I want to start out by saying that this post may hurt some feelings. Though this isn't the reaction I'd like to stir, this is a topic I've been wanting to cover. All of us know a person who bought a nice DSLR and decided to be a photographer. We all know that girl who helped her friend plan a party, and now considers herself an event planner. Or that friend who brings cupcakes to a party, and overnight decided to be a wedding cake designer. As someone in the event industry, maybe this pushes a button for you. I'll be honest and tell you, that for me, seeing this is concerning.

Jumping into the event industry doesn't happen overnight. You work your butt off, register your business, and you build your portfolio. My personal timeline looked a little different, as I am working on weddings without having a portfolio of my own. This is the beauty of interning and/or working for someone who has put in the work, gained the respect, and wants you to be an extension of that brand. 

So why can't you just "become" this industry professional? For starters, you need experience. I promise, planning a wedding isn't something you do on a whim for a few hundred dollars. It's a lot of work! What happens if the sound system doesn't work, or the toilet paper is empty (yes, that is part of your job)? How do you put together a proper budget? How do you know which venue to recommend? Find a planner or coordinator that will let you follow or intern for them. Learn the in's and out's of the job you think you want. Get as much knowledge as you can.

Another important subject to cover while on the topic: money. Something I see happening very often, are people who start these overnight businesses charging really low prices for their services. I get it, you want to appeal to people, and charging less is what gets attention. Before you decide to charge $200 for 6 weeks of planning, think about all of the time and energy you are about to put in for this client. Are you really only worth $5 an hour?? Working with a seasoned professional will help you understand the difference between "less expensive", and downright "cheap". 

Lastly, I have to pound into your brain the importance of registering your business with the state. Sure, you have a nice camera, and you need to make fast money this weekend. Offering a $30 (cash only) mini session and pocketing all of that money isn't the way to do it. I have a personal story to share that will show you what happens when your business isn't legitimate. A friend of mine hired a guy who took really great pictures to be their wedding photographer. He showed up, took the pictures they wanted, and went home to work on the images. Six weeks later, the couple didn't have any images, but he was using them on his Facebook to promote his new "wedding packages". After three more weeks, and more unreturned voicemails, the couple decided to call the BBB (Better Business Bureau). After finding out that the photographer never registered his business, the BBB alerted the proper channels, and now that man owes the state a lot of money. Unfortunately, the couple still doesn't have access to any pictures of their special day. 

Please, don't let this put a bad taste in your mouth for the event industry, that is not my intent. I wanted to bring up this subject because of its importance to those in the industry, and those trying to be a part of it. When I was younger, and trying to find ways to get into the industry and be known quickly, I wish someone would have sat down and told me what I was doing wasn't helping myself. Not only was I not being taken seriously, I didn't know how to pay myself, or how to brand myself as a respectable business. Thankfully, I was introduced to a person who had built up her business into a respected, well known brand, and she wanted to invest in me. 

If you are serious about becoming part of the event world, then get your name out there and show your willingness to work hard. I promise, it's a crazy industry, but it is full of great people who would love to teach you how to properly construct a company. What kind of tips do you have to offer to those looking to start an industry based career? What kind of questions do you have for those who are established industry professionals? 

Hi all! Samantha here, Meredith’s assistant and social media manager. I’ve taken over the blog, and am really excited to share all of the neat things going on with Rain Wedding Planning, as well as cool industry happenings. To start, I thought my first post should give you a little background on who I am, and why I chose to leap into the event industry!

I was a sophomore in high school when I decided to start my home-based bakery. I loved making cookies for classmates, muffins for teachers, and I always loved to try new cupcake flavors. Jumping into the baking world was natural; I did a few local graduation parties, a baby shower or two, and I had a handful of regular customers who purchased my breads. I was loving it! I told myself that as long as things stayed this way, and that I never dabbled into the wedding scene, I would be able to keep this up forever. 

So... I started baking and creating wedding cakes & dessert displays my freshman year of college, which proved to be difficult as I was attending The Ohio State University, yet my weddings were in Northeast Ohio. Though it was tough, I was enjoying the small part I played in the special day of two people, so I continued to do so for the next few years. 

