TYLER SPEIER EVENTS
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Tyler Speier
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Event Coordination
    • Event Design
    • Floral Design & Production
    • Corporate Events
  • Portfolio
  • Press
  • Education
  • Contact
  • Blog

The Blog

EDUCATION & ADVICE
Real Weddings
Lifestyle & Entertaining

East Coast Meets West Coast Black Tie Wedding at Rancho Dos Pueblos

6/24/2020

0 Comments

 
Kelsey and Justin had an “East Coast Meets West Coast” affair at the iconic Rancho Dos Pueblos on the Santa Barbara coast.  This wedding was just featured on Style Me Pretty - I am so excited to share these images with you!  

Here is a link to the Style Me Pretty Feature.

Kelsey, a New Yorker, and Justin, a Californian, wanted to celebrate their love with their family and friends - bringing everyone together from around the country to celebrate!  We worked closely as a team to design a beautiful wedding that captured the elegance of the east coast and the laid back California vibes.  
​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​Kelsey wore a timeless sheer long sleeve bridal gown   Her bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in silver.  We created their bouquets with textured white blooms and lots of eucalyptus, which grows locally in Santa Barbara.  
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
The traditional Jewish ceremony was held on a bluff overlooking the ocean.  Guests were greeted with welcome drinks, customized yamakas, and pashminas.  A vintage Mercedes brought Kelsey and her parents to the ceremony to come down the aisle.  We designed a custom-built chuppah with beautiful chiffon draping and abundant flowers.  I love the traditions in the Jewish ceremony - especially when the parents stand with the couple under the chuppah.  ​
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Cocktail hour took place on the beach.  The signature cocktails were an “east coast” a greyhound with a bubbly twist and a “west coast” a refreshing cucumber margarita  reminiscent of Santa Barbara.  The appetizer menu was also so fun, including roasted corn and poblano empanadas, brie and truffle honey grilled cheese, and grilled shrimp skewers.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
After an incredible sunset by the ocean, guests went to the barn for an incredible evening of dinner and dancing.  The barn was draped in natural linen.  Guests got their hand-lettered escort cards out of boxes with lavender, and then found their seats at mismatched tables with velvet or exposed wood.  Abundant flowers adorned the tree in the barn and the wooden tables, and tall arrangements with greenery were created on the tables with velvet linens.  All of the little details were so amazing - from the coordinated bathroom amenities to the flip flops available for guests, each guest was so well taken care of!  The love in the room was so tangible - such a memorable celebration with such an amazing group of people.  It was truly an honor to be a part of it.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
The Team that made it all happen...

Coordinator/Florist: Tyler Speier
Venue:  Dos Pueblos Ranch 
Rentals:The Tent Merchant
Specialty Rentals:Elan Event Rentals
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Linens: La Tavola
Catering: Omni Catering
Photographer: Natalie Bray 
DJ/Band: American Events Network
Transportation: Jump on the School Bus
Specialty Car: Santa Barbara Speedster
Bathroom and Trash Pickup: Marborg Industries
Hair/Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup
Calligraphy: Jessica Yee Calligraphy
Custom Chuppah: Event Planting 
Dessert: 
Enjoy Cupcakes
Officiate: Rabbi Janice Mehring
0 Comments

My First Wedding Ever.

5/21/2020

0 Comments

 
It was the summer after I graduated from high school.  Two of my friends announced they were getting married - they had just graduated from college, and they were excited to plan a little wedding.  They had $1,000 in their budget.  When they approached me and asked if I would make their special day come to life, I was so excited!  I had always loved hosting parties, being creative, and doing flowers.  This was an amazing opportunity!
Picture
Photos by Naomi Ruth Duncan
It was a hot summer day in LA.  Taylor (my wife, who at the time was my girlfriend) came to help me bring the wedding to life.  We used a tetherball pole to suspend bistro lights and create a “tent” of lights.  We covered old youth group couches with white sheets from Ross to have soft seating for guests.  Daisies and Baby’s breath were arranged in jam jars and placed around.  Guests brought dessert potluck items.  A friend took pictures, a friend played music.  It was a reception full of warmth, personality, joy, and love.  

