Wedding Show Bells are Ringing!

Hi All,

Happy New Year!

I hope all of your holiday dreams came true! If you are one of the lucky ladies who ended up with a romantic holiday proposal, then the Seattle Wedding Show should be your first stop of the new year! If you have been planning your wedding for a little while now, the wedding show is still for you! (I sort of feel like it is a right of passage when planning your wedding!) There are a ton of vendors (some wonderful and others that you should research first) at the show, great cake and goodies, so it can be fun to go to.  I don't suggest that you plan your whole wedding based on the show, but it will expose you to many ideas, professionals, and the wedding experience as a whole!  It can be a really fun day with your Mom, Mom to be, and friends!  If your not a football fan and need something to do during the Seahawks game Saturday afternoon, the wedding show is a perfect escape!  If your the girl (like me) who will be glued to the TV watching the Seahawks march one step closer to the Superbowl, then anytime Sunday is a great time to go!  Go Seahawks!  

Here is the info, and tips I have if you are heading to the show:

Seattle Wedding Show

Location: Washington State Convention & Trade Center

800 Convention Place, 4th Floor

Seattle, WA 98101

When: Saturday January 11th, 201410:00am to 5:30pm (ticket sales open at 9:30am)

Sunday January 12th, 201410:30am to 5:00pm (ticket sales open at 10:00am)

TIPS:

1. The Seattle Wedding Show is the largest of its kind in the Pacific NW. There are hundreds of vendors (some the right fit for your wedding and some not)! Do your research before or after the show. DO NOT sign up with the first vendor offering a Wedding Show Special Deal! You will be sorry! You MUST research the quality of the vendor and their reputation before signing a contract! If you find someone you really like on Saturday, go home, look at their website, call their references, check their yelp reviews, etc.; then go back and book them on Sunday. If you don't want to or can't go both days, many vendors extend their wedding show pricing and deals out past the end of the show (especially if you spoke with them directly)! Make an appointment for a consultation after you've had time to find out more information! Quality vendors will not high pressure sell you!

2. Wear comfortable shoes. It is a huge show! It is possible it could take you 2+ hours to get through it.

3. Layer your clothing. Generally it's cold in the morning at the show and then fills and heats up. Saturday is very busy especially in the morning. If you want to avoid the crowds go later in the afternoon on Saturday or on Sunday. Sunday late afternoon is the least busy, but some of the vendors may have run out of their samples and freebies by then. So, Sunday morning is best!

4. Create a separate wedding email address. (This only applies if you're looking for vendors solo, with out a wedding planner.) You could end up receiving emails from many different vendors, so to keep your real email clean create a wedding only email.Create wedding information labels. This will prevent you from having to write your contact information over and over to enter contests, connect with a vendor, etc.. You will want to include your name, phone number, email, and maybe your mailing address. I have found that large mailing labels work best for this. 1 sheet is probably enough, but is up to you. (Again this only applies if you are looking for vendors with out a wedding planner.)

5. Don't be afraid to go into a booth or speak with a vendor. In my years as a vendor at the show I have seen so many timid brides! The vendors are there to meet you and chat with you about your wedding, and how they may play a role! I know that it can get overwhelming, but know the vendors are there to meet you and answer your questions.

6. Lastly, don't be afraid to say "No". It's okay not to give your information or take a flyer from a vendor that you are not interested in. It's your information, you don't have to give it out.

I hope this helps! If you have any additional questions or concerns please email or call me! wendi@etherealevents.com I'd be happy to assist! Happy Planning & Happy New Year!

2010 Is Going To Be Even Better!

Don't miss out on the Party of the year! Here's a recap from last year!

Get Hitched, Give Hope 2009 from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.

Spread the NEWS!!! Seattle's premiere GIVING Party!

I'm spreading the news on Get Hitched Give Hope's event this year! Below is an email I received from them. I want to pass it on! If you like it or are planning on attending this year please pass it along as well! I can't wait to see you all there!

"Hello friends!

Mark your calendars for October 28th because 2010 is going to be the best Get Hitched Give Hope ever!

We've got exciting news and big things brewing this year: we're going to be at the super-deluxe Four Seasons and we've got some amazing goodies up for auction including a necklace from Tiffany & Co., a wedding gown from La Belle Reve, T.Anthony Sholdt earrings, gorgeous votives from Glassybaby, a honeymoon, and SO much more!!

In the past two years we've raised nearly $70,000 and had so much fun doing it--help us raise $50,000 this year to grant final wishes for breast cancer patients through Brides Against Breast Cancer/Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. We'll have drinks, delicious food, and everything you need to create your wedding, all in one place, plus plenty of amazing stuff for people who aren't getting married (did I mention that gorgeous necklace from Tiffany & Co?).

So spread the word to everyone you know--forward this email to brides and non-brides alike who just might enjoy a night out to celebrate life, love, and a wonderful cause. Visit www.gethitchedgivehope.com for all the details and click HERE to purchase your tickets and limited edition swag bags.

Can't wait to see you there,

The GHGH Crew "


Be a GIVER! You know you want to!

What are you doing Thursday?

Get Hitched, Give Hope from Edit 1 Media on Vimeo.

The amazingly talented and oh so generous Edit 1 Media created this one of a kind video highlighting last year's Get Hitched Give Hope. With only 4 days left until the big event I thought I would share it with you. If this video doesn't make you want to come then I don't know what will!

BUT... just in case I will also mention that we will be auctioning off an Edit 1 Media Love Story/Engagement Music video, designer Anne Barge couture dresses (not just 1 but 5), T. Anthony Sholdt diamond wedding bands, spa packages, and much much more! There is something for everyone. I'll be buying up the raffle tickets by the dozen! I'm married and in the industry, but there is soooo much good stuff I want a chance to win (and donate) of course!

Tickets are on sale now. Buy one here!

Details:

What: Get Hitched Give Hope - Swanky cocktail wedding show and charity auction

When: Thursday 10.29.09 - That's THIS Thursday!

5:30 - 9:30 PM

Where: The swanky Arctic Club Hotel

Why: All proceeds raised go to grant wishes for stage 4 breast cancer patients and their families through the Making Memories Foundation. And, it feels SO good to give back! Come be a GIVER! Buy your ticket and save time at the door. I look forward to seeing you there!