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SIMPLY SWEETWEDDINGS & EVENTS(BUSINESS PLAN)Project #2By- Avery Whitehorn
TABLE OF CONTENTS:Meet the Owner Page 3About the Business Page 4-5Initial Client Meet-Up .Page 6-7Wedding Profile Form (Sample) .Page 8-11Wedding Packages Page 12-14A La Carte Options Page 15Day of Service Contact .Page 16-17Bridal Party Checklist Page 18-28Preferred Wedding Vendors Page 29FAQ Section .Page 30-31Sarpy County Marriage License Info Page 32-33Vision Board Example Page 34Relationship Counseling Info .Page 35Essay Page 362
Meet the Owner:Avery WhitehornHi there! My name is Avery Whitehorn. Since I was a younggirl, I have always enjoyed planning. As soon as I got marriedmyself, I realized I could turn my love for planning, and keen eyefor detail and design into a real business. Originally, I went toSchool at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and graduatedwith my Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education inDecember 2015. Although I loved what I studied in school, I hadno desire to work in a cubicle all day. I longed to create, planand design so I decide to find an internship that would help meexplore those passions.In early 2016, I secured a local internship with a prestigious wedding planning and event design firm inOmaha called Lovestru.ck Weddings & Events. During my time an Intern I was able to learn a lot from mypersonal mentor Candace Kalasky about designing and planning custom one-of-a-kind events. While atLovestru.ck I learned to network with vendors, work on wedding timelines, and help with day of set up anddesign. I am a firm believer that weddings and social events showcase the qualities of the people they arecelebrating, so forming relationships with my clients is one of my top priorities.In December 2016, I officially completed my certification to become a Wedding and Event Planner, andcouldn’t be happier with where my life has led me. I look forward to the journey of becoming a businessowner, and am excited to see where the wedding industry takes me.3
About the Business:What is Simply Sweet?Simply Sweet Weddings & Events is an event design and planning company based near Omaha,Nebraska. Our goal is to create weddings that speak uniquely to each couple we work with to provide atruly one-of-a-kind experience. By choosing to work with Simply Sweet you are treating yourself to anevent with hand-picked details and precise execution that will present an experience both you and yourguests will love.Avery Whitehorn (Owner and Head Wedding Planner) started Simply Sweet with impeccableorganizational skills and a keen eye for detail and design. She believes weddings and social events shouldshowcase the qualities of the people they are celebrating, so forming relationships with her clients is a toppriority. Simply Sweet offers clients and their families the opportunity to enjoy not only the celebration,but the entire planning process from start to finish.Our Mission Statement:At Simply Sweet Weddings and Events, we indulge our clients in superior customer service while workingto plan impeccably crafted one-of-a-kind events.Objectives:Regardless of whether we are planning a wedding or an anniversary party we want everything to bepicture perfect. In order to make sure all the details of the event are covered we offer a variety of packagesto meet the needs of each potential client. Not only do we want to exceed the client’s expectations, but wewant the client experience to be both positive and memorable. We anticipate that our business will be asuccess, and project that our net income will increase modestly each year of business.4
In order to be successful, we plan to:1.Provide an exceptional Customer Service Experience2. Maintain Quality Relationships with all our Vendors3. Market and Maintain a Professional Image at all timesTarget Market:Our Target Market will generally be small to medium size weddings with budgets between 25-80K. Weplan to mainly work with Midwestern Clients, and plan to execute weddings and events close to theLincoln/Omaha Area.Marketing Strategies: Advertise through Wedding Websites (The Knot, WeddingWire, etc.) Business Cards Flyers/Brochures Direct Mail Vendor Events Social Media (Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) Word of Mouth Local Vendor Referrals LWPI Community VolunteeringMarketing Goal is to see a 10% increase in clients booking events, each year we are in Business.For More Info:Find me on Facebook @SimplySweetWeddingsandEventsEmail: avery@simplysweet.comPhone: (402)450-86725
