08:09:27 PM melagirl:I'd like to introduce Ms. Mayai Chatman, author of "I Do"...Weddings - A Guide to Starting Your Own Wedding Consulting Business
08:10:03 PM wednday:Good evening everyone, thank you for joining me for a chit chat
08:10:06 PM melagirl:share her thoughts on what it takes to start a successful consulting business.  
08:12:04 PM wednday:Tonight's discussion will be on the following:  Why do you want to be a Wedding Consultant, Will this be a full or part-time business for you, where will your business be based, at home or in an office, will you work alone, or have a staff to support you?
08:12:43 PM sunworshipper:will you discuss your book too?
08:13:14 PM wednday:Yes
08:14:13 PM wednday:We will also discuss a business plan if time permitting
08:15:06 PM sunworshipper:will give a definition or description of exactly what a wedding planner does?
08:15:39 PM danilove:Sounds fantastic how do we start?
08:16:41 PM wednday:There are many reasons why people want to go into the wedding business:  recently got married, you love going to weddings, you think if you get a separate phone line, some business cards and an answering machine that you'll be a success.  Perhaps, but it will take a lot of HARD work.
08:18:16 PM wednday:The main reason why you should want to start the business - you just simply love weddings.  Weddings should be your focus and passion first.
08:18:41 PM sunworshipper:is it a profitable enterprise?
08:19:32 PM wednday:Before you get started you will need to ask yourself a couple of questions.
08:20:40 PM wednday:Do I have self-discipline to maintain schedules? Am I a self-starter?  Do I have space in my home to run the business for those who are thinking about running the business from home.
08:21:53 PM sunworshipper:why are those questions significant?  Can you explain?
08:22:08 PM wednday:Yes, the business can be a profitable enterprise depending on how well you run your business and if there is a demand in your area
08:22:57 PM sunworshipper:how do you determine demand?  Don't people get married everywhere?
08:23:14 PM wednday:The questions are significant because you have to be a self started if you are going to plan a wedding or else the wedding might not get planned like want it
08:24:03 PM sunworshipper:hmmm....  I'm not sure I follow the self-start point.
08:24:30 PM wednday:Yes people get married all over the world, however some people may want a simple wedding that may require just going to the court house which will not require someone planning details
08:25:06 PM sunworshipper:aren't courthouse weddings the exception rather than the rule?
08:25:55 PM wednday:You will need to consult with an attorney first to find out if there are any laws that may affect your business
08:27:12 PM sunworshipper:ok on the attorney
08:27:52 PM wednday:In addition, there are registration fees in some states.  In NY you will need to get a business certificate, your business name may need to be registered with the state, you may have to get a sales tax number, for sure a separate phone line if your are planning to run from your home,
08:29:03 PM sunworshipper:How did you get started?
08:30:21 PM wednday:I also recommend that you volunteer to plan weddings to get training, attend bridal shows, join a professional association, read bridal and trendy publication, make contacts with bridal suppliers who deliver products/services that are of quality and on time performance, take time management and organizational courses, take business and wedding related courses at college
08:31:20 PM lollipop:Hi everyone
08:31:36 PM lollipop:I tried to reach home in time ti chat with you
08:32:02 PM melagirl:hello new comers, please join the chat. mayai is offering suggestions now
08:32:48 PM wednday:After planning my wedding eight years ago, every family and friend's wedding and not to mentioned that I used to plan theme parties in grade school, the rest is history
08:33:18 PM lollipop:I'm getting married June 30, 2001 and I had a hard time finding afrocentric items on the net
08:33:41 PM sunworshipper:hi Imani
08:33:42 PM lollipop:Is evryone one in here married/
08:33:49 PM lollipop:Hi imani
08:33:58 PM wednday:Hello Imani and lollipop
08:34:00 PM danilove:I want to be a wedding coordinator... I have great organization skills and a love no a passion for the field.  Unfortunately I have never planned a wedding
08:34:12 PM Imani:hi all
08:34:36 PM danilove:How do  I convince someone that I am the right person for the job?  I have recently joined a bridal assn.
08:35:10 PM lollipop:I planned my entire wedding and enjoyed doing it but here in the islands there aren't any bridal association
08:35:22 PM sunworshipper:In the islands?
