What Does a Wedding Consultant Do? Event Planning Services you Didn't Realize

When you run an event management business, you can determine to a certain extent the types of services to provide. Some consultants live on simply managing the day of your event (a.k.a. day of coordination). And the reason we can survive on that task is because there is SOOOOOO much to do in one day. 

I applaud women who take the time to think thru their big day, and who want the ability to not have to talk to vendors and manage all the logistics. You want to be thinking about you and your partner, not if the music will start on time or if a late arrival needs assistance finding their seat.

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But an event manager can do so much more than coordinate the big day. Some planners will do anything and everything you need, and they will return the value of their work 10 times over their price. And the peace of mind you get is simply priceless. Event planning is a finely-tailored collaboration of several people who are all coming together for your event. I manage the process and the details, and find the contacts you need to make the event a success.  

Some folks think they will assign duties to the bridesmaids or family and friends. When the big day came, my bridal party was, well, partying. Our champagne toast was late, the father daughter dance started late (because Dad was off somewhere) and even tho these tasks were assigned - to trusted friends - it just didn't happen. our friends and family are at your event to enjoy themselves, and work is the last thing they have in mind.



Event Managers and their many value added roles

"Event planning is a finely-tailored

collaboration of several people who

are all coming together for your event.

I manage the process and the details,

and find the contacts you need to

make the event a success."  

When someone tells you that you can manage you event alone, let's ask them a few questions...

• Are you going to manage the job of sending out invitations and collecting RSVP's from 500 guests?
• Are you going to stay with me while I interview all of my vendors?
• Are you going to help me plan seating for my 500 guests?
• Are you going to be with me when my bridesmaids have their fitting?
• Are you going to be there for me when I feel overwhelmed (and believe me, all brides feel overwhelmed at one point or another).
• Are you going to highlight ways where I can save money and still have my dream wedding?
• Will you review my contracts and make sure everything I have been promised is included?
• Will you review my DIY plan and build a time line for getting it all done?
• Will you review my budget and see if there is any cost savings that we missed?
• Will you manage the experts I have hired and handle last minute details?
• Will you manage getting my shot list checked off with the photographer?
• What do you mean the
• Are you going to find that vendor with a snow machine so I can have pretty Chicago snowflakes in mid-June?

...well... you get the idea. Event planners do more then plan. When all is said and done they Produce and Manage the big day for you.


Think thru your day. Think thru what you want to manage. Then decide if you want to work that hard.

Thanks for reading! 

From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 

Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events

Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions

NEW! joannekleemarketing.com
joanne@joannekleemarketing.com 

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Steps to Getting a Catering Proposal: Logistics and the Flavor Guide

What better examples to give than those that are real? My personal white glove approach with clients extends to making what could be a challenging task a little easier to handle. 

Such is the case with my Favorite Tapas couple. I am totally biased, I love tapas! When enjoying this style for dinner, versus its traditional pre-dinner appetizer light course - the journey is long: Sit, eat, drink, eat, repeat, repeat, repeat,... And of course the excellent conversation that extends into the long meal. 

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However at a wedding a meal that would take over an hour is simply not acceptable. UNLESS the meal is pre-planned and structured like an "activity" at the event. Dinner with dessert and the starter course needs to fall under an hour in most cases. 

"Serving multiple plates means multiple servers, per table, making many returns. That means more kitchen prep staff, servers, logistics, etc. That means more money for labor." 

A couple of service specifics for a Tapas menu:

- Review which types of tapas to serve

- Consider the dinner timing

- Advise on cost savings (in a tastefully presented way)

- Address tapas concerns (to be tackled in a later post).

First, the couple completed my "flavor guide" questions. Which restaurants do you frequent, and pull your top 3 apps, and entree from each.

Second, discussion on absolutes: absolutely NO preferences, some people Hate skirt steak, others cannot stomach greens beans, or heavy sauces, or fried food, or "fill in the blank ____". Tastes from person to person vary - and the couple MUST love whats served. MUST! 

Third, budget. Yes, I will always think about budget because everything (yes really everything) impacts budget. Do you want the best cuts of meat (filet mignon or t-bone) or will poultry or pork fit the bill? Shrimp or tilapia? Your talking $3-6 for shrimp versus $1-2 for anything other than shrimp. (Use my MIL trick: Say your allergic and it kills the "shrimp are a must" convo).

