We are so excited to introduce The Wedding Skills Workshop. We are working to develop a series of seminars and panels for anyone who has contact with brides and grooms - photographers, DJs, videographers, banquet managers, wedding planners and florists to name a few. Here are just a few things we have in the works:

The Wedding Rescue Series: Wedding vendors are expected to be magicians of sort but do you know how to make a boutonniere if one gets crushed or forgotten? How about repairing the cake if the ring bearer gets hungry and takes a piece before the bride and groom? What do you do if the maid of honor splits the seam of her gown? Those are just a few of the topics we will cover in the Wedding Rescue Series. Useful knowledge, hands on demonstrations and you will leave each one with a basic emergency kit perfect to keep in your bag for when you need to work your nearly acquired magic skills on wedding day!

Business Finance Basics: Small business owners have a lot at stake when it comes to their financial future. We will be talking about insurance needs (personal and business), margins, profit, investing and savings with a Certified Financial Planner/Certified Public Accountant who specializes in small business finance. Bring lots of questions for this open and honest discussion about protecting your business and personal financial future.

The ‘Be a Better Vendor’ Series: Weddings are the ultimate example of teamwork - it takes a village of top notch vendors working together to produce a great wedding. How better to learn how to work together than from each other? What does a photographer want from a banquet manager? What does a wedding planner need from a DJ or band? What does the florist hope for from the videographer? Get ready to ask the question “How can we help you?” and find out how to ‘Be a Better Vendor’ partner.

The Bride’s Panel: Who better to tell us what they want than brides themselves? We will be talking to engaged and newlywed brides about their planning process, their weddings and what they want, need and expect from you as a vendor. Bring your questions and prepare to hear the reality of what today’s bride is really looking for as they plan their weddings and what they really thought of their vendors!

Growing Your Online Brand: WordPress, Blogspot, Typepad, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin - is your head spinning yet? Social media is becoming more important every day as brides use the internet to plan their wedding and find their vendors. Your clients and potential clients want to talk to you and read what you have to say, but do you know what to say? Or how to say it? Find out what all the fuss is about and how best to use all those new social media tools to grow your business and online brand!

Seasonal Trends: Brides look to you for the latest and greatest trends in the wedding and event industry. We will be presenting what is new and fresh in colors, attire, flowers and food every season. Be prepared to be inspired!

Tastings and Pairings: Wine pairings, beer pairings and whiskey pairings - we will be talking all things food and drink for weddings and events. We will also be talking about the ins and outs of menu planning for your clients.

We have more in the works and we welcome your ideas for future workshops and sessions!