When you go to a wedding facility, such as a hotel or a hall, many times they have someone designated as a "wedding consultant" on staff. So, why should you consider hiring an independent wedding consultant such as myself? There are many reasons to think about!
An independent wedding planner (or wedding consultant, or bridal consultant, whatever title is being used) is your advocate from the day he or she is hired until your wedding day. That person will recommend to you the best vendors for your style and budget, and will guide you through the planning process -- keeping you on track with all of the many details such as ordering favors, designing guest books and creating programs as well as keeping you on budget. Also, your independent wedding planner will create a wedding day timeline and coordinate with all of your vendors prior to your big day. On the day of your wedding, that person will be at your house (or wherever you are dressing) to keep to the schedule, will fluff your dress as you walk down the aisle, will make sure your ceremony and reception sites are set up just as you envisioned them, and will run interference among your vendors, your families and yourselves throughout the day.
By contrast, a facility's "wedding coordinator" is in charge of making sure the food and beverage service runs smoothly during your reception. If you are having your ceremony at that venue, the facility's coordinator will make sure the chairs are set up and also may assist in lining you up to walk down the aisle, if she or he is in attendance on your day. Prior to your wedding, the facility's coordinator may give you a generic list of some vendors and meet with you to discuss the hall's menu options, linen choices, cake styles, and so forth.
In corporate terms, your independent wedding coordinator is your wedding's "project manager" and is in constant contact with with the facility's coordinator, band leader, florist, photographer, videographer, stylist, bridal salon, officiant, invitation designer, favor maker, baker, etc., in order to bring your wedding dreams to reality. The facility's coordinator is an important team member for your wedding, as that person is the in-house liaison between you and the facility. But your independent wedding consultant is the point person for all of the vendors; that person filters the many inquiries, gathers required paperwork/insurance certificates, disseminates timelines and directions and, in general, reduces your stress levels by taking care of the tiny details.
Until next time, happy planning ...
Monday, February 19, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
"Day Of" Coordinator
I get many, many inquiries from brides for a "day of" coordinator. While this term has been popularized in the media, it really has no meaning -- or application -- in the bridal industry.
What? Of course a "day of" coordinator just can be hired to supervise everything you've planned to make sure your day runs perfectly smoothly. All that person needs to do is look over your notes and contracts, maybe attend your rehearsal so s/he can meet the key members of the wedding party and, voila, your day will be flawless. Oh, and for such magical service (consisting of maybe 12 hours of work), the fee should be somewhere around $500-$800. Right? WRONG!
What I'm about to say may be controversial, but it's true. No one can provide this type of service. Or, rather, those that claim to do so are not professionals, nor do they provide a service.
A wedding coordinator is the couple's advocate on their wedding day. The coordinator "speaks" for the bride and groom on such issues as reception room set up, musical requests, spotlight dances, entree service, etc. Just one of the jobs I do during a wedding is answer a myriad of questions from all of the vendors about how "Sue & Dave" want this particular item carried out. I speak for my clients so that they do not have to be bothered on their big day. Who wants to be taken off the dance floor to be asked whether the main course should be served in 10 minutes?
In order for me properly to be able to respond to these questions, I have to know my client's wishes. The only way I feel comfortable in knowing my client's wishes is to have spent quality time with them going over their dreams for their wedding. Therefore, about 1 month before the wedding, I create the wedding day timeline and meet with my client to go over all the details. I also attend the final meetings with the vendors who will be providing service on their wedding day, such as the reception hall, entertainment, photographer, etc. I then coordinate with all of these vendors the week of the wedding, so that everyone is on the same page. In this way, I feel as if I have learned about my client and am confident that I can speak on their behalf on their big day.
I am not alone in speaking out against the term "day of" coordinator. At the last ABC Conference in Colorado Springs, we had a big brainstorming session about it, and the consensus was that most everyone's "day of" package is really a "month of" service. Keep in mind that professional wedding planners gladly will assist you with the finishing touches for your wedding, but that we need to know your wishes in order for you to receive the best benefit of our services. Which is why "day of" coordination is a misnomer at best, and a potential disservice to you at its worst.
