And to all who came out to mix, mingle and party down, thank you most of all! The energy was amazing, and we had a fantastic time. We’re going to have to renovate or something – I’ve got to figure out a way to Re Re Grand Open so we can have another great party!
Be well, and love well.
Dinah
Cutting the ribbon at the Grand Opening of Palm Springs florist, My Little Flower Shop
As a vendor, there’s always that bride who comes in for a meeting and you instantly feel connected. You’re sure she’ll call within days to put in a deposit, but no word comes. You may think she’s forgotten you and your business entirely, but with the right level of customer engagement, you are 100% wrong.
When my husband and I started planning our wedding, it was going to be in Connecticut. We traveled East, to meet with vendors there, accompanied by my indefatigable and saintly Mother.
The appointment we still talk about was at Palmer’s Bakery (inside Palmer’s Market) in Darien, CT, where we met with charming Executive Pastry Chef Megan Palmer Dean. And when I say, “met with” I really ought to say “fell in love with.” The cakes were heavenly, but more importantly, she was kind and patient and funny. When it became clear that our celebration would have to be in California (we ended up in Palm Springs – lucky us!), I wrote Megan to tell her that, although we wished she could make our cake, it was not meant to be. Since then we have not forgotten her, and are still on the Palmer’s mailing list.
An email arrived this week from Megan. She’s started a blog about sourcing gourmet foods for the market – starting with a trip to Italy September 8th. You go Megan! Welcome to adventures in blogging, I look forward to reading along. And to stopping by to buy a cake for the family next time we are back East.
So don’t think you’re forgotten by any particular bride. The take-away here: everyone you meet is an ambassador for your business. And it never hurts to serve a little cake.
*A side note this was late July – Gregory Goodman at Palm Springs florist My Little Flower Shop, took us on and produced a gorgeous wedding on October 2. A 2 month planning period for a gorgeous full scale wedding for 100 people! Wow!).
My Little Flower Shop. A boutique florist in Palm Springs.
Unless you are the crown princess of Moldavia, a 16 piece orchestra playing waltzes etc. just won’t get a wedding reception going these days. Brides puzzle over wedding playlists whether they choose the DIY Ipod option for wedding reception music or decide on an experienced wedding emcee/DJ. (We recommend the latter – more expensive, but worth not having to worry all night about everything crashing to a halt when you’re in full swing). Whoever is behind the mic, turntables,or iPod, they need some direction and a song list is helpful, or at least instructions that the Chicken Dance is 100% nixed!
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when working on your Playlist:
Go with the J. Lo School of Music Management – motto: ‘everybody on the dance floor.’ You’ve got a range of guests, usually 3 generations so think about a corresponding range of music designed to appeal to everyone. Pick a band who can swing, rock, and groove their way across music history, and make sure your DJ knows there’s more to life than Usher remixes. (We’re fond of Craig at A Musical Affair that handles all of the above)!
A hard core DJ – vinyl! awesome! (Photo credit: ideowl)
Playlists play well with others. There are different phases to your reception, so have multiple playlists. Maybe you want things quiet for dinner, and raucous for dancing, but then middle of the road for after cake cutting. Think about setting the mood you’re after and pick music accordingly.
Back up, back up, back up. Make sure you’ve covered your bases should something go wrong. always have hard CD copies of iPod playlists just in case, and/or a back up of the files on a flash drive. If the DJs equipment goes haywire, you’ve got options. Also make sure you have a paper copy (or two) of the song list you’ve given the band in case they show up without it.
So there you have it, a playlist play book. Go forth! In the wise words of Sly & The Family Stone, “Dance To The Music!”
Live well and love well.
-Dinah
My Little Flower Shop. A boutique florist in Palm Springs.
