Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Clutter

After a busy wedding season I've settled down at my computer to try to sort through my files. The filing system in my office is very organized but the computer tends to get cluttered after a while.

I love to save inspiring photos of weddings and ideas and I'm constantly starting Word documents with thoughts and ideas. My laptop has become a virtual catch-all bucket and it's time to start sifting through to get ready for the new season ahead.

On that note, I think it's important that couples sit down every month or so and do the same with their wedding "stuff". If you're like most brides, you'll be collecting magazine clippings, articles, business cards and ad material from bridal shows and various meetings, and a whole slew of things on your computer for "future reference".

Set aside a regular day each month to go through everything you've collected. In fact, it would be wise to put that in your planning calendar. Anything you're not using should be tossed. For example, you've booked your photographer but you still have business cards for ten photography companies. Or... you've picked and booked your wedding cake but your wedding binder still has 40 wedding cake clippings. All of this is clutter and will only add chaos to your planning.

As you get closer to your wedding date it's important to hold on to only those materials which are relevant to your wedding. If you simply can't throw everything else away (in case a friend might like to use it at some future date) at least put the non-relevant materials into a separate box away from all of your wedding stuff.

By the time your wedding comes around your binder should be narrowed down to essentials only; such as, a checklist of what's left to do, a schedule of the day, your vendor contracts, and contact lists with all of your vendors' names and contact info (you'll want to include your bridal party, MC, and any other important people in this list too). If you have a keepsake binder or if you want to hold on to other relevant planning forms or materials simply bring the items listed to the front of the binder and file under a separate tab so that it's easily accessible.


Happy Planning!

Sophie

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Ottawa Wedding Planners Gathering

I'm doing a bit of a lazy post today... okay, a SUPER lazy post today. I just wanted to give a shout-out to all of the local Ottawa WPIC Planners who came out last Saturday for our little get-together at Fat Tuesdays.

It was a great night filled with lots of chatting and great ideas flowing. It was wonderful to see everyone and I'm looking forward to some of the collaboration that was discussed over the course of the evening. More to come on that later.

And... here's where the super lazy part comes in. My very good friend, Lynn Lee from Weddings Unveiled, already posted a picture from the evening and listed everyone who was there. So rather than regurgitate Lynn's post I'll just send you there. Here's the link. (THANKS LYNN! xoxo!! lol).

And now back to work on my last wedding of the season which is coming up this weekend. Today's main focus: getting the hundreds of votive candles into holders and packed up.

Have a marvelous weekend everyone!

Sophie
Coverall Event Coordination

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

The Bridal Expo 2009

Hi Everybody!

I know I've been a little MIA lately. I came down with a horrible flu and I've been working around the clock getting last minute details together for The Bridal Expo.

Now the show is done and the flu is gone and I'm back (like it or not, ha ha).

This year was the second year of The Bridal Expo which is a unique bridal show for Cornwall's modern bride. The majority of my weddings take place in Ottawa and surrounding area but I still work very closely with the Cornwall market and I use the show as a method of showcasing the city's very best wedding vendors.

Cindy put together a great table setting for the Coverall booth this year.


After the success of last year's show we moved to a larger venue (the Cornwall Civic Complex), designed a brand new website (www.thebridalexpo.ca), and made improvements to just about every aspect of the show. As a result, the show was a huge success again this year and we're looking forward to many more successful shows in the future.

For a list of the year's exhibitors check out the Exhibitors section of the show website. You can also view more images from the show on The Bridal Expo Facebook page.

Cheers!

Sophie