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Ah, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. It’s internationally accepted as the most romantic holiday of the year…only to be outdone in romance by her wedding.
As you know many engagements happen at the end of the past year or beginning of a new one. If your potential bride didn’t get engaged over the winter holidays of Christmas and New Years there’s a very good chance she could get her ring on Valentine’s Day. (At least that’s what she’s secretly hoping!)
As a high end wedding planner, this isn’t the time to lay low. You must make sure your bride recognizes your value as her wedding planner. Stay on her radar. Most of all let her know you really care about her. After all she’s relying on you to bring her dreams alive for the most important day of her life… her wedding.
Here are some simple ways to stay on-top-of-mind with your current brides and future clients:
1. Get a jump on your Valentine’s Day cards to past clients and your hot list- Valentine’s Day is February 14 every year. So be smart and get your cards in the mail EARLY. I’ve personally noticed a huge drop in Christmas cards over the past few years. Fewer and fewer people seem to take the time to send cards. That means YOU’LL stand out when you take the time to be thoughtful. In fact there is a current service called SendOutCards.com that does the entire mailing for you at a very reasonable rate. You simply choose from their thousands of store-quality greeting cards and create any message you like. They will mail the cards for you. It couldn’t be easier to send fun mail that gets you noticed.
2. Stay in front of her with timely blog posts and articles- Your couples are eager to read about ways to make Valentine’s Day special. You’re a perfect resource for them! So put it in a blog or article. Need some help to jog your memory? Here are a few suggestions:
3. Map out an entire marketing plan just around Valentine’s Day- Creating marketing promotions in advance is a great habit to get into. When you plan promos around a holiday you have a ready-made reason to reach out to her at least once per month. To get the most bang for your buck it’s best to have the end result of the holiday be something exciting for her. Be sure to prime her for 1-2 weeks before Valentine’s Day so she looks forward to hearing from you. You could:
And more…
Once you get your groove on and think about the joy of Valentine’s Day I’ll bet you’ll be flooded with your own ideas.
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 4. Share the love – enjoy the attention- We all like to be thought of and we all like to receive gifts. Your wish list of top vendors are no exception. When you want to get noticed, put a little more effort into an elegant, memorable gift. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just thoughtful. Not only will you be remembered, but the next time you want to make an appointment with your favorite vendor, you may just find you’ve been moved to the head of the schedule.5. Keep your romance alive too- Your brides love to live vicariously through someone they admire. As a Rockstar Wedding Planner, that someone is YOU. Part of your positioning is to create an aura of loving yourself. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, be sure to take time for some pampering and spoiling…not just of your loved ones but of you! When you show yourself love, you are setting a great example for her while feeding your own soul.
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
The word “planner” is in our job description. Yet it’s so easy for many of us to be caught off-guard and unsuspecting when it comes to our plans for how we are going to fill up our sales funnel. While there will always be surprises we aren’t prepared as much for as we’d like, there are steps you can take to be ready for those speed bumps.
Take daily, weekly, and monthly inventory on what is on your calendar so you can break your items into manageable bits. Keep lists because it’s much easier to refer to something written down than trying to carry all that you do in your brain. And visualize often about how you want things to turn out. (Visualizing is one of the most powerful secrets to my success.)
Don’t wait until the last minute to scramble putting something together that isn’t as good quality as you’re capable of. When you plan ahead you look together and organized so you can wow their socks off! If you need time to make this yearly plan, give yourself three days with us at Grace and Luxury. Make a plan to woo the high end bride this year.”
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Tag Archives | rockstar wedding planner
Will I see you at this year’s Rockstar Wedding Planner Live event, Grace and Luxury: How to Attract, Work With, and Be Referred By The High-End Bride? It’s happening in Las Vegas on March 21-23, 2011. At this event I’m going to spill everything I can in detail about how to tailor your Wedding Planning Business for the High-End Brides. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for serious wedding planners!
I’ve been avoiding winter! I just got back from 5 weeks on the road doing events. We were in San Diego, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Pretty incredible… and I came home to snow and frigid temperatures but you know what… I was actually excited for the snow and the holidays to begin!
8 Changes You Need To Make To Become A High End Wedding Planner (or to STAY One If You Think You Already Are!)
Love is in the Air… But Are They Planning Their Wedding Without You?
