Weddings on Canvas

Hiring a photographer or videographer to capture wedding memories is the norm, but have you ever considered a wedding painter? Rather than a camera, these artists use canvas to preserve the occasion, setting up their easels at the ceremony and reception.

Although it’s a pricey proposition, with the potential to run into several thousand dollars, some couples like the novelty of having an original work of art featuring their special day that they can treasure forever. And it’s just as much fun for the guests, who can watch as the event comes to life under the artist’s brush. Some couples even choose to have the painting reproduced on their thank you cards—an extra special touch.

Long after the phots and videos are stored away, your creating is sure to hang on display. It will become an heirloom that will last for generations.


Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Weddings on Canvas

TCV - Taking Care of Vendors

Many events we produce require long hours of set up and tear down in varying conditions. A 4 or 5 hour event often takes 8-12 hours if not more of on site preparations and production. Photographers, videographers, bands, dj's, event planners, and the many other talented professionals that make your event happen spend countless hours on their feet in order to meet and exceed your expectations. 

I can't tell you how many times we have been in extreme heat or cold for hours on end making sure all goes as planned. If you want the best out of your event team, remember to do what you can to make them comfortable for your event.

Some event pros specifically spell out in their contract what and when they are to have a break, what meal is to be provided and when and certain accommodations. We always try not to put specific restrictions on our clients, but there are days we pay the price.

Even if you are not contractually obligated to provide meals, basic needs such as food and drinks should be considered. Vendor meals do not have to be the $75 per plate meal you planned for your guests. Often a simple sandwich and bottle of water will do. Most venue/caterers will offer some sort of "vendor meal" option. Often vendor meals can be served in a separate area near your event space allowing your team to take a quick break.

A restroom needs to be available to your event staff. It sounds like common sense, but most people forget about the production crew and the hours they put in. Making your event team comfortable generates better results.

As an event planner, we handle most of the communication including small details like vendor meals. If you don't have an event planner, let your team know in advance where and when their meals will be served. Also, find out exactly how many "assistants" each team member will have on-site. If you take care of conveying these details before your event, you eliminate a cause for stress the day of your event.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

TCV - Taking Care of Vendors

Ask Us: What Should A Wedding Cost?

I get the question all the time. How much should I plan on spending for a wedding? It's not easy to answer as most often what people want and what they can afford are two very different things.

As an event planner I want couples to live out their dream day. At the same time I don't want that dream day to put them in debt as newly weds.

With celebrity weddings and (un)reality series showing brides all that money can buy, the price tag for syaing "I Do" can be hefty.

In a January 2011 report, the average cost of a wedding increased 22.9% between 2009 and 2010, from $19,581 to $24,066 in 2010. For 2011, the average price of weddings nationally is up to $28,704.

So what do you do if you don't have $30,000 to spend in one day? Choose what is most important to you first.

The white wedding dress may be one of the most expensive purchases for the big day, unless you are willing to choose a more budget-friendly option. On the lower end of spending, a dress can cost $200 or less if buying off-the-rack or synthetic fabric from a department store or chain bridal retailer. The midrange cost ranges from $500 to $1,000 for dresses with more detail, and higher-end custom-made designer dresses can cost between $2,000 and $10,000.

Flowers can be very expensive. Look for localy grown flowers in season or consider little jars set up with one or two blooms in them. Doing your own flowers or ordering online can save you money.

Venues and catering offer a wide range of options. Nice hotels offer some great packages or consider transforming a community center into your reception destination.

Food is important. Brides are choosing more of a reception-style of catering over heavy sitdown meals. We have done backyard Barbeque themes for a more relaxed atmosphere. Or consider less formal menu offerings. Just make sure you offer you guest good quality food no matter what you choose.

Entertainment often ends up last on the list and that can be a huge mistake. Your guests want good food and to have a good time. I highly suggest to brides to choose your entertainment as soon as possible and budget for a great DJ or band. Nothing can ruin a celebration like a $500 DJ that works on the weekends for beer money. That's not who you want.

Lastly, don't think you can't afford a wedding planner. Professional wedding planners will save you time and money and often pay for themself in the long run.


Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Ask Us: What Should A Wedding Cost?

Ask Us: Bridal Showers

We invite our readers to submit event questions. If you have a question you would like answered email it to: info@pierceevents.net
Q: Can you tell me who is supposed to host/pay for a bridal shower?

Traditionally a shower should not be thrown by the bride's immediate relatives.

The maid of honor or another good friend usually hosts, or several people, often bridesmaids, share the responsibility.