[Seasonal Menus Along these lines, in season veggies, sauces and ingredients help lower the price. Serving mango salsa in mid winter is a price variant going from summers $1 per piece to winters $3-4 per piece (and an up charge for already ripe). Same for asparagus and those fancy "cantaloupe melon Hors D'oeuvres on cream cheese canapés and chives," save it for summer! See the email below on using seasonal sauces, veggies, etc. ]

Lastly, plating. Serving multiple plates means multiple servers - per table - making many returns. That means more kitchen prep staff, servers, logistics, etc. That means more money for labor. Price increase ranging $1,000 and up (yes, increased labor by a thousand dollars). How to serve tapas AND not increase the labor expenses? For that tip, your have to read the email below under "Main Menu"....

Happy Reading!

"Quick cost saver: Catering sauces, veggie choices, etc. will be seasonally based and feature caterers special touches."

Actual Content from Planning Sessions

================================

Email to catering post initial phone call/proposal request. 

"Thank you ...  [Insert your cordiality]... Per the pricing we discussed (insert here) the following is the couples "flavor guide" for planning the menu.

As discussed our couple prefers a Spanish/Spain food theme, tapas style. Please use the ideas as a guide, however our Price Points as discussed are priority.

I asked the couple to pull together some starters and meals they like at their favorites tapas restaurants. This way we are on the same page with flavors. Those are listed at the end.

The couple is aware your final menu will be tailored to the couples likes, but not exact copies of dishes. Catering sauces, veggie choices, etc. will be seasonally based and feature caterers special touches.

Absolutes: 

No allergies. However we insist on grilled not fried and a "Fresh and light" fare.

Grilled not fried.

Not heavy meats. 

Poultry is welcome

Seasonal fish.

A variety of savory and sweet choices to be served.

Passed Hors D'oeuvres: Tapas Flavor starter bites:

A variety of items.

- bacon wrapped dates

- Tapenade on crostini (toast)

- Spains cheese/s and olives

- Soup shooters unless those are table served. Caters proposals.

(Manchengo, wine infused cheese, goats and sheeps milk variety, etc.)

Main Menu:

Instead of a large serving of 2 tapas, we are leaning toward mini entree service on a trio, followed by a duo plate. (The couple is opposed to buffet and family style). We realize individual portions will not be large, instead "filling up" in the 5 individual tapas size courses.

Seated Menu:

- Starter Soup Gazpacho or Seasonal Seafood Soup. Served as a shooter or cup.

- If a salad is needed (for timing). Or alternative single tapa service.

- Trio service on the final plate.

Dessert:

No Cake Service, No cake cutting. No cake gifts.

Couple has selected: 

Gelato Station and Expresso Bar

Vendor TBD. 

Ideas Lists / Favorite Flavors from the couple

Some Tapas Starter Ideas:

*Stuffed Olives with peppers

*Catalan bread or crostini with ripe tomatoes and goat cheese

*Artisanal Cheese Selection

*Spinach and manchego stuffed mushrooms

*Empanadas

*Bacon wrapped dates

*Cured sausages

*Meatballs and spicy sauce  

Main Meal ideas:

*Wood oven roasted veggies with pinenuts

*Beef Tenderloin and blue cheese

*Citrus cured salmon

*Grilled Octopus

*Spicy potatoes with a tomato aioli

*Skewered chicken and chorizo sausage

*Seafood or vegetable paella

*Gazpacho or Seafood soup

*Mussels

# End of List # 

Thank you, we look forward to your questions and ideas.

From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 

Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events

Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions

NEW! joannekleemarketing.com
joanne@joannekleemarketing.com 

Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook | WebSite | Blog

Google+ | Reviews | Linkedin 

Scribd Business Document Store

Management Script, showflow, timeline and run through for your event. Campaign management "on the same page." Single Day or Multy Day Plan.

If you are a detailed person, someone who organically can sense what's needs to happen next in the day, in order to arrive at a complete show by the end of the weekend then you can manage being an Event Manager. And you still need an excellent format for managing multiple layers and moving pieces. And if details aren't your savvy, then there are resources and templates I can provide to help you.

