1. What is the first priority for the bride and groom once the wedding date has been established?
Once the Bride and Groom have selected their wedding date
their first priority should be to establish a vision for their event and
more importantly a budget to create the vision. Their vision should include
the desired setting for the ceremony and reception, the theme, time of day
and the number of guests they plan to entertain. Some Brides and Grooms may
choose a traditional Church wedding while others might choose a garden
setting or an older home in their local Historic District.
2. What kind of research should the bride and groom do once the key wedding elements have been defined?
Its important at this point in the planning process to
do an honest assessment of the amount of free time the Bride and Groom have
to plan their wedding. Considering the average wedding can take between 260
to 300 hours before you get to say 'I Do', you'll want to be able to spread
that out over several months if possible. This is the best time to consider
using a professional wedding coordinator because he or she will help
expedite the planning process.
3. As a wedding coordinator, what kinds of services do you provide to the Bride and Groom?
As a wedding Coordinator my favorite motto is "You choose
the dress and let me take care of the rest". I begin with an interview
process to familiarize myself with the couple and to understand their
vision for their wedding. Together we develop the theme they've chosen by
choosing a location and selecting vendors who will create that vision.
Then, we create the wedding day on paper using outlines and timelines that
I will later share with all the hired professionals. I direct and manage
the rehearsal, the ceremony and the reception to ensure their event is
executed flawlessly!
4. How do you assist the bride and groom with finding the other wedding professionals and service providers?
My interview process with Brides and
Grooms reveals key elements that help me connect them to the ideal wedding
professionals. Those key elements will define their style, their budget and
those details that are most important to them like; the cake design, the
music, and the ceremony and reception decor.
5. What kinds of pitfalls do brides and grooms avoid by using the services of professionals for every aspect of the wedding and reception (versus well-meaning friends, family, etc.)?
Brides and Grooms can expect to
benefit from the industry knowledge that we as wedding professionals can
provide. Remember that we plan, perform and provide wedding services on a
regular basis and as such have enough experience to be proactive rather
than reactive during the planning process.
6. What advice can you offer to brides and grooms who insist on the DIY (do it yourself) plan for their wedding?
There's absolutely nothing wrong with DIY wedding planning. First and
foremost, start and stay organized! Get yourself a good wedding planner, I
recommend Beverly Clarke's "Guide to the Perfect Wedding." Allow yourself
plenty of time. Visit at least three service providers per each service you
will need before making a hiring decision. Lastly, about one month before
your wedding hire a professional wedding coordinator/director to ensure
that your event is a success. Then, sit back and enjoy your day!
