COVID has forced many of us to analyze life, personal and professional. As I have said, I have found myself learning and doing new things as it is quite apparent that the wedding industry is on “life support”.  At times it is challenging to dig deep to find the silver lining, however, there always is one.

I received an email (like many of you) from a group of Austin Caterers who are collaboratively working together. The document they sent out was “Austin Caterers Promise”.  It is refreshing to see an industry of competitors gather, collaborate and inspire each other to keep their livelihood moving forward.

Thank you to Austin Catering, Catering with a Twist, Contigo, Crave, La Pera, Peached Tortilla, PEJ Events, Pink Avocado Catering, Primizie Catering, Rosemary’s Catering and Royal Fig for being an example of professionalism and unity in this industry. 

As reported from People Magazine, CNN, Town and Country, USA Today and EOnline… so it must be true:)

A statement from Buckingham Palace said, “The private wedding ceremony of Princess Beatrice and Mr. Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi took place at 11 a.m. on Friday 17th July at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor.”
“The small ceremony was attended by The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and close family. The wedding took place in accordance with all relevant Government Guidelines,” the statement read.

The couple had originally planned to wed at St. James’s Palace in London with a reception to follow at the Queen’s gardens at Buckingham Palace. But when they postponed in mid-April, a spokesman told PEOPLE, “There are no plans to switch venues or hold a bigger wedding. They aren’t even thinking about their wedding at this time. There will come a time to rearrange, but that’s not yet.”

I am a sucker for weddings and most specifically a royal wedding. I will set my alarm clock and typically have a brunch ready for my friends to come over and take part in the event as a virtual guest– even before that was socially acceptable.

This might not be the wedding that they anticipated, however, “they did them” (see- instead of “you do you”). Personally, I would have loved (especially at this time) attending a Royal Wedding virtually, but respect they did what they wanted to do.

I will await any photos that come on the news line, but until then, happy “wee wedding” day to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

To all our amazing clients who successfully made it through a July wedding in Texas, we wish you a wonderfully hot anniversary!

We are sending you back to your memorable day with the Apache Wedding Blessing:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel not cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no more loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other.

Now you are two bodies, but there is one life before you.

Go now to your wedding place, to enter into the days of your togetherness.

And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

Cheers to Y’all!

At this current moment, it is over 100 degrees in Austin, Texas. It is almost too hot to think about anything, let alone forming coherent thoughts to share with you. As luck would have it, I went to get my cotton mouth hydrated (intention was for water) and saw in my fridge a Might Swell (spiked seltzer from an Austin based company- yes, support small businesses:)). I stuck a straw in it, and became inspired (and of course Dexter the dog is in the photo).

People love yummy fancy beverages to hold. They can walk around with them or simply appreciate the ones that are aesthetically displayed. Either way, especially in the sweltering Texas heat when everyone is “sweatin’ like sinners in church”, drinks can be a focal point of an event. From floating fruit and savory accompaniments to flowing flags and designer straws, guests will instagram your drinks like crazy. A large impact for a small financial contribution.

Here are some of my favorite drink options and yes, they would be thirst quenching right about now!

Next time you host a party, add a little “something, something” to your drinks!

Stay Cool!

This webinar was hosted by American Express and was a presentation titled “Social Media in a Changing Business” from Clay McDaniel, CEO of RIPL.

Here are my takeaways from this webinar on social media:
The owner must be engaged. You are the passion of your business and your best asset on social media. 
More than half of your business is driven by how they remember you. 
Social media should be done every day. Don’t be every where on line at once. Double down in the areas where you know your clients are.
Five tips to successful postings
1. Daily presence
2. Keep information content and current. Right now, make it helpful information. Be the first place to provide news. 
3. Use your best practice to foster a community
4. Celebrate your customer base
5. Provide gifts of kindness

Social media is your new store front. People are looking for insurance. Show them what is happening behind the scenes. They are looking for authenticity. Provide them with updates of what you are doing and what is happening. 

What has stayed the same? 

1. People staying positive: People need good news and you need to be a source of optimism
2. BIO | Images | Logo of your business needs to be consistent through all your social media accounts. Take the time to do it now. Take pride in how you “show up”.
3. Posts need to be speedy, personal and direct.

RIPL plug:) Yes, everyone who speaks is allowed to do a plug! RIPL has built software design tools that caterers to small businesses.

1. Simple + fun- owner can be in control of designing your images
2. Personalized templates- which takes the hard work and guessing off the back of the small business.
3. Helps to make or enhance your professional online look.

Social Media Quick Start Tips:

1. Focus on 1-2 media channels- 2 weeks every day to post and engage
2. Use a software tool to make your posts look great
3. Celebrate your customers. Give the gift of appreciation and love. The more you give the more you will receive back.

Valued Engagements:

1. 5-15 second videos as it provides you a healthy presence
2. images must be bright primary colors- your logo should overlay not dominate
3. ask questions to invite people to respond. ask attendees to tag a friend who they know who would like your post:)

Chew on this for a while!

Happy Thursday:)

Amy