"It's an extraordinary feeling having 27,000 page views. There is a need for this service we provide."

Excellence in Service and Providing you with solutions to meet your needs, that is my niche. That is WHO I AM... but it is not WHAT I DO. I connect to clients. It is the all mighty Marketing SEO Desire, to not only reach our clients, but connect with them. It's an extraordinary feeling being an independent consultant and experiencing 27,000 page views for a document I've provided. 

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"The professional touch and customer service is what goes above and beyond what the clients need for the project." 

Customers want their projects completed efficiently, on time and and budget. The professional touch and customer service is what goes above and beyond what they need done. I am not giving away any competitive advantage by selling documents online that I use in business. But this is one of my secrets to success. Managing all details in one timeline, for a one-day event or a product campaign happening over multiple days.

Selling documents is providing a service to the customer I have not met yet, the customer who needs to supplement their project. And if I can provide that tool, or template, then that;s another way to provide One Stop Solutions. And I am happy to help.

"Make this show flow timeline your own, with your added flair and touch to it."

So it's time for the project launch. I have been on many Marketing Projects where it's campaign weekend and many moving parts needed to happen. That's when this file breathed life. It is sort of a living file because it is always changing. Details are modified, events added, some last minute touches can always be found. Make this showflow timeline your own, with your added flair and touch to it. 


After having worked on countless events and campaign launches, this is still my go to document to manage 1-day to several days of activities. It can be your too.

Event Planner Sample Event Script, Timeline, Run Through Thru and Stage Directions for a MC Emcee by Joanne Stadnicki Klee

These documents are BOTH from ACTUAL Client events which I produced and staged. 
There are ideas you haven't seen. These are by far one of the best ways to put everyone on the client end "on the same page." Any and all committee questions are answered:

WHEN are the deliveries?

WHO is introducing the Emcee?

WHO is Introducing the Foundation President?

DID we remember to script his EARLY CAREER AWARD?


Any an all questions are addressed in an easy to scan thru layout.

Another version is also available here.

Event Planner Event Program Timeline Show Flow Run Through Thru Emcee MC by Joanne Stadnicki Klee

Managing timelines, so you don't have too

Visit my scribd store at scribd.com/jk_marketing I am here to help you and ensure success.

From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 

Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events

Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions

NEW! joannekleemarketing.com
joanne@joannekleemarketing.com 

Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook | WebSite | Blog

Google+ | Reviews | Linkedin 

Scribd Business Document Store

Remember to Say THANK YOU to Everyone, Include Sponsors, Vendors, And Associates

Remember that last Marketing Program where the Sponsors said it was one of their best campaigns? Those Sponsors are the happiest of customers. And then,... when it was all over... did you say thanks?

One of the best ways to stand out in business is following those simple Golden Rules of Service.

• SAY THANK YOU
• Location, Location, Location
• and Always Put the Customer First (notice it's not the "always right bit.)

Customers take up two of the three rules. Because without customers we DO NOT HAVE a business. Who would you sell too? Saying thank you is so simple, yet so easy to forget. In my new client checklist a thank you note is a part of the white glove approach I use with customers. They don't have to choose my consulting service, and I know they will be happy with it. But I want them to feel the appreciation. 

Say THANK YOU to those that Make It Happen!

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Ah! There is another Marketing piece of cold. Making an Emotional Connection with clients HOW CAN I DO THAT? It really is simpler than you think. Saying thank you goes a tremendously long way. 

So you can't think of what to write, in a pro letter or simple notecard. Here you go, all written for you, and you can make EZ changes to make it your own.

Saying Thank you - It doesn't Hurt.

"There is another Marketing piece of cold. Making an Emotional Connection with clients. It really is simpler than you think."

This document is one of my most popular. The wording is concise and simple. The message is clear: Thank you.

Event Sponsor Thank You Letter Fundraiser or Sponsorship by Joanne Stadnicki Klee

Visit my Scribd Store for more Marketing and Event Related Documents. Custom document requests accepted. 

Let's make your business grow! 

The other way to find this Thank You Letter is in the COMPLETE SPONSORSHIP PLANNING KIT, it has all you planning needs for a successful event or campaign.