At that wedding, two of the guests asked me to plan their weddings.  I said yes.

By word of mouth, my freshman year of college, I ended up planning 14 weddings.  No joke.
​

It was just a side-job so I could support myself through school.  I had no idea it would become my career one day.  I am so thankful that I said yes to the opportunity when it came up. We all start somewhere, and reflecting on how far I’ve come is pretty amazing.  From a $1,000 wedding to a $1,000,000 wedding, it has been quite the adventure! ​
Picture
0 Comments

3 Things Event Professionals Can Work on While Events are on Hold due to Coronavirus

5/14/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
This spring, I’ve had so much time to reflect on where I’ve been, where we are now, and where we are going.  While I’m missing being “in the field,” producing beautiful events and traveling around the world to partner with some amazing companies, I’m thankful for the time I’ve had at home.  And thankful for the time I’ve had to really invest on the “back-end” of my business.
I’ve had a “never-ending” To-do list for years.  I’ve always wanted to re-do my accounting system, work with an HR professional to “tighten” up my employee practices, and re-visit the systems I have in place in my business.  As entrepreneurs, we often don’t have the luxury of taking time away from the craziness of life to really invest administrative time into our companies.  During wedding season, our main focus is bringing amazing events to life, supporting our clients who are getting married in the coming months, and bringing on new clients as they inquire.  And even during the off season, we are often focused on marketing strategies, corporate projects, networking, and preparing for the year. 
Picture
Picture
With COVID-19 shutting down life as we know it, it has definitely been really challenging.  There have been some really hard days.  But, there have also been some really good, productive days.  I am confident that when I look back on this time, I will see how me, my family, my team, and my business came out stronger. 
Here are some of the things that I’ve been focusing on.  If you are a fellow event professional reading this, some of these may apply to you, and some may not, but I hope you can find some inspiration on things you may want to work on! 
  1. Brand Check.  Google Yourself! See what comes up.  Are you consistent across all social media platforms and web profiles?  Me and my team went through all of the search results to ensure our profiles were up-to-date.  There were several profiles on various wedding websites that I hadn’t looked at in years - we went through and updated our images, videos, and text to ensure our brand was consistent across a web search.   
  2. Work on your Internal Admin Systems: Contracts, Accounting, Payroll, Employee Documents, Internal Policies, etc.  I went through each folder I have on my computer and ensured they are organized.  I deleted files I didn’t need, made sure other files were properly labeled and categorized, and work on administrative tasks that I seem to never have time for.  This part isn’t the most fun, but having a strong system in place on the back-end leads to a much smoother workflow on the front-end.   
  3. Dream!  I’ve had specific two ideas floating around in my mind for over a year, but I’ve kept them on the back-burner since I didn’t have time.  Well friends, we have the gift of time.  I’ve been intentionally setting a timer and working on these ideas every work day for a set amount of time (or more, if I feel inspired).  It can sometimes take a lot of work to bring a new idea, a new business, or a new model to life.  Invest the time now while you have it to dream about your next big steps - so when things open up again, you are ready to achieve that dream.
Picture
Every event professional has lost clients and income during this crazy time.  It’s ok to grieve those losses.  I had some wedding designs in particular (and three international trips planned) that I was especially proud of and excited about.  Those are all delayed at this time, and even when they happen in the future, they may look differently.  Rather than be stuck in the loss, invest this time to build your future.  Make it better.  Make it what you want it to be. Make your dreams a reality.  We have the gift of time right now...make it count.
Picture
0 Comments

