Fort Worth Event Planning

1. Give us a high level overview of your business and what people can expect from Extraordinary Events and Design.

Extraordinary Events & Design is a full service event design, coordination and planning company. We take an idea or dream and make it reality.

2. How long have you been in business?

I started Extraordinary Events & Design four years ago when the economy suffered and I needed to expand my design business.

3. Who are your current customers?

Brides, Debutantes and anyone who wants an extraordinary party.

4. What makes your company unique?

I think my degree in Interior Design gives me an advantage. I have worked as a designer for more than twenty years – that background gives me an advantage in event planning because I use my design knowledge to create extraordinary spaces.

5. What are some of the main reasons you like living/doing business in Fort Worth?

I was born in Fort Worth and I love it’s small town vibe. You can shop for anything you need. Fort Worth is also home to some of the top chefs in the nation and the restaurants are fabulous. There is also an amazing selection of venues for parties and weddings – you can have a small and intimate soiree or a massive charity event.

6. Tell us more about your own story and why you started this business in the first place?

Wow – it’s been a long road, but I will try to put in a nutshell. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Interior Design and have worked as a designer since 1988. Along the way, clients would ask me to help with their parties, events and even weddings. I really didn’t think much about it until the economy started to fall apart and I decided I needed some more business. I did some research and decided to look into the event and wedding business. I became a Certified Wedding Specialist and started Extraordinary Events & Design.

7. What are some defining moments that made you grow to the level you are at today?

I handled the design work for a boutique hotel. We were given a very definite completion date and construction wasn’t finished until three days before the rooms and conference center were booked solid. Getting all the furniture, draperies, bedding and artwork installed in time was a huge challenge. After that kind of pressure – I decided I could handle anything thrown at me.

The first wedding I designed and planned was a destination wedding in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It is more difficult to plan all the details for a destination event, especially when it’s your first one. The wedding was flawless and bride and groom couldn’t have been more pleased.

9. Tell us about some interesting/funny/crazy things that have happened within your business?

One of the most interesting and fun things that I get to do is travel with clients to shop. New York is a favorite shopping spot!

10. How has your company changed over the past year?

Business has definitely grown, budgets have gotten bigger! We are also beginning to film video blogs that will be a great way to showcase some great ideas! These vlogs will offer design tips and inspire event ideas. The first video should premiere in early September.

11. What kind of trends are you noticing in your industry that might effect our community?

The wedding industry has grown and the need for more venues has led to new businesses in the Fort Worth area. Venues are being built specifically for weddings and events, and industrial spaces are being converted and used as event space.

12. If someone is looking to purchase what you offer, what advice can you give to help them make the best buying decision?

Do your homework and hire a professional. Look at photos of their work and check references.

13. What are some of the current events or promotions taking place at Extraordinary Events & Design?

We have weddings booked into fall of 2012 and lots of great events!

Businesses design, Event, extraordinary, Fort Worth, planner, wedding