Initial Client Meet Up:The Initial Contact made with Clients will be made byPhone, Email or Facebook Messenger depending on theway the client reaches out to us. We will also take theclient’s preferred method of contact into considerationbefore reaching out. Based on the Informationreceived we will set up a time to discuss the needs ofthe client in-person.Since, Simply Sweet is a Home-Based Wedding PlanningBusiness, the Initial Meet up will take place at a localCoffee Shop or Bakery. I will encourage the couple to bringthose important to them in the wedding planning processwith them to their first meeting. The Initial Consultation isFree, and Coffee will be provided by me. For Clients whocan’t meet in person due to distance, we will have an initialchat over the phone or via Skype.At this Initial Meeting, I will provide a Wedding Profile Sheet for the Couple to fill outwhich will cover basic things such as: Wedding Date, Budget, Guest Numbers, ColorScheme Ideas, Expectations, etc.The Initial meeting should last 30-60 Minutes in length.6
The couple will also be provided with aConsultation Folder during the Initial Meet Up,which will Include the Following Items: Business Card with Contact Information Preferred Vendor Sheet Package Information-A La Carte Option Information Marriage License Requirements Brochure which includes Sample Photos of my Work Bridal Party Checklist Sample Wedding Timeline Wedding Planning Checklist Sample Coupon for 5% off Total Services if Booked within 5 day ofInitial Consultation7
Wedding Profile Form (Sample)Bride’s Contact InfoName:Email:Address:Phone Number:Preferred Method of Contact: (Circle One) Email, Phone Call, TextGroom’s Contact Info Name:Email:Address:Phone Number:Preferred Method of Contact: (Circle One) Email, Phone Call, ------------------------------------How did you Hear about Simply Sweet Weddings & Events?8
Wedding Date or Expected Month and Year:Expected Number of Guests:Number of Bridesmaids Including Maid of Honor:Number of Groomsmen Including Best Man:Number of Flower Girls:Number of Ring Bearers:Other Bridal Party Members:Estimated Total Wedding Budget:What is the Most Important Element of your Wedding and Why? (Food, Music, Flowers,Atmosphere, Décor, etc.)9
What are your biggest fears about wedding planning?What are your biggest worries about the wedding day?Which Style Most Matches the Type of Wedding Day you would like to See: (Circle 1-2)Trendy Classic Romantic Rustic Colorful Fun Casual Formal Vintage ModernTraditionalWhat type of location do you envision your Ceremony taking place?What type of location do you envision your Reception taking place?10
What Colors would you like to Incorporate in your Wedding?Preferred Ceremony Start Time (Circle One) :Late Morning Early AfternoonLate AfternoonEarly EveningTransportation for Bridal Party: Do you wish to have any sort of special transportation forthe Bride/Groom or the Entire Bridal Party on the Wedding Day?Wedding Day Hair/Makeup Services: Are you wishing to have on-site Makeup and HairServices? If so, what services would want to have a trial run done?Officiant, Rabbi or Minister: Will it be a religious ceremony? What is your preference ofceremony: Christian, Jewish, Non-Religious, etc.What Music do you Envision for your Ceremony (Ex. DJ, Pianist, Harpist, String Quartet,etc.)(Additional Questions would be added to the Real Profile Form)11
Wedding Packages:Day of CoordinationStarting at 1000A successful wedding day has so many different pieces. Who is in charge of what? Whenwill vendors be delivering items? How will your DJ know when to announce each event? Thelast thing that you should have to deal with on your wedding day are the little details. I'll beresponsible for the logistics and you can be in charge of looking gorgeous and enjoying thenight with friends and family! I'll be the one running around to each vendor to make surethey're ready to go at the correct time. I'll be the one finding the answers to any last minutequestions you may have. You'll be mingling with your wedding guests, enjoying the perfectentrée you picked out, and dancing the night away.This package takes care of all the little last minute details. I'll review your contracts, be intouch with your vendors, create a timeline for the event, and walk through your wedding daywith you. I'll put together a to-do list and wedding day plan, coordinate drop offs andarrivals, set up your decor, and take it down at the end of the day! It's the perfect package togive you that peace of mind you need on your big day. It's your day to enjoy, so you’ll want toenjoy every last minute of it!12
Design Management, Execution, and CoordinationStarting at 2000Your wedding day is meant to be one-of-a-kind, so don't just model it after the latestPinterest trend. Instead let's chat and I will help you as a couple design a day that is hand picked to match your personalities. Let’s tell your unique Love Story throughout yourWedding Day. Let’s create one-of-a-kind design details that are sure to impress you andyour guests for lifetimes to come.This package includes my design expertise throughout your e ntire wedding planningprocess. Then, starting one month out, I'll start the coordination process. I'll work with yourvendors to ensure every detail is in place. I will also be there on your wedding day toexecute the design, set up and style your deco r, and manage the timeline and vendors. This isthe perfect package if you're into your planning process but are getting stuck on all thepesky details.13