My First Real Flower Arrangement

5/7/2020

0 Comments

 
It was Mother’s Day.  I was 14-years-old, and I wanted to do something special for my mom.  The nearest store was down the hill - exactly 1 mile away.  I had some extra cash from babysitting, mowing lawns, and tutoring, and I wanted to do something extra special for my mom.
Picture
I didn’t have my driver’s license yet, so I walked down the hill to the nearest store.  I picked out the perfect gift - a small basket of arranged flowers.  It was $25.  I walked it all the way home, covering it under my sweatshirt, and hid it in my room so I could surprise my mom the next morning.  It was on the table when she woke up, and of course, she loved it.  
Picture
Photo's by James and Jess Photography
Picture
Now, this story actually begins on Monday.  You see, the flowers in this store-bought arrangement started to wilt.  So, I started pulling out the dead pieces.  And then, I had an idea...as much as I was proud of that little arrangement I bought my mom, I did think it would look so much better if it wasn’t so tight.  So, I went in our garden and cut some rosemary, small branches, and pink roses.  I completely rearranged all of the flowers in the basket, adding fresh cuts from our garden, and made it much more whimsical.  I loved it.  And even more importantly, my mom came inside and exclaimed, “This is so much prettier than it was before!  Wow!” 
Picture
I’ll never forget that sense of pride and accomplishment.  Friends, I had no idea this was the start of a career.  But, I’m so glad that I grew up with supportive parents.  I’m especially thankful for my mom, who loved (and still loves) my floral design work.  I’m thankful that I decided to just CREATE an arrangement in my own way that Mother’s Day Week.  It sparked a deep joy in me, and here I am, years later, still finding that joy in creating beauty with nature.  

Happy Mother’s Day, to all the moms, grandmas, and strong female leaders out there!
Picture
0 Comments

Trying to Plan a 2021 Wedding or Event on Lockdown?  Here are some tips for booking vendors remotely…

4/27/2020

0 Comments

 
If you are a couple who got engaged and is looking to plan your wedding in 2021 (or even at the end of of 2020), it can feel daunting to start planning your wedding in the current climate.  It can be hard to focus on the joy of your wedding day ahead when things are hard now. But, I’ve found that when things are hard, it’s so good for me to focus on joyful times ahead. Just think…after all this social distancing, your family and friends are going to be SO EXCITED to GATHER TOGETHER and eat, drink, dance, and celebrate the night away.  

If you are currently socially distanced at home and working on planning your wedding, here are some tips on how you can book vendors:

Picture
Photo by Natalie Bray Studios
1) If you have decided which geographic area you want to get married in, start by looking at planners in that area!  A wedding planner is crucial right now (and I’m not just saying that because I am one…). Good wedding planners know how to find good vendors, guide you through the decision-making process, and most importantly (especially in this current climate), how to navigate unexpected situations with peace, joy, and flexibility.  You’ll be spending a lot of time with your planner, so be sure and set-up a FaceTime or Zoom meeting with them (or a good phone call) so you can get a feel for their personality. If you feel like it’s a good fit, sign on with them to start the process.

2) The hardest thing to book without seeing in person is typically the venue.  Here are some helpful hints:
  • If you have seen the venue in person before and you know you want to get married there, then great!  Set-up a meeting with the venue site manager and get to know all the information regarding the venue.  If all looks good, sign and move forward! 
  • If you haven’t seen the venue before, take a look at their website.  Then google about weddings at the venue. Take a look at various images (not just the ones on their website) - Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding blogs can be great resources.  
  • Set-Up a FaceTime Tour of the Venue with a site manager!  Several venues are offering video tours so couples can “see” everything from the comfort of home.
  • Ask your planner!  Planners have inside info and know key elements about venues that may not be listed, such as how easy they are to work with, how strict they are on certain requirements, what it actually costs to produce a wedding in the space, etc. 
  • Even if you haven’t seen the venue in person before, if you are able to: 1) See images online and are excited about the space, 2) Get a video tour from the venue, 3) talk with an experienced planner who knows the venue well and is able to give you an “insider opinion” about the space…then I would recommend booking and moving forward! ​
Picture
Photos by Natalie Bray Studios
Of course, if you aren’t comfortable moving forward without seeing a venue in person, wait.  You don’t want to sign any contracts you aren’t comfortable with.  

3) As you’re considering various vendors, there are several you can book without meeting in person.  With all of these people, setting up a phone or video consultation can be really helpful. Remember, you’ll be spending a lot of time with these people on your big day, so take the time to make sure your personalities check out and that your questions are answered.  Without meeting in person, you can book your:
  • Photographer
  • Band (or DJ)
  • Videographer
  • Officiate
  • Hair and Makeup Team 
  • Transportation Services
  • and more!  Work with your planner to identify the other vendors you may need.