It is common for a bride to have more than one shower; when this happens, the hosts should consult one another about guest lists to avoid duplication. Showers are generally held from a couple of months to a couple of weeks before the wedding.

Who is supposed to pay for all this?

There is no rule for the payment of this party. Attendees should never be expected to pay for their food. Thus it is up to the hostess, to find other methods of payment. Generally speaking, the bridesmaids and maid or matron of honor will collect money amongst themselves to host that bridal shower for the bride. If a formal party is a strain on the bridesmaids, it is an acceptable alternative to hold the bridal shower at someone's home, backyard, or clubhouse.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net
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Ask Us: Bridal Showers

Summer Sizzles with Pierce Events

This has been an amazing summer for all of us here at Pierce Events. We have welcomed so many new clients and had a chance to work on some wonderful events.

As school starts, we once again will be teaming up with Comcast for a series of campus events. Our event last year has expanded to include Pitt, IUP and Penn State as we go back to school with Comcast.

Taylor Swift on the set of
"Todd vs High School "

Speaking of school .... We are very happy to be working with an exciting film company Experiment Media on a project for the upcoming movie "Todd vs High School". The movie cast includes Jason Segal, Sidney Crosby and Taylor Swift.

We are also proud to welcome over 1000 people to Pittsburgh for a multi-day event for a major corporation. Our production elements will highlight Pittsburgh and we are thrilled our design was chosen for this great event.

Recent events with Pepsi and Cinemark has taken us to Salt Lake City, New York, Ohio and Virginia.

We are looking forward to more events before the end of the year.

While we love doing corporate events, one of our most important jobs is working with couples to create their dream wedding celebration. So many couples have placed their trust in Pierce Events and we are honored.
Pierce Events was just named the #1 most popular wedding planning company by Thumbtack.com We have many exciting wedding celebrations on the horizon and the outstanding endorsements from our past bridal clients means so much to our team.

We recently were interviewed by Whirl Magazine about wedding entertainment, so keep an eye out for that to appear in a future publication.

It's been a busy summer and we are truly grateful for our clients, partners and team.

If you would like to keep up with us, our events and adventures we invite you to follow us on Twitter @pierceevents We would love to have you join the party!



Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Summer Sizzles with Pierce Events

Pierce Events Goes West for Cinemark

Our partnership with Cinemark (the third largest movie theatre company in the U.S. with 292 theatres and 3,816 screens in 39 states) started 3 years ago in Pittsburgh. The company was set to open a state of the art facility in Robinson Township and had never used an event planning company.

After presenting a proposal that brought a bit of Hollywood to Pittsburgh, Pierce Events was chosen to produce one of the grand opening events for Cinemark.

Since then our partnership has continued and we have produced events all over the country. Recently we traveled to the Salt Lake City, Utah area to produce a grand opening event and 2 simultaneous events for the opening weekend of the new Harry Potter movie release.

Production teams in a new city is always a challenge and opppotunity to expand our reach. We work with the best and our partners that have worked with us on multiple events have earned a spot on our team. They are relationships that could not be more valuable.

We consider many companies and individuals. We talk to others that have worked in the region and call on our exsisting contacts.

Our team did an amazing job in Utah. From decor to staging, rentals to lighting. It is so nice to meet others who take pride in what they do. After all, our success depends greatly on others doing their job.

We looking forward to our continuing partnership with Cinemark and working our production teams in other cities
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Pierce Events can produce events anywhere. Just give us a call.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Pierce Events Goes West for Cinemark

Planning the Perfect Class Reunion

We have produced many class reunions and there are always questions as to what to do. Give yourself plenty of time and contact us as early as possible. Here are some tips to help you.

First get some help. Recruit some dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who are willing to help plan and get the word out. Keep the core committee group small with 3-5 members. You might want to appoint a reunion chair to arrange meetings and a treasurer to oversee finances. The rest of your team can work on various reunion tasks. Don't underestimate the work involved. Share the work amongst as many who are willing to offer their help. There are many details and arrangements. A professional planner can save you time and money and provide suggestions.

When do we start? Some committees start planning up to two years in advance. The amount of lead time you need really depends on how elaborate of an event you are planning but generally speaking the more time you give yourselves the better! Whether you are planning a simple family picnic or a formal event you will minimally want to start planning at least 12 to 16 months in advance. Don't expect to pull off a successful reunion if you start planning just 6 months before the event as many of your classmates will need significant lead time in order to participate especially those living far away.

