Vendor Spotlight – Laurel Events

I had the pleasure of sharing some great conversation and tasty gelato with Lauren Donovan of Laurel Events a few weeks back.  A former small town New Hampshirite, Lauren has a dynamic personality with a lot to offer a newly engaged couple planning their big day.  I thought our readers would enjoy getting to know her and her company as much as I did.  Oh, and their new and improved website launched THIS MORNING, so go check it out! http://laureleventsboston.com/

Date of company's inception / background experience

Started in Sept 2010 - Officially launched in Jan. 2011

Previously worked in Marketing, Events and Affiliate Relations for CSNNE (Home of the Boston Celtics) and was a Media Planner for MPG Arnold working for major clients like VW, Choice Hotels and Bentley Motors.

I decided events was really my passion and the most fun.  The "rat race" in the telecommunications world was making me a cold person so I realized I needed to make a change - and there has been no regret or looking back!

What makes you stand out from other planners?

I truly customize my services to each client's needs.  If you just want help with your invitations or if you want advice on everything - I'm here to help.  If you want us there the day of - or if you want us with you every step of the way - we will do it.  The modern bride typically has a full time job, is going to school, has pets, friends and family to attend to - oh yeah and who has time for hitting the gym or having fun?!  Planning a wedding adds a lot of stress because it is such an important and emotional day.  Finding the right venues and vendors for your personality can be time consuming - and most brides don't have that time.  I work with each bride to find the perfect vendors that fit her budget and personality and to make sure the planning process is fun and less stressful.  And I only work on what/where you need the help the most to stay within your budget.

Pricing Information

Since every package is customized it is hard to put a price point out there - it depends on the amount of work, travel and time involved for each task.

The only price point item we do put out there is our Day of Coordination Package.  For 2012 the Day Of costs $675 plus travel (and potential overnight accommodations for travel over 1 hour from Boston).  This includes our first consult together, unlimited email/phone discussions, another in depth in person meeting the month before the wedding, I will provide a full agenda for the wedding week and day of for the bride and vendors.  And on site coordination and management the day of your wedding from the beginning until the end. 

What's your favorite part of the work?

I've always been a hard worker and I enjoy the fast pace and moving - it makes me work better when I'm under pressure and the day goes by quicker!  I also love it when my client and their family tell me how amazing I've done - I know someone has seen and loved my hard work - and that's just the coolest feeling ever - to finally be recognized for all I've done.

What's the single best piece of advice you can impart to a newly engaged couple (without giving away all your secrets, of course!)

Ignore the TV shows, ignore the magazines or all the websites out there that say "You have to.... (insert comment about something way over the top and way over your budget limitations).  A wedding is ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PARTNER.  Despite your budget, you truly can have a beautiful wedding if you focus on the parts that are most important and true to your own personality.  If you have the right idea and resources you can work out anything you are looking for!

If you have any spare time, how do you spend it? Or some other personal tid-bit you don't mind sharing.

In my spare time I'm mostly with my pets - I have a cat Holly who doesn't leave the house and my dog Bear (8.5 mo old golden retriever) who is usually always with me where ever I go.  He's my new found best friend!  Other than my pets and the business, I too am getting married in November 2011 - so I'm working on that, spending time with my fiancé, family and friends and I volunteer at my yoga studio - I love heated yoga!  I try to stay pretty busy and active!