The importance of collaboration in our industry
One of the many reasons for forming the NAWP was our recognition of the importance of collaboration in our industry that is borne out of effective networking. Collaboration is a great way of getting to know other suppliers, giving and receiving business through referral and creating market awareness. The key thing, just like with networking, is to ensure you are joining forces with like-minded professionals who offer the same quality of service as yourself.
As we often say, the Wedding industry is awash with entrepreneurs, one-man bands and small businesses. Due to its nature, it's largely occupied by people with a talent that they have developed into a business. This, in itself, is to be celebrated! The paradox is, that while we largely work alone, we are all part of a bigger team that comprises the vendors required to make a wedding happen. This is why networking and collaboration work as we can all refer to each other and play a key part in an essential team.
We are always thrilled when our members choose to work together or hatch ideas for collaborations, it's an indirect endorsement of what we advocate and encourage as the NAWP.
The last few months have seen a number of member collaboration and we felt they were worth a feature!
THE CALEDONIAN CLUB, THE VELVET DAISY AND THE WEDDING INSURANCE GROUP
Our November 2018 networking event was held at one of our venue members, The Caledonian Club. Our guest speaker was also one of our members, Adam Sapic from Wedding Insurance Group, talking about SEO. Collaboration is always an important part of our events, so we were delighted that member Helen Edwards of The Velvet Daisy joined us to dress the rooms with some stunning floral displays themed around the setting and time of year.
Helen had this to say "Last November I was given the marvellous opportunity to collaborate with The Caledonian Club in Belgravia. The NAWP's events are always held at different venues and are an opportunity to showcase some of their members. I was fortunate enough to be one of those suppliers when the event was held here. The Club was showcasing one of their stunning private rooms, The Library. I was asked to dress the tables with flowers, not only to enhance the room to the best possible advantage but also allowing me to promote my style and individuality. Three tables each had different designs, inspiring professionals to see the flexibility both the Club and myself could offer. All collaborations require mutual respect to encourage the benefit to both or all parties. I'm now delighted to be placed on the Caledonian Club's supplier list and look forward to working with and promoting, the club in the future.
A quote by Henry Ford: 'Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success'.
Thank you to Lee Allison for the photography.
STYLED SHOOT WITH STUART WOOD, LEEMING BROTHERS, GOURMANDISES AND LOVE LYDIA
Four of our members collaborated on a styled shoot at Hedsor House recently. Lydia from Love Lydia styled the shoot which was beautifully captured by Stuart Wood, Leeming Brothers provided the stationery and Gourmandises some of the tasty delights. The shoot published on Strictly Weddings & Elegant Wedding Magazine.
Lydia explained her thoughts behind the shoot, “It was important to me that our Styled Shoot featured some of the very best, personally tried and tested professionals in the wedding and event industry, but equally important that my team and I collaborated with co-members of the NAWP whom we know have the same passion, skill-set and professionalism that we always aspire to reach. Collaborations with members always prove advantageous to us in that we are able to have a deep level of trust and understanding, linked by a mutual ethos, which inevitably results in the most luxurious and perfectly executed, seamless weddings and events that we are known to produce.”
STYLED SHOOT WITH LA FETE AND MON ANNIE
We were delighted to see another member collaboration featured recently in You and Your Wedding. Associate members La Fete and Mon Annie teamed up to work together on the shoot at Euridge House. Themed 'China Blue', Fen at Mon Annie created the delicious and stylish cakes and treats for a decadent dessert table styled by Charlotte at La Fete.
