What to ask when interviewing a wedding planner

So many couples got engaged over the holidays - congratulations!

Now what????

Should your first step be to pick a date, pick a venue, find a priest, get the gown? Seems like everything needs to be done at once! Well, not really.

Your first stop should be choosing a wedding planner. Now, I know what you're thinking - your budget doesn't allow for that "luxury" and you can go online to find all the vendors you'll need. Actually, a wedding planner will help you to afford the wedding of your dreams and also will get you the best vendors for your vision. AND will eliminate most of the wedding stress!

So, now you've decided to find a wedding planner. Once you make your appointments, you need to do some prep work for the initial meetings. Come armed with some questions about the planner's education, experiences, vendor referral policy. Ask about how they work with family members and the bridal party, how much time is included in their package, what timelines they actually prepare for you, how she works with vendors she hadn't recommended. You need to be comfortable that the planner has the experience to do a good job for you AND that you "click" with her. After all, you will be spending a lot of time together!

Once you've hired your planner, together the three of you will conquer the wedding planning world!

Until next time, happy planning...

"Reality Wedding TV" & What a Wedding Planner Can Do For You

As you may know, I am the Wedding Expert on www.NewJerseyNewsroom.com. In this month's Questions and Answers, I responded to 2 very different questions - one about wedding reality TV and one about wedding planners.

The first question came from Rozlyn and dealt with how "real" is "reality" TV as it relates to the wedding shows, and where to go to get great advice on wedding planning. As we all know, shows aren't put on TV unless there's some sort of drama - whether real or created. So, in response to this question, I recommend that she take a listen to the Wedding Podcast Network. Founded by Robert Allen and his wife Holli, this wide-ranging series of podcasts interview experts as well as "real couples." The information imparted on these podcasts is as real as it gets! Also, Allen is an award-winning videographer so this couple certainly has the expertise to back up their podcasts! Check out their site on iTunes or at www.WeddingPodcastNetwork.com.

The second question came from Brandi. She asked what a wedding planner can do that she couldn't. My answer? She certainly can plan everything on her own, BUT a wedding planner can simplify the whole process. A planner has vetted the multitude of vendors out there, and will recommend the best vendors for suited to specific needs. Also, a planner will be up on the latest trends and be able to offer ideas (at a low cost!) that can enhance her special celebration. Not to mention keeping the dreaded stress at bay!

To read the Q&A, click here. Do you have a question for the Wedding Expert, or want me to explore a certain topic? Send me an email!

Until next time, happy planning...

Happy Holidays

The year has come and it's almost gone! 2010 will be here in about a week - with all new promises, hopes and expectations. I hope that you will let me help you turn your wedding dreams into wonderful memories next year!

Until the new decade, happy planning...

'Tis the Season

It's here - engagement season! Most engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Year's. In my latest edition of Wedding Trends, I discuss the 4 C's of diamonds and give some intresting ideas for popping the question.

Click to enjoy the article!

Here's a photo that I had submitted to www.newjerseynewsroom.com for the article, but they chose to use the other two that I had submitted. It's by Elzbieta Photography - www.elzphoto.com/weddings.

Until next time, happy planning...

Musings on this Holiday Season

Hello everyone!

Well, it's already December - time flies by so quickly. Sorry I've been mia for most of November! I had a couple of events, Thanksgiving and nice bout of the flu (which I've now passed along to my husband). Hope you've had a nice lead up to the holidays!

Given the economy, this holiday season is going to be challenging for many folks. And I think that no segment of the population feels it more than those of you who are just getting your engagement rings, and are planning your weddings. However, there is some good news on the horizon, as the economy is showing some signs of revival.

So, if you have just received your engagement ring, CONGRATULATIONS! This is such an exciting time!! Remember who and what is important to you and make sure to center your celebration and planning around those people and ideas.

If you are planning your wedding already, keep up the great work! Try to stay on your schedule so that you enjoy every step of the way. You will always remember the time you spent planning and you want those to be happy memories!

In my upcoming www.newjerseynewsroom.com Wedding Trends article, I'm going to write about The Engagement. Keep your eyes posted for the article - it should be up soon!

Until next time, happy planning...

Wedding Wisdom

I just received my copy of Mary Dann's newest book, Wedding Wisdom. It's "an insightful approach to wedding planning and life." I can't wait to read it!!

I'm especially proud to be mentioned by Mary in her "Special Thanks" section! She mentions me and Bride Ideas as a "wonderful wedding planner... that continues to raise the bar for our industry and exceed client expectations" - on page 124!

Until next time, happy planning...

Thank you's

Just imagine: you had a dream wedding and now you're relaxing on some island in the middle of nowhere enjoying your honeymoon. All those months of planning are behind you. No more stress dreams. Your family is all safely back to their home bases, away from you and your new spouse. Life is good.

Now, you're thinking all the wedding "stuff" is behind you, right? Well - not exactly. There are several things that still need to be taken care of after your relaxing honeymoon, such as putting your photo album together, reviewing your edited video and depositing all those gift checks! My guess is these are very happy tasks that won't feel like some of the planning tasks that preceded your wedding. However, there is that 1 pesky item that looms over your heads - writing thank you notes for all those lovely gifts!

Thank you notes don't have to be a burden. Divide them between the two of you, and try to write 5 or 10 a night. And when I say "write" I do mean handwrite, if possible (and legible). You don't have to go into a long dissertation here, but you do have to say thank you for their very generous and thoughtful gift. Also, let you guests know how you intend to use their gifts - if money, perhaps toward a down payment on a house; if fine china, you'll use it during the holidays and think of them. Please don't just take a photo card from your photographer with a preprinted "Thank you" and stick a label on it and mail it out! Remember, you took all that time planning every detail of your day, and your guests came to celebrate with you - this will be their final "touch" from you of your wedding. Make it as personal as your big day!

Until next time, happy planning...