Full Planning, Design and CoordinationStarting at 3000With our full planning and design package, I handle it all! You don't have to worry aboutsearching for the perfect vendors, or spending hours trying to find the perfect decor to matchyour wedding colors. You can just relax, sip some wine and enjoy the process without thestress. Time is precious! Let me handle planning your wedding so you can enjoy every minuteof your engagement and of your special day.This package includes vendor sourcing, budget management, and vendor coordination. Itincludes the design plan with custom vision board samples, decor sourcing, and styling theday of the event. You don't have to worry about making sure everything comes together,making sure all the decor matches I’ve got that in the Bag. And, you don't have to worryabout the logistics, the timelines, or the vendor management coordination. This package isideal if you're ready to sit back and relax and let me work my expertise. You worry aboutsaying I do and I'll handle all the other details!14
A La Carte Options/ Hourly Consultations:We offer these mix-and-match services and MORE Vendor & Venue ReferralsCreation & Maintenance of Personalized Wedding WebsiteAssistance with Invitations, Programs, Save the Dates, & Other Print DesignMap Design & Directions Cards (Graphic Design & Printing)Custom Calligraphy Menu Cards & Escort Cards (Handwritten or Graphic Design)Addressing & Sending Out InvitationsEvent Design ConsultationsSpread Sheets for Budget, Guest Lists, VIP Photography & Vendor ContactWedding Week & Wedding Day TimelinesWedding Ceremony and Reception Floor Plans & Seating ChartsFloral/Table Décor ConsultationsCandy Buffet and Dessert Table AssistanceRehearsal/ Rehearsal Dinner CoordinationArranging Caterer Tastings or Cake TastingsArranging Fittings & AlterationsHelp with Crafting and DIY DécorHourly Consultations- Creative/Unique Ideas and Brainstorming SessionsSet Up/Tear Down of Ceremony and/or ReceptionRSVP and Guest List ManagementPhotography of Bridal Shower, Bachelor(ette) Parties, Rehearsal, etc.Anything and Everything Wedding Related! If You Have a Question, We Have an Answer. Pleaseconnect with us to find out cost of our A la Carte Options!Minimum A La Carte Order of 300 Applies (Except When Added to a Planning, Coordination or EventDesign Package)Are you stuck and just need a little creative help?We provide hourly consultations to walk you through anything and everything to do with your specialday. Whether it's ideas for centerpieces or helping you find the perfect vendors, we are here to help youmake your wedding day as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.All of Our A la Carte Options (including additional Hourly Consultations) can be added to any weddingplanning or design package!15
Simply Sweet Weddings & Events"Day Of" Service Contract AgreementSimply Sweet Weddings & Events understands and appreciates the trust and confidence bestowed upon it by theclient in booking as the event date(s). Simply Sweet accepts this responsibility andcommits to holding the event date(s) reserved, neither considering nor accepting any other obligation that willinterfere with my meeting my full commitment to you. This commitment is conditioned upon satisfactory receipt offees set forth below.This agreement is entered into on this day of 20 , by and between Simply SweetWeddings & Events, a business, and , an individual."Day Of" Services fee (Dependent on Package Selected): 50% due and payable to reserve wedding/event date. Deposit paid: .Balance due one MONTH prior to wedding/event date .In consideration of the mutual promises set forth hereunder, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged,Simply Sweet Weddings & Events and agree to the following:Simply Sweet Weddings & Events promises to provide "Day Of" services, to include the following:*Initial meeting with the couple/client to gather information*Confirmation with all vendors*Conduct rehearsal up to 1 ½ hours*Up to 10-12 hours of Day of Services (Dependent on Wedding Package Selected)*Facilitate set up of ceremony and reception locations*Assist Bride, Groom, and Wedding Party/Client*Act as liaison between the wedding party/client*Provide itineraries*Provide "Day Of" service checklists and reminders*Ensure that the day flows smoothly*Bustle wedding gown at reception*Distribute tossing items and line up guests*Handle any last minute emergencies*Distribute final payments Contracts with all vendors will be between the Client and Vendor. Simply Sweet Weddings & Events will notenter any vendor contracts on behalf of the client. The undersigned agrees to let Simply Sweet Weddings & Events know of any changes to the wedding/event and/or vendors that they will be using. The undersigned also agrees to immediately notify Simply Sweet in16
