Project 3:

Business Planning:

Plan Your Grand Opening

By: Leah Rapaport

Grand Opening

The Event Boutique will be partnering with the W Atlanta Midtown hotel to hosts The Event Boutique’s Grand Opening.

By partnering with the W Atlanta Midtown I am able to show case the hotel as a venue option, catering option, or a hotel for out of town guests. The hotel will provide cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

I will also partner with a linen company, photographer, florist, bakery, and DJ. I will only use one of each as to not make my vendors feel uncomfortable.

The linen company will provide the table cloths for high-boys and large round tables. This would be a great opportunity to the linen company (most likely BBJ Linen) to show off some of their new linens and to give discounts for any bride or groom who come to the open house on their linens. BBJ also provide chargers, which they can bring to show off all their rental items.

The florist will be able to provide the center pieces for the table. I would partner with Boukate’s as the florist in Atlanta and she will give away one of her center pieces to a lucky bride or groom.

The photographer can set up a table to display his/her photos they can also set up a photo both to show other things they are capable of.

Grand Opening Timeline

10:30 – Venue is all set and ready and all vendors are at the hotel.

10:45 – DJ starts to play music, food and drive service is ready for attendee arrivals. Make sure photo booth is ready and photographer is ready to start taking pictures.

11:00 – Couples start to arrive, mingle, and see other vendors. As couples arrive they will receive five raffle tickets for prizes from vendors. They will also receive a packet provided by The Event Boutique with all the vendors who are all at the Grand Opening event, Leah’s biography, business card, and Wedding Planning Package information.

11:30 – Leah thanks everyone for coming and makes opening remarks:

“Thank you for coming to The Event Boutiques Grand Opening! The Event Boutique is inspired by your love story to create an unforgettable event that you will remember for a lifetime. My passion is working with a couple to turn their dreams into reality whether it be a DIY project or booking vendors, every couple is different and every event is uniquely yours.”

11:40 – First raffle give away after opening remarks.

12:00 – Have three couples volunteer to play a Newly Weds game. This will be done by the DJ. Make sure all volunteers receive a prize.

12:30 – Newly Wed Game is over. Make sure to meet all couples and gather information before attendees start to leave and make sure that everyone signed-in and supplied contact information.

TTThhheee EEEvvveeennnttt BBBooouuutttiiiqqquuueee Mission Statement

The Event Boutique is inspired by your love story to create an unforgettable event that you will remember for a lifetime. My passion is working with a couple to turn their dreams into reality whether it be a DIY project or booking vendors, every couple is different and every event is uniquely yours.

For Immediate Release

Leah Rapaport leah@theeventboutique.com 404-213-0806

Wedding Planning Open House Meet and Greet with The Event Boutique

Atlanta, GA – March 2, 2013 --- Leah Rapaport, a certified wedding planner professional and owner of The Event Boutique in the Atlanta area, is hosting an open house at the W Atlanta Midtown from 11am – 1pm for all engaged couples in the area to offer a complimentary consulting session and introduce couples to other Atlanta vendors to help plan their special day.

The Event Boutique is partnering with the W Atlanta Midtown to help engaged couples meet other wedding vendors, such as photographers, DJs, and florists. There will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to be served as well as prices and gifts for couples.

Leah Rapaport has been working in the event planning industry since 2012 and enjoys helping couples make their dream wedding into a reality no matter the budget. “Not all couples know where to start when planning their special day, that is where I come in to help make your dreams a reality and point couples in the right direction,” says Leah. The Event Boutique is inspired by each couples love story to create a one-of-a-kind event. “My passion is working with a couple to turn their dreams into reality whether it be a DIY project or booking vendors, ever couple is different and every event is uniquely yours,” Leah says.

Come meet Leah Rapaport, owner of The Event Boutique, on March 2nd at the W Atlanta Midtown to start planning your dream wedding.

For more information contact: Leah Rapaport, (phone number) or leah@theeventboutique.com.