4) As you’re working with your planner, you can also start booking:
  • Lighting
  • Flowers
  • Rentals
  • Linens
  • And all the other fun design elements!
Most vendors have great portfolios online so you can start creating mood boards and curating your wedding design.  While an in-person meeting is always super helpful when brainstorming design, you can always get started with the process and start making deposits to reserve your favorite inventory.  Most design companies don’t require you to “lock-in” your items once you make a deposit, and are pretty flexible if you decide to make changes once you visit the showroom. Of course, any changes are subject to availability of items. Every vendor will vary - so be sure and read contracts before signing them so you’re fully aware of the flexibility regarding changes during the process.
Picture
Photo by Natalie Bray Studios
In conclusion, don’t feel like you need to put your wedding planning action items on hold.  If you and your fiancé are stuck at home, this is actually a perfect time to brainstorm, plan, and get excited for your big day!  Remember…Coronavirus can’t cancel love. So friends, plan away! 
0 Comments

Postponement Announcements

4/23/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photos by James and Jess
If you are faced with the need to postpone your wedding, you need to communicate with your guests to ensure people can adjust their travel plans, hotel reservations, and such.  If your wedding invitations have already gone out and you have already collected RSVPs, the first thing you need to do is communicate quickly with your guests that the date has been postponed.  While informal, a heartfelt email can quickly get that information out so your guests can adjust their plans quickly. If someone isn’t tech-savvy, a phone call is also a good idea.
Picture
In addition to informal communication, a postponement card is also a great idea.  

Here is my advice regarding any guest communication regarding a postponement: 

  1. Keep it brief.  You don’t need to explain everything.  
  2. Give the new date.  If you don’t have a new date, that’s ok - say you’ll let them know when you have one.  It’s ok for things to be TBD if you are uncertain of the new plan.
  3. If you have a new date, give a link for online RSVPs.  You don’t need to mail out an entirely new invitation suite unless you want to.  
  4. If you have new room block information, put it on your website (and mention it in the card or email).  
  5. End on the positive - you are still in love and you are still going to get married!​
Picture

Minted has some great options for postponement cards

If you want some free options that you can personalize, our friends at Wedding Chicks have some great options!

Here is my favorite.

This one is cute too.

Just remember: Communication Is Key.  Your guests have invested their own funds into travel, taking vacation time, reserving time in their busy schedules, etc. - so you want to be respectful and communicate the updates quickly and efficiently so they can change their plans as needed.​
Picture
0 Comments

Getting Married Later in 2020?  5 Things you can Do for your Wedding while in Quarantine

4/20/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
To all of the couples who are getting married later this year: 

You probably have your venue, your vendor team, and most of the bigger details lined up for your big day.  (If you don’t, that’s ok! I’ll be sharing tips on booking vendors remotely in the coming weeks).  

I know it can feel funny to be thinking about brighter times (especially about your wedding) when life is uncertain right now.  I’ve found that focusing on positive things in the future is a great way to redirect my energy during this time.  

As you are socially distancing and on quarantine, if you have extra free time, here are 5 things you can consider working on for your big day!
Picture
Picture
1) Invitation Design and Day-of Paper Details - Work with your graphic artist and your planner to finalize concepts for your wedding invitation and day-of paper details.  Don’t have a graphic artist? Do some online research and see if any styles, artists, or things stand out to you. Personalize a draft and save your work!  It may be a little premature to order invitations right now, but having a design ready-to-go is a fun way to look forward. If you save your favorite design, it will be super easy to order them as you get closer to the big day.  

2) Music - Talk about your favorite songs (any special music you like?  Specific preferences for music before the ceremony? Cocktail hour?  Dinner? Dancing?). Do you have a first dance? Father daughter dance?  Mother son dance? What about the song you’re coming down the aisle to? Often, Bands or DJ’s will give you a list you can fill out with your preferences. Doesn’t hurt to get this stuff taken care of while you have extra time at home.  Bonus Points: Practice your first dance in your living room! 

