Sterling Event Design

As written by Carrie Schmidt owner of Sterling Event Design for Fresh from the Kitchen catering blog

Question: How long have you been working as a planner?
I have been working with weddings, corporate, social, and nonprofit events for the last 13 years. eek!

Question: What is your favorite thing to plan for an event?
I LOVE getting creative with events, getting outside of the box, and doing things just a little bit differently.

Question: What is your favorite thing trending right now?
My favorite trends right now are: Personality and Color! It is so fun to see Couples add personality through their favorite things as a couple, like specialty drinks and menus to meet the bride and grooms tastes and desires. Instead of the old standards of mini beef wellingtons, couples are opting for mini grilled cheeses or french fry stations. Instead of candy favors at each place setting, they are offering photo booths, candy tables stocked with their favorite candies, or (my favorite) charitable donations.

Question: What is your style like?
Color. I love having fun with color, whether it is a classic combination of blue and white, or the trending oranges, yellow, and metallics, there are a million ways to have fun with them! I think for my style, I love a "simple elegance" very overused I know, but with clean lines, classic elements in linens, lighting and florals, along with a little imagination, this makes for an amazing statement in both large and small budget events.

Question: What value can your company bring to an event?
At Sterling Event Design, it is important to me that each client is well informed on the industry, has knowledge about the decisions they are making, and most importantly have fun doing it. This should be an amazing experience for them since there are enough stressors involved with planning. I make planning simple and fun with a dash of creativity.

Cheers,

Carrie Schmidt
Sterling Event Design
ph: 480.234.1336
fax: 480.705.3237




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Meet Valerie! Event planner and Owner of Blueprint Affairs!

How long have you been planning events/weddings?

I’ve been planning events for over three years and started by planning smaller birthday parties.


What made you choose this industry?

There’s no better way to surround yourself with other great entrepreneurs than in the wedding industry. I find myself reconnecting with vendors who have become friends while learning to network with other great professionals. The business truly makes it about one day but I love making great connections that last longer.


Why do you love event planning?

I’ve always been focused on details whether in conversation or on paper. I find myself dreaming up better ways to make each wedding stand apart from the last. I love providing fresh ideas along with other ideas in the industry. It’s an absolute rush to help brides and grooms on their wedding day. I really take in all the stresses that most find too much and turn it into amazing energy for me. The idea of following a timeline to help orchestrate a beautiful wedding day is pure joy for me. I enjoy seeing the couple on their wedding day relaxed and taking in all the moments that seem to pass so quickly. That’s the best compliment for me to hear how relaxed the bride (and groom) was on their day. My vendors enjoy it too.


What are some industry trends you're noticing?

The economy is bringing everything closer to home and I’ve been doing more backyard style weddings. Brides are also getting more creative with eco-friendly designs that can serve as design and favors. Everyone knows how to be price conscious but they still want to have their perfect day. Many of my brides have been choosing the Day-of-Wedding Coordinator package because they are willing to put in the hours for vendors but need that extra help on their day.


A tip for brides on why they should hire a planner?

I work with amazing professional vendors and we work together to make your day perfect. Your friends and family want to relax with you on your wedding day. This may not seem like a top priority now, but all my brides are so thankful for the help we provide. It’s a relief having someone who knows what you want and can make it happen seamlessly. Check out what my recent bride Dee says about her experience on http://blueprintaffairs.blogspot.com/2010/04/destination-love-brides-view.html


What makes a planner cost effective?

Think of me as your one stop shop for finding all your wedding vendors. Once we meet and talk about your wedding budget, I find the vendors who will fit your budget and your personality. I save you the time of interviewing several vendors and provide the best of the best for you to meet. The great part of wedding planning is building relationships with vendors I like personally and professionally. You won’t know this by calling someone unknown.

Valerie Bolitho Owner

O: (623)215-8657 C: (480)206-9321 www.blueprintaffairs.com