When you’re planning a wedding, there are a lot of lists. The guest list. The registry list. The vendor list. The do-not-play list. And most important, the to-do list.

Luckily, I love lists.

During the past year, I have come to appreciate the benefits of technology in the wedding-planning process. Scanning and e-mailing vendor contracts is much more efficient than faxing or mailing them. The online gift registry is essential. And I’m very attached to my Google Doc RSVP list, which I can tap into and update from any computer and share easily (CLICK HERE to see a sample template).

But I still haven’t found any feature on my computer or BlackBerry that replicates the satisfaction of crossing items off a handwritten list as you accomplish them.

Celebrity wedding planner and author of “The Wedding Book” Mindy Weiss is answering some of my questions as I count down the final 30 days to my wedding. When I asked her to share her expert advice for a bride for the last month before the big day, I was thrilled when she sent me a list of her Top 10 Tips.

Even better, many of those tips include & making lists!

Mindy’s Top 10 Tips for the Final Weeks Before the Wedding
1. You must confirm with all your vendors and go over your expectations for the wedding day. Make sure that your vendors are paid ahead of time, so you’re not writing checks before you walk down the aisle. Also talk to your officiant to go over last-minute details.

Mindy’s Top 10 Tips for the Final Weeks Before the Wedding
2. Make lists and give written check-off lists to the vendors. For instance, it’s helpful to have a list for the photographer of pictures you don’t want him or her to miss!

3. Make your seating chart early. Even if guests cancel, it’s nice to have that out of the way. The list can get to the calligrapher or printer for the seating cards and you can fill the tables in the week of the wedding. (For advice on how to approach guests who haven’t RSVP’d, CLICK HERE).

4. Don’t try any new products on your face, because you could have an adverse skin reaction.

5. Assign someone a list of tasks that you are worried about, and consider a “day of” wedding coordinator so you don’t have to worry about whether your vendors are showing up on time.

6. Schedule the pick-up of your dress and walk in your new shoes two weeks before the big day to break them in. It’s a good idea to have a second pair of shoes to change into during the reception, because you don’t want to end up walking barefoot. (Mindy said she had a bride step on glass midway through the evening!)

7. Have your wedding license and any items you need for the ceremony compiled in a box so as not to forget anything. You can’t be too prepared — it doesn’t hurt to have items like matches for a unity candle handy if need be. Make sure all your clothing for the bride and groom are all together … many of Mindy’s couples seem to leave their shoes or bow ties at home, she said.

Mindy’s Top 10 Tips for the Final Weeks Before the Wedding
8. Confirm all honeymoon plans and make sure your passport and/or your identification is in order and won’t expire right before your trip.

9. Practice dancing a bit for your first dance, especially if you haven’t taken lessons.

10. Nothing is perfect & let go and find your sense of humor!

Source

QLD

Operations Manager needed to plan & execute all audio, visual & themeing operational requirements on events for Stagelife (the exclusive in house company) on Hayman Island – Whitsunday Islands, Queensland.

All applicants must have extensive experience (5 years plus ‘hands on’ ‘in the field’) in event management and also a sound understanding of high level corporate and wedding event audio, visual & themeing technical requirements.
The successful applicant will have exceptional planning & communication skills. The position involves working in conjunction with other departments (both within Stagelife and Hayman Resort) to achieve service excellence. A commitment to exceed client expectations is paramount. As the Operations Manager works closely with the client face to face on site they must be well groomed, personable and articulate.

An ability to work efficiently & effectively is a must. Attention to detail is also essential and an adherence to company policy / procedure and a savvy business understanding are required to execute the fine balance of client satisfaction and company profitability.

The position requires a hard working, hands on leader that creates a positive enjoyable work environment that inspires the people around him or her to work at their optimum level. The work is often physically challenging and the Stagelife Operations Manager must lead by example.