Writing in case of a cancellation of the wedding/event or change to the wedding/event date. If there is acancellation the deposit is non-refundable. The undersigned agrees that there will not be another wedding planner/event coordinator working with theundersigned except for Simply Sweet Weddings & Events. The undersigned agrees to play a deposit upon signing this agreement and pay the remaining balance ONEMONTH prior to the set wedding/event date of .I understand that I am using Simply Sweet Weddings & Events to help with my wedding/event planning. I alsounderstand a 50% deposit is required and final payment is due ONE MONTH prior to the wedding/event date. Iacknowledge the Simply Sweet Weddings & Events and it's representatives are not liable for the products orservices and warranties of participating vendors. I understand that it is my responsibility to purchase my ownwedding insurance, if I so desire.In the event of any dispute or legal action between the parties concerning the enforcement or interpretation of thisGeneral Contract, each party shall be responsible for their own attorney's fees.This agreement is entered into on this day of , 20 , in the City of, the County of , State of .Simply Sweet Weddings & EventsUndersigned/IndividualAvery WhitehornOwner, Simply Sweet Weddings & EventsCertified Event and Wedding Planner17
Bridal Party Checklist:Maid of Honor: Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire Attends as many pre-wedding events as possible Organizes bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an Individual gift to the couple Makes sure that all the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer are at fittings, therehearsal, and the ceremony on time Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner Walks in processional and recessional Holds the groom’s wedding ring Helps with the bride’s gown Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional Makes sure the bride’s gown is “picture ready” throughout the day Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate Stands in the receiving line Helps the bride change into her going away clothes Takes care of the bride’s gown and accessories after the reception Pays for own wedding attire Attend the send-off party or post-wedding brunch if there is oneNotes:18
Bridesmaids: Offer to help with wedding planning and pre-wedding events Help choose bridesmaid dresses and accessories if asked Help organize and plan the bachelorette party Pay for her own wedding attire and travel expenses Purchase dress and accessories in a timely manner as requested by the bride Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Offer the bride and her family help and emotional support on the day of the wedding andleading up to the big day Act as a co-host at the reception and assist guests as necessary Attend the send-off party or post-wedding brunch if there is oneNotes:19
Best Man: Help manage groomsmen and mediate any conflicts that may arise Oversee and keep track of pre-wedding expenses for the groomsmen Pay for his own wedding attire and travel expenses Coordinate suit or tuxedo fittings for all groomsmen and ushers Attend any co-ed wedding showers the couple is having Organize and plan the bachelor party Offer support to the groom and groomsmen during wedding planning and on the day of thewedding Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Help facilitate toasts at the rehearsal dinner Make sure all the groomsmen and ushers arrive at the wedding on time with everything theyneed for the big day Hold the bride’s wedding ring during the ceremony if asked Sign the marriage certificate Give a toast to the bride and groom at the reception Act as a co-host at the reception and assist guests if necessary Coordinate with parents of the bride or groom to ensure all service providers have receivednecessary payment and tips Attend the send-off party or post-wedding brunch if there is oneNotes:20
Groomsmen: Help the best man organize and plan the bachelor party Attend any co-ed wedding showers the couple is having Pay for his own wedding attire and travel expenses Attend the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner Offer support to the groom during wedding planning and on the day of the wedding Offer to help with any last-minute errands or tasks on the day of the wedding Act as a co-host at the reception and help assist guests if necessary Attend the send-o party or post-wedding brunch if there is oneNotes:21
