1. Don't be late.  When you're late you leave other wedding professionals and perhaps the bride and/or her family waiting on you.  It's inconsiderate and rude and even if you have a good excuse, it's really not excusable for others to have to wait on you.  Always plan ahead and get to your destination well in advance of your start time. 
    
2. Don't make others late.  Every wedding professional should know:  
       A. When pictures are scheduled to start so that flowers are pinned and set, hair and makeup is done, etc.  When your part isn't finished in time, you're delaying others from doing their jobs adequately.
       B. When dinner is scheduled to be served.  When photographers and/or videographers have to get 5 more shots and they make the brides and grooms late to their reception, the caterer has to figure out how to keep dinner fresh and ready to serve.  It puts a strain on their ability to serve properly.
       C. When special events are scheduled to take place.  Don't ever be the reason an opportunity is lost because you weren't informed of what was going on.
    
3. Don't step in front of the photographer or videographer's equipment.  The moment you walk in front of their camera lens is the moment they lose a shot.  Always be aware of where your photographers and videographers are so that you can stay out of their images.
    
4. Don't ignore the schedule!  Wedding planners make schedules for a reason and they do everything in their power to keep a wedding on schedule.  When the wedding day is more about you and your needs than what the bride and groom have communicated about their needs, you can be assured that the wedding planner will not only NOT refer you, but she will encourage any of her future brides that have hired you to look to another vendor.
    
5. Don't ignore the struggling vendor.  When you see a florist or a cake baker struggling to get through the door or find something they need, if you have a moment, take that moment to help them out.  Many wedding professionals carry a full load of equipment or products.  Lend a hand when you can.
    
6. Don't make changes to the plan without consulting all the vendors.  If you need more time to take photographs or if you need to move the cake table to another location, communicate with all the interested parties.  If you take it on yourself to move or change something because no one matters but you, you run the risk of ruining another part of the event.
    
7. Don't leave until someone has let you go.  If you set up lighting, florals, cake, linens, etc., check with the planner, the bride, the catering staff, or someone to make sure everything looks good.  When you run in and set something up and then run out, you may find that you've left someone in the lurch with how you've set something.  Always get the "ok" that your products are what was expected before you dart out the door.
    
8. Don't forget to communicate before the event.  Before the wedding day, take a moment to reach out to the planner, the venue contact, and all the major players in the wedding.  Make sure you're clear on what is being expected of you.  And, DON'T ignore vendors leading up to the day.  If they call you to go over things, don't put them off.  Return their calls and be thorough with them.
    
9. Don't drink or get drunk.  Nothing spreads through the rumor mill like a vendor that drinks or got drunk at a wedding.  Go out after the wedding, but do not drink at the reception.
    
10. Don't be rude.  A wedding day or event is not about you.  Your company is one of five to twenty players in the game.  The DJ is not more important than the photography.  The flowers are not more important than the cake.  The videographer is not more important than the limo.  All of you come together to make one great event.  When one vendor is rude or self-indulgent and does not play as a team player, it throws everyone else's game off.  Be kind and work together for the best results.

1. Do listen to the people you're working with.  If you're a DJ and multiple people tell you to turn down the music...listen to them.  When you don't, you're just irritating the people you're trying to entertain and you end up doing more harm than good.  When people complain that it's too loud, it's because it is!  If people tell you the flowers aren't right or the cake is lopsided or your equipment is in the way, it's because it is.  They're not making it up!  If you fix it, you look gracious and chances are it won't be a problem for the masses.  If it's wrong with one person, it will be wrong with others.  Fix it before it's a bigger problem!
    
2. Do send thank you notes/emails.  You should always thank the people you worked with at an event.  It's a great way to follow up and provide them with specific feedback from the event.

Wade Alexander Photography

Gaillyn Photography

        


Click these links to see what you might have missed this year.

Triad/Triangle Guild photos
Bridal Show photos

Hip to Be Square video

11/7 Greensboro Pre Show video
7/18 Greensboro Show video
5/23 Winston Show video

Triad Guild Luncheon video
Triangle Guild Luncheon video

 

C. Walls Photography

Gail this thing with smart phone is so very cool.
Maria, Maria's Gourmet Catering

Just got back from a networking luncheon with the PWG. Gail always does a fabulous job. The food was great! The desserts were amazing! Met so many new friends and caught up with some new (old) friends! If you are in the wedding industry you must attend at least one lunch in 2011!

You ladies also do amazing work in putting together the shows but you also take so many extra measures to make sure your vendors are prepared and that they get the most out of the event.  Thanks again for the experience and I am already preparing for my next one!
Veronica, Southern Gold Leaf Cakes via Facebook

I send emails out to any potential vendors and let them know how wonderful and useful we have felt the luncheons have been for us, especially for vendors just getting in to the wedding industry.  Thanks for all you do!
April, K2Productions

I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding show. It was my first show with you and I absolutely enjoyed it. I'm kicking myself because I did not start when you first brought it to my attention.
Fred, Freddie B's Entertainment

I love the look of the new Guide
Lenore, A'Faire's Events

I wanted to thak you for all you do to promote businesses.
Marcella, Artist's Way Creations