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Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Looking for that perfect Wedding Cake, you need to get hold of Leandi!!!
Wedding Cakes can be a daunting task, especially trying to choose one that not only fits within your budget, but also with the latest trends, that why I recommend Leandi from Leandi’s Cakes and Catering. From traditional to modern twists, her professional qualifications and exceptional attention to detail coupled with her passion for all things decadent makes her my number one choice! – email me at makeyourmark-events@telkomsa.net for a quotation.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers - Wedding, Function and Conference Venue
Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers - Wedding, Conference and Function Venue with 10 elegantly appointed Bed and Breakfast units.
Situated on the Agricultural College Road (R40) between Nelspruit and White River, Bee Eaters Farm and Caterers offers an exclusive venue for both private and corporate functions, be it a conference, birthday celebration or wedding. Only 30-45 min away from the Kruger National Park, (ideal Honeymoon destination), 10min from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and 3hrs from Johannesburg
For a Wedding/Function or Conference quotation at Bee Eaters Farm, send me an email with your particulars to makeyourmark-events@telkomsa.net, it will be great to hear from you!!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
How can you stand out in a world of too many vendors? - Preston Bailey says the following...
Venting: Too Many Vendors
I am a firm believer that the universe is extremely generous and there is more than enough work for everyone. However, the one thing that has kept me going for the past 30 years was always the desire to be DIFFERENT, yet still make a living.
There are three simple questions that should always be on your mind, in order to be different and at the same time make a profit.
- What am I selling?
- How can I make it different?
- How can I make a profit?
This can be applied to any service or item you are selling. However, because I started as a florist, I’d like to give you an example of a floral arrangement.
1. What am I selling? Flowers and a container.
2. How can I make it different? (This is the fun part.)
- I could find 5 container shapes I have never seen before.
- I could make my own vase by gluing flowers on the actual vase.
- I could use flowers I love, and arrange them in a very unique way.
- I could use petals floating in water to create my own flowers.
- I could use branches and hang lots of flowers from them. The list is endless…
3. How can I make a profit?
- Make a sample (This could be a very important step that saves you money in the long run.)
- Pricing the cost of each and every element and always getting the best wholesale prices.
- How long did it take to make this arrangement? Put a cost to your time.
- Flowers are delicate. Always buy at least 20% more than you need.
- Add: Time+flowers+vase, then (depending on your area} mark up at least 100% (please keep in mind that this mark-up also covers your rent and other expenses.)
If you want to become a vendor that is around for many years, being unique is a great way to survive.
Tomorrow, I’m going to talk about how you can be unique and different by giving great service.
As always on our Venting blogs, if you are trying to be unique and different and you are having a hard time making money while doing it, leave a question below and I’ll answer you directly by email.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Oakfields Bridal Expo - 22nd and 23rd January 2011
A Bridal Expo with a difference
The Annual Bridal Expo at Oakfield Farm, on 22nd & 23rd January 2011 is the one bridal expo that no couple should miss.
Unlike other bridal expos held in commercial expo centres, the expo at Oakfield Farm enjoys a terrific reputation as a laid back expo where couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue. From rings to photog-raphy—more than 100 wedding specialists will be on display. Not only do you get to meet these people personally but many offer show specials that are too good to miss.
Entrance Fee
Programme
Location
Oakfield Farm, Beyers Naude, Muldersdrift 14km West of N1 on the left. 2km East of Krugersdorp Highway on the right.
The Annual Bridal Expo at Oakfield Farm, on 22nd & 23rd January 2011 is the one bridal expo that no couple should miss.
Unlike other bridal expos held in commercial expo centres, the expo at Oakfield Farm enjoys a terrific reputation as a laid back expo where couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue. From rings to photog-raphy—more than 100 wedding specialists will be on display. Not only do you get to meet these people personally but many offer show specials that are too good to miss.
