the world. 


There was no Judging Panel 
- Instead of appointing an arbitrary panel of judges to pick winners, the Wedding Industry Experts Awards was a true peoples choice Award. Anyone was able to vote for the vendors they loved. The results showed who was the most popular choice in each category by city, state/province, country and internationally. We were VERY thrilled that our couples, fans and vendors took to voting and we took top prize across the nation.



The Wedding Industry Experts approached us earlier this month to participate in a trial call "Expert Status" Peer Verification.  Expert Status makes it easy for couples to identify respected wedding professionals in their local area. This will be GREAT for the wedding industry when it rolls out next year. You won't have to guess what dealing with your wedding vendor will be like because you will be able to find out before you sign on the dotted line. 


There are so many things that could be taken into consideration when determining if a person deserves Expert Status. Is a person an expert because of their credentials, their training and education, their professional memberships, their publications, their level of experience - or a combination of these? Seems that EVERYONE is a wedding planner a wedding photographer, videographer or in an expert in something wedding these days. But are they really????


The Weddings Industry Experts thought one of the best way to determine in a wedding service provider is an "expert" is to ask other Wedding Profressionals who have personally worked along side them at weddings. Those who see time and time again what goes on behind-the-scenes, and those who have the same clients are often in the best position to judge.


Some might think twice about being reviewed by industry peers - we were happy to oblige the process. We didn't blink an eye and handed over OUR "Little Black Book" 


They contacted 10 of our vendors and asked them the following to determine if WE at Weddings InStyle deserved the Expert Status seal.

 

To the best of their knowledge, we;

  1. Excel in all aspects of their profession.
  2. Are honest and fair in all dealing 
  3. Have a positive, professional attitude and is well presented.
  4. Honor agreements made with clients and suppliers.
  5. Present our qualifications and expertise accurately.
  6. Communicate effectively and return calls and emails promptly. 
  7. Demonstrate exceptional customer service.
  8. If a dispute arises, we resolve it quickly in a professional, courteous manner.
  9. Operates or works in a business that is a credit to the local Wedding Industry
  10. Are well respected within the local Wedding Industry
We are THRILLED to announce after 10 calls to 10 vendors in Ottawa we have been given: 


We have just been vetted by some of Ottawa's industry's best.  Wedding Industry Experts independently contacted 10 of our vendors, and they all confirm that they agree (to the best of their knowledge), that we at Weddings InStyle meet the requirements and have all the criteria for Expert Status. Check out our site here
 
A BIG thank you to all our WONDERFUL vendors who spoke so graciously about us! We LOVE working with each and every one of you and that's why EVERY event we do together is ALWAYS InStyle!  Not booking your wedding with us but need a referral? No doubt we have AMAZING vendors and would LOVE to tell you about them!

As always, if you want to follow what we are up to come join the fun on Facebook or better yet come see us in person! We'd love to meet you!

Until next time ... Happy Holidays and see you in 2013!

                      Tuesday, December 11, 2012

                      Wedding Trends to say "I do" to in 2013

                      Say good-bye to vintage, mason jars and rustic and hello to glamour! 

                      The romantic style of the 20's will be a hot trend for bridal gowns and beauty. Think retro. Think flapper. Think Great Gatsby.   Hallmarks of this look include dropped waist dresses, lace in soft colors of ivory, beaded gowns, fringed chandeliers, and black and white tie dress code. To channel this look through your accessories, try on some long strands of pearl  or gold toned jewelry.  Instead of a traditional veil you could wear a cloche style headpiece or a beaded headband with art deco details. 

                      Gold will be everywhere in 2013. From gowns to accessories to linens! 

                      Mint Green is also one of the hottest colours for 2013. You can thank the wildly popular vintage trend for this colour inspiration. This hue compliments many colours particularly creams and golds. 


                      Incorporating patterns into wedding day decor is going to be HOT as well! I think we’ll continue to see chevron and stripes used on everything from table runners to bowties. We are also going to start to see more and more gingham, paisley and even polka dots. Picture bridesmaids in striped skirts, and groomsmen with paisley ties. How FUN!

                      Loung receptions in a variety of different styles are VERY hot this year. This is a GREAT place to add pops of colour or patterns to your wedding. Keep in mind as beautiful as this "trend" might be, it could get costly trying to recreate on your own. Talk to your wedding planner about ways to get creative and keep the look within budget.

