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This week's topics: Innovative wedding planning ideas, the Venue Crawl concept explained, tips for choosing the perfect wedding venue, building strong vendor relationships, effective marketing strategies for wedding vendors, practical advice for engaged couples.
For this episode of the Wedding Day Podcast, our hosts Sonja Babich and Alexis Sanabria — publisher of Oregon Wedding Day, Washington Wedding Day, and California Wedding Day — sat down with Kim Morrill, the visionary behind Your Perfect Bridesmaid and The Venue Crawl Event. Kim's dynamic ventures have revolutionized the wedding planning scene in Portland and Seattle, offering couples a fun, immersive way to explore wedding venues and meet top-notch vendors.
Kim kicked off the conversation by sharing the story of her foray into the wedding industry with Your Perfect Bridesmaid (YPB). With a background in corporate event planning, Kim found herself drawn into wedding planning in 2008 during the recession. "I really felt like the value that a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator brings should not be a luxury," Kim explained. Her commitment to making wedding planning accessible for all couples led to the growth of YPB, which now boasts a powerhouse team of 74 employees across Portland and Seattle.
The discussion then turned to Kim's brainchild, The Venue Crawl Event, an innovative twist on the traditional wedding show. Unlike standard expos, The Venue Crawl offers an immersive and interactive experience for engaged couples. "We felt there was a better way to showcase local vendors and their talents," Kim shared. Imagine being chauffeured from venue to venue, each uniquely styled, sipping drinks and enjoying bites, while meeting the crème de la crème of wedding vendors. "You're helping introductions to other wedding professionals. Each team has 12 vendors... like its own little mini shop."
Kim delved into the meticulous planning behind The Venue Crawl Event. She and her team carefully select venues and pair them with planners, who then assemble their dream teams of vendors. "We facilitate the pairing up of venue and planner, so that the two of them can then start putting their heads together and say, who do we want on our team?" This collaborative spirit not only benefits the couples but also strengthens bonds within the wedding industry.
Education is a cornerstone of Kim's approach. She stressed the importance of setting realistic expectations for couples regarding budgets and venue options. "We really try and educate on the front end... sharing information for couples on what budget-wise these vendors are at, what to expect, what is a realistic budget." Kim also emphasized the critical role of marketing in the wedding industry. "People need to see you all over and in different ways. The choice to book a vendor for your wedding is such a personal one, and it requires a level of trust."
Throughout the episode, Kim sprinkled in invaluable advice for both couples and vendors. She highlighted the importance of having a wedding planner, describing them as an "experienced, knowledgeable advocate." For couples participating in The Venue Crawl Event, Kim offered practical tips to make the most of this unique experience. "[I'd tell them to consider] guest count, budget, and your top three priorities, like good food or partying 'til midnight," as key factors to consider when choosing a venue.
One of the most charming aspects of Kim's approach is her focus on the relationships that make wedding days magical. Reflecting on her journey, Kim shared how building strong vendor partnerships enhances the wedding experience for everyone involved. "Our vendor partners are really our co-workers, our colleagues, and it's honestly so much more fun on wedding day to have that real core and enjoy. Like [...] hey, I get to hang out with people that I love."
Kim Morrill's passion for the wedding industry and her innovative spirit shine through in this episode. Tune in to learn more about The Venue Crawl Event and how it's changing the way couples find their perfect wedding venue.
This episode is powered by The Venue Crawl Event and Hope Light Studios. Special thanks to members Linen Effects, Continental Diamond, Warpaint International.