Look What We’re Up To!
Woo hoo! This weekend Firefly Occasions was honored by winning Best Booth of the entire Calgary Bridal Fair (January 23, 2011). There were a lot of inspirational booths there, so we’re even more pleased we were voted to receive this distinction.
(You can see pictures on our Firefly Fan Page.)
Well, Rockstar Wedding Planners Innovate! And we’ve definitely been busy providing you with innovative ideas to grow your high-end wedding planning business in our video series. Click here to see the tips if you haven’t already.
Soon we’re Vegas-bound March 21-23 for Rockstar Wedding Planner LIVE, Grace and Luxury: How to Attract, Work With, and Be Referred By The High-End Bride. If you haven’t registered yet, I recommend reserving your space ASAP while there are still some seats left. It’s a great opportunity to meet other High-End Wedding Planners ready to claim their own High-End Bridal Clients.
Frankly this event could change your life. Click here to learn more and purchase your ticket. I hope you’re coming.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner so I hope you enjoy my article, “Love Is in the Air, But Are They Planning Their Wedding Without You?”
Love and wedding planning success,
Ciara
11 Rockstar Wedding Planner Tips
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New Year, new you! It’s time to get this year off on the right foot. Please allow me to share some teeny-tiny business tips with major-massive business results. They won’t take you long to do but you’ll be glad you did!
1. Audit your website- When a potential bride comes a knockin’ she’s likely going to be visiting your website early in the game. Go through it with fresh eyes as if you’ve never seen your site. Be sure it loads quickly, is easy-to-follow, and that you have a clear call to action.
2. Move ‘em from the back to the front- We all have our list of things we plan to get to “someday”. Sadly many things get pushed back so often they never get done. Solution: Figure out three things you’ve put on the back burner and move them to the front.
 3. Keep YOU healthy- If the head honcho is down with poor health the business is going to suffer. Stay on top of your annual maintenance like doctor and dental visits. Do whatever you like to do to stay in tip-top health including eating well, exercising, and sleep.4. Organize, organize, organize- You’re in charge of your schedule, so be sure you take control right out of the gate. When you’re reacting to things you can never be as effective as when you are calling the shots. Put the big dates in your calendar and work the smaller ones in on YOUR TIME.
5. Block out vacation time NOW- You’ve witnessed firsthand how quickly dates fill up, right? So plan what’s important to you in the year ahead and put those dates in ink. If you’re not rejuvenated you won’t bring you’re A-game.
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7. Give yourself a pay raise- More often than not wedding and event planners tend to undercharge and end up making only pennies per hour. (I know! I did this for years myself.) Have an honest look at your program packages, then a separate look at how much money you want to make this year. Often we can be our own worst enemies. (Psst! I have secrets to share with you about getting over this hurdle in Vegas at the “Grace and Luxury”.)
8. Create a vendor and venue hit list- We all have our dream connections in business. Think of who you’d really like to meet and build a relationship with in 2011. Don’t hold yourself back or think small. Be bold and imagine that “big fish” you’d love to reel in. Start by writing the list. The “how” to connect will come later.
9. Set up the environment to invite in big ideas- Sounds a little woo-woo but it’s true…we all attract better ideas when we allow our surroundings to support them. Sy got me a cozy daybed with pretty pillows recently. Not only can I chill with Declan but I scattered around artwork I love and my journal so I’m ready for relaxation or inspiration. Trust me, it works!
10. Spend 15 minutes per day decluttering- Clutter actually takes up space and energy in your mind. You don’t have to conquer it all at once. Just take a short block of time everyday to get rid of old mail, outdated products, or even clothes you don’t wear anymore. When you create the space for new things to come into, the Universe works with you!
11. Be the Rockstar that you are!- Pamper you a little. Figure out something that feeds your spirit and put it into your calendar STAT! If you love massage, get a regular massage. If taking care of your nails makes you feel elegant, go to a salon. If it’s a quiet date with yourself where you can just think, ask yourself out and go on your own! The bottom line is you need to reward yourself regularly so you have something to look forward to. Not to mention…you deserve it. You’re a Rockstar!
