We were lucky to catch up with Marci Guttenberg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marci, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The inception of my business, An Affair To Remember By Marci, LLC, emerged from a fusion of personal passion and a keen awareness of an industry gap. I had been professionally involved in some way or another planning weddings and events for decades, and the idea of owning a business to assist couples in planning their events has always lingered in my mind as a profound aspiration.

The pivotal moment unfolded during our wedding planning in 2005 when my husband, Mark Guttenberg, and I experienced the invitation process firsthand. The service provider was undoubtedly sweet, yet the lack of information about customization options, cultural considerations, and overall expertise left us contemplating the potential for improvement.

A few years later, that lingering thought evolved into a concrete vision – a commitment to doing it better. The idea of creating invitations and crafting an entire experience became my driving force. I became determined to delve into the intricacies of processes, etiquette, cultural nuances, and the business side of this venture.

What excited me most was the prospect of offering a unique approach. I envisioned a business that provided beautiful stationery and guided clients through the entire process with transprency, expertise, and personalized attention. My excitement was fueled by the belief that I could fill a void in the industry, providing a service that combined creativity with comprehensive support for couples preparing for their big day.

With this vision, I embarked on building An Affair To Remember By Marci, starting with the essential step of establishing my LLC. This marked the beginning of a venture characterized by a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and a passion for creating meaningful and memorable experiences and beautiful wedding and event stationery for every client.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

While I don’t physically manufacture the products, my journey in creating unique stationery involves procuring the best resources to ensure high-quality outcomes for my clients. Early on, I recognized that I couldn’t be everything to everybody, but I could strategically collaborate with the right vendors to bring my creative visions to life.

The process began with diligent education, extensive research, and cultivating relationships within the stationery and wedding/event industry. By staying abreast of industry trends, learning about various printing techniques, and understanding the characteristics of different materials, I honed the ability to discern which vendors align with my commitment to excellence.

Finding the right partners involves more than technical competence; it’s about shared values, reliability, and a dedication to delivering outstanding results. This meticulous approach ensures that every piece of stationery reflects the quality and creativity that defines An Affair To Remember By Marci.

The critical lesson learned is fostering strong collaborations that complement my expertise. This approach allows me to focus on what I do best—bringing creativity, personalization, and a seamless experience to my clients—while relying on trusted partners to handle the intricate aspects of manufacturing.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the market has been significantly influenced by three pillars: my commitment to volunteerism, including board positions in social and business organizations, my dedication to continuous education within the wedding and event industry, and my appreciation for expanded networking and memberships.

**Volunteerism:**
Active involvement in professional organizations and community initiatives has allowed me to contribute to the industry while establishing a positive reputation. Serving on the boards of the Winter Park Chamber and the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), including my current role as Senior Advisor Emeritus, Past President, has not only enriched my understanding of the industry but has also positioned me as a trusted professional.

**Continuous Education:**
Staying at the forefront of industry trends and best practices has been pivotal. Continuous education through certifications such as CPCE (Certified Professional in Catering and Events) and CWP (Certified Wedding Planner), as well as affiliations with organizations like The Stationery Society, reflects my commitment to evolving expertise. This dedication ensures that my clients benefit from the latest innovations, tools, and insights in the dynamic world of weddings and events.

**Networking and Memberships:**
Beyond board positions, I actively seek opportunities to enhance my experiences and expand my network. Memberships in organizations such as the Certified Wedding Planner Society, The Stationery Society, The Planners Vault, the National Association of Wedding Professionals, and the Wedding Industry Professional Association have provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing me to connect with professionals across diverse industry segments. These affiliations not only broaden my perspective but also foster collaborations and partnerships that contribute to the growth and success of An Affair To Remember By Marci.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rsvps4u.com. OR. http://anaffairtorememberbymarci.com
• Instagram: @anaffairtorememberbymarci
• Facebook: @anaffairtorememberbymarci
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marciguttenberg/ OR https://www.linkedin.com/company/anaffairtorememberbymarci/

Image Credits
Emily Harris Photography (The Perfect Match and Samantha and Ryan’s Wedding) Jeff Kolodny Photography (Tea-length menu card with yellow flowers at the top – with gold trim chargers and high yellow and pink flowers) Anna Hess Events (Carlvin’s menu cards with red roses)