X LETTER FROM
X LYLE BENJAMIN

X POINTS TO PONDER:
X Your Time?
X Our Knowledge
X Master of Your Domain
X Money!

X LOCATIONS, ETC. SERVICES:
X Event Consultation
X Directory Referrals
X Custom Site/Service Research
X Location Scouting
X Event Coordination
X On-Site Event Management
X Event Consultation
X Catering


X THE TIPS:
X The Location
X The Catering
X The Florals
X The Music
X The Photography
X The Videography
X The Limousine
X The Invitations
X The Cake

X The Et Ceteras:
X The Make-Up
X The Smile
X
X REGISTER TO WIN:
X • Free 3-Day & 2-Night
XX Hotel Accommodations
X • Free Custom Event Research

The Winners of the "Great Bridal Expo" Sweepstakes will be posted on-line on February 8th, 2005. Please be sure to check back then.

The results of the "Great Bridal Expo" Sweepstakes will be posted on-line February 8th, 2005. Please be sure to check back then to see if you're a Prize Winner!


When you speak to one of our Associates, don't forget ask about our Wedding Rewards Program where you can earn Discounts of up to 40% on your Wedding Invitations, $100 Gift Certificates at a local restaurants or FREE 3 day/2 night accommodations at one of 20 cities around the country.
(See it for yourself: Wedding Rewards)


LETTER FROM LYLE BENJAMIN,
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER


Dear Bride & Groom,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding. Not only is it a very exciting time for you, but the realization of how much preparation is involved is starting to sink in!

And, like everyone else who’s ever planned an event, you’re starting to understanding how frustrating and time consuming it can be.

Locations, Etc. helps solve this problem through the Locations, Etc. Network where you have access to over *45 different types of Locations (not to mention 50 different types of services) to meet all your Event Planning needs.

The purpose of Locations, Etc.’s Pocket Bridal Guide is to give you a head start on your planning by providing you with a quick reference and introduction to some of our sites and services.

But this is only the starting point, whether your Bridal function is in three months or twelve, large or small, casually elegant or formal, Locations, Etc. can help make it successful through our Consultation, Research, Scouting, Coordination and Management Services.

Simply let us know what your planning and what your needs are, and one of our Coordinators will contact you shortly to further discuss your program with a Free Consultation.

No matter what the budget, we treat all our clients with respect. And, we give you a “No Sales” approach that provides you with options that make sense out of an industry that’s too often “Sales” and not “Service” driven.

We look forward to working with you, and making your upcoming Wedding as stress free and enjoyable as possible.

With best regards,
Lyle Benjamin
Publisher




POINTS TO PONDER:

YOUR TIME?
What Locations, Etc. strives to do is save you a tremendous amount of time and energy in getting your arrangements finalized. If you had to call 20 locations on the phone, just to see if they were even remotely suitable, you can imagine how long that would take. And if you wanted to see six or so places, that might take you 3 or 4 days as well to get all the appointments completed (not to mention having to endure each sales pitch).

OUR KNOWLEDGE
Because of our position in the industry, we can often schedule your appointments in one or two outings, all the while avoiding the hard sells that annoy (to put it mildly) even the most experienced planner. And when we conduct our research and scouting assignments, we focus on a wide variety of suitable facilities, so even if you've been in a city for 10 years, you'd still say, "Wow, I didn't know about this place. This is great!"

MASTER OF YOUR DOMAIN
As far as services or items you're going to handle yourself are concerned, you're still free to do so. If you already have a photographer, then we wouldn't include that in our proposal, but if you need a six piece swing band or a disc jockey, we would. As with everything else, you have the final decision on all the elements in your event.

MONEY!
Finally, when Locations, Etc. Inc. prepares your proposal, you know exactly how much you're going to pay. There are no hidden elements, like forgetting to add tax and gratuities to the total until after the contract is signed. Everything you want included is included and agreed upon up front, so you have the comfort of knowing you're being treated professionally from the initial stages of your event all the way through its successful conclusion.




ABOUT OUR SERVICES:

EVENT CONSULTATION
Example 1: Whether you've been in the business of events for years, or this is your first affair, everyone can benefit from an approach that applies experience, common sense and creativity. Tell us the type of event your planning (i.e., a company meeting, product launch, dinner party, etc.) and what "look" you're seeking, and we'll design the framework for your event. In short order, you will receive a written proposal complete with an operating budget so you know exactly what you're going to get, and how much it's going to cost. This is a very reasonable (and elegant) way to bring your event into focus. Comments: Wants professional and creative guidance. See: Membership

