Q&A with Amanda Douglas Events
Hello!
It’s been a while since I’ve done a Q&A post because I’ve moved these over to do it live with you on Instagram and Facebook but I thought for those of you that would rather read than listen I’d convert these to written form as well.
If you want to watch (or listen while you’re cooking or driving) you can see the original Q&A video here on our Facebook.
Now to the questions!
Q: You mentioned randomly you eat organic and clear – tell me more!
A: I actually did a big chat about this – with all the links our farmers/growers – on our IG highlights (for Earth Day). You can find it under Mother Nature.
To recap a little we get all organic/naturally/pasture-raised animals from Manitoba Beef and Luna Field Farms. We get a CSA from Wild Earth Farms.
There are SO many things you can do to be good to this earth. Check out the highlight for some many thoughts from me and what I do to be good to myself and our earth.
Q: What does a typical day look like as an Event Planner?
A:
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- I wake up, check that I’ve prepped myself property for the day, make sure I didn’t forget anything if I’m going into the city (computer, cord, lunch, supper, ipad, rubber boots, paperwork, etc)
- I answer as many emails as I have time to (I usually send 1-2 hours on this)
- I go off to vendor meetings (site visits – hence the rubber boots, linen meetings, cake tastings, etc.)
- I go to my office and have a marathon day of client meetings (On those days I’m usually there 12pm – 10pm)
- I fit in more emails if I can (I usually have small gaps between meetings so I get to anything urgent)
- I pop on social media when I have some time (post a IG story, check what others are up to, post my pre-scheduled content)
- I check out trends and blogs to see if there’s anything new or up and coming my clients might like (It’s hard to fit this in sometimes but it’s important I’m always making sure I know what’s going on so I can bring great ideas and new vendors and options to my clients)
Now that’s a normal workday. An event day? Well, that’s a whole other blog post!
Q: Can I work for you? Ha ha.
A: Sure! Although, we’re not hiring right now. We post all our listenings on social media and also on this page on our website.
We also did a few blog posts on How to get a Job as a Planner, What I’ve Learned in the years of being an Event Planner and, What I wish I could have told my younger self about being an Event Planner.
Q: I hear Planners get better deals with vendors that brides do. What’s that about?
A: Our Preferred Vendors offer discounts to our clients as a thank you to us for bringing clients to them. We also study the industry and keep up to date on promos, sales, new vendors, and anything that we feel would be a good fit for any given client.
We do this every day all day. It’s our job to be in the know. We keep track of what’s happening and find things (likely) much quicker than you or can tell you instantly who to check out within your budget. With our Full Planning clients, we’re even more involved. We get their quotes and negotiate pricing as well.
No one is trying to be sneaky or not give you a good deal but it is our job as Event Planners to find those deals and help you navigate pricing, expectations and, of course, the budget.
Q: You seem REALLY busy. How do you manage such a busy work and life schedule? Any secrets?
A: This one is well worth listening on the video (At 31:18 in the video) – I can’t possibly type it all out. But I’ll give it a go:
- I am hyper-organized when I have to be but chill the heck out when it counts
- I take mini vacations (even a day where I’ve trained my mind to just shut off all things work and just fully be in the moment)
- I practice Cognitive offloading
- I Curate my schedule (you should see my Ical, it’s got all the colours!)
- Only 7 things on my to-do list on any given day (studies say any more than that and you’re setting yourself up to fail)
- Learn to listen to my body and mind and when they need something from me:
– Bath
– Wine
– A good book
– A good chat with a friend
– Vitamins - I have a thankfulness practice (Often when I’m driving I talk out loud and say what I’m thankful for that week or day. It’s VERY helpful and can redirect your mind and intentions)
Q: What advice do you give to a stressed-out Bride that doesn’t know where to start?
A: I always suggest that you start with these 5 vendors:
– Photo
– Video
– Catering/venue
– Event Planner/Coordinator
– Florist
I feel like I can’t say this enough: Hire your Planner/Coordinator first and early! They are your best friend and greatest resource in finding you the right vendors, helping you with timing and, guiding you through the process.
Even if clients only hire us for Month of Coordination we’re still available for questions and things they need in between meetings.
It’s ok if you wait if you’re not ready to hire us earlier in the process. If we have your date open we’re happy to take you on as a client at any point.
A couple of other suggestions:
– Set realistic expectations on your budget and your expectations from vendors
– Stone House Creative did some great blog posts on wedding flowers
– Budget can be one of the biggest stresses and what’s online isn’t helpful in telling you what to budget for which areas (these budgets aren’t from our market and each market/city is very different from the next). Make sure you work with your Wedding Planner to know what you really should be budgeting for each area of your wedding. We also did a great blog post on What Weddings Cost In Manitoba
Q: What is your fav detail of weddings that you get to help couples choose?
A: I LOVE getting to be a part of curating a personalized event through good food, paired with the right wine and, finished off with florals and great decor.
I know, a really simple answer but it’s true!
Guests might not remember the colour of the florals or the exact meal BUT they will remember how they felt; the mood or vibe of the event (i.e. “It was so warm and welcoming”, “It was relaxing like a night on a patio”, you get the idea). I don’t say this to say what you pick doesn’t matter. I’m saying this to say what you pick matters A LOT. All those things, all those personalized choices, and unique elements bring it all together to create exactly the atmosphere you want to have at your event.
Q: What are you most excited about your new house?
A: No boxes!! I feel like I just live with boxes. I’m also SO looking forward to the sunsets, our wood stove, and putting up ALL sorts of artwork.
Q: Is vintage still trendy?
A: Here in Manitoba we’re a bit slow to grab new trends and we tend to hold on to trends longer. Vintage has been “out of trend” for a few years now. If you’re still loving the style I’d suggest going a bit more garden fresh or vineyard inspired in your theme. Take away the stack of books and mason jars and bring in the greenery and wildflower look. Ditch the blush and bring in light blues, greys or, champagne tones.
When we’re designing an event we want our clients to be able to look back in a few years and still feel great about it and see the timelessness of it. If you’re still a little stuck we did a couple of blog posts on event design that I think you’ll find helpful.
Q: What are you most excited about for summer?
A: SO many things! My veggie garden and all the flower I’m growing (it’s been a few years developing it), seeing a very large dream come true (our new house) and, of course, our client’s weddings. We have amazing clients that are so excited, happy and, thankful to get to have weddings with all their family and friends. And I’m so thankful I get to be a part of it all!
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: Oh man, I’m always eating a couple of books at the same time! Biz book: Start with Why, fun read: The Wedding, a sort of self-help meets laugh your ass off: Furiously Happy.
