This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on January 29th, 2014 with Colin Cowie party planner to the stars. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Colin Cowie is on fire with an events business that travels the four corners of the world doing everything from intimate birthday celebrations to iconic weddings to corporate bashes, a hot new website on weddings and a consulting business that works on international hospitality and design projects for hotels, retailers and airlines. Layer on top of that his being a regular contributor to NBC’s The Today Show, a popular personality on HSN with home and lifestyle collections, and his ever-growing collection of lifestyle and entertaining books.

Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, he is an avid supporter of several charities focused on children’s education and health. The party planner of choice for celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey and Kim Kardashian, what sets Colin apart is his experiential approach to design; what you smell, touch, taste, feel and hear are carefully orchestrated to create the ultimate experience for Colin’s clients.

See more information about Colin Cowie at http://www.colincowie.com or

http://www.colincowieweddings.com

Q1: How did you get involved with weddings & planning events ?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: I arrived in the US in 1985, started a small catering company, got to work with A-list celebs and never looked back.

Q2: Now you grew up in South Africa ? Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Answer:
Colin Cowie : I was born in Zambia & educated in SA. Therefore I’m an African American! I never forgot my roots & return home 3-4x a yr.

Q3: What was your first paid wedding?
Answer:
Colin Cowie :  The world’s most famous #bachelor got married & I got to design it after being here for 2 yrs. @HughHefner from @playboy .

Q4: What do you feel are the most important elements to designing a party or wedding?
Answer:
Colin Cowie:  Equal amounts of tasty food, good music,well stocked bar and colorful people mixed with a big dose of LOVE.

Q5: What are your favorite wedding trends this year?
Answer:
Colin Cowie:  Loving the color #PURPLE. Working with mirror and reflective tables. The mixologist is a rockstar.

Q6: What tips do you have for brides just starting to plan their wedding?
Answer:
Colin Cowie:  Visit http://www.colincowieweddings.com  check out the inspiration finder & set up an #MyCollection account to stay organized.

Q7: How did you transform you event planning business to the next level?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: I worked as a contributing editor to @instyle, designed china for @Lenox started a TV show for @WEtv.com and wrote 9 books.

Q8: How do you work with social media on a weekly basis ?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: I post at personally at least 2 times a day. I engage mostly on @twitter @Facebook and @Instagram Follow me!

Q9: What do you find the most difficult part about planning events for celebrities?
Answer:
Colin Cowie:  They think their time is more important than mine, they feel they should pay less – they beat to there own drum.

Q10: What was it like to work with Oprah Winfrey @Oprah ?
Answer:
Colin Cowie:  @Oprah is the greatest client to have. She has vision, loves to have fun, enjoys @tequila and is the ultimate producer.

Q11: What advice do you have for event planners just starting their business?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: Get as much publicity as you can. Submit work to bloggers, share on @Facebook and with @Twitter, Instagram frequently

Q12: You have planned events all over the world. What are your favorite places to hold a party or wedding?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: I have worked across 5 continents and have travelled 11 million miles – I love working in Europe.  The history of Europe is always inspiring for me. Love the architecture, food and fab wines too.

Q13: I hear you are an avid supporter of several charities focused on children’s education & health?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: I actively support @infinitefamily @lalela @ubuntu and @phelophepa that support children, education, the arts and healthcare

Q14: How many books have you written on weddings? Do you have a favorite?

Answer:
Colin Cowie: I have written 9 books to date and my favorite is the new one I am working on around #SocialMedia . Book will hopefully be available for Xmas this year.

Q15: Do you have any events or interesting projects coming up?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: Yes yes yes…..happy to be busy with a full spring and summer ahead.

Q16: What would you like everyone to take away from this #WeddingMarket Chat ?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: Visit us: http://www.colincowieweddings.com  to sign-up for our newsletter. Exclusive tips if you follow me on http://facebook.com/itsmecolincowie  .
#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:
1. @Wed_Developer what was the most pivotal career changing moment?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: There were 2 – first was launching my first book on the #OprahWinfreyShow and the 2nd was @hughhefners wedding.

 
2. @MaryKayMayra How do you feel about bridal trade shows?

Answer:
Colin Cowie: If you are at a trade show do your best to create an experience. something they can taste, enjoy and something unique to take home with them. collect the e.mail address of every potential bride you can find and follow up in a timely basis.

 
3. @SweetestEvents_ How do you feel about the trend of “Marriage Proposal” Planning and or Planners?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: If you really really need a WOW factor and are insecure about your proposal, then go ahead and hire someone to help.

 
4. @WedbyJean What do you consider is the #1 design element every table design should have?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: There are several key elements. it always starts with a good foundation – a mirrored top, a fabulous cloth or wood surface.

5. @BridalBalance What advice would you offer to a Type A personality bride who wants to be very much in control of planning?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: Always be willing to listen and react as long as the suggestions make sense and work in the big picture.

 
6. @WedbyJean What do you think of “trends”?
Answer:
Colin Cowie:  Trends come and go, but good style always prevails.

7. @BridalBalance How often do you post blogs? Are they lengthy or short?
Answer:
Colin Cowie : Post blogs frequently and short. Always lead with a GREAT image.

8. @DFehlinger Do you believe that venues should offer packages or stay with a la carte options for brides?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: A venue should offer as many packages as possible to engage the customer.

9. @WedbyJean Is there someone you haven’t designed for yet, bout would love to?

Answer:
Colin Cowie: I always had a fantasy about doing the second wedding of Princess Diana.

10. @TiffanyChalk What advice would you give for someone transitioning from being primarily a planner to a designer?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: Make sure you are talented in the design arena or hire a VERY CREATIVE person who can set you up for success.

11. @JulieAlbaugh You were on the @TODAYshow this morning. Do you have link for us that missed it?
Answer:
Colin Cowie: @TodayShow was fun this morning – if you missed it, here is the link: http://InspireMe.CC/tdyshw012913