If you are hard working, have a good positive attitude and are experienced in event planning / management & execution then please submit an application.
Please email; matt@stagelife.com.au or beven@stagelife.com.au

Experience needed:
- Minimum 5 years event Management / Execution
- Minimum 5 years co-ordinating staff to work effectively & efficiently
- Minimum 3 years face to face Sales / Customer interaction

Essential Skills / Attributes:
- Positive demeanour
- Hard working
- Fast Learning
- Well Groomed
- Commitment to exceed client expectations
- Make accurate decisions under pressure
- Inspire & staff working with and for you
- Articulate (in person, on phone & via email)
- Physically strong
- Exceptional communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to work with difficult / demanding clients and remain level headed
- Computer literate to confidently use; Macs & PC, Excel (understand formulas), Word

Technical Skills
- Rental Point
- CAD Planners
- To be able to
set up audio desks, (analogue & digital),
set up lighting desks,

set up of intelligent lights (programming skills not essential)
set up basic stage with lectern, radio mic, wired mic, par cans

Source

Melbourne

Balwyn Events requires a self motivated, enthusiastic and passtionate Event Planner to manager our showroom on Saturday’s.

With brides coming in frequently you must be able to assist them with all enquiries and bookings.

Source

The total number of weddings that a planner organizes each year will vary depending on the type of services offered by the planner. A full service wedding planner who engages the wedding team will review all contracts and plans most aspects of the entire wedding weekend.

What are the 5 most important skills of a wedding planner?

What does it take to serve as a wedding planner?

The ability to communicate, including verbal, writing and listening skills.

The ability to organize and plan to a very mute level to successfully complete a project.

The ability to form interpersonal relationships.

The ability to operate a business.

The ability to give of yourself.

“A planner must be self-effacing and have the ability to leave their go’s behind. And a planner has to like working with people and have the ability to empathize, negotiate and counsel clients and vendors in all kinds of situations”

Source

One of the most important things about being prepared is organization. There’s lots of things that are great about working as a wedding planner, but one of the downsides is that expectations are always so high. Turn up to a meeting with the wrong bride’s details and you’ve lost the confidence of your client forever (and maybe their business too).

So being organized is essential - and I recommend you get good at it right from the start!

It’s essential you have a separate file for each client – and I recommend color coding them so you can instantly tell which is which. In these files you should include everything you collect for the bride and groom. Venue brochures, sample menus, decoration ideas, fabric samples, etc. I like to use box files for mine (example), so that I can put everything in, and not just papers. You should also print out important emails and keep them in the file (in case anything happens to your email, or you’re not in front of your computer).

Having a file for each client means you’ll always be able to QUICKLY access the details you need. When you’re on the phone to a client or a venue, you don’t want to have to rummage through piles of papers on your desk to find the right menu or reception schedule!

I like to take my client files to meetings (with the clients and also with venues and suppliers) so that I’ve got all my important information with me. You never know what you’ll need to refer to.

It’s important you keep your file as tidy as possible, so you don’t look dis-organized and unprofessional. If it’s impossible to keep your file tidy (and sometimes it is!) you should take it with you but leave it in your car. That way you can get the information if you really need it.

It’s so easy to think “I’ll organize things later, I haven’t got much going on yet” (I made this mistake at first) but it’s never too early to start and being organized from the beginning means you won’t get into embarrassing situations later!

Once the client’s big day has passed, you can archive their information and re-use the file. I recommend holding onto the details for a year or so in case you need to refer to them – for example, if the client has a query about a bill.

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1.  Develop your skills

Successful wedding planners have a number of traits in common. They are usually creative people with excellent interpersonal skills who love to plan events. While most of these traits come naturally to many wedding planners, an important skill that some need to develop is organizational ability. To help you stay organized, you can create timeline schedules and checklists, and use organizational tools such as a day planner or binder to keep track of all the wedding details and paperwork. 

2.  Learn about weddings

There are numerous details involved in planning a wedding — from selecting the wedding date to choosing the menu for the reception. You can learn how to plan weddings by taking continuing education classes or through self-study. To teach yourself, attend and help out with as many weddings as possible, visit bridal shows, read wedding magazines, and conduct informational interviews with clergy of various faiths, recently married brides and anyone else connected to the wedding business such as florists and caterers.  

3.  Create a portfolio  

A portfolio is a collection of photographs that show people your skill at planning weddings. To develop a portfolio, offer your services to friends and family who are getting married in exchange for pictures for your portfolio. (You can ask them to write reference letters for you as well.) You can also include photographs of table settings or room decorations you have created in your home, or pictures from your own wedding to show your creative side.  

