Etiquette Monday - What?!

I thought I would start Etiquette Monday's with more of an explanation of what Etiquette means, as this will give you a better understanding of what you will see here going forwards.

A quick Google search and you will find the definition of Etiquette as described below (courtesy of Dictionary.com);

1. Conventional requirements as to social behaviour; proprieties of conduct as established in any class or community or for any occasion.
2. a prescribed or accepted code of usage in matters of ceremony, as at a court or in official or other formal observances.
3. the code of ethical behaviour regarding professional practice or action among the members of a profession in their dealings with each other: medical etiquette.

Well it's a set of customs and traditions, much like eating turkey at Christmas, that have been formed over the years, and form part of our normal rituals without us realising it.  Its seemingly small actions that form a bigger picture to create something a little special. But, most importantly, they are adaptable, they are not set in stone, and the world won't end if you don't follow them.  

Over the next few weeks and months, I will walk you through some Etiquette rules.  Some you know already, some you will have never heard of, and some that will seem ridiculous.  

My goal is to arm you with knowledge, not dictate what you should and shouldn't do.  Its your event after all.

Are there any Etiquette rules that confuse you? Is there something you want me to cover?

Let me know in the comments and I will build my posts around them.

Thanks, Charlotte

xxx

Focus Friday - Daisy Events

To start the Focus Friday series I thought I would throw the Focus onto myself. So...

Name:           Charlotte Day
Company:     Daisy Events
                      Event Management Consultancy
Website:       www.daisyevents.co.uk
Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/daisyeventsuk/
Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/daisy.events/

About Me: 
I have been in events for nearly 10 years, but my heart lies in weddings.  There is something about the romanticism that just draws me in!  I am a bit of a hippy, and a geek mixed together.  I was lucky enough to grow up with lots of family around me, and they provide tons of inspiration.  I currently live in Bletchley, with my son, and our Pug puppy Lucas. 

About Daisy Events
Daisy started out a side project when I was contracting with a training team.  I was let go and had to make ends meet, so I pulled on my strengths and got organising.  I was taken back on at the company, and have kept Daisy Events running alongside ever since.  As work picks up more focus has been on building the profile, and providing a much more clarified service. Now Daisy Events has moved back to Milton Keynes, and is getting to know the local area.

Over the years Daisy Events has run some great events, from engagement parties, to weddings, to conferences.  Each one unique in its production, and in what we provide in terms of service.

Daisy Events is a consultancy based company. This sets us apart from a lot of "Planners" who provide more of a take over service. We work alongside the client so that they remain in control, but have access to the tools they need to get the job done.  If that means the need a take over service though, that is what we will provide.

Our first consultation is absolutely free. We get you to fill in a short questionnaire beforehand so we can get to know you a little beforehand.  This enables us to really get started as soon as we meet. The first consultation is all about finding out what your goals are, where your concerns lie, and then letting you know how we can help you. Email charlotte@daisyevents.co.uk now, and I will send out a Client Introduction Pack with more details.

So what's the plan?

Blogging is all new to me! Being the Type A personality that I am, I want to give it some structure. So, I have come up with a plan!

• Etiquette Mondays
• I will explore correct etiquette for events, and delve into where the customs come from.  I will give my take on these customs and share some ways to honour them whilst being more current.

• Wistful Wednesdays 
• Wednesdays will be my day to share what is on my mind, what I have been up to and what my upcoming plans are.

• Focus Friday 
• I will shine a light on vendors, venues, or people in the industry that I have worked with or find inspirational.  

Dispersed in between all the above will be Article Alerts for articles I have found interesting, monthly Top Tens on a variety of subjects, and anything else you request.

Let me know what you think.  Is there anything you would like to see/ read/ know?

Charlotte
xxx

Inspiration

The last two months have been some of the most inspirational I have experienced. What started as a project for my brother has turned into a complete relaunch of my events company, in my own locality.

I'm currently seeing inspiration everywhere I go. From dinner with my grandparents, to Facebook pages I have been in for years, to natures awesomeness. 

I am finding items, people and pictures which inspire me to create more, do more, and be more!

What inspires you?

New Year, New Location, New Venues!!!

Welcome to 2017!

With the New Year comes new beginnings.  Having run events in the London and greater London areas for the last 9 years, I took the decision towards the end of last year to move Daisy Events closer to home.  This will allow me the freedom to work with more clients, in more detail, and really get to know the area in which I live.

It feels like I am starting all over again at times, and in effect I am.  There are new Venues, new Vendors and a new Client market to conquer. Its no easy feat.

Venues have been my focus recently though, due to my brothers impending nuptials. I have a mighty list of potential venues, and have started my visits to some of them.  I have been pleasantly surprised by some, and disappointed by others.

As a planner, I look for a few essential things;

• Cleanliness of all areas - If they can't keep things clean on a standard day then I worry about big event days.
• Approach of all staff - Everyone from reception, to bar staff, to the event teams, represent the venues brand. As with cleanliness, if they have a poor approach on a normal day, how will they react when under stress?
• Flexibility with packages - Each event is unique.  I need to be able to find a venue that can accommodate my client.  The number of compromises they have to make should be kept to an absolute minimum.
• Flexibility of Space - The best venues are the ones that are not only flexible with their packages, but with the space too.  Being able to see the potential of all their own space, gives me great confidence that they will be able to see our vision for the event and bring something valuable to the table too.

All these things are important to me, as a planner.  If I can find these things, then the rest will fall in place around it.  I can organise vendors to counter almost anything else, but without the above things it becomes fruitless.

Creating the above list got me thinking about the things I ask my clients to consider when looking at venues;

• What is important to you - Aesthetics, price, flexibility, locality or services?
• What is the one thing you want to achieve - Is your event about the fun, alcohol, moments, or the extras you provide? 
• You may have a list of things from the above two points.  Be prepared to scrap or add to it when you start visiting venues.  Most people don't know what they like or dislike until they start looking a venues.
• Which leads me to my last point. Most venues will not be "ready to go".  There will be some décor, finishing touches and overall changes that need to be made. Be prepared to see past the current state of a room. Visualise the potential.

Having realistic expectations is the most important thing any client can take to any vendor meeting.  Be it Venues, music, flowers, or any of the plethora of aspects that come together to make an event perfect.  

Let me know what you think. How do you determine which vendors you want to work with? What things are important to you when looking at venues?

Charlotte

xxx

Hello and Welcome!

This is so exciting!  Over the past few weeks I have been re-branding and uplifting everything to do with Daisy Events.  Its been a busy time, but the effort is starting to pay off.  Please check out our Website, Facebook Page and Instagram site to see more on this.

I have run events in the Greater London area for years and am now concentrating my efforts locally to me in Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.  That's not to say I wont cover those areas, but I want to showcase the beauty that is local to me and so often overlooked.  It also gives me a chance to balance work and life much better, and lets be honest that is a goal for a lot of us.

The plan is that this blog will contain all sorts of things.  Some will be uplifting, some will be work updates, others useful hints and tips. If you have a request - let me know! 

I look forward to sharing my journey with you all! 

Charlotte @ Daisy Events