When I moved back home, my mother had accepted a new position at a local winery as their in-house private event coordinator. Learning about all that she did was a thrill to me, and it showed me a side of the event industry that I had never been a part of; the client meetings, setting rooms, caterers, rain delays, etc. I didn’t know just how much went into an 8-10 hour day. With my mom having the position she held, I was also able to work the events she booked, so I had the opportunity to be a bartender, banquet server, assistant planner, caterer, and the clean-up crew (not my favorite). 

From that point on, I knew that I had found my place in the industry that once scared me so much. I wanted to be that jack-of-all-trades that my mother was. And then, I met Meredith. Being a part of Rain Wedding Planning has taught me so much! I’ve delved even further into the event industry, met amazing leaders in the community, explored incredible venues, and am learning something new every single day. The social media side of what I do comes from a few things: I’m a millennial! It’s bred into my age group, thankfully, because I know how confusing all of this tech stuff can get. Other than that, I run my own side hustle through my personal social media pages, as well as having a lifestyle blog. 

I can’t express how excited I am for all that is happening with Rain Wedding Planning. 2017 is about to be one wild ride, so sit back and buckle up. Thank you all for being a part of the journey thus far, and be sure to keep track of us via Facebook, we have a lot to share with you, so stay tuned! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need Couture Linen Rentals for a Wedding, or Special event Rain Linen Rentals has something for everyone and every budget. We specialized in wedding linen rentals, chair covers including sashes, and napkins. Our linen rental delivery, and set up team travels all of North East Ohio, including Akron/Canton and Youngstown/ Warren.

Our linen rentals range from simply elegant to intricate and runway worthy. We understand each and every event is different, therefore our designers can accommodate most needs. Basically, we are proud to offer a wide variety of choices for any event that you are planning. 

Our linen rental collection ranges from rich colors, patterns, designs and textures. As a client you will have the opportunity to choose from current collections.

From the beginning we have provided the best customer service, timely delivery and pickup. This is a priority for our customers, and therefore it is ours as well.

Create, envision and enjoy some ideas through our Inspiration galleries. Use our interactive table design center, see your vision before you order.

A combination of linen rentals can complement your room in many forms,

for example: a color can seduce your theme by elevating from simple to elegant; romantic, dramatic, bold, fierce, etc. The point? The sky is the limit.

Give us a call and let your imagination run wild.

Meredith Masaveg

440-231-4095

 

Ann Marie

440-227-5692

 

Becky Poling

330-219-4107

Many of us have dreamed of this special day when our white knight rides up and “wisks” us off to happily ever after.  Reality is, he may be the white knight and you will have the happily ever after, but there is not any “wisking”!

 Not really.

 

There is a date to choose, venue to find, your DJ, photographer, flowers, bridal gown…so many things.  Where do you start?  Hire a planner?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  That is totally dependent on you, your time, your budget, your attention to detail, problem solving skills, and how much stress you can handle.

Okay so you can do it…where do you start? 

How do you know the ‘good’ places to go and who the reputable vendors are. It is not everyday most of us plan weddings so unless you have recently helped someone else or know someone in the wedding business you are going into unfamiliar territory.

Some things you can do to make your job easier and help you decide if a planner is a resource you would like to have working with you.

 

 

This is a simplistic view of what needs to be done, but gives general guidance.

 When your wedding day comes, you need someone directing the rehearsal and managing your day.  Things will go wrong.   Follow up to confirm before the wedding is imperative.  Creative thinking and the ability to deal with stress is a must on your wedding day.  You, your fiance and family do not want to have to deal with this.  You can hire a planner for ‘Day of Coordination’ or if you still are determined you want to do this on your own, choose a trusted friend who is not part of the wedding and assign this task to them.

 Having been to weddings without a planner and also attending ones as a guest where there is a planner (and of course being the planner), my opinion is if nothing else talk to a planner for guidance.  Find one who offers hourly rates or a small guidance package.  I also think hiring someone to manage your wedding day is paramount with success.  This is our job, this is what we ‘live and breathe’.  We know how to manage it, help you, be there for the problems, and make your day perfect so you and your white knight can finally be “wisked off” to happily ever after.

And remember....

Help Your Planner Help You...

Stay tuned for our next exciting blog!!