DIRECTORY REFERRALS
Example 2: Clients who have our directory can go through the publication to find sites, services, and products they might be interested in booking. Then, after you contact us, we do a light matching against the parameters of the event, and give you up-to-date information on the location or service, who to contact and their telephone number. It's a free service that not only prevents the book from becoming obsolete so quickly, but also gives you professional feedback on your event -- often with fresh ideas and tips designed to help you deal with the complexities of your Event. Here, clients do all the work themselves, everything from the phone calls, to the appointments, to the dozens of event details including navigating the myriad of conflicting personalities involved to the skills of pulling all the elements together for the grand finale. Comments: Lots of time available. High energy level. Enjoys micro-managing. See: Membership

CUSTOM SITE RESEARCH
Example 3: Many clients start off with our research service, successfully employed by marketing, public relations, and human resource departments of corporations as well as individuals planning everything from bar mitvahs to reunions to weddings and social events. These clients are interested in having Locations, Etc. Inc. research the locations suitable for their event based on the following four criteria: (1st) geography, (2nd) ambiance you'd like to create, (3rd) date or dates of availability; and, (4th) budgetary constraints. Location research is conducted not only into our directory, but also our databases which contain thousands of additional listings. And we do this the old fashioned way, we use our brains and the telephone. Only then do we make recommendations and arrangements (including full proposals inclusive of catering, music, photography, videography, limousines, rentals, hotel accommodations when appropriate) based on our company's years of experience in the industry. Clients can also have Locations, Etc. Inc. research suitable services for their event and then make recommendations based on the client parameters. Now, the client then has a starting point that is much further along in the decision-making process. Comments: Wants professional recommendations. May not be pressed for time. Medium-High energy level. Enjoys micro-managing. See: Membership

LOCATION SCOUTING
Example 4: Our Location Scouting service also encompasses our custom research criteria, however, we take the process several steps further and actually set up all clients appointments and make arrangements for site inspections. Then, depending on geography of where the event is going to be held, we will even show you the facilities personally or provide you with photographs. The Location Scouting has several advantages to the client going it on their own: (1) the service speeds up the site selection process significantly; (2) it serves to insulate clients against hardsell sales pitches, and (3) we can get you into many locations at times when they are customarily unavailable to be shown. Location scouting also includes the preparation of full event proposals inclusive of catering, music, photography, videography, limousines, when appropriate. Comments: Wants professional advice. Little time available. Resources tight. Has numerous additional commitments. See: Membership

EVENT COORDINATION
Example 5: Whether we've made the recommendations or you're bringing your own site and services to the table, Locations Etc. will make sure everyone is operating on the same page leading up to the event. We handle the details acting as an extention of your staff or inner circle thus freeing you up to attend to other important matters. And, because of our position in the industry, we can often overcome and smooth out any obstacles that crop up in an event without putting the burden on you. Comments: Wants professional assistance throughout. Little or no time available. Resources stretched. Has numerous additional commitments. See: Membership

ON-SITE EVENT MANAGEMENT
Example 6: Yes, we manage your event on-site, from inception through conclusion. We ensure the room is set up properly from catering to entertainment to florals. And then we help the event run smoothly taking care of all the details, expected and unexpected, that crop up during the course of an event. We work behind the scenes, unobtrusively, with an attention to detail and an appreciation of the uniqueness of each event. In short, we do the work so you get the credit. Comments: Wants professional assistance. Wants to be "present" at own event. See: Membership


Don’t forget our services, as well as those listed below, extend to your Corporate and Social Events:

DESTINATION MANAGEMENT: Need hotel reservations? Transportation? Entertainment and Eats for your out-of-town associates? Leave the arrangements to us. One call or e-mail is all it takes.

INCENTIVES: Need unique destinations or programs to reward your staff or attract new clients? Whether it's domestic or worldwide, Locations, Etc. acts as an extent ion of your staff and gets you the right program at the right price. Leave the arrangements to us. One call or e-mail is all it takes.

CATERING: Whether it is a breakfast, lunch or dinner meeting or a gala reception for 600, Catering by Locations, Etc., Inc. can deliciously put together the right cuisine at the right price.


THE TIPS:

The Location: Finding the right location.

First decide on the style of your wedding. Is it going to be Formal? Casually Elegant? or a more casual Dance Party affair? Next, if you’re doing it on your own, you’re going to have to research, research, research. Check on (1) Ambiance (2) Size (3) Date of Availability, and (4) Budget. Narrow down your list and go on site inspections. Find out if the facilty has in-house catering or allows an outside caterer to come in. Make sure that when you get prices, there are no hidden extra costs lurking around the corner waiting to surprise you. And remember, it’s your wedding. Don’t be unduely swayed by sales pitches, friends or even mother-in-laws!


The Catering:

Many locations have what is called, “In-House” or “On Premise” catering. If you’re having your wedding at a restaurant or a hotel, you get the idea. At these facilities you’ll often be provided with a suggested menu based on the time of year. You can then sit down with the General Manager, Banquet Director, Director of Catering, etc. and go over your options: Passed vs. Stationary Hors D’Oeuvres, Buffet vs. Plated, Top Shelf Open Bar vs. Beer & Wine, etc.