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
Hanging on to past grudges really only hurts you. This is a New Year and it can be whatever you want it to be. I don’t want you to suffer. After all, you’re a Rockstar. So do yourself (and me) a favor and let go of any bad habits that are holding you back, take responsibility for anything you’re not happy about in your life so you can move forward, and forgive those who need forgiving. You have the power to make 2011 be your best year ever!
P.S. And if you really want to start your 2011 off right, sign up for my video training series. Click here for more information
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Rockstar Wedding Planner LIVE: Grace & Luxury
Will I see you at this year’s Rockstar Wedding Planner Live event, Grace and Luxury: How to Attract, Work With, and Be Referred By The High-End Bride? It’s happening in Las Vegas on March 21-23, 2011. At this event I’m going to spill everything I can in detail about how to tailor your Wedding Planning Business for the High-End Brides. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for serious wedding planners!
These hot tickets are flying out of here (and it’s only January!)
I can’t wait to see you so I can help you get the high end brides you deserve!
Get Your Rockstar on at the Next Trade Show!
 “How to be a Big Success at a Bridal Trade Show” is a must-have resource for all wedding planners who are ready to make their mark. This classic guide walks you through getting the most trade show success possible with our proven, easy-to-follow strategies. Implement the suggestions and you’ll easily gather a throng of new brides eager to hire you and fill your wedding calendar.
Read it and learn:
And more!
You can’t beat the price either! Check it out by clicking here.
P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for my video training series. Click here for more information.
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A New Year, A Clean Slate
There’s something invigorating and refreshing about starting a brand New Year, don’t you agree? Sure we’re already about halfway through January but a New Year is like a blank slate you can turn into whatever you want!
That’s great news for those of us running our own wedding planning businesses. The sky is the limit! You just have to make strategic choices that fit your goals.
Sy and I are thrilled with the new nanny we hired for Declan. With an extra set of hands (and eyes) around I’m able to still be the mother I want to be for him…and show him as he grows up how mommies can be incredibly successful at the same time!
I feel so blessed to have designed my life to be the way it is now. But it wasn’t always like this…
At first I struggled quite a bit. Then I discovered there were specific steps to take to become a high end wedding planner.
If you’d like to step into YOUR greatness planning weddings for high end brides I invite you to watch this video by one of my alumni as she talks about the free 5 week video training course I am putting on, called How to Set-up Your High-End Wedding Business. A few of my friends share their experiences too. Don’t be left out. Sign up for video access now. You don’t want to miss this! Click here to watch the video and sign up for the video series.
Love and wedding planning success,
Ciara
Winter Is Here But I’m Not Slowing Down
I’ve been avoiding winter! I just got back from 5 weeks on the road doing events. We were in San Diego, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Pretty incredible… and I came home to snow and frigid temperatures but you know what… I was actually excited for the snow and the holidays to begin!During my time away I got to host a retreat for my Rockstar Wedding Planner Legend and Hall of Fame members in Los Angeles. We go to this amazing spot right on the beach and for 2 days we discuss their businesses and how they can grow and improve them. It was totally transformational for them and me too. They are such a great group of planners and I’m lucky to work with them this year. The picture shown here isn’t us by the beach, it’s from our first retreat this spring in Calgary, my hometown.
One of the things we talk about in our retreats is what kind of wedding planner each of them wants to be. One of the things I hear over and over is that planners want to plan high end weddings but they don’t know how to break into that market. Well, I took the problem to my friend Kristy Chenell of Couture Consulting and she and I are hosting a free call on the topic. Click here to join us. I’ll tell you more about it below.
In an article I wrote, that was posted on the blog the other day, I was inspired by my new favorite show, Glee. It’s about continuing to grow and do what you love regardless of what other people say. I hope you enjoy, “Keep Your Energy Strong Rockstar Wedding Planner, No Matter What the Situation.”
Love and wedding planning success,
Ciara
Enter the Luxury Wedding Market
Hello to all my readers!
Today tickets for my Rockstar Wedding Planner Live event, Grace and Luxury: How to Attract, Work With, and Be Referred By The High-End Bride, went on sale. The event will be held in Las Vegas on March 21-23, 2011. At this event I’m going to spill everything I can in detail about how to tailor your Wedding Planning Business for the High-End Brides. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity!
The first six people to buy a ticket and the VIP upgrade will recieve a full refund for the VIP upgrade! Click here to find out more about Rockstar Wedding Planner Live 2011 and to purchase your ticket. While you are on the event page make sure you check out the video I made for you!