TTThhheee EEEvvveeennnttt BBBooouuutttiiiqqquuueee 30-second Sound Bite

Hello, I am Leah Rapaport, Wedding Planning Expert for The Event Boutique. I am having a Grand Opening at the W Atlanta Midtown on 14th Street, Saturday, March 2nd from 11 - 1 to promote my wedding planning knowledge and introduce engaged couples to some of the best vendors in the area. We will be giving away prizes and will have small bites to enjoy. Please contact Leah at leah@theeventboutique.com or visit our website www.theeventboutique.com. I hope to see you there!

Grand Opening Welcome Packet to all attendees

Biography

The Event Boutique Description

Wedding Packages

Wedding Party Checklist

TTThhheee EEEvvveeennnttt BBBooouuutttiiiqqquuueee About Leah Rapaport:

Leah earned a wedding planning certification through Lovegevity’s Wedding Planning

Institute at Kennesaw State University. She has a Bachelors Degree in Mass

Communication with a concentration in Public Relations from Georgia College and State

University.

Leah started her career in Event technology sales working with some of the best hotels

in the Atlanta Area. While working full time she was also a Day of Wedding Coordinator

for We Tie The Knots – Georgia. While working with We Tie the Knots, Leah has gained

experience as a Wedding Planner and working with many couples. She has gained a

relationship with many top vendors in the Atlanta area and is happy to help you create

your dream day.

After a year of helping many friends plan their dream day, she has started her full time

career as an Event planner.

During Leah’s four years of college, she planned many events through her sorority and

campus organizations. She has experience with luncheons, conferences, banquets, and

special events. She completed an Event Services Internship in Nashville, Tn. at the

Hutton Hotel. Through the internship she gained relationships with some of the top

event planners and vendors in the Nashville area.

TTThhheee EEEvvveeennnttt BBBooouuutttiiiqqquuueee As a Boutique Event Company, Leah prides herself on giving each client her full

attention to coordinate everything from intimate dinner parties to exceptional

receptions to dream weddings and to corporate events.

The Event Boutique provides their clients with a one-of-a-kind event for every budget.

Leah will use her event design skills to help create your idea of a perfect event for any

occasion.

TTThhheee EEEvvveeennnttt BBBooouuutttiiiqqquuueee The Event Boutique offers a wide variety of event services to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

We believe that no client fits into a perfect package and will create a boutique service with you in mind. Contact The Event Boutique today for your free initial consultation.

Pricing is based on:

• Where you currently are in your event planning process • How many consultations are needed • Specific Service Requirements (RSVP Management, Rehearsal Dinner Coordination, Day of Coordination, Budget

Management, Event Décor Design, etc.) • Destination Event • Number of guest • Budget

Other Services:

• Bridal Showers • Engagement Parties • Anniversary Parties • Holiday Parties • Family Reunions • Corporate Events

Please note that The Event Boutique requires 50% deposit up front and the other 50% is due two weeks prior to your wedding date.

TTThhheee EEEvvveeennnttt BBBooouuutttiiiqqquuueee Wedding Party Checklist

Maid of Honor

Bridesmaids’

Best Man

Head Usher’s

Groomsmen and Ushers’

Mother of the Bride

Father of the Bride

Mother of the Groom

Father of the Groom

Flower Girl

Ring Bearer

Maid of Honor

• Helps the bride select bridesmaids’ attire • Helps address invitations and place cards • Attends as many prenuptial events as possible • Organizes bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an individual gift to the

couple • Makes sure that all the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer are at

fittings, the rehearsal, and the ceremony on time • Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner • Walks in processional and recessional • Holds the groom’s wedding ring • Helps with the bride’s gown • Arranges the bride’s veil and train before the processional and recessional • Makes sure the bride’s gown is “picture perfect” throughout the day • Holds the bride’s bouquet during the ceremony • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate • Stands in the receiving line • Keeps the bride on schedule • Helps the bride change into her going away clothes • Takes care of the bride’s gown and accessories after the reception • Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding

Bridesmaids’