What work items does the reunion committee need to consider?Consider dividing the work activities of your reunion committee into subcommittees or work groups.

Here is a listing of some of the tasks you will need to consider:

• date selection
• determine event venue and format
• event program
• event location / lodging selection
• financing
• classmate contact listing
  • postal addresses, email addresses, phone numbers
  • search for missing classmates
• web site development / maintenance
• decorations
• entertainment
• photographer
• registration & name tags
• momentos
• reunion / memories booklet
• marketing & communications
• mailers, emailings
  
  • newspaper and internet advertising
• deceased classmates tribute
• additional reunion activities
  • school tours, pre & post reunion events
• class gift to your school

While there are many other things to consider this give you a glimpse at what a reunion requires. Pierce Events can assist you with ticket sales, online promotion, website development, group discounts, site selection, accommodations, entertainment and more.

Let us plan the perfect reunion for you. Call us today! 724-986-6939

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Planning the Perfect Class Reunion

Brian Olsen - Rockin The Canvass

Brian Olsen's Art in Action is an explosion: a colorful display of paint, energy, music and passion. Using fingertips, palms, elbows and up to three brushes in each hand, Brian paints portraits of famous people including musicians, sports figures, and top corporate heads on a four and a half by six foot canvas in just a matter of minutes. His creations are choreographed to music that is powerful and stimulates the senses. Brian’s Art in Action is described as "an emotional experience" taking his audience through an amazing journey of excitement, suspense, cheer, and surprise. His ability to captivate his audience and share the experience of color, music, and action is a way to bring people into the world of art and creativity. It is a new artform that brings people together to share the explosion of art and stir up the personal creativity we all have within.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Brian Olsen - Rockin The Canvass

The Power of Promotion: Social Media

It does not matter how wonderful your event is if no one comes. I just heard of a recent event in which the planner was expecting 2000 people to attend over 3 days. Final count was 200. A huge loss in many ways.

We at Pierce Events use Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and even this blog to keep up to date with clients, friends, other event pros and those interested in the events we produce.

Social media is a great way to engage with your audience, or potential audience, before and after your next event. Social media platforms are the quickest, most effective way of reaching out to your audience to promote your event and increase attendance. When combined with traditional advertisng just about anyone can launch an effective campagin. So what are some of the best ways to harness the power of social media to help spread the word of your event? Here are some important things to keep in mind:

Start NOW – The earlier you start spreading the word, the better off you’ll be. Get your event listed in Facebook Events and start sending out introductory Tweets about it. If you have videos, get them uploaded early. You want buzz about your event to build.


Update Often – The more updates you make and information you add about your event, the more contact you will have with your audience. In turn, the more likely they will be to attend and spread the word of your event for you. Content is king, so keep it coming.

Aim Wide – One post won't do much. Get your event information in front of as many people as many times as possible. Hit Facebook, Myspace, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr and Blogger to promote your event.

Remind Them – Don’t forget to keep reminding people about your event as it approaches. Keeping your event at the top of peoples’ minds leading up to it does not give them a chance to forget the event.

Post-Event Follow – If you’re going to promote your event via social media, wrap up with it as well. Share photos, videos, and quotes through the same channels you used to promote. This will give those that did attend a chance to recap the event and those that didn’t a chance to see what they missed.


Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

The Power of Promotion: Social Media

Reality TV and Bridal Shows

Shaun Pierce & Randy Fenoli
of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress"

It's not hard to find some reality TV show that is connected to a wedding. Bridezilla, Best Cakes, Win Plastic Surgery. It's a bit sickening if you ask me.

So when we were approached and asked to assist in a bridal show with Randy Fenoli of the TV show "Say Yes to the Dress" I wasn't sure about it.

First, we don't often do bridal shows. I'm asked every month to buy a booth or sponsor something. The ones I've attended seem to be informational overload or just plain ineffective. We do not mass produce weddings and for me to even try to talk to 300 brides in a day doesn't do anyone any good. But I knew the person producing this one and I did it more as a favor then really expecting much from it.

I did not know what to expect from Randy either. I've seen his show, but to be honest watching people shop for a dress is not must see TV for me.

Randy was very nice. He was a fashion guy who happened to be on TV. Not a TV guy trying to fake knowing fashion. He spoke to the audience in real terms. Not everyone can do a fairytale big budget wedding and your wedding doesn't become any less important if you have a tight budget.

Many of the things he spoke about are at the core of our philosophy when we work with clients. Your wedding should be as unique as you are. It's should tell your story. Experts are there to give advice, not orders.

