Almost three years ago, I decided I wanted to be my own boss. But what was I going to do? I have my diploma in Human Kinetics...I could be a personal trainer? I loved to work out! I loved to bake....I could open my own coffee/bake shop? I was an elite figure skater for the better part of my childhood and into my 20's, I could take up coaching/choreography and combine my personal training knowledge and produce some kick ass athletes? I worked in retail for 8 years, I had a great customer service background and a hard work ethic, surely I could sell something? Although those were all great ideas, I was undecided, so I put the "be my own boss" plan on the back burner for a while.
One sizzling summer afternoon, my future husband and I were expecting friends and family over for a sunset dinner on the deck. After preparing all the different dishes, setting the table with all my little touches (I mean, who actually uses parsley as a garnish unless you are a chef?), serving beverages, I sat back and looked at the finished product. I hadn't meant to make the occasion more than just a bbq, but before I knew it I had created a beautiful setting to accompany our gracious guests. That day I joked that I should be a party planner.....
When my sisters got married we worked together on making handmade invitations, reply cards, programs, menus, place cards etc for their weddings and had been asked by a few friends and family to make theirs. I thought, why don't I start a party planning business that specializes in affordable, hand made, custom created stationary for any occasion? So off I went brainstorming company names so I could register my business...and A Priceless Event Ltd. was born. In planning their weddings, my sister's realised how hard it was to support local businesses and buy product in our hometown of Squamish, where their weddings would take place. So this was also something I considered when deciding to open.
Starting with stationary and planning and stocking up on the occasional rental product (you know....for when I eventually got married, which at this time was a few years away) was a great place to start, allowing me to still work a full time job elsewhere. When I finally got engaged, two years later, I was excited not only to marry my best friend but to also have the opportunity to showcase my passion for wedding design. As I started to plan and research different products and vendors, I realised how ridiculously expensive a wedding can be. I learned that if something included the words "Bridal" or 'Wedding" it is severely marked up! That's when I started increasing my inventory to include a variety of linens, chair covers, sashes, runners and anything else I could get my hands on, on top of the coordination and stationary services already offered. I was anxious to utilize my stock for my wedding but also to be able to provide my clients with another option at APE. I take pride in providing reasonably priced rental items combined with great customer service for couples so they can have a stress free experience (if that's possible).
If you are planning your wedding and you feel swamped and think you may need a planners assistance, think of it this way... I planned my wedding on the heels of completing a four year renovation project on my first home with my fiance, moving back in with my parents for 2 months while my fiance completed our new house (eekk!), working a full time job, planning our wedding and planning many others for APE on the side, finishing the new house and moving within 5 weeks of the wedding, unpacking (sort of) and putting the finishing touches on the wedding details, all in a four month span!! I wouldn't recommend this schedule but for me I learned that I really can do anything I set my mind to!
I've enjoyed meeting new couples and bringing their vision to life. In the future I plan to open a storefront where I can provide even more products for couples. A "one stop shop" if you will! For now, I keep costs low by staying a home-based business, which in turn, allows me to pass the savings down the line to my clients...because I've been there too!
I will use this blog to share different ideas, tips, and experiences I've had through the years. Looking forward to 2011 and making Priceless Events come true!
Morgan Price-Wentworth