• Assist the Maid of Honor as requested • Attend as many prenuptial events as possible • Possibly host or co-host a party or shower (optional) • Assist the bride with errands • Contribute to bridesmaids’ gift to the bride. Usually gives an individual gift to the

couple • Are expected to attend the rehearsal and are included at the rehearsal dinner • Arrive at dressing site promptly • Walk in processional and recessional • Possibly participate in receiving line • Dance with ushers and single male guests • Help gather guests for the first dance, cake cutting, and bouquet toss • Participate in bouquet toss, if single • Look after the couple’s elderly relatives or friends • Pays for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding

Best Man

• Organizes a pre-wedding party for the groom • Coordinates the ushers’ gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the

couple • Is expected to attend the rehearsal and is included in the rehearsal dinner • Gets the groom dressed and to the ceremony on time • Makes sure the groom’s wedding related expenses are prepared (Officiant fee,

tips, etc.) • Makes sure the groom has the marriage license with him • Delivers any payment toe Officiant, sexton, and ceremony musician(s), as

prearranged • Enters the sanctuary with the groom • Takes care of and holds the bride’s wedding ring • Makes sure all ushers and properly attired and in place on time • Walks in the recessional • Witnesses the signing of the marriage certificate • Drives the bride and groom to reception, if no driver is hired • Helps welcome guests at reception • Offers first toast to bride and groom at reception • Dances with the bride, maid of honor, mothers, and single female guests • Helps the groom get ready for the honeymoon • Gathers up and takes care of groom’s wedding clothes after he changes • Has a car ready for the bride and groom to leave the reception or perhaps drives

them to their next destination

Head Usher’s

• Expected to attend the rehearsal and is included at the rehearsal dinner • Receives any lists of guests who are to be seated in a specific pew and is aware

of the importance and sequence of seating special guests, such as the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom

• Makes sure that programs, if used, are handed to guests when they are seated • Makes sure that people who are designated to receive special flowers or

corsages do, if the flowers have not been delivered to the recipients beforehand • Checks that all ushers are dressed properly and wearing their boutonnieres on

the left side, stem down • Makes sure that the ushers know how to usher: how to greet guests, how to

offer an arm to a single woman guest, and how to precede a couple to their seats

• Helps gather the wedding party for photographs either before or after the ceremony and ensures that transportation arrangements have been made for all members of the wedding party to and from the ceremony

• Completes entire Groomsmen and Ushers Checklist, as needed

Groomsmen and Ushers’

• Participate in party for the groom, if there is one • Contribute to the ushers’ gift to the groom. Usually gives an individual gift to the

couple • Expected to attend the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner • Review any special seating situations with the head usher before the ceremony

begins • Greets guests as they arrive • Seat the eldest women first if a group of guests arrive simultaneously • Ask guests whether they are to be seated on the bride’s side or the groom’s side • Offer their right arm to female guests (with the guest’s escort walking behind) or

ask couples to follow behind (leading couple to their seat) • Walk to the left side of a male guest • Hand each guest a program when they are seated • Put the aisle runner in place after guests are seated and before the processional

begins • Know the order of seating per tradition such as special guests, grandmothers of

the bride and groom, and bride’s mother last • Remove pew ribbons, one row at a time, after the ceremony • Close windows and check pews for programs or articles left behind after the

ceremony • Are prepared to direct guests to the reception site (having extra maps available,

if used) • Dance with bridesmaids and other guests at the reception • Look after elderly relatives or friends • Participate in garter ceremony, if there is one, and encourage other single men

to participate • Coordinate return of rented apparel with head usher or best man • Pay for own wedding attire and transportation to the wedding

Mother of the Bride

• Hosts an engagement party (the bride’s family traditionally gets the first opportunity)