Entrance Fee
- Price: R150 per car
- Includes FREE 2011 Bridal Magazine
- & entrance to the Fashion Show
Programme
- 10am: Gates Open
- 3pm: Fashion Show—Entrance is Free
- 5pm: Close
Location
Oakfield Farm, Beyers Naude, Muldersdrift 14km West of N1 on the left. 2km East of Krugersdorp Highway on the right.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Make Your Mark Events Management
Call us to assist you in the planning of your wedding, birthday party or any other function or event.
Mark Moore
Cell: 079 139 1117
Tel: (013) 741 5076
Thursday, January 6, 2011
From Preston Bailey Blog Site
FAQs: How do you re-educate potential clients who have Champagne tastes on a Pepsi budget?
He asked how we can re-educate potential clients with “Champagne” tastes on a “Pepsi” budget (love this example Mark).
Before I answer this question, I’d like to state a few very obvious points:
Once we take all that in, here are four suggestions on how to educate a potential new client:
Just remember: You are not going to get every client you interview. However, if you get 5 out of 10, you are probably doing a great job as a sales person–you just need to keep fine tuning your process.
Would you pay more for something you love, even if you could hardly afford it? How do you deal with “cheap” potential clients? If you were the client, do you think you’d also expect “more” for “less”?
Before I answer this question, I’d like to state a few very obvious points:
- Entertaining is a luxury. If you really think about it, no one truly needs to give a party. In fact, most folks in the world hardly ever entertain.
- I am extremely grateful for those many folks who actually want to entertain. Based on my experience and our times, that number keeps increasing every year.
- If those clients have a great deal of money, I can safely say they became rich by being very savvy and careful about how they spend it.
- Most people (including myself) always like a good “sale.”
- Most clients truly do not know what things cost.
Once we take all that in, here are four suggestions on how to educate a potential new client:
- It is human nature to want the very best of everything, so it’s up to us to manage our clients’ expectations. The best way to do this is by giving them choices. The trick is to always make ALL the choices exciting.
- Most clients (including myself) would pay a bit more for something they truly love and feel like they must have.
- Always discuss cost in person. Always (and I mean always) have a very clear explanation of what you are charging and why. For example, break down materials, labor, etc. I find that if a client understands your pricing system, most of them are fair enough to pay.
- Selling is an art. We need to be truthful in a very gentle way about telling our clients they cannot afford certain things. However, always offer them a different choice or alternative that can be equally exciting as their first choice.
Just remember: You are not going to get every client you interview. However, if you get 5 out of 10, you are probably doing a great job as a sales person–you just need to keep fine tuning your process.
Would you pay more for something you love, even if you could hardly afford it? How do you deal with “cheap” potential clients? If you were the client, do you think you’d also expect “more” for “less”?
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
First Steps to Planning your Special Day - Part 2
Next would be the How! How? Well yes! How will you get married? With a priest, pastor, lay-preacher, family witness? You might want to get married in court and then have a formal ceremony afterwards! By breaking down your planning thoughts in to sections, one tends to remember other things to consider, almost like a tree with many branches that eventually all lead to the main trunk, down to the root of the problem of, Why did you want to get married in the first place…I’m joking…remember to have fun as well!!!
Next on the list would be who! I bet you’re asking me, why would I ask who…I know that it’s the two of you, but who else? That age old question of, Will it be a big wedding with lost of family and friends, or will it be low key, with close immediate family and friends? That’s the who I’m thinking of. You need to remember that it’s not just you and your fiancé getting married, it’s two entire families that will be getting married each with it’s own set of friends, once again, budget will determine this answer as well as your own decisions on this matter!
Last but most certainly not least to think about, is the what! Now this in it self can go on forever!...but lets try. What? What is your wedding theme?, What venue do you have in mind? What menu do you have in mind? What flowers would go with your theme? What dress would you like? What about the honeymoon...you see, it can go on forever, but remain calm, logistically place each thought in it’s own column and then later on join them all up with a final conclusion.
Planning your wedding is not that difficult! You just need to have a clear understanding of what your want and what you can afford!
