Press
Press - Lauren Sozmen
11-29-11
Who: Lauren Sozmen
Owner of: Loli Events
Article by: Weschestermagazine.com
Here at The Foundry, we LOVE us some Lauren Sozmen! Her and her team have been at The Foundry on more occasions than we can count, and she never disappoints! Read this great article by Marisa Lascala at Westchester Magazine…
How does a couple know if there's a need to hire a wedding planner?
The first thing couples should have is a feel for the type of location they want to get married in. If the location is more all-inclusive, like a hotel or a country club, they might not have as much of a need for full-service planning; they might just want someone for the day of. Otherwise, couples have to look at their lifestyle: how much time they have and how much stress they're under. Finding all the vendors, figuring out if they're legit, looking through the contracts, trying to find the best deal—planning a wedding can be like another full-time job. Hiring a planner can take away all that stress. And often couples make back the planner's fee because planners have leverage with vendors.
How far in advance should you hire a planner?
For full-service planning, a year is the maximum. More often, I'd say six to nine months is better. For day-of coordination, it's more like three months.
What duties can you reasonably expect a full-service planner to perform?
At first, a planner helps with booking all of the big vendors: the venue, ceremony location, florist, band, photographer. They go through the process of choosing the vendors and looking at the contracts. Once those are signed, then it's the fun step, the little details like place cards, invites, photo booths, and everything that makes the wedding personal to the couple. The last main responsibility is setting a day-of timeline, so all the vendors are on the same page and the event goes smoothly.
What's outside of the planner's purview?
A big one is the seating arrangement. I don't know if Aunt Susie can't handle sitting next to Uncle Bill. Also, once the event is over, the job is usually over. I've had brides call three months after the wedding and say, 'Can you get me a refund because I wasn't happy with this vendor?' and that's not something we do.
Once a couple decides they want to hire a planner, what's the best way to start searching?
A party planner's website really gives you insight into what he or she does and the overall feel of their types of events. But the best way is referrals and word-of-mouth.
You're ready to sign a contract. What should you look out for?
What happens if the planner gets sick or something happens the day of the wedding? Also, what's the cancellation policy if the wedding gets called off? No one wants to think about it, but you never know. It's also smart to ask if the planner makes any commission from the vendors. Certain planners end up making money twice, because they charge the couple and then they get a percentage back for bringing business to the vendor. I think that's unethical.
How can A couple make sure that a planner fits into the budget?
Look for someone who charges a flat rate. That's huge. You'll pay more if you have to pay a percentage of your overall wedding budget, and even more if you go by an hourly rate, because planners are always going to put in more hours.
What's the biggest mistake people make when planning a wedding?
The best way to really have the wedding you envision is by cutting your guest list. Do you think that person really cares about seeing you get married, or if you're inviting her because you have to or because someone will get mad if you don't? At the end of the day, each guest might cost an extra two hundred dollars. If you have five of those, that's a thousand dollars right there.
What is day-of coordination and how do you know if that's the best option?
Day-of coordination is for couples who have planned the whole wedding and feel confident about it, and just want to enjoy themselves on the day of the wedding. The planner acts as the point person on that day. In my opinion, it's a great investment just to have peace of mind.
We're Featured in a Bing Promo with Swizz Beatz!
09-02-11
How cool is it to get featured in a Bing commercial?? A bride who got married a few years ago called up Allison and asked if The Foundry can be used… uh, yeah!! We just passed it around the office and are totally psyched about it!
Check it out…
Check it out…
A Quote From One of Our Own
06-21-11
Below is an article done by WNYC on Monday, June 21st where Jose was quoted regarding the gay marriage bill and the impact it will have on event spaces.
“For Wedding Planners, Same-Sex Marriage Could Be a Boom for Business”
As politicians in Albany wrangle over same-sex marriage, those in the business of nuptials are bracing a boom.
Wedding planners and events coordinators are keeping close watch on the closed-door Senate proceedings since legalizing same-sex marriage could add $210 million to New York state's economy, according to a 2007 report from New York City Comptroller William Thompson.
"We're really kind of on edge just hoping that this thing will pass through," said Jose Rolon, media events coordinator at The Foundry, a popular wedding venue in Long Island City. He said business would double if same-sex marriage were legal.
"I think once this becomes legal, I think the community will just jump on (the venue) because it's such a unique, interesting space," said Rolan, who had his own ceremony at the Foundry last year after his legal marriage to his husband in Boston.
Bernadette Coveney Smith, founder of gay wedding planning company Fourteen Stories, opened shop in 2004, when Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, and now, contingent on the bill passing in New York, she said she would open a New York office.
"The wedding industry is so straight and has been for years,” she said. "And so really, this is an emerging market. ... The first emerging market that's opening in the wedding industry for decades."
"I mean I think it’s just really going to blow up," Smith said. "Couples are really looking for someone who will be their advocate and hold their hand."
Lady Gaga at The Foundry
06-20-11
How cool was it to have Lady Gaga come shoot a commercial for Google Chrome at The Foundry? There was a tight lid on the project so we weren’t able to share it with the public, but the commercial (below) has officially been released! We’ve also posted some screen shots of Gaga inside our new space - The Greenhouse! Last pic of her shoes, Allison took when no one was looking:-) What’s not to love about those bad boys?!
This Week On Top Chef!
01-17-11
Guess who's on Top Chef All-Stars this week? It was quite the production and we loved having them film at The Foundry! Tune in next Wed on Bravo @ 10pm! Check out the preview below...