08:35:27 PM wednday:Type of Business 2/3 of business is spent out of the office planning and 1/3 inside the office consulting with the couple and suppliers
08:35:34 PM lollipop:St. Thomas Virgin Islands
08:36:33 PM danilove:Yes but how does one find these couples and get them to entrust this, the most important day in their lives, to someone who does not have prior experience in it.
08:36:38 PM melagirl:what is the first step you recommend someone take who wants to start their own business?
08:36:56 PM lollipop:Right now it's peak season
08:37:15 PM lollipop:How do you market yourself.
08:37:16 PM wednday:Imani and Lollipop were just discussing how to get started, asking if the business is going to be full-time or part-time, where will the business be based - home or office, will you work alone, or have a staff support you
08:37:32 PM lollipop:Home and work alone
08:37:35 PM Imani:what's the current conversation topic
08:38:05 PM danilove:I missed out on that  - home and alone to start but plan to expand to an office and staff in a year or two
08:38:30 PM lollipop:How do you obtain those invitations albums
08:38:53 PM wednday:Danilove - you will first have to get your feet wet by doing volunteer work for family and friends.  Once you start doing good weddings the rest will be history because will be able to make a portfolio and showcase your work
08:40:11 PM danilove:I have "practiced" with family and friends but mainly on theme parties, travel iteneraries (activities) and such but weddings are a little more difficult.
08:40:28 PM danilove:I don't know anyone that is getting married.
08:41:03 PM danilove:most of my acquainted are married already
08:41:17 PM wednday:Lollipop - call the company up and request for them to send you one, the may be found on line and most likely the company will ask you for a resale number.
08:41:51 PM lollipop:What is a resale number? I'm new to this
08:42:04 PM danilove:How can i go about apprenticing myself (sorry if its misspelled) to other consultants, or will they see that as "future competition".
08:42:21 PM wednday:Yes weddings are unique, try to join a professional association so that you could get a mentor and perhaps work with them
08:42:24 PM danilove:sorry I mean apprenticing
08:42:59 PM sunworshipper:Lollipop resale licenses may not be required in the Virgin Islands.  You have to research it.  
08:44:35 PM lollipop:Business license is a must in St. Thomas
08:44:59 PM lollipop:So I must have a resale license
08:45:15 PM wednday:You could go about apprenticing by sending a consultant your resume and requesting to work for them on a volunteer basis during the their peak time which is usually April- October
08:45:27 PM danilove:Sounds great
08:45:30 PM lollipop:Do you think I should just start out selling invites?
08:45:30 PM Imani:what's the current conversation topic
08:46:28 PM danilove:As a consultant do you offer other services or is simply Consulting, Coordinating and direction
08:46:31 PM wednday:Check with the IRS and your business lawyer regarding the resale number.  I know in NY state you need one.  You can get the information in your telephone book usually in the blue pages
08:47:00 PM danilove:Imani, the topic is starting your own wedding consulting business etc.
08:47:09 PM lollipop:What did you start out doing?
08:48:17 PM wednday:I offer planning, coordination, theme design, every and anything that deals with the planning part of the wedding
08:49:21 PM lollipop:So you suggest what colors for flowers and stuff like that and what favors they should go with
08:49:24 PM wednday:You won't believe what you will be challenged with as a Wedding Consultant.  It takes a lot of research.  Example - my latest project is planning a wedding on a tennis court
08:49:40 PM danilove:Do you know if there are bridal shows and/or magazines targeted for African-American brides
08:49:59 PM lollipop:That is unusual
08:50:16 PM danilove:Wow that sounds like quite a challenge but it's things like that that makes this line of business great it is anything but dull
08:50:16 PM lollipop:I did  a search and couldn't find one
08:50:41 PM lollipop:is tennis their theme
08:51:51 PM lollipop:Do you work with designers?
08:51:59 PM wednday:That is just it - Tennis is not their theme.  The couple just  wants to have the wedding at their home
08:52:46 PM wednday:I will be able to continue the chat for another 15 minutes if you would like
08:53:09 PM lollipop:okay I got it so you have  to decorate this tennis court and come up wit h ideas
08:53:26 PM wednday:Yes I work with designers - dress, floral, cake
08:53:46 PM wednday:You got it - lollipop
08:53:56 PM lollipop:Have you ever work with Therez Fleetwood?