3) Ceremony - Have you decided what order you want everyone to stand in your ceremony?  What the officiate will say? Have you written your vows? So many couples complain to me that they didn’t have ​enough time to really focus on their ceremony.  Well, for so many of us, we’ve been given the gift of time!  Use this time together to create something meaningful for your wedding ceremony.
Picture
Picture
4) Signature Cocktails - have you chosen your signature cocktails?  If not, get some supplies and try creating some cocktails at home!  Vote and decide which ones are your favorite, and then pass along your notes to your caterer or bar tender to incorporate into your bar menu.

5) Timeline Details - Work with your planner to fill in all the details on your timeline.  Review the timing of the day, and include notes like:
  • Who is giving a toast? (we recommend 2-4 people at most) 
  • Who is taking the gifts/personal items at the end of the night?
  • Does anyone besides the wedding party need to arrive early for photos? Which Family Members need to be in pictures?  ​
Picture
Focusing on these details with your significant other can help you focus on brighter times ahead.  None of these items require signed contracts or cash payments, and they can be applicable even if you do need to postpone your event.  

Hang in there, friends, and don’t forget that LOVE ISN’T CANCELLED.
Picture
Photos by Natalie Bray Studios
0 Comments

Tips for Replanning or Rescheduling an Event

4/16/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by David Mendoza

While we are all social distancing due to Coronavirus, several couples are working hard to postpone and re-envision events that were scheduled in the spring.  Me and my team have successfully worked with several clients to reschedule and replan several events that were planned for April and May. It has been an adventure, but as I look back on the past few weeks, I am heartened by the amazing people who work in the events industry and the hard work we’ve all done to make these celebrations continue.

I would like to share some of my advice for replanning or rescheduling an event.  Keep in mind, couples need to reschedule events for all sorts of reasons - not only a global pandemic.  Sometimes, couples need to postpone or replan due to economic reasons, natural disasters, an illness or family death, or other life situations that are outside of our control.  
Picture
Photo by David Mendoza
Here are a few things to keep in mind when postponing a wedding or event: 
  1. Postponing is not Cancelling.  People cancel their wedding when they don’t want to get married anymore.  Choosing to postpone (or re-envision) your big day is not a cancellation. You still love each other, you still want to get married, and you still want to celebrate (even if it’s in a new way).  
  2. When you are faced with the need to postpone, the first call should be to your planner.  Explain the situation. Explain where you are at. A good planner will listen to you and be ready to work alongside you to navigate the changes.  Don’t have a planner? Then the first call should probably be to your venue (or main vendor). 
  3. Before starting to call all of your vendors and make changes, remember: you chose to work with this people because you like them.  You respect their work, their businesses, and their personalities. Usually, these vendors are small business owners who are working hard to support their families and earn a living.  Approach each conversation with kindness, grace, and authenticity. Each vendor should do the same back. We’re all human.  
  4. Look at the cancellation policies in your contracts.  Some couples postpone due to a personal choice, others are forced to postpone due to outside circumstances (natural disaster, government regulations, etc.).  Each situation will be different. In some cases, vendors will asses a cancellation fee. In some cases, nonrefundable retainers will be applied to new contracts. Maybe both.  It is rare to receive your full nonrefundable retainer back (if you cancel all-together), as most vendors have been providing services throughout your planning process.  
  5. Keep in mind - if you are moving your event to the following year, several of your vendors may charge more for service in that year.  It makes sense - prices go up year after year, and if you are going to take a weekend in 2021, for instance, that precludes that vendor from taking on a new client that date.  Some vendors also have “re-plan fees” or other charges that cover the increased labor of moving an event.  ​
  6. Ask Questions.  Rather than assuming that you will get a full refund, that pricing won’t change, or that the vendor will be available on your new date, engage your team in a conversation.  If a vendor has a cancellation policy you don’t agree with, ask questions about it. Ask if they are willing to meet in the middle. Your team wants to work with you - so work to come to the best solution together.
Picture
Photo by David Mendoza
With the Coronavirus global pandemic, I’ve witnessed wedding planners, venues, hotels, hair and makeup artists, videographers, caterers, bands, DJs, photographers, rental companies, lighting companies, transportation companies, and more work with couples to find amazing solutions and keep events moving forward.  I’ve seen vendors pull-off some pretty amazing things to make things work for couples!