                      Hair: Think  slick chic and top buns. They both offer a classic style that softly frames the face, and offer a perfect base for a veil. We will also be seeing alot of undone hair in 2013. 

                      Live-stream weddings will continue to gain popularity in 2013. If a loved one cannot attend the wedding, you can "broadcast" your wedding and allow front row access to anyone, anywhere! Don'tcha just LOVE technology?

                      Of course like anything trends come and go .. These are just a few that we thought you might consider saying "I do" to if you are looking for something whimsical and fun for your wedding!

                      If you want to follow us for more tips and trends come join the party on Facebook or visit our website at Weddings InStyle.

                      Happy Planning!

                      Sunday, December 9, 2012

                      Here we GROW again ....


                      Weddings InStyle & Events InStyle is hiring again!  We are looking for a special someone to assist with the upcoming 2013 Season.

                      Before you shoot off that resume, please review the following to make sure this is you:
                      • You must understand confidentiality. We are a sounding board for our clients. Like in Las Vegas what happens at 107 Murray stays at 107 Murray. NO EXCEPTIONS!
                      Must be able to:
                      • Manage client expectations
                      • Manage and develop a strategic plan of action to ensure that the cost of the event remain within budget
                      • Search and negotiate suitable venue or locations if outside of our capacity as per the requirement of client and within their budgetary constraints
                      • Carry out all the functions as per legal guidelines and contract
                      • Work on determining a suitable layout and theme of the event as per the requirement of the client
                      • You must be interested in the wedding/event industry. Event Management or Wedding planning experience is a must.
                      • You must have strong communication skills.
                      • You must be available to work weekends (including Friday).
                      • You must be a hard worker and understand that while this job can be glamorous, on the day of the event, it’s an extremely physical gig.
                      • You must be well put together and presentable. We SELL style and drama we DON'T employ it! When we meet, we need to see how you would meet with our clients and vendors. So yes, we will be checking you out: your clothes, your hair, your makeup, your accessories….all of it. Do your clothes fit properly? No tight clothes, cleavage, etc please. 
                      • You must have a great sense of humour and be approachable and social.
                      • FINALLY, you MUST realize that this job is nothing like the Jennifer Lopez movie.  
                      • Own transportation is a bonus!

                      Still sound like you?  Fabulous! Here are some tips on how to stand out from the rest:

                      Tell us a little about yourself in the email body (but not your life story).  We want to get to a feel for your personality to see if we’ll mesh with our team! Bonus points if you love bubbly!
                      Please do not call us to check the status of applications. 

                      Tasks may include, but are not limited to:
                      • Answering phones calls and email inquiries
                      • Meeting clients and showing them the venue
                      • Assessing client events needs and preparing custom quotes ( nothing we do is cookie cutter)
                      • Coordinating with clients & vendors
                      • Wedding research for new local talent and trends
                      • Assistance in client meetings 
                      • Event timelines
                      • Vendor liaison
                      • Day of Event Coordination including supervising staff
                      • Set up & take down

                      We are looking for an experienced wedding planner or event manager for this position as we need you to hit the ground running. January is going to be BUSY!
                      If you love pinterest, cupcakes, champagne, everything chic, are a hopeless romantic, and have a fabulous eye for detail-please apply.

                      Key Skills & Core Competencies:
                      • Must be available to work evenings/weekends - this is 30 hour a week position plus evenings and weekends
                      • Excellent time management and organizational skills
                      • Enthusiastic and self motivated
                      • Ability to work in fast pace environment
                      • Creative/Stylish 
                      • Knowledge of budgeting and financial management
                      Send your resume and cover letter to info@weddingsinstyle.ca
                      To apply, please write 2013 Employment in the subject of your email; include your resume as an attachment, and your cover letter within the body. Your cover letter should explain why you are the perfect candidate for the position. Be sure to include previous experience and why you are passionate about this industry.

                      Learn more about Weddings InStyle and Events InStlye click on the highlighted links and don't forget to become a Fan on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/weddingsinstyle & www.facebook.com/eventsinstyle - we notice the little things and the enthusiasm.

                      Look forward to finding the next member of our InStyle team!