08:54:22 PM wednday:Sunworshipper are you still with us
08:54:28 PM sunworshipper:I'm here
08:55:11 PM lollipop:She is an African American designer she did my wedding dress her designs can be seen on the knot
08:55:39 PM lollipop:I love weddings but I just don't know what to start out doing
08:55:54 PM danilove:I know what you mean lollipop
08:56:07 PM lollipop:I was thinking just invites and wedding programs
08:56:07 PM wednday:What is your AA designer's name? Lollipop
08:56:32 PM lollipop:Therez  Fleetwood
08:56:55 PM wednday:Thank you, I'll make sure to check her out
08:57:06 PM lollipop:Nigerian Fabrics and fashion is doing my fiance's and entire wedding party attire
08:57:23 PM danilove:Did I read somewhere that you are a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants
08:57:32 PM wednday:Nigerian Fabrics are EXCELLENT
08:57:39 PM lollipop:I met her and Emmanuel for Nigerian fabrics and fashion
08:58:06 PM wednday:Yes I am member of ABC
08:58:18 PM lollipop:So do you charge them just for your services?
08:58:33 PM wednday:Excuse me - Yes I am a member of ABC
08:58:44 PM lollipop:I really want to get started that is why I'm asking all these questions
08:59:16 PM wednday:Yes, my clients are charged for planning, coordination and supervision the day of
08:59:28 PM danilove:I finally convinced myself to join.
08:59:56 PM sunworshipper:do you charge by the hour or is there a "project" fee?
09:00:55 PM lollipop:good question sun
09:01:06 PM wednday:Well lollipop if you really want to get to started make the library your second home, tape the wedding story on TLC (you log on tvguide.com to find the listing), do a lot of research, find a good mentor, attend bridal shows, and join a professional organization
09:01:17 PM wednday:both
09:01:32 PM lollipop:So you don't make anything for the wedding just find vendors for the wedding
09:01:57 PM wednday:I charge flat rates and hourly rates
09:02:13 PM danilove:Bridal shows as an attendee or a vendor
09:02:13 PM lollipop:There aren't any bridal shows in St. Thomas like that
09:02:30 PM lollipop:This is a small island
09:02:55 PM sunworshipper:hey lollipop, what about a renew your vows consulting business?
09:03:02 PM wednday:I subcontract vendors for the wedding, interview vendors, and most of all supervise the vendors to ensure that every detail is carried out on the day of
09:03:20 PM lollipop: okay
09:03:34 PM danilove:How important is it to offer other services within a wedding consulting business?
09:03:45 PM lollipop:So you sometimes negotiate a cheaper price for the bride with the vendors
09:04:36 PM danilove:There are so many wedding consultants here that offer everything including the kitchen sink that the actual consulting is kind of an after thought like: "oh yeah we also coordinate".
09:06:11 PM wednday:Well perhaps you could do something like honeymoon weddings
09:08:27 PM wednday:Danilove - I really don't think that is important to offer additional services.   The main thing is to offer quality service that the bride and groom wants not need
09:08:33 PM lollipop:Nice chatting with you ladies have a good night
09:09:12 PM wednday:Thank you all for joining me - goodnight
09:09:43 PM danilove:Goodnight I hope we chat again soon
09:10:22 PM melagirl:Thank you for coming!
09:10:27 PM danilove:One more question, how extensive should one's knowledge of fashion be in this line of work?
09:12:38 PM melagirl:Please check your mailboxes for the next scheduled chat with Mayai, we will add it to the African Wedding Guide
09:13:49 PM sunworshipper:good night... I enjoyed it.
09:16:28 PM melagirl:thanks mayai
 
 
09:17:38 PM JC:Sorry I missed the chat, will read the transcript tomorrow
09:18:22 PM melagirl:JC, were you interested in the wedding consulting chat?
09:18:38 PM wednday:Please e-mail at wednday@msn.com if you any questions.  I'll answered up to three questions, and if your order my book using paypal.com I will give you a discount of $5 which will make the total price of $25 free shipping and handling
09:19:08 PM JC:Very much so!
09:20:04 PM wednday:Good evening and have a happy wedding planning season
09:22:23 PM JC:Is there another chat planned?
09:22:25 PM melagirl:thank you Mayai! JC, please be sure to join our next chat scheduled in May with Mayai.
09:22:40 PM melagirl:we don't have a date yet, but it should be in April or May, actually
09:22:54 PM melagirl:please check the AWG site at melanet.com/awg for details in the near future
09:23:44 PM JC:Thanks!  Goodnight