We have built the bridal services division of Pierce Events not by attending bride shows, producing slick marketing pieces or advertising campaigns. We have built it by understanding our clients needs, meeting those needs in every way possible and understanding it is an honor to a part of such an important event.

It's always nice to make new friends who do what they love and love what they do. After all weddings don't happen without love.


Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/ ◦

Reality TV and Bridal Shows

Your Own Royal Wedding

You could not escape the univeral coverage of the Royal Weddings. For brides to be it was a living wedding catolog full of ideas galore. The question is how do you create a wedding fit for royalty without the bank account of the Queen Mother?

What you do need, first and foremost, is to let the theme of opulence and sophistication inform all of your decisions. You need a dramatic location or a location that can be made dramatic. Kate and William had Westminster. If you can find a location in your budget that  grandis and historical, that will immediately set the tone. If you’re restricted to halls that don’t have such intrinsic elegance, you simply have to create it with décor. Lots and lots of white flowers, gold and silver, candles, and crystals amp up the royal vibe.

We at Pierce Events can design the royal wedding of your dreams with gold dishes, candelabras, white flowers, and sparkle everywhere.

David Tutera, wedding planner to the stars and host of WE TV’s “My Fair Wedding,” talks about how you can ahave your own version of a royal wedding. Watch David's tips for how to affordably carry out the theme of opulence and sophistication into every detail.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/ ◦

Your Own Royal Wedding

The Event Symphony - Cinema Cake

One of the things I love about what I do is meeting other talented people who are passionate about what they do. I constantly discover new and exciting things to offer clients.

An event planner must rely on a team of dedicated peofessionals who are the best in ther perspective areas. When the pieces come together, it's like a symphony that can stir emotion, exhileration and a lasting impression.

Recently we traveled to Atlantic City, NJ to meet other event professionals from the Northeast region. I was introduced to so many new and improved event elements from technology to design. Each person I met shared their expertise in a specific area of event production. There are many things I could share with you, but let me focus on one that really impressed me. It a new twist on classic video production.

Many brides are forgoing video on their wedding day. Family and friends have camcorders. Professional video doesn't always fit int the budget and how often will you watch a video after the wedding? Besides, do you really want someone sticking a camera in your face all day capturing your every move?

Before you answer, let me introduce you to Dave Williams and CinemaCake Wedding and Event Filmmakers.

Dave and his team seemlessly blend into the background with small and unobtrusive cameras. Often you don't even know they are there.

They capture moments that most of us miss in the whirlwind of a wedding day. The set up for the ceremony. The bride and groom preparing. That breathless moment when they step forward. The thoughts of parents. The emotions of the moment.

They capture the grand enterance and first dance. The amazing part is you and your guest view this beautiful produced video at your reception. With constant editing throughout the day, the folks at Cinemacake will deliver and unforgetable moment for you and your guests.

Check out the video and the reaction of the couple. It's a powerful example of just one part of the symphony. If you are as impressed as I was, contact us to talk about bringing Dave and his team to capture your celebration.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

The Event Symphony - Cinema Cake

Prom Problems - Beyond Dirty Dancing

Prom is a rite of passage for many young folks, but planning it can be a source of stress especially when it comes to choosing entertainment.

Often you are not sure who or what you will get for entertainment. With all the lewd and suggestive music out there, the wrong choice can bring the wrath of parents and administrators.

 “Grinding,” a current dance style, has hit the radar of many parents and other adults and has put high school dances under scrutiny. Many parents and school administrators across the state and even the country have expressed that they feel this dance move is inappropriate and vulgar. They are doing everything they can to find a solution to this problem, even if the solution is to ban dances altogether.

Dancing partnered with the lewd, offensive and suggest content that makes up most of the Top 40 playlists creates an uncomfortable situation for parents, teachers and student alike.

At Pierce Events we launched a solution to the problem 10 years ago. It a fun show called "Clean Beats". It assures planners and parents that objectionable or suggestive lyrics or topics will be excluded and we control unacceptable dancing. If a song falls into the "gray area" we won't play it.

Is the dance still fun? YES! We are entertainers, not just DJ's. We keep the party going with exclusive dance mixes and radio edits of the top hits and interact with the audience to maintain control and high energy.


Our "Clean Beats" program has been hosted in schools all over Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia with rave reviews from students and parents. We are part of a nationwide network of responsible DJ's that have pledged to maintain certain standards.