Until next time, happy planning ...
What? Of course a "day of" coordinator just can be hired to supervise everything you've planned to make sure your day runs perfectly smoothly. All that person needs to do is look over your notes and contracts, maybe attend your rehearsal so s/he can meet the key members of the wedding party and, voila, your day will be flawless. Oh, and for such magical service (consisting of maybe 12 hours of work), the fee should be somewhere around $500-$800. Right? WRONG!
What I'm about to say may be controversial, but it's true. No one can provide this type of service. Or, rather, those that claim to do so are not professionals, nor do they provide a service.
A wedding coordinator is the couple's advocate on their wedding day. The coordinator "speaks" for the bride and groom on such issues as reception room set up, musical requests, spotlight dances, entree service, etc. Just one of the jobs I do during a wedding is answer a myriad of questions from all of the vendors about how "Sue & Dave" want this particular item carried out. I speak for my clients so that they do not have to be bothered on their big day. Who wants to be taken off the dance floor to be asked whether the main course should be served in 10 minutes?
In order for me properly to be able to respond to these questions, I have to know my client's wishes. The only way I feel comfortable in knowing my client's wishes is to have spent quality time with them going over their dreams for their wedding. Therefore, about 1 month before the wedding, I create the wedding day timeline and meet with my client to go over all the details. I also attend the final meetings with the vendors who will be providing service on their wedding day, such as the reception hall, entertainment, photographer, etc. I then coordinate with all of these vendors the week of the wedding, so that everyone is on the same page. In this way, I feel as if I have learned about my client and am confident that I can speak on their behalf on their big day.
I am not alone in speaking out against the term "day of" coordinator. At the last ABC Conference in Colorado Springs, we had a big brainstorming session about it, and the consensus was that most everyone's "day of" package is really a "month of" service. Keep in mind that professional wedding planners gladly will assist you with the finishing touches for your wedding, but that we need to know your wishes in order for you to receive the best benefit of our services. Which is why "day of" coordination is a misnomer at best, and a potential disservice to you at its worst.
Until next time, happy planning ...
Monday, January 29, 2007
Compromise
I've been thinking a lot about compromises this week. Everyone says that a marriage is all about compromises -- and that's the truth!
For example, on Saturday, my husband asked me to go with him to a Mixed Martial Arts fight (Rumble in Rahway). Now, we've both been taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 6 months now, so I do have a background in the sport, and 2 of the competitors were from our dojo. However, seeing 2 guys climb into a cage (yes, CAGE) and fight - box, kickbox, grapple - was not my idea of a fun Saturday night out! But my husband is such a great guy and helps me out so much, I decided to go with him. Much to my surprise, I had a great time! And both of the guys from our dojo won their matches!
What I'm trying to point out here, is that compromise can lead you to unexpected experiences that you really enjoy. And, believe me, compromises don't start after you're married. It's important to open those lines of communication during your engagement - after all, the bride is not the only one of the pair getting married! Discuss all the decisions with each other, and you may just be surprised at the wonderful outcome. Maybe the china pattern isn't the bride's first choice, but with the groom's imput, it will be perfect for your couple's dining room. Perhaps the venue for your reception wouldn't have been on the top of your list, but maybe the one you find together will exceed your expectations. Just listen to each other, and be willing to compromise.
Until next time, happy planning...
For example, on Saturday, my husband asked me to go with him to a Mixed Martial Arts fight (Rumble in Rahway). Now, we've both been taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for about 6 months now, so I do have a background in the sport, and 2 of the competitors were from our dojo. However, seeing 2 guys climb into a cage (yes, CAGE) and fight - box, kickbox, grapple - was not my idea of a fun Saturday night out! But my husband is such a great guy and helps me out so much, I decided to go with him. Much to my surprise, I had a great time! And both of the guys from our dojo won their matches!
What I'm trying to point out here, is that compromise can lead you to unexpected experiences that you really enjoy. And, believe me, compromises don't start after you're married. It's important to open those lines of communication during your engagement - after all, the bride is not the only one of the pair getting married! Discuss all the decisions with each other, and you may just be surprised at the wonderful outcome. Maybe the china pattern isn't the bride's first choice, but with the groom's imput, it will be perfect for your couple's dining room. Perhaps the venue for your reception wouldn't have been on the top of your list, but maybe the one you find together will exceed your expectations. Just listen to each other, and be willing to compromise.