• Helps couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions • Usually contributes to the wedding budget • Assists the bride in putting together the family’s guest list • Offers suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions • May help bride to shop for wedding gown and accessories • Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the groom about

formality) • Along with the maid of honor and bridesmaids, may plan and host bridal shower • On wedding day help bride to get ready • May accompany daughter and husband to ceremony • Walk in recessional with husband following wedding party • Greet guests in receiving line • May be announced along with husband • Sits in an honored place at parent’s table • May assist with coordinating vendors • May host a post-wedding brunch

Father of the Bride

• Hosts an engagement party (the bride’s family traditionally gets the first opportunity)

• Helps couple to decide on sites or assists in making other big planning decisions • Usually contributes to the wedding budget • May select hotel for out of town guests and reserve a block of reduced rate

rooms • Rents own formalwear (work with couple to coordinate with wedding party) • Helps pick up out-of-town guests from airport. May also arrange transportation

to and from the wedding • Typically travels to ceremony with the bride • Walks daughter down the aisle • Gives the bride away during the ceremony • Escorts the mother of the bride out following the wedding party • Greets guests in the receiving line • May be announced with wife at reception • May make a welcoming speech • Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table • Toasts the newlyweds after the best man makes his speech and the groom

responds • Dances with the bride • May take care of vendor balances at the end of the reception

Mother of the Groom

• Contacts the mother of the bride if the families are not acquainted (or plans a celebration if you have met)

• Attends (first) engagement party if the bride’s family hosts one • Along with husband, may host an additional engagement party for the groom’s

side of the family • Usually contributes to wedding budget • May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions • Helps group to put together family’s guest list • Offers suggestions for special family or ethnic ceremony traditions • May help bride shop for her wedding gown • Chooses own wedding day outfit (may consult with mother of the bride about

formality) • Along with husband, plans and hosts the rehearsal dinner • Escorted out following the wedding party and the bride’s parents • Greets guests in the receiving line • May be announced with husband at the reception • Sits in an honored place at the parent’s table • Does mother-son dance with groom • Attends post wedding brunch (if held)

Father of the Groom

• Attends (first) engagement party, if the bride’s family hosts one • Along with wife, may host an additional engagement party for groom’s side of

the family • Along with wife, may contribute to the wedding budget • May help couple decide on sites and/or make other big planning decisions • Rents own formalwear (after talking with couple to coordinate with wedding

party); attends fittings as needed • Along with wife, plans rehearsal dinner • May travel to ceremony with the groom and the best man • May escort wife to her sear right before the mother of the bride is seated • Escorts mother of the groom out after wedding party and bride’s parents • Greets guests in the receiving line • May be announced with wife • May make a welcoming speech • Sits at an honored place at the parent’s table • May toast the newlyweds • May settle final bills with wedding vendors • Attends or hosts post-wedding brunch

Flower Girl

• Dress and accessories should be paid for by her family • Attends the rehearsal although she usually does not attend the rehearsal dinner • In the processional, walks alone directly before the bride and her father • Often scatters petals from a basket she holds, although this is sometimes too

overwhelming a responsibility for a young girl to manage in front of a large group of people. It is usually easier for her to carry either a small basket of flowers or a tiny nosegay of flowers similar to those carried to those carried by the bridesmaids

• In the recessional, walks with the ring bearer, directly behind the couple • The bride may hire a babysitter or ask one of the bridesmaids to look after the

flower girl, to be in charge of checking her appearance and making sure she is present for formal pictures, helping her manage her food at the reception, and escorting her to the ladies room

Ring Bearer

• His attire should be paid for by his family • Attends the rehearsal although he usually does not attend the rehearsal dinner • He immediately precedes the flower girl in the processional • Carries either the actual rings or a facsimile of the rings (often a practical idea),

on a white velvet or satin cushion. If the rings are genuine, they should be fastened to the cushion with a very thin thread or placed over a firmly fixed hatpin. The best man takes the rings from the cushion at the right moment

• Walks with the flower girl in the recessional, directly behind the bride and groom • The bride may hire a babysitter or ask one of the ushers to look after the ring

bearer, to be in charge of checking his appearance, making sure he is present for formal pictures, helping him manage his food at the reception, and escorting him to the men’s room