We have dates available for Prom and offer budget friendly solutions for schools. Contact us to find more about our "Clean Beats" show. http://www.pierceevents.net/



Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net ◦

Prom Problems - Beyond Dirty Dancing

Charity Funding 2.0

One of the most successful ways to enhance a fundraising event for non-profit groups to raise money through an online auction. Pierce Events offers charity organizations, schools and churches a turnkey solution to efficiently take fundraising efforts online. Even with the best attended events, many donors cannot attend on a certain date or time. With an online auction, donors from anywhere can participate. It provides auction item donors broader exposure and the charity a larger pool of donors.


Here are some tips for online auctions:

1. Market Your Online Auction –  Make sure to incorporate email, social media, and local radio and television stations into helping market your online auction.

2. Solicit Sponsorships - With a well promoted auction you will be able to solicit larger items. Remember that you can give back to your sponsors by putting their name and logo in front of desirable supporters, on your auction home page and in your emails.

3. Find The Right People - List the job functions required for your online auction, then enlist help from people with skills that match your requirements.

4. Creative and Informative Item Descriptions - Make sure your item names are descriptive, but also intriguing and interesting. Remember to also include detailed descriptions that include all terms and conditions.

5. Set Reasonable Starting Bids - Inflating opening bids and values will not result in higher bids or revenue if they are unreasonable. It is generally best to start the bidding at approximately one-third of the actual item value.

6. Stagger The Addition of New Items – Instead of listing all of your auction items when the online auction opens, try staggering the addition of new items. This encourages return visits to the auction site, and also allows you to stagger opening and closing dates.

7. Solicit Specific Auction Items - Tell people what auction items you are looking for and the approximate value range desired.

8. Use Reserve Prices on Key Items – Make sure to set reserve prices on any items that are purchased or on consignment so you don’t lose money. Also, always set reserve prices on any items that a donor requires cannot be sold for less than a certain amount.

10. Recognize Donors – Show your appreciation to donors by providing recognition and links on items that they have donated.



Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/ ◦

Charity Funding 2.0

Now Trending

We are all about what happening now. We want to be the first to know, the first to go and the first to show. Why? It in our nature to explore and expand.

With that spirit we offer some of the latest trends:

COLOR
There are three steps to the typical color cycle, which usually starts with fashion and ends with events.  First, you see the color trend in fashion and start wearing it.  Second, you start incorporating the color into your home décor and start living it.  Third, you entertain with the color and feature it at celebrations because you are familiar with it.

So what are the up and coming colors?

We start with one main color and build a palette that to compliment.

FOOD TRUCKS

Mobile food trucks are a hot new trend. Everything from Sushi to Ice Cream is served to guests entering, leaving or withing in line. Is fun, entertaining and hey, who doesn't love good food? We are happy to be working some great players bringing this Pittsburgh. From weddings to corporate events, food trucks can add a fun and unique touch, plus it’s usually pretty affordable. The guests always love it.


COFFEE AND DESSERT BARS
Gone are the days of "regular or decaf" Now it's flavored coffee, Cappuccino, espresso and a million combinations. Desserts are no longer limited to cake, cupcakes, chocolate fountains and candy bars. Explore creative “dessert bars” that not only taste amazing but they look amazing as well. Your guests will love the final course of the evening.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Recently a groom stopped just after the "I do" to update his Facebook status from Single to Married. It's a bit extreme but social media is not just for PR campaigns. Twitter party invites and updates. We work with bridal couple to create WedSites where family and friends can post messages and guest can follow the the engagement and planning for the celebration. It brings guest into the party months before they arrive.

From traditional to cutting edge, let us show you the possibilities.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at http://www.pierceevents.net/ ◦

Now Trending

Pierce Events Springs Into Whirl Wedding Guide

Once again Pierce Events is featured in the lastest edition of Whirl Wedding Guide 2011. (Now Available)

Check out "Inspiration Station" to see one of our recent weddings. Dale and Tarrah Ackerman held a beautiful reception at the Mansion of Maple Heights. We were so honored to provide entertainment and lighting design for the celebration.

The "Cup Cake" really caught the attention of the editors at Whirl. It's something we have been featuring for sometime now.

Personally I'm not a big fan of cake. (Sorry bakers) For my own wedding I was told you had to have a cake and the traditional Pittsburgh Cookie Tray. For those of you not in Pittsburgh that means a zillion cookies and a huge cake.

Not wanting to get stuck with left over cake we decided not to have a cookie tray. Oh the uproar!

The "Cup Cake" provides a great alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Guests can take one when they wish and yes you can even include a cookie tray.