The other option you have to bring in a caterer or choose one from a list of preferred caterers that the site may provide. This might afford you greater flexibility in your menu and budget, but it also adds layers of complexity to your event.

Budgeting for catering is done on a price per person basis. To figure your overall cost simply multiply the cost per person times the number of guests, then add in gratuity and taxes.


The Music:

The first music you need to consider is for your ceremony. Here, the music is often instrumental, and quiet, serving to underscore the beauty of the occasion. During the reception, and depending on the character of your wedding, the music can often shift between romantic and upbeat; i.e. think slow dancing verse party music.

Bands can bring energy to your reception. Often costing 3 to 6 times more than a DJ, they can convey to guests (whether rightly or wrongly) that “you went all out” adn spared no expense for your reception.

Bands often play for two 45-minute sets, so you’ll still want additional music to fill in. The Band can sometimes provide the background music for the ceremony and other parts of the wedding, but be sure to put it into their contract. Check with the facility to see if they have a sound system that you can use to play pre-mixed music. But you’ll still need someone to make everything happen. Another option is to have a DJ fill in when ever the band is not playing. Here you get the best of both worlds.

DJ’s have a much larger range of music available to showcase than bands. In advance of your function, you can designate a “play” and “play not” list. And they can easily work to set the tempo for different aspects of the event by stretching the time out or shorting it, depending on the activities of the other services.

Whether you’re hiring a band or a DJ, they are responsible for moving the event along, playing songs at designated times that cue specific activities, making anouncements when needed. Depending on your taste, let them know in advance how vocal you want them to be.


The Florals:

Next to the location itself, florals add to the overall romantic atmosphere of your wedding and serve to create a lasting impression for you and your guests. Several things can influence your floral choices: time of year, style of reception, color scheme, type of bridal gown, and of course, budget. When meeting with a perspective florist or floral decorator ask to view photographs of arrangements or weddings they have done ... this gives you some visual references. You can also show them tearsheets you’ve assembled from publications with options you’ve seen and liked. Finally, don’t forget to bring a list of the arrangements you’d like as well as the number of attendants, groomsmen and parents that will be needing florals.


The Photography:

After the excitement of the Wedding day has come and gone the memories are what you'll still have to cherish. And having a photographic record will help bring those memories to life ... not only for the bride and groom, but friends and family for years, and possibly generations, to come. Choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with, whose style you like, and will do the job the way that you want it done. If you want candids vs. formal or studio shots, color and black & white, express it, and make sure they're good at that aspect. Request to see albums that they shot. Put in the contract the hours and places they need to be; what size and kind of album or albums you're receiving, information about reprints (most wedding photographers keep the negatives). Then once everything is squared away, relax. If they've done their job properly the results will take your breath away.


The Videography:

Videography is often the most overlooked service that caters to the Wedding party, yet in actuallity, it's one of the most important. A finished video not only captures the event in real time, it gives you the opportunity to see aspects of the wedding day that you might have missed. And, it allows friends and family the opportunity to share the joy from your festivities even if they were unable to attend in person. The expense can be well worth it if you've chosen wisely. Things to consider: the artistic and technical skills of the videographer, the style they employ, do they have proper lighing and sound arrangments, are they using a second camera, when are they present to begin recording, and when do they end? How is the tape edited? Documentary style vs. Disco style? View their work. Ask questions, and understand that like photography, quality is usually not governed by price alone.


The Transportation:

On a day that you've spent months (and sometimes years) in preparation, the last thing you need to do is struggle with how to get there. Relax, sit back, and breath deep. Enjoy your last few minutes of quiet before a very long day, you've earned it. In other words, take a limousine to the ceremony, reception and hotel. That's the least you should do. Have another available for your bridal party, and important out-of-town guests. It's a special day, and you're treating it as such. From a limousine company, choose the type of transportation you desire; luxury, stretch, vintage, etc. Inquire about packages for multiple rentals, minimum and maximum rental times, what else is included. Then make sure they have backup plans in place, they have mapped the route, etc. You see, it's a lot easier now to sit back, relax, and take a breath deep.


The Cake:

Just like the location, music and florals the wedding cake can be designed to heighten the memory of your Wedding. Be it simple or dramatic, modern or *traditional or **modern, it should be a reflection of the ambiance and spirit of your affair. Your baker should be able to provide you with a photo album, but feel free to bring your own clippings as well. And, when you finally decide on a flavor, don’t forget to request a tasting!

* traditional: yellow, white, chocolate, marble topped with white or butter creme frosting.
** modern: carrot, lemon, spice, rum or cup cake.