Head Usher: Attend the rehearsal (mandatory) and is included at the rehearsal dinner Contribute to the wedding party’s gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the couple Receives any lists of guests who are to be seated in a specific pew and is aware of the importanceand sequence of seating special guests Make sure that programs, if used, are distributed to guests when they are seated Make sure that people who are designated to receive special flowers or corsages have them Check that all ushers are dressed properly and wearing their boutonnieres on the left side, stemdown Make sure that the ushers know how to usher: how to greet guests, how to offer an arm to a singlewoman guest, and how to precede a couple to their seatsNotes:22
Mother of the Bride: Host an engagement party Plan and/or host bridal shower with Mother of Groom and wedding party (Situational) Help couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions Contribute to the wedding budget Assist the bride in putting together the family’s guest list Offer suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions Help shop for wedding gown and accessories Pick wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the groom about formality) On wedding day help bride to get ready May accompany daughter and plus one to ceremony Walk in recessional with plus one, following wedding party Greet guests in receiving line May be announced during reception Will be seated in an honored place at parent’s table Dance with groom, father of the bride (situational), best man, groomsmen and friends May host a post-wedding brunchNotes:23
Father of the Bride: Host an engagement party Help couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions Contribute to the wedding budget May select hotel for out of town guests and reserve a block of reduced rate rooms Pick own formalwear (work with couple to coordinate with wedding party) Help pick up out-of-town guests from airport May travel to ceremony with the bride Walk daughter down the aisle Give the bride away during the ceremony Escort the mother of the bride out following the wedding party Greet guests in the receiving line May be announced at reception May make a welcoming speech Will be seated in an honored place at parent’s table Toast the newlyweds after the best man makes his speech and the groom responds Dances with the bride, maid of honor and bridal party May take care of vendor balances at the end of the receptionNotes:24
Mother of the Groom: Contact the mother of the bride if the families are not acquainted (or plan a celebration if youhave met) Attend, if possible engagement party if the bride’s family hosts one Contribute to wedding budget May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions Help put together family’s guest list Offer suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions May help bride shop for her wedding gown Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the bride about formality) Along with husband, plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner May make a toast/speech at the rehearsal dinner Escorted out following the wedding party and the bride’s parents Greets guests in the receiving line May be announced at the reception Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table Does mother-son dance with groom Dances with best man, father of the groom (situational), groomsmen and friends Attends post wedding brunch (if held)Notes:25
Father of Groom: Attends, if possible engagement party, if the bride’s family hosts one Along with wife, may contribute to the wedding budget May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions Rents own formalwear, after talking with couple to coordinate with wedding party Attends fittings as needed Along with wife, plans rehearsal dinner May make a toast/speech at the rehearsal dinner May travel to ceremony with the groom and the best man May escort wife to her seat right before the mother of the bride is seated Escorts mother of the groom out after wedding party and bride’s parents Greets guests in the receiving line May be announced with wife May make a welcoming speech Sits at an honored place at the parent’s table May toast the newlyweds May settle final bills with wedding vendors Attends or hosts post-wedding brunchNotes:26
Flower Girl: Dress and accessories should to paid for by child’s family Attends the rehearsal (mandatory) and the rehearsal dinner (situational) In the processional, walks alone directly before the bride Often scatters petals from a basket. Usually easier to carry either a small basket of flowers or a tinynosegay of flowers similar to those carried by the bridesmaids In the recessional, walks with the ring bearer Bride and Flower Girl parents will coordinate to ensure flower child is dressed, ready to go andtaken care of throughout ceremony and reception Sits in reception with parents or at the children’s tableNotes:27
