The Trendsetter Series Vendor Application

Hello, Wedding Creatives!

Have you ever felt the urge to break free from the ordinary and design an extraordinary wedding experience?
Something that not only makes a bold statement but could even launch the NEXT BIG TREND in weddings?
We know many of you have that gift of creativity but no public platform to showcase it! Now you do. (We absolutely adore your imaginative ideas!)
Now’s the time to gather your most creative wedding muses and shine in and be a part of
Southern Bride’s The Trendsetter Series!

Apply now for The Trendsetter Series

Dive into the excitement and break free from tradition to craft the extraordinary you’ve always dreamed of. You and your talented team are eager to breathe life into your playful and innovative ideas. Let your visions shine and be showcased on all of Southern Bride’s platforms:
Southern Bride Magazine, on SouthernBride.com, and across all of Southern Bride’s vibrant social media platforms!

The Cedar Room – Charleston, SC    Designer:  Direct my Day    Photographer:  Alisha Cory Photography

This exciting journey will take us across the nation (and even the globe),
capturing the essence of dazzling designs through stunning photography and engaging videography.

If you are one of 10 Trendsetter Teams chosen to be a part of this exciting showcase, your extraordinary creations will shine in the pages of Southern Bride Magazine, on SouthernBride.com, and across all of Southern Bride’s lively social media platforms.

And that’s not all! We’ll craft special badges that celebrate your participation, complemented by a complimentary feature, a Vendor Listing for every talented vendor on your team at SouthernBride.com.
Join us in this innovative, creative adventure!

There is no charge to participate.

 HOW IT WORKS

The team leader/wedding planner/designer is responsible for the following:

• Submit a proposed mood board showcasing your trendsetting ideas and the intended venue. It has proven helpful to assemble your design team first, including a florist and any other key participants, while smaller detail vendors can be arranged later.
• Suggest two alternative dates that are in line with your team and the venue’s availability. A minimum of 4 months of planning is required before the suggested styled shoot date(s).
• The scheduled shoot day must fall on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.
• The team leader is responsible for securing the venue – we are happy to assist if needed
• If you are able, it’s recommended that you confirm with the venue the possibility of a partial setup on the previous day.
• Design areas must be ready to shoot by 10:00 a.m. and conclude by 4:00pm – 6:00 p.m. (depending on time of year)
• The design should include a minimum of four well-lit (keep in mind dark and moody do not photograph well for print), separate spaces within the venue: a Ceremony area, a Reception area, and two “Wildcard” unexpected spaces – such as a bar, dessert station, getaway car, llamas, furs, fire pits—anything goes!  Additionally, include a FLATLAY that ties it all together. Remember – we are showcasing all of your work to the bride.
  We love using outdoor spaces as long as there is an indoor backup.
• Models – minimum of one couple
  – More models may be used, such as best man, maid of honor, bridesmaids, etc., if needed to support your design
  – You are welcome/encouraged to use a real couple – the intimacy they have photographs beautifully – think a past or future client or friends
  – Southern Bride is gender friendly and open to all kinds of couples
• Fashion – The team leader must secure fashion – we can assist if needed
• Hair and Make-up

The Rock House, Omni Barton Creek – Austin, TX    Designer:  Alter Ego Weddings    Photographer:  Catch Motion Studio

IF YOU ARE SELECTED:
The following MUST be submitted within 2 weeks to styledchallenge@southernbride.com by the Team Leader:

• A brief description of your design, 250-300 words
• A 2 – 4 minute video providing information about you/your company, why you became a wedding planner/designer, tell us about your most unique request by a couple, and why you are excited about participating in The Styled Challenge by Southern Bride. This must be recorded horizontally, NOT vertically.
• A Bio and headshot – see one example of use below.

FAQ:

Do I need to get a photographer?
No, we will promote the shoot to photographers, videographers, and content creators to join in on the fun – they will also be competing for the BEST PHOTOGRAPHY to be published.

What can I expect on the day of the shoot?
Styled Shoots by Southern Bride will arrive the day before the shoot. We will prepare to greet photographers throughout the day of the shoot. Photographers will sign up for one of four time slots throughout the day, ending between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm – depending on the time of year.

Union Station – Nashville, TN    Designer:  Elliott Events    Photographer:  Annie Cooper Photography

What will the Judges be looking For?

• MINDSET! This styled shoot must not be your typical one. Challenge your creative self and get your team excited and involved. Think out-of-the-box and create something you have always wanted to do. This is your time to shine!
• When someone walks into the room/space, the first thought that should come to their mind is “WOW.”
• For reception spaces, ensure that you have at least three tables set up for the best depth of field for photographs on tablescapes.
• Use your venues and get them involved. Many venues have items you can use out of ease and budget.
• Details are essential, and brides love them, so get creative.
• Consider additional details like specialty runners or aisle enhancements for the ceremony to lend a visual/theatrical boost.

Mattise Lawn + Jardin des Tuileries, Chateau Elan Winery – Braselton, GA    Designer:  Design House of Flowers    Photographer:  Double N Media

YOU AND YOUR TEAM MEMBERS WILL EACH RECEIVE ADDED PROMOTIONAL VALUE FOR THEIR BUSINESS AS OUR THANK YOU

• PRE-Event – advertising promoting the event/designers/venues/mood boards on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Digital ads in addition to all of Southern Bride’s digital media outlets
• During the event – Social Media interviews with designers (this will include the wedding planner but can also include anyone else who was part of the design process) showcasing the design spaces for viewership voting
• During the Event – Social media postings from vendors, photographers, and Southern Bride
• Post Event – Video of the Trendsetter Series will include designer interviews and scenes from the styled set-ups, which will be showcased on SouthernBride.com and Southern Bride’s YouTube Channel.
• Post Event – Social media postings from vendors, photographers, and all of Southern Bride’s social outlets, including a special category on Pinterest.
• Post Event – Digital coverage on each styled design on SouthernBride.com
• Post Event – Images will be used repeatedly in various content on SouthernBride.com and Southern Bride’s social outlets for several months.
• Post Event – the designs will be shared in Southern Bride Magazine in a 2-3 page spread with all vendors credited.
• Post Event – ALL VENDORS will receive a complimentary 6-month Feature Vendor Listing on SouthernBride.com, which will link directly to the design feature and can be linked back to each vendor’s website to enhance their website SEO.

La Bonne Vie Ranch – Fredericksburg, TX    Designer:  Scarlet Rose Events    Photographer:  Heather Jenkins Photography

Bardessono – Napa, CA    Designer:  West Event Co.   Photographer:  Michelle Kennaugh Photography