4.  Find a job in the wedding industry 

Even if you plan to start your own business, consider getting a job in the industry first. Besides employment benefits, these positions can be used as a stepping-stone to gain valuable experience and contacts.  Wedding coordinators are hired by hotels, country clubs, and churches across the country. Some of the more exciting options include working as a wedding coordinator at an attraction such as Disney World or at a resort in a location such as Hawaii, Las Vegas, Europe or the Caribbean. Many other job opportunities for “bridal consultants” are available with companies that supply products and services for weddings including bridal shops, department stores with gift registries, florists, and caterers. 

5.  Set up your own business  

Setting up a wedding planning business is not much different than starting any other business, with a few exceptions. You should be able to work from home as long as you set aside an office space free from interruptions from children or pets. This is especially important if you plan on holding meetings with clients there.  Set up costs will be minimal but you will need a computer, fax, business phone line, cell phone, business cards, and marketing materials such as a website.  Before setting up your business, take advantage of the free advice offered by agencies such as the U.S. Small Business Administration.

6.  Choose a specialty

Wedding planners offer a variety of services and packages based on their specific skills and interests. For example, you might offer complete wedding planning services, wedding day co-ordination only, or consult with brides and grooms who want to plan their own weddings. Some wedding planners specialize in arranging “destination weddings” at resorts or on cruise ships. Decide which services you would like to offer. 

7.  Develop relationships with vendors

Vendors are suppliers of any product or service related to weddings, such as limousine companies, musicians, photographers, party supply companies, invitation printers, etc.  Vendors can be a valued partner in planning a successful wedding and a great networking ally.  Conduct informational meetings to learn about their services, and what discounts they can offer you as a wedding planner. Before recommending a site for a wedding ceremony or reception, visit and inspect the premises. Take notes on the condition, size, cleanliness and capacity of each venue so you can guide your clients in making suitable choices. Always follow up with vendors after the wedding with a thank you note or to discuss any changes you want for future.

8.  Get clients

One of the best ways to get clients is through your relationships with vendors. Supply business cards and brochures to the bridal shops, caterers, florists, photographers and other vendors you work with, and ask them to recommend your services to their customers who are getting married. Other ways to market your services include advertising, networking, participating in bridal shows, or even organizing your own bridal show. 

9.  Consult with clients  

Once you start getting calls from brides and grooms, arrange a client consultation meeting. The purpose of this initial consultation is to learn as much as possible about the couple and what they want, so you can show them how hiring you will help them achieve the wedding of their dreams. Be prepared to ask questions to find out what type of wedding they want, their budget, number of guests, etc. At this meeting you will discuss your fees, which might be an hourly rate such as $50 per hour or a flat fee. Explain how you can help them have the worry-free wedding of their dreams.

10.  Be recognized as a professional   

Successful wedding planners are always interested in learning new ideas they can use with their clients. Consider joining a professional association for wedding planners to keep up with new developments in the industry. Clients will be impressed with your affiliation to a professional organization, especially if it certifies you as a professional wedding planner.

Source

A position has been made available in our North Sydney operation: Java Developer, to join the development team and help develop new and innovative products and enhance existing features on our platforms.

Company Background
iTouch produces ground-breaking, innovative digital media and mobile services solutions for some of Australia’s leading telecommunications brands. You will join a driven team of talented mobile media and online professionals in a down to earth office environment. Each individual’s ability to make a real difference in this business is what the team prides itself on.
The Position:

Knowledge & Experience:
1. 5 years commercial experience with the Java programming language;
2. Knowledge and experience of development life cycle (incl. designing, developing, integrating and testing);
3. Knowledge and experience in system and unit testing;
4. Knowledge and experience with databases (incl. SQL and stored procedures), multithreading and resource pooling concepts;
5. Knowledge and experience in XHTML, HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript;
6. Good knowledge of both UNIX and Windows operating systems.

Desirable/Optional:
1. Experience in the mobile industry;
2. Knowledge and experience with CVS, SVN or other version control system;
3. Knowledge and experience in J2EE, Spring, Ibatis, Velocity and Apache Commons;
4. Knowledge and experience in Portlet development;

The Person:
a. Excellent communication skills;
b. Excellent written and verbal communications;
c. Flexibility with working hours and “rolling up the sleeves” when required;
d. A team player;
e. Comfortable at dealing with tight timeframes;
f. Computer related degree or equivalent;
g. Ability to take initiative & be proactive;
h. A person who wants to work in a challenging environment;
i. A person who is willing to take up the challenge!

