Monday, January 18, 2010

A Monday Morning cup of Joe with...Char Rohl with Charlene’s Bridal and Event Rentals



Your name (and title/position): Char Rohl, Owner & Manager
Business Name: Charlene’s Bridal and Event Rentals
Location: 5508 S 56th Street, Suite 3, Lincoln, NE 68516 (Edgewood Shopping Center)
Service or Product Offered: Complete line of rental items for weddings, receptions, events, parties, etc.
How long in business: 2 years
How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping couples achieve their “dream” wedding? My husband and I, along with our nine year old son, live near Lincoln, Nebraska. I had been a stay-at-home mom for eight years. Prior to that, I worked in the healthcare industry, rimarily at BryanLGH Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. When my youngest son started school about f our years ago, I began exploring possible options regarding my future career outside the home. While helping my daughter plan her wedding, I realized I had found what I'd been looking for over the last few years! As I was shopping for wedding and reception items, contemplating buying vs renting, I visited some wonderful and unique rental stores in Lincoln. I became very excited and passionate about this whole concept.
What is the one thing you would advise the couple to get a “jumpstart” on? Most couples should have their rentals reserved at least 6 months prior to their wedding.
What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with the couple on their wedding day? We have a diverse staff, very helpful, friendly, (most of which are family) and so excited to help couples plan their wedding.
Even though this day is stereotypically all about the bride, we know that’s not true! Do you have any advice for the groom and his groomsmen? I say stick with the stereotype day. This is the bride’s…and your day will be much better if you don’t ever forget that!!!
Have couples and their wedding priorities changed since you first started in this industry? If so, how? No, I wouldn’t say they’ve changed. I do see a whole spectrum of couples, though – some who come in with an open ended budget as parents are paying for everything. Others come in with their parents and are somewhat cost conscience. And then, of course, we have the couples who are struggling financially and are paying for the wedding themselves.
Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? None
From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Only to the mothers of brides and grooms – have a personal attendant PLEASE! If mothers are so involved and coordinating and taking care of everything..they miss the most important day of their children’s lives. I know this first hand! And it’s an awful feeling to not have experienced the emotion of giving your children away because you were to caught up in the planning/coordination. Relax, sit back, and enjoy!! J
What would you put in your “Wedding Day Survival Kit”? Kleenex, pins, favorite alcoholic beverage!
If you could describe your company as ANY item (piece of cake, unity candle, etc.) at the wedding, what would it be and why? I would say we’re the “chairs”. We can provide the support you need from the rehearsal dinner all the way through to the reception.
What is one popular wedding song you never get tired of hearing at weddings? I will be here by Steven Curtis Chapman OR You are the love of my life by Jim Brickman J Love them both!!
What is one common misconception about your profession that you usually have to educate your clients about? (Example: for photographers – the amount of time it takes to edit photos, for limo drivers – the amount of money it costs to fill up the tank in the LimoBus) I would say the most common is the cost of rentals. Often times, couples buy their vases, décor, etc and do not realize how much cheaper it is to rent these items or even that renting is an option!
Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer and your contact information:
402-421-1291

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