From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 

Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events

Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions

NEW! joannekleemarketing.com
joanne@joannekleemarketing.com 

Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook | WebSite | Blog

Google+ | Reviews | Linkedin 

Scribd Business Document Store

CLIENT PORTFOLIO: Joanne Klee, JK Marketing and Events

Consulting   |   Marketing Professional   |   Event Management

“From everyday to the extraordinary…”

Joanne Klee is an independent event management and marketing specialist in Chicago. A proven self-starter, I provide freelance and consulting service with a white glove approach working with celebrities, professionals, non-profits, and businesses. For over 20 years my extensive corporate experience in traditional financial services marketing and corporate events results in a niche service. I understand that you do not have the time or the staff to manage your upcoming event or the details of a marketing project. I am able to accurately produce your event and ensure the quality of the guest experience while managing the creative and collateral production leveraging my marketing know how and expertise. 

                          Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions

I am well versed in planning, developing and managing a wide variety of large to  small events and social gatherings. My exclusive and personal white glove approach translates to working independently, as a part of a team, temporary staff or subcontractor.

Like these posts? SEE MORE at our New Blog Home JoanneKleeMarketing/Insights

Client Portfolio, a sample from 2000 - Current

I find passion in Event Planning. I use my planning skills and attention to detail to flawlessly produce your event. I use my Marketing background to help streamline Marketing Collateral production and provide my clients cost savings, every time, every event.

I listen to the clients objectives and incorporate their
brand and message while managing the details.

Marketing Services

Extensive agency oversight, production, project and financial management, creative development, copy writing and editing for tone, style, clarity and concise messaging.

-         Development and management of countless advertising campaigns, direct mail initiatives: creative development, copy writing, financial and production management with ROI measures.

- New Realtor App: Develop Marketing Plan, Social Media Launch Plan and Beta Testing Event Objectives & Presentation Development.

- Independent Plumber: Development and Execution: Internet Profiles.

- Travel Consultant: Presentation development and script.

- Non-Profit Services: Post Event Sponsor and Donor Communication Plan: Mailing series

-         Customer Testimonial Campaign: Manage and develop selection process, manage production shoots.

-         PR support including drafting press releases and reporter interface.

EVENT MANAGEMENT

A seasoned producer and planner well versed in planning, designing and managing events. A proven ability to develop strategies, synchronize details across multiple events and projects, with great efficiency and resourcefulness, while maintaining your vision, lifestyle, message and brand.

- Wedding: Full Service.

- Celebrity Golf Open: Celebrity Golf Open.

- Non Profit: Amateur Boxing Fundraiser (multi year contract, 400 guests).

- Area Bank: Business After Hours Holiday Party (100 guests). Countless multiple events across a variety of suburban Chicagoland locations.

- Dance Company: Panel Discussion & Front of House Performance Support.

- Non Profit New Community Center: Grand Opening & Donor Appreciation (3 days of multiple events): Family Night, Donor Soirée, Community Open House.

- Destination Wedding: planning & budgeting session.

- Non Profit Children's Services: A Simply Elegant Beach Ball Gala.

- Seminars: development and management 

  Doing Business in China: U.S. Business Owners Expansion.  

  Illinois Hospital Association, CFO Finances.         

  1st Time Home buyers

  New App, Beta test launch

Extensive Experience in:
- Countless customer appreciation events.

- Grand opening, renovations and relocation. 

- Many community networking and business after-hours events. 

- Celebrity private luncheons, & autograph sessions.

- Trade show strategies and booth development.

- Executive Management presentation support.

- Multiple Sales Meetings, Annual Presentations, & Award Ceremonies (50-2000 guests). 

(Extensive vendor sourcing, negotiations and management. Creative consultations and streamlining ideas. General advice and counsel.)

Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions |  

Contact me directly at 773.677.0783 to start your project today! or email me joanne@joannekleemarketing.com

From the Everyday to the Extraordinary...

Joanne

Posted by Joanne Kleé, 

Owner | Consultant

Joanne Klee Marketing & Events

Service Excellence | Detailed | One Stop Solutions

NEW! joannekleemarketing.com
joanne@joannekleemarketing.com 

Come meet me where you are:Twitter | Facebook | WebSite | Blog

Google+ | Reviews | Linkedin 

Scribd Business Document Store

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