If you approach your rescheduling process with grace, openness, authenticity, and asking questions (rather than making demands), I’ve found that it will go much more smoothly. 
Picture
Photos by David Mendoza
0 Comments

I am getting married later this year - should I postpone my wedding due to Coronavirus?

4/13/2020

0 Comments

 
I have had so many couples reach out to me (both my own clients and people through social media) reach out with questions about postponing events and whether or not they should plan on moving forward with their wedding day, given the current situation with COVID-19 and everyone on quarantine. 
Picture
Photo by Josh Newton
Friends, the first thing I want to say: Love is not Cancelled.  Regardless of when you get married, what government restrictions are in place, or what is happening in the world…nothing can cancel your love.  Your love story is happening. One day, you will tell your grandchildren about how your love survived the global pandemic of 2020.

The second thing I want to say (before going delving in to planning tips): each situation will be unique.  Each geographic location, each couple, each guest list - all of your weddings are different. This post is meant to be a general guideline (and my own personal thoughts) regarding postponements later this year - but you will need to work with your own team of vendors, your own families, and with your significant other to decide what is best for you and your wedding day.

Finally, before giving tips, I want to acknowledge that this post is being written from my perspective in April 2020. So, keep in mind - as the Coronavirus situation evolves, the right thing to do may evolve as well.  

So, with those three things being said, let’s get started…
Picture
Photos by Christianne Taylor and Josh Newton
If you are getting married in May 2020:
Odds are, you’ve already been talking with your planner and vendor team about backup plans.  Each situation will be unique. Me and my team chose to move our May events to later this year.

If you are getting married in June 2020: 
If you haven’t already, I recommend setting up a call with your planner to talk about backup plans.  If you don’t have a planner, call your venue (or your vendor who is helping you most in the process) to ask about their policies.  While we don’t know what everything will be like in June, seeing as it’s just two months away, I recommend having a strong backup plan in place.  This way, as the situation evolves, you won’t need to feel panicked if restrictions on gatherings continue.

If you are getting married in July - December 2020: 
All of us are hoping and praying that this situation is resolved (or less intense) as the year progresses.  As a planner, I’ve been encouraging my couples getting married later this year to:
Picture
  1. Continue with their plans moving forward.  We have the gift of time right now. Unlike several spring weddings that needed to postpone and change plans very quickly, Summer and Autumn couples have a couple months before any decisions need to be made.  The situation has evolved rapidly and each week the news is evolving. The best thing you can do if your wedding is later this year: wait and see how things go over the next several weeks.
  2. While being optimistic and hoping to move forward, it’s also imperative that we act pragmatically.  We don’t want to rush and make any decisions based in fear. None of us make good decisions when we are operating solely in fear.  So, with that in mind, set-up a meeting with your planner (or venue/main vendor) to talk about a contingency plan. You don’t need to sound the alarm, alert all your vendors, or create a detailed backup plan.  Rather, at this point, I recommend having a high-level conversation about what a backup plan may look like for you. If restrictions are in place, will you postpone? Will you have a more intimate celebration and then a larger party at a later date?  Without making any final decisions, have an open, honest, practical conversation about your ideal “Plan B” should the situation evolve. 
  3. Establish a practical timeline with your team.  Look at when your next big payments are due. In general, I am recommending couples check in with their team regarding a Plan B (or moving forward with Plan A) at 60 days out.  This is typically when invitations are going out, when some of your final balances are due, and when we really start moving full speed ahead towards your big day. Again, each venue/team/couple will be different, but in general, if you are getting married in September, my recommendation would be to wait to make any decisions regarding postponements until July.  
Picture
Photo by Christianne Taylor

My main advice: don’t make a decision now because you are afraid.  Take the time to see how the situation evolves, to pragmatically discuss your Plan B, and to embrace the fact that while none of us are in control, we can control our own actions and our own love stories.


