Inspiration—for 25 Years and Counting….

How do seasoned professionals stay inspired after years in the industry? 25-year industry veteran Frank Andonoplas, MWP™, shares his secrets.It’s hard to believe that this year I will have been in business 25 years. It seems time really does fly when you’re having fun! While we wedding professionals know our jobs can be fun, there are also many moments of frustration and stress. This can make staying inspired difficult.Throughout the years, colleagues ask how I stay inspired after years in the business when the wedding and event market changes so quickly. This is why it’s important to stay on top of trends. Here are the top ways I’ve learned to stay inspired as time passes:Peruse MagazinesBelieve it or not, some of us still subscribe and buy actual printed magazines! I don’t want to say I read each, but I do page through more than 24 magazines a month. From interior design to lifestyle, from food to fashion and, yes, obviously all of the wedding, event, and trade publications, I see ideas that I can tweak to fit events I’m planning. Make sure you are reading not only national magazines but local and international. Some of my favorite, not-obvious periodicals are Real Simple, Victoria, and Travel and Leisure. This is a great thing to do when you have your morning coffee or after-work cocktail.Stay Up-to-date on Fashion TrendsThe fashion industry dictates so much. See what styles designers are showing, and you will see this carried forward into the event world. These colors and styles show up in floral and linen, and their style (simple, diagonal lines, tight fits etc.) will then show up in event décor.Since we’re talking fashion, it’s important to know what is going on in the bridal fashion scene. In addition to reading local, national, and international bridal fashion magazines, attend the wedding and bridal markets. While I don’t sell wedding gowns, which is most of these types of show’s attendees, I sit in on several days of fashion shows. Usually, each designer will have informal modeling or even their own runway show. This way, we know what the trends will be for next year.Feast on All Things FoodThis is a vital part to any event. Read food magazines, follow food blogs, and watch the Food Network and Cooking Channel. Additionally, try new restaurants—something I love to do when I travel. Not only do I look at the taste of the food, but more importantly, I see how it’s presented, because, let’s face it, we eat with our eyes. If there is a new, hot restaurant in your local area, get there right after it opens. Clients love to know that you’re on top of these things. If you cannot afford to eat at the more expensive ones, go in for a cocktail and an appetizer at the bar. It will at least give you a good flavor of what this new eatery is all about.Attend ConferencesWhen I first started, there were only a few wedding and/or event conferences. Now, they are numerous. Find the one that works for you. I get so much out of Wedding MBA and the Special Event. I try to attend at least one every year. The Association of Bridal Consultants offers meetings and an annual conference, and you can explore Catersource, WIPA, and WeddingWire to name a few.Explore Trade ShowsNot only are these a great way to be on top of trends, but trade shows can be a great way to add income to your bottom line. You can sell veils, headpieces, favors, wedding accessories, jewelry, etc. But to do this, you must have a resale number to get into any trade show. You would need to apply for this in your state. Then (in addition to Bridal Market) head to the National Gift Market, Jewel and Gem Show, National Stationery Show, and The Party Show just to name a few. Keep in mind, these shows are large, and you might need more than a day just to walk the show floor. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a note pad, and a bag for information from the vendors.When I first started planning weddings, there were only a handful of wedding planners. Now, they are a dime a dozen. Many who call themselves the wedding planner/consultant/coordinators really are not. They have not done any training, they don’t know trends, and they don’t understand events. Many think because they were in a wedding and are on Pinterest that makes them a planner. It does not. Do your homework before hanging out your shingle. Make sure you train, do continuing education, and stay on top of current trends. Research as many vendors in your area as possible. Make these things all part of an ongoing process to stay inspired, so one day you, too, can say you’ve had 25 years in the industry and still love what you do! WPM