Ring Bearer His attire should be paid for by child’s family Attends the rehearsal (mandatory) and the rehearsal dinner (situational) In the processional, walks with Flower Girl Carries either the actual rings or a facsimile of the rings (often a practical idea), on a white velvet orsatin cushion. If the rings are genuine, they should be fastened to the cushion with a very thin threador placed over a firmly fixed hatpin. The best man takes the rings from the cushion at the rightmoment Walks with the flower child in the recessional, directly behind the bride and groom Bride and Ring Bearer parents will coordinate to ensure flower child is dressed, ready to go andtaken care of throughout ceremony and reception Sits in reception with parents or at the children’s tableNotes:28
Preferred Wedding Vendor List:AAA Rentals (402)339-3707Attitude on Food (402)341-3663Blooms & Bouquets (402)730-2640Bridal Traditions (402)397-2525Dundee Digital Wedding Films (402)557-5900Letterbee Paperie (402)261-6833Mullers Photography (402)943-7151Nostalgia Rentals (402)469-4518Petals to Platinum (402)817-4771Suburban Bridal (402)255-0022Tip Top Tux (402)592-209929
FAQ SECTION:What made you decide to get into Wedding Planning?I honestly have always been a Planner at Heart, but really fell in love with Weddings when I was planningmy own wedding back in 2015. I have always been creative, and really found the passion I had in eventsand planning after an internship experience I had with Lovestru.ck Weddings & Events in Omaha for 6months during 2016.Why should I hire a Wedding Planner?The Statistics Show that it takes hundreds of hours to plan a wedding. By hiring a Wedding Planner youcan save yourself hundreds of hours on research and planning and focus on the things that really matter toyou while waiting for the big day to arrive. I can also help you nail down your vendors, coordinatetimelines, review vendor contracts, and help create unique décor. As a Wedding Planner, I will also willbe there on your big day, so that you can focus on getting married without having to deal with the stressthat comes with the day of wedding details.What Qualifications do you Have?My Bachelors Degree is in Public Health, but I have several months of experience working in the weddingindustry while pursuing a local internship with Lovestru.ck Weddings & Events. During my internship, Iworked under the direction of Candace Kalasky for 6 months to gain experience specific to the weddingand event industry. Along with that I have additional education in Wedding and Event Planning from theWedding Planning Institute, and Gained my Certification in Wedding and Event Planning in lateDecember of 2016.30
What Package should I Select? What if one of your Packages doesn’t fit my Needs?When you contact Simply Sweet Weddings & Events we will get together with you and have a one-onone complimentary consultation. If you don’t live close we can talk on the phone, Skype or by email. Afterfinding out more about your needs we can help you select the right package for you, or we customize apackage that specifically matches your needs if we don’t have what you are looking for.How do you determine which Vendors to Recommend to Clients?We customize all our vendor recommendations based of your personality, style and budget!Will I lose full control of my Wedding after Hiring a Wedding Planner?Absolutely Not! Your Wedding is YOUR event, not ours. We are here to provide you with as much or aslittle help as you want, and are here to help guide you through the event planning process.Are you Insured? How Long Have you been in Business?Simply Sweet Weddings & Events is fully insured, and we have been in Business since January 2017.31
Sarpy County Marriage License riage license.htmlPhone #:(402)593-5957Location and Hours:Sarpy County's Marriage License Department is located in the Administration wing on the east side of themain courthouse (84th Street and HWY 370) at 1210 Golden Gate Drive in Papillion.Hours available for obtaining a marriage license are as follows: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday-FridayImportant Info: Ceremony for the license can only be performed in Nebraska. Both applicants must appear before us and provide a current government issued picture IDwith birth date - such as driver's license, military ID or passport along with the "MarriageWorksheet" which can be downloaded on the website. 17 and 18 year olds MUST have a certified copy of their birth certificates. Applicants under the age of 19 must have parental consent. Anyone under the age of 17 isunable to marry in the state of Nebraska.32
If there were any previous marriages the State will need
In early 2016, I secured a local internship with a prestigious wedding planning and event design firm in Omaha called Lovestru.ck Weddings & Events. During my time an Intern I was able to learn a lot from my personal mentor Candace Kalasky about designing and planning custom one-of-a-kind events. While at
