Perfect Events by Affairs with Linda

What motivated me to start AWL?

Since childhood, I loved to entertain – whether it be a Birthday Party, the last day of school or partying after football/basketball games at my home. I was exposed to high end events in my twenties when I ran a clearing house at the Mercantile Exchange. I said to myself, I can do this and I can do this better and saw an opportunity for a woman to make a difference. At that time, there were only 12/14 planners and all but 3 were men. It was my mission to not only find the best vendors, venues, etc. for my clients but also ones that would be able to create my clients dreams. Not only, this but client did not have a voice in what their very Special Day was to be, planners told them who they were going to work with and what the wedding would be – I wanted this decision to be about my client not about the planner.

What makes AWL different from other event Planning companies?

EXPERIENCE – over 30+ years of experience. I have a wonderful working relationship with many many vendors and am very good at Connecting the client with the vendor that fits their budget as well as their personalities. Creating a budget that meets the clients expectations- not trying to get them to spend more than they are comfortable spending. Careful listening, which many planners do not do- they impose their ideas and do not listen to what the client is saying. I work with everyone the same way regardless if I recommend the vendor or not. Love to work with new vendors. I am a team player. I am not an alarmist and handle uncomfortable situations with calm and grace. I do not sign contracts for clients – the client does and will always know what they are spending and what to expect – I do not upcharge.

What is your best advise for newly engaged couples?

First enjoy your engagement for a couple weeks and then sit down and decide what is most important to you as a couple – date, place, mood, music, etc. I always suggest talking to a couple planners to get their take on how they work and will you fit well. Some clients want just “day of” – in reality – there is no such thing as “day-of” – but can advise you on how to start planning. Budget plays a large part of the planning – you need to realistic with numbers. This is where a planner comes in handy – because we know what the costs are and how to make this experience fun and economical. A phone call to a planner costs nothing.

What is most gratifying part of my business?

When the couple come to me at the end of the night and hug me and tell me that the evening was perfect and the BEST night of their lives. I feel as if I have given birth each time to a beautiful event. Also families come back to me for more events – ie Bar/Bat Mitavahs and then their children’s wedding. I have been with some families for over 15 years.

What three words descry be my business best?

EXPERIENCE, HONESTY AND UNDERSTANDING

Affairs with linda
1831 Mission Hills Road, #311
Northbrook, IL 60062
www.affairswithlinda.com
[email protected]
847-446-9800