One of the most stressful elements to wedding planning usually is money. Make sure you decide up front how much your total wedding budget is going to be and who will be contributing and how much. One also needs to be open to suggestions and willing to take various options in to account, cheaper options aren’t always nastier options! Less is more, but also remember that what you pay for is what you get! Don’t expect to haveChampagne taste on a Pepsi or Soda Water budget!
Don't spend more than your budget or what you can afford. Your wedding day is an important day, but it is only one day. You don't want to start your new life together by going into "serious" debt from your wedding expenses and being strapped with that debt for the next five years.
Don't rely upon verbal agreements with vendors of suppliers. Get everything in writing!!! This is very important, this will go back to the point I mentioned in the beginning about the hick-ups and pit-falls. Should these occur, you at least have a leg to stand on!
Don't try and do everything yourself….I repeat! Don’t try and do everything yourself. Planning a wedding can be a full time job in itself. Delegate as much as you can or have a co-ordinator whom you trust and are comfortable with to handle all your planning.
Don't insist on having it your way all the time, no really, no one likes a moaning, self-opinionated bride, or mother-of-the-bride who can’t see reason or take suggestions! The best advise is advice taken and used wisely!
Don't skimp on your photography. Your wedding day goes by so fast, literally, in a matter 8 hours or less it’s all over, and after its over, all you'll have left is your memories and your photographs. Make sure to get reputable references!!!
Don't get crazy over every detail. It can really take the pleasure out of the wedding planning process. As I said, know what you want, be open to change, suggestions and options, and enjoy every minute.
Don't forget to thank everyone involved in your wedding and those that gave you gifts.
Don't overload yourself the day before your wedding. This is not the time to put together 200 favors. If your planning was right from the beginning, then by the end of it and the day before your Big Day, you should feel relaxed and in control!, if not…go straight to Jail, do not pass begin, do not collect R200! LOL
Enjoy.
Next on the list would be who! I bet you’re asking me, why would I ask who…I know that it’s the two of you, but who else? That age old question of, Will it be a big wedding with lost of family and friends, or will it be low key, with close immediate family and friends? That’s the who I’m thinking of. You need to remember that it’s not just you and your fiancé getting married, it’s two entire families that will be getting married each with it’s own set of friends, once again, budget will determine this answer as well as your own decisions on this matter!
Last but most certainly not least to think about, is the what! Now this in it self can go on forever!...but lets try. What? What is your wedding theme?, What venue do you have in mind? What menu do you have in mind? What flowers would go with your theme? What dress would you like? What about the honeymoon...you see, it can go on forever, but remain calm, logistically place each thought in it’s own column and then later on join them all up with a final conclusion.
Planning your wedding is not that difficult! You just need to have a clear understanding of what your want and what you can afford!
One of the most stressful elements to wedding planning usually is money. Make sure you decide up front how much your total wedding budget is going to be and who will be contributing and how much. One also needs to be open to suggestions and willing to take various options in to account, cheaper options aren’t always nastier options! Less is more, but also remember that what you pay for is what you get! Don’t expect to have
Don't spend more than your budget or what you can afford. Your wedding day is an important day, but it is only one day. You don't want to start your new life together by going into "serious" debt from your wedding expenses and being strapped with that debt for the next five years.
Don't rely upon verbal agreements with vendors of suppliers. Get everything in writing!!! This is very important, this will go back to the point I mentioned in the beginning about the hick-ups and pit-falls. Should these occur, you at least have a leg to stand on!
Don't try and do everything yourself….I repeat! Don’t try and do everything yourself. Planning a wedding can be a full time job in itself. Delegate as much as you can or have a co-ordinator whom you trust and are comfortable with to handle all your planning.
Don't insist on having it your way all the time, no really, no one likes a moaning, self-opinionated bride, or mother-of-the-bride who can’t see reason or take suggestions! The best advise is advice taken and used wisely!