I look forward to seeing you there and to help you get those high-end brides.
Love and wedding planning success,
Ciara
Become a High End Wedding Planner
8 Changes You Need To Make To Become A High End Wedding Planner (or to STAY One If You Think You Already Are!)On this call you’ll learn:
- At least 1 change you can make immediately in your business to become a high end wedding planner
- The one downfall of wedding planners who get a high end wedding and then are left wondering why they’re not getting anymore
- How others can help you become a high end wedding planner and keep you positioned there
You’ll learn all this and much more. The best part is, this call is totally FREE! All you need to do is click here to sign up and receive the call in information.
It’s happening on Friday December 17th at 10am PST/11am MST/Noon CST/1pm EST. Now you might be thinking, it’s almost the holidays, I don’t feel like working anymore… so great… instead, be on this call and be inspired. There’s no better way to go into the holidays than to be juiced up about what YOU can DO in the New Year! This call will energize you just in time for the holidays… the Christmas tree won’t be the only thing sparkling after you get off this call.
Things I Can’t Live Without as A Wedding Planner
By Ciara Daykin
Having a new baby certainly puts things into perspective. I’m 2 weeks into motherhood and baby Declan is taking up a lot of my time but my wedding planning business hasn’t shut its 
doors. On the contrary, we’re busier than ever! But I want to spend time with Declan so it means that I have to make the most of the tools I have available to me so that I can maximize my time with my son but make quick efficient decisions when it comes to the business. And when I’m working I want it to be fun and comfortable so there are just certain things I need.
It really has gotten me thinking about the things that I just can’t live without as a wedding planner. Here are 9 of my favorite things as a wedding planner:
1. My IPhone- I am a recent convert to the IPhone. I used to have a Blackberry and I think having either of the 2 smart phones is an absolute MUST as a wedding planner. I love that I don’t have to sit down at my computer to review emails and websites, I can do it on the go or with my little bambina in my lap!
2. Metal Water Bottle- It sounds so simple but when you’re at a wedding there’s nothing worse than trying to track down a glass of water. Keeping yourself hydrated at a wedding is absolutely key.
3. Flat Shoes- When I first started out I tried to be chic in high heels but I’ve never been good in heels at the best of times let along 10 hours into a wedding. My new shoe love is Kenneth Cole Gentle Souls.
4. My 1-800 Number- Love having a 1-800 number so the world doesn’t have my cell phone! I love even more that I can forward it anywhere, set the hours when it rings and I had Simon record the message and well, his English accent is just awesome. We use grasshopper.com for our 1-800 number
5. Cherry Blaster Sour Candy- Okay so this is my fav candy and I think you need to have a little fun sweet treat once in awhile to keep yourself sane.
6. Goddess Guidance Cards by Doreen Virtue- I love gaining inspiration from these cards by Doreen Virtue. They’re all good cards and each offers a different powerful goddess story. I also have her Saints and Angels cards which I also love and use often. I find these cards really center me especially during an event. They really ground me and always tell me what I need to hear. You can get them here.
7. My journal- Being a wedding planner, a wife, a Mom, a friend, a daughter, a CEO is just a wee bit stressful and sometimes overwhelming. I love sitting down and writing in my 
journal all the things that I’ve been bottling up inside and sometimes I can’t share with anyone else. Here is my fav brand of journals: https://www.papayaart.com/
8. Virtual Assistant- Most of you know Jessica my virtual assistant. I have to give her a shout out in this list as I really couldn’t do this job without her. I love that I can just drop her an email with a task and know that it’s going to get done. It’s hard to do it all yourself and a virtual assistant is a perfect way to start getting help until you’re able to have an in person team.
9. Support- I really truly could not do what I do without the support of my husband and my family. It’s key that when you’re making big leaps in your business and in your life that you have a strong support team behind you. The support I have from all my staff is super key as well- I have to be able to rely on them. I also have the support of my mastermind group. That group of ladies is always inspiring me to dream bigger.
Ciara’s Rockstar Advice
Don’t tolerate not having the tools you need to make your life easier and more comfortable. Being a wedding planner is a busy job and you need to surround yourself with your favorite things, the practical and the fun!
Follow @CiaraDaykin on Twitter