Category Archives: Book Review

UKAWP Director & Regional Ambassador write “Dummies Guide”

2 May, 2014

Couples in the UK can now organise their wedding like professional wedding planners by using the Wedding Planning For Dummies book. Co-written by Director Bernadette Chapman, who also runs Dream Occasions, and Regional Ambassador Dominique Douglas, who also runs Stylish Events, the book aims to help couples regardless of whether they are planning a lavish UK celebration, quiet family affair or a romantic destination wedding.

“We were approached to edit a U.K. version of the book over 18 months ago. The U.S. edition had been available here for some time, however there were many chapters that either didn’t relate to the UK market or the law was completely different. Some chapters needed a complete re-write, such as the legal processes to marriage and how Civil and Religious ceremonies are conducted. We also added four new chapters and edited all the other chapters.” says Dominique Douglas

This book offers all the budgeting tips, essential checklists, style ideas and much more that couples need to make sure their special day runs smoothly. The book is priced at £12.79 and is now available to purchase online or in major book shops. Couples can get some of the author tips for free by visiting www.dummies.com and selecting the cheat sheets.

“Due to our experience as full time wedding planners since 2002 we approached this book just as we would a client’s wedding, in a logical and methodical manner. We truly believe the advice we have included within this book will really help couples plan their perfect wedding no matter the budget.” says Bernadette Chapman.

Photo Credit: Adrian Neil , Hair & Makeup: Janice Tee

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Book review- Eat that Frog by Brian Tracy

11 July, 2012

Today I’d like to share my thoughts on a fabulous business book I’ve recently read. The title of it recommended by one of the speakers at our annual planners seminar WPE, most definitely sounded like what I needed.

As a business owner returning to work with a baby now in the equation, the title ‘Eat That Frog – 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time’ – seemed to appeal. Anything that might help me keep on top of my work and prioritise the most important things.

The book doesn’t fail to impress. Firstly it’s nice and short and manageable. I read the whole thing in one return journey into London from Guildford. And it’s punchy and to the point. There is lots which washed over me (as books tend to) but I always think it’s a successful read if you can take to heart and practice just 2 or 3 points. Here are my 3 things;

  1. Eat That Frog – tackle the single most important and largest task you have to do for the day straight away, first thing. I’m shocking at this, if it’s something which will require concentration for more than about 30 minutes at a time, then I put it off and tackle smaller tasks like reading and replying to emails first. No more. Today I’ve spent a whole hour sorting out photos for my updated website gallery, much needed and so satisfying now that it’s done
  2. Accept that you can’t do it all – you will never get the list done in your entire life so start deleting, downsizing, delegating and such. OK I’d dearly love a big team to delegate to but there are certainly tasks which just simply don’t need to be done, ever!
  3. The 80/20 rule – 20% of your activities will produce 80% of your results so concentrate on those. For me that’s a reminder to concentrate on the things which reap rewards time after time which are not necessarily the things I like doing but if they produce results, then that’s what I’m here for.

There was plenty more that I learnt but I’d strongly suggest it’s one to add to the reading list for when you are spending some time “on the business” rather than “in the business” – after the summer season maybe?

What business books have you read recently that have inspired you?

For more on the author do take a look at Brian Tracy

 

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A little useful reading …

5 December, 2011

Today we would like to bring a free e-book to your attention. If you source and book entertainment then this engaging, highly practical e-book is all encompassing and should make your job so much easier. Ideal for newer wedding planners, it is also a useful reminder to those who have booked a lot of entertainment already. UKAWP Director, Kelly Chandller, wrote the foreword for this e-book which is available here:

http://www.facebook.com/LM2Entertainment.


The author, Brad is founder and MD of LM2 Entertainment, a professional function band management company. Brad also writes extensively on the topic of professional function bands through his LM2 Entertainment blog . He shares his knowledge and experience by serving as a mentor and running occasional master classes for music degree level students and alumni looking to pursue a career in the professional function band market at one of London’s foremost music institutions.

We hope you find it useful.

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Book Review - Thinkertoys

13 May, 2011

I have recently been dipping in and out of a fabulous book called Thinker Toys by Michael Michalko.

The author describes his book as ‘a handbook of creative-thinking techniques’ which I would say is a good summary.

Michael introduces his book with a warning - he asks the reader to consider whether they are what he describes as ‘kittens’ or ‘monkeys’: the former crying for help when facing challenges, whilst those monkeys amongst us want lots of ideas to improve our businesses, and indeed personal, lives.

The book takes you through the differences between left and right brain activities and breaks tactics into linear and intuitive thinker toys, giving each a memorable name.

Much as I like to think of myself, well at least in Michael’s terminology, as a monkey, I know I am not alone in having what he would probably describe as kitten moments (often at 4am). Opening a new section of this book and immersing myself has really made me reconsider how I approach certain things in both business and life, and has also helped my lifelong insomnia!

So, if you are looking for something to help your creativity, but don’t have the time or desire to digest a whole tome at once, why not give this book a go?

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Confetti Confidential by Holly McQueen

28 September, 2010

Siobhan Craven-Robins has very kindly written a review of Confetti Confidential by Holly McQueen.

Holly contacted me 2 years ago asking to come and meet me to talk all things weddings. We met on a few occasions, when she trawled through my portfolios and I recounted some of the situations I have found myself in over my 15 years as a wedding co-ordinator.

The resultant novel is a hoot. A couple of ‘my scenarios’ made it into the final edit but are grossly exaggerated, ensuring the ‘laugh out loud’ reaction Holly is so adept at writing.

This is a great ‘chick lit’ read - everyone loves a wedding and the story of a wannabe wedding planner should appeal to a wide audience.

For those of us in the industry, it is a relief to be able to laugh at mistakes we have never made(?) and to be reassured that we would never find ourselves in some of the situations the ‘heroine’ Isabel Bookbinder falls in to.

Isabel is an appealing character, her naivety and ability to ignore what is staring her in the face, makes for a good comic element to the book.

An enjoyable read.

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