Don't skimp on your photography. Your wedding day goes by so fast, literally, in a matter 8 hours or less it’s all over, and after its over, all you'll have left is your memories and your photographs. Make sure to get reputable references!!!
Don't get crazy over every detail. It can really take the pleasure out of the wedding planning process. As I said, know what you want, be open to change, suggestions and options, and enjoy every minute.
Don't forget to thank everyone involved in your wedding and those that gave you gifts.
Don't overload yourself the day before your wedding. This is not the time to put together 200 favors. If your planning was right from the beginning, then by the end of it and the day before your Big Day, you should feel relaxed and in control!, if not…go straight to Jail, do not pass begin, do not collect R200! LOL
Enjoy.
Should you wish for me to assist you with your wedding planning or would just like some advice, Please let don't hesitate to call me on 079 139 1117 or email me at makeyourmark-events@telkomsa.net
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Gay Weddings In South Africa
Are you a Gay Couple living in South Africa
Whether you’re planning on getting married in the Lowveld, Sabie, Pilgrims Rest, Dullstroom or perhaps in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, or maybe even in Gauteng; Make Your Mark Events will surely help you plan you special day from start to finish.
The weather and the exchange rate are not the only favourable draw cards to oversees visitors to South Africa our warm hospitality will surely make you want to come back year after year for your anniversary.
We look forward to welcoming you to South Africa
Make Your Mark Events will sure be able to exceed all your expectations throughout the wedding planning process, and our promise to you is that your day will completely epitomise you as a couple.
Call me for a quote;
MARK MOORE
(+27) 079 139 1117
www.makeyourmark-events.blogspot.com
Make Your Mark Events supports Gay Marriages
Monday, January 3, 2011
First Steps to Planning your Special Day - Part 1
Congratulations! You’re now engaged to be married and by now you’ve probably kissed your partner over a million times while telling everyone you know, or don’t, how thrilled you both are and maybe even spreading the joy of when the big day will be!
I’ve planned my fair share of weddings and events, but one thing always remains the same, the planning needs to be spot on and the logistics need to be on time to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Sure, there will be hick-ups along the way, but it’s also how you deal with pressure and these pit falls that makes or breaks any planning procedure! Think about everything carefully, even the things people don’t think about. But don’t become anal to the point of obsession, though attention to detail is key and will assist you in planning and budgeting for your wedding.
First things, first, don't start your wedding planning without a budget! This is very important, as this sets the stage of when, where, how, who and what! Are you getting stressed? Don’t! Take your time, thinks things through and enlist professionals to assist, be it a wedding co-ordinator or in-house venue planner.
My advice would be not to involve family or friends in the planning of your wedding, as this could lead to a varied number of unpleasant and unnecessary disputes or unhappy family members or friends. Yeah sure your mom wants you to get married at so and so’s place because they gave her discount on her last facial, or Aunt what’s-her-name insists that she do your flowers cause she recently bought a D.I.Y Flower Arrangement book. But no…I’ve seen so many a wedding day bliss become an instant wedding day blue because of such issues! Leave it to the professionals, you won’t regret it!
Let family and friends be just that, in a friendly manner, let them know that this is you and your fiancé’s special day, that their suggestions and opinions are welcome and do matter, but that at the end of the day, the final decision rests on both of you. Each of you need to support and encourage each other on the planning of your special day.
On coming back to the when, where, how, who and what, lets begin with the when! These are just a few suggestion of what to think about when planning your wedding. You will notice that as we go further, more and more ideas and thought will pop up, remember to jot them all down.
Now then…
When is the wedding? This in it self has many other questions to answer before printing and sending out the invites. Ask yourself a couple of these questions. Is your wedding seasonal? Summer, autumn, winter or spring? School holiday, peak season, long week end? Is your date special for sentimental reasons? Does the date give you enough time to save, plan and execute? After answering just a few of the abovementioned questions, one starts to realize how important your date really is, not only for you and your partner, but to everyone involved, from Venue, caterers, dress maker, florist right down to will-grandparents-be-able-to-come!