The right candidate will be rewarded with a competitive salary package including health insurance.

This role is only available to Australian permanent residents. Visa applicants need not apply.

Agency applications will not be accepted.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to officemgr@itouch.com.au

Source

Liberty Catering Concepts has recently been appointed the new Caterer for the prestigious Zoos Victoria contract. Encompassing Melbourne and Werribee Open Range Zoos two outstanding opportunities exist for the right people to join our team.

The Wedding Sales Coordinator  will manage all aspects of enquiry, planning and coordination of approximately 40% of the overall functions business at both Melbourne and Werribee Open Range Zoos. This specialist role will require a person with diligence, strong organisational skills and a creative nature.

The Function Sales Coordinator role will be focused on all other segments of the function business and be instrumental in driving and creating new business opportunities, whilst managing enquiries and internal bookings.

Both roles will enjoy the support of a strong sales and marketing team, hands on Directors and the opportunity to work in unique and beautiful surrounds. The existing function venues spaces are to be redeveloped and a new 250 seat venue at Melbourne Zoo will be launched in October this year.

Experience in similar roles is a pre requisite.

At Suncorp, our strategic vision is to become the most admired financial services organisation in Australia and New Zealand. This exciting role is part of the Personal Insurance business at Suncorp, a market leader in the Insurance sector. Our unique suite of brands include AAMI, GIO, APIA, Just Car, Shannon’s, Bingle, Insure my Ride and Vero – to name a few. As part of the Personal Insurance team you will work with energetic and motivated people who aim to deliver consistent strong returns, year after year, for our shareholders, and our employees as we help people build and protect their dreams.

An opportunity now exists for 2 x Project Managers to assist with the delivery of major procurement projects throughout the Suncorp Insurance Line of Business.

Based in Brisbane, your primary responsibility will be to ensure the successful project management and delivery of the major projects within the Suncorp Lines of Business by:

Managing and delivering various sourcing projects and supply chain opportunities

Delivering on other non-sourcing related procurement initiatives

Managing the day-to-day operational aspects of Insurance Procurement projects

Ensuring project deliverables are met and are on time

Developing procurement programs of work to optimise appropriate resolutions

Assessing new work to determine relevancy and an assessment of levels of complexity, including intellectual property and the associate risk factors

Reporting on relevant key activities to key stakeholders on behalf of procurement

While procurement background is an advantage, this is not mandatory, however a degree/post grad qualification is essential, along with outstanding project management and change management skills. You’ll have a proven history of successfully closing out and delivering major projects to a high standards, exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders across a number of business units.

In return we offer competitive salary, exceptional employee benefits, discretionary bonuses and genuine career progression for the right candidates.

If you believe your background closely matches the requirements outlined above we would encourage you to apply today.

Source

Base Salary 55k to 65k + Super + Commission ($15k per month)OTE $235k-$250k

Swanky office in a prime Sydney Location

Leading International Internet Casino Group

My Client is an Internationally recognised, Sydney based ‘Internet Casino Giant’ and focus on a result driven Internet Marketing with a global target audience. Managing one of the worlds largest online casino’s and with an increase of internet traffic through their 20+ sites, my client has identified the need to have an experience Media Buyer to join their specialist team. 

Utilising your prior industry experience and knowledge you will focus on acquiring new and existing users through sourcing new online campaigns or managing existing ones. The target demographics are 30-65 year old internet users from mainly France, Italy, Holland, Germany, Scandinavia, UK, and Canada. 

Essential Skills and Experience 

An ability to source and negotiate deals along with monitoring and ‘tweaking’ existing campaigns • Strong excel knowledge 

Prior experience in acquisition based online marketing for cutting edge sites such as, ringtones, online dating, sweepstakes or competition, 

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Multilingual candidates highly desirable 

Sound knowledge and strong understanding of the internet, search engines, html editing,  and acquisition metrics,   

Candidates who are deemed successful for the role will be flown to Sydney for a final face to face interview at the clients expense! What more could you ask for?