All of the weddings after restrictions are lifted are going to be so EPIC.  Everyone is going to be so excited to GATHER and CELEBRATE. I can’t wait to be a part of them! 
0 Comments

Event Planner and Wedding Industry Professional Tips: Serving your Clients throughout the Discomfort of Uncertainty

4/9/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by Naomi Ruth Duncan
I’ll never forget where I was on March 15, 2020.  I don’t think anyone in the events industry will forget it.  It was Sunday, and Taylor and I were sitting on the couch. The kids had just gone to bed.  We had all been watching the rapidly evolving Coronavirus news over the past few weeks, and I was scrolling through Apple News to get any latest updates.  And there - in the headlines - I saw it. That cold, prickly feeling went down my spine.  The CDC was recommending that no events over 50 people take place for the next 8 weeks. With that one announcement, our whole year changed.

For those of you who know me, you know that me and my team have navigated several different crises.  From replanning a wedding in 72 hours due to the Thomas Fire to navigating venue closures with the Montecito mudslide, me and my team are no strangers to thinking “on the fly” and implementing new plans QUICKLY when we need to.
Picture
Picture
Photo by Natalie Bray Studios
I immediately jumped on my laptop and emailed all of my clients, saying that I wanted to set-up a phone call with them on Monday.  I encouraged them and told them: “I’m On Your Team.” I told the truth: the situation is changing, and I want to get on the phone with you to talk about our next steps.  

Monday was hard.  I talked with each of my clients who had events in the next 8 weeks.  There were tears, people who felt hopeless, and lots of questions: what are we going to do?  Do we cancel? How do we know if there will be any more dates open? How far out do we postpone?  Should we just elope? The conversations weren’t easy, but I met each one with grace and was ready to listen.  

After listening, we worked with each couple to come up with the best solution for them (over the weeks that followed).  Some were rescheduled to future dates, some re-planned their wedding to be more intimate or more of a party. It was a lot of hard work.  But it was good work. And I’m proud of it.
​

And here’s the thing: We are still in the middle of this global pandemic.  The situation will evolve and change and isn’t in my control. I can’t control what is going on in the outside world, but I can control how I respond.  
Picture
Photo by Michael Acosta
Picture
Friends, there are four things I want you to take away from this story:

​1)
Hearing that my source of income was being literally wiped out for the next 8 weeks (and potentially longer) was scary.  None of us plan for global pandemics in our businesses. Sure, we plan for a client or two cancelling here and there, we plan for an unexpected shift in plans every once-in-awhile, but 8 weeks worth of work?  Never in a million years. Until March 15, 2020. It’s ok to feel all the emotions when things are uncertain. 

2)
 Instead of being paralyzed by that fear of the unknown (what is going to happen to me?  My family? My clients? My events? My business?), we need to continue to move forward.  We need to take action. When things are uncertain or not going to plan, it’s important for us to lead the communication with our clients.  If possible, be the first to reach out and address the situation. When we are leading the conversation, we have the opportunity to do so with bravery, grace, and to develop a solution alongside the people we serve.
​

3)
We don’t need to have an answer right away.  It’s ok to say that you need to think or consider some options, and give your client an actionable date you will get back to them.  

4)
​When things are tough, we need to SERVE.  Serving doesn’t mean letting go of personal or professional boundaries.  It doesn’t mean ignoring your contracts and pricing structures. It doesn’t mean letting go of your personal brand and the quality of your work.  To me, serving means to work
alongside my clients to hear what they need to say and work with them to develop the best possible solution in a pragmatic, professional, peaceful way.  It means giving open, honest, authentic advice and walking them through what options they have. It means being prepared. It means being honest when you don’t have a solution right away.  Essentially, to me, it means being on the SAME TEAM.  
Picture
My friends, we are all navigating this global crisis together. We are not in control of what will happen. It’s ok to feel all the emotions as they come up.
When we are faced with fear, we can take action and lead the conversation.
We can lean in to the discomfort of the unknown 
We can work together and be on the same team.  
Picture
Photo by Naomi Ruth Duncan
0 Comments
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Categories

    All
    Lifestyle & Entertaining
    Pro Tips And Advice
    Real Weddings

    RSS Feed

SANTA BARBARA, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND WORLDWIDE
© Tyler Speier 2019
  • About
    • Our Team
    • Tyler Speier
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Event Coordination
    • Event Design
    • Floral Design & Production
    • Corporate Events
  • Portfolio
  • Press
  • Education
  • Contact
  • Blog