I'm so thankful to all the brides, grooms and families that have placed their trust in Pierce Events and allowed us to a part of such a special celebration.

We have had many calls inquiring about weddings dates and love to answer your questions. Give us a call and let us create the perfect celebration for you.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net 724-986-6939

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Pierce Events Springs Into Whirl Wedding Guide

Choosing A Wedding Planner

If you watched "Father of the Bride" with Steve Martin, the wedding planner played by Martin Short was a hilarious interpretation of a job that is serious business. "Frahnk" (or Frank), as he was called, flitted about managing all of the details of the elaborate wedding. But, a real wedding consultant or planner can be an invaluable tool in making your day a real joy. There are several available wedding planning books that outline all of the necessary tasks to plan a wedding and gives you a timeline. While it's great information for learning what nedds to be done, it will not do any of the jobs for you. An average wedding take around 200 hours to plan. Can you spare 200 hours. A wedding planner can take care of all of the legwork for you so that you can go on with your life and enjoy the planning process.

Many brides assume a wedding planner is an expensive luxury. However, often a good wedding planner can save you both time and money.

How do you shop for a wedding planner? Just as you should do when you look for any type of service professional, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. If you can get a word-of-mouth referral, this is better than an advertisement. If you don't know anyone who has used a planner, you can always look in local bride publications and bridal shows.

Once you have a few potential leads you will need to interview the wedding planner candidates. You are hiring them for an important job, and you need to have confidence that they share your "vision" for your special day. See how willing they are to take suggestions and see what they will do with the ideas that you already have. Do they have doubts about their ability to fulfill your needs? This is a yellow flag, but see why they have concerns before you make a judgment. Once you have interviewed a few planners you are ready to make your decision and get to work.

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DON'T WAIT. Good wedding planners and vendors are often booked a year or more in advance. The sooner you contact them, the more they will be able to do for you.

Most wedding consultants charge a fee of around 10 percent of the cost of the wedding. This is standard-and it is worth it for the peace of mind it will give you. At Pierce Events we provide service discounts from vendors that often can off set the planner cost.

Meet your perspective planner, ask plenty of questions and ask for images of weddings they have done in the past. Do not be shy about contacting references. The planner you choose will be an important partner. You should trust and be comfortable with that person.

We would be honored to speak with you about your wedding day an answer all of your question. We invite you to contact us.

Pierce Events offers complete event planning, production and management services for corporate, social and non-profit events. For more information and other helpful tips visit our website at www.pierceevents.net

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Choosing A Wedding Planner

The Power of Live Entertainment at Special Events

It has been more than 25 years since Guy Laliberté first formed Cirque du Soleil from a band of colorful street performers in Quebec and, it seems, almost as long since cirque-style shows started showing up at events. Why do cirque acts stay strong? Maybe it's because no other type of entertainment is at once so physically primal and so perfectly adaptable to corporate messaging. Oh — and let's not forget the awesome costumes.


Michael Manzenet of Los Angeles-based cirque company Wonderworld Entertainment says that in an event market where every vendor must justify its price, “The value of cirque entertainment is the ‘wow’ factor” — its ability to capture and hold attendees' attention. His troupe's formidable talents — many members hail from Cirque du Soleil productions including Mystere, O and Ka — are particularly well-suited to distraction-packed environments such as trade shows, where aerialists performing on logo-imprinted lengths of chiffon and acrobats handling delicate or technologically complex new products are highly effective at drawing in show-goers. “If your booth has quality [performers] showcasing your products, it's going to get noticed,” Manzenet states. “Crowds will come and expand your customer base.”

For internal corporate events, particularly incentive and sales programs, cirque performances — which showcase mere mortals overcoming such huge obstacles as gravity itself — can be “extremely motivating,” says Sam Trego of San Diego-based Imagination Entertainment, which stages both public and private-event cirque and Broadway-style productions. He points out that pacing and location of entertainment — whether the client selects Imagination's popular Viaggio by Il Circo extravaganza or a slightly less death-defying musical theater production — is key. “Placing the right entertainment in the right place in the event will always lead to a desired response,” he notes. “I will always remember what a rather well-known insurance meeting planner told me about our shows: ‘Sam, your shows are the golf of our program.’ I said, ‘Golf?’ She said, ‘Absolutely. Your show productions create a feeling level in my audience that is conducive to good business. You have no idea how much money we make because of the good feeling you create in the ballroom with your shows.’

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The Power of Live Entertainment at Special Events