Secondly, the where! Where will your wedding day take place? In a family church then reception venue? All-in-one Venue? Botanical Garden? Where? The possibilities are endless, yet crucial in the planning stages. Does your venue allow for easy access for service providers? What needs to be hired in? Will your venue add stress to your budget or accommodate your budget? Once again, many questions. Just take a deep breathe and jot down as many thought as possible. You can go back later and work through your ideas and simplify!
Stay tuned for Part 2...
I’ve planned my fair share of weddings and events, but one thing always remains the same, the planning needs to be spot on and the logistics need to be on time to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Sure, there will be hick-ups along the way, but it’s also how you deal with pressure and these pit falls that makes or breaks any planning procedure! Think about everything carefully, even the things people don’t think about. But don’t become anal to the point of obsession, though attention to detail is key and will assist you in planning and budgeting for your wedding.
First things, first, don't start your wedding planning without a budget! This is very important, as this sets the stage of when, where, how, who and what! Are you getting stressed? Don’t! Take your time, thinks things through and enlist professionals to assist, be it a wedding co-ordinator or in-house venue planner.
My advice would be not to involve family or friends in the planning of your wedding, as this could lead to a varied number of unpleasant and unnecessary disputes or unhappy family members or friends. Yeah sure your mom wants you to get married at so and so’s place because they gave her discount on her last facial, or Aunt what’s-her-name insists that she do your flowers cause she recently bought a D.I.Y Flower Arrangement book. But no…I’ve seen so many a wedding day bliss become an instant wedding day blue because of such issues! Leave it to the professionals, you won’t regret it!
Let family and friends be just that, in a friendly manner, let them know that this is you and your fiancé’s special day, that their suggestions and opinions are welcome and do matter, but that at the end of the day, the final decision rests on both of you. Each of you need to support and encourage each other on the planning of your special day.
On coming back to the when, where, how, who and what, lets begin with the when! These are just a few suggestion of what to think about when planning your wedding. You will notice that as we go further, more and more ideas and thought will pop up, remember to jot them all down.
Now then…
When is the wedding? This in it self has many other questions to answer before printing and sending out the invites. Ask yourself a couple of these questions. Is your wedding seasonal? Summer, autumn, winter or spring? School holiday, peak season, long week end? Is your date special for sentimental reasons? Does the date give you enough time to save, plan and execute? After answering just a few of the abovementioned questions, one starts to realize how important your date really is, not only for you and your partner, but to everyone involved, from Venue, caterers, dress maker, florist right down to will-grandparents-be-able-to-come!
Secondly, the where! Where will your wedding day take place? In a family church then reception venue? All-in-one Venue? Botanical Garden? Where? The possibilities are endless, yet crucial in the planning stages. Does your venue allow for easy access for service providers? What needs to be hired in? Will your venue add stress to your budget or accommodate your budget? Once again, many questions. Just take a deep breathe and jot down as many thought as possible. You can go back later and work through your ideas and simplify!
Stay tuned for Part 2...
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About Make Your Mark Events...
- Make Your Mark Events Management
- Gauteng and Mpumalanga, South Africa
- Mark Moore of Make Your Mark Events has been a recognised name in the Lowveld for over 10 years. Through the collaboration of various services providers with in the industry, we offer services to suit every clients need. Make Your Mark Events services include the assistance of co-ordination, events management, wedding co-ordinating, sourcing of the perfect venues, catering and catering equipment, florists, photographers, clergymen, corporate gifts, etc…the list is endless. The aim of Make Your Mark Events is to bridge the gap between the client and the supplier by offering a outstanding service, attention to detail and most of all to suit every budget. Make Your Mark Events also operates, though not exclusively, between Gauteng and Mpumalanga and our long term goals are to extend our services to attract international clientele through the concept of "Destination Events". Make Your Mark Events is also a 100% GAY OWNED and GAY FRIENDLY company. From Birthday Parties and Weddings to Corporate Functions and Events, we handle everything for you to… Make Your Mark!