Until next time, happy planning...
Monday, January 22, 2007
Back from Jamaica
My husband and I just went to Jamaica for a very quick 4 day getaway to an all-inclusive in Ocho Rios. While it was snowing here in NJ, we were enjoying the sun and sand -- and the wonderful amenities offered at the all-inclusive. Rum punch, anyone?
While most of my clients' honeymoons are much longer than this 4-day stay, I wanted to pass along some helpful advice:
(1) If you can, add in a couple of days for the travel. It literally took us 12 hours door-to-door to get to and from Jamaica (we couldn't get a direct flight from Newark Airport), so our 4 day stay really turned into 2 full days in Jamaica.
(2) Plan ahead! Check out your resort's website before you go (and PACK), as there may be events going on while you're there that require a different dress code than shorts and flip flops. Also, some restaurants at your resort may require more formal attire.
(3) Try to remember all of your toiletries. We ran out of dental floss and went to the gift shop to purchase one; they wanted $7 for 1 container of dental floss! Needless to say, we skipped the purchase.
(4) Make copies of your important documents and credit cards and take one set with you while leaving another set at home. Also, leave your itinerary with someone at home as well. Hopefully you'll never have to refer to the copies.
(5) Make sure that your passport will be in effect at least 6 months after your return. Apparently, there's a US regulation that could cause you a big headache at Customs if your passport is due to expire in less than 6 months.
Hope these tips help! Until next time, happy planning ...
While most of my clients' honeymoons are much longer than this 4-day stay, I wanted to pass along some helpful advice:
(1) If you can, add in a couple of days for the travel. It literally took us 12 hours door-to-door to get to and from Jamaica (we couldn't get a direct flight from Newark Airport), so our 4 day stay really turned into 2 full days in Jamaica.
(2) Plan ahead! Check out your resort's website before you go (and PACK), as there may be events going on while you're there that require a different dress code than shorts and flip flops. Also, some restaurants at your resort may require more formal attire.
(3) Try to remember all of your toiletries. We ran out of dental floss and went to the gift shop to purchase one; they wanted $7 for 1 container of dental floss! Needless to say, we skipped the purchase.
(4) Make copies of your important documents and credit cards and take one set with you while leaving another set at home. Also, leave your itinerary with someone at home as well. Hopefully you'll never have to refer to the copies.
(5) Make sure that your passport will be in effect at least 6 months after your return. Apparently, there's a US regulation that could cause you a big headache at Customs if your passport is due to expire in less than 6 months.
Hope these tips help! Until next time, happy planning ...
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Band Showcases
I just returned from a bridal show that had 2 bands doing live showcases. I think this is a great way to see and hear bands that you may be considering for your wedding. You get to hear snippets of songs performed in front of a live audience (you!), and can gauge audience reaction, sound quality, performer interaction -- all from the comfort of your chair. The only better way to experience a band is to be a guest at a wedding or event where they are playing.
The other ways to "audition" bands are not so attractive, in my opinion. There's the internet, but sound and audio clips are not the best quality, usually. The promotional materials (such as DVDs and CDs) that a band sends out, unless taped "live," may be edited and the actual performance may not live up to it. Then there's going to another wedding where the band is playing, standing in the back and listening. I think this is so unprofessional; the band has been hired by the couple to entertain their guests, not to bring in outsiders and book more gigs!
So, if you're in the market for a band, check out their website for any upcoming showcases they may be doing in your area. Then, make a date and go enjoy the show!
Until next time, happy planning . . .
The other ways to "audition" bands are not so attractive, in my opinion. There's the internet, but sound and audio clips are not the best quality, usually. The promotional materials (such as DVDs and CDs) that a band sends out, unless taped "live," may be edited and the actual performance may not live up to it. Then there's going to another wedding where the band is playing, standing in the back and listening. I think this is so unprofessional; the band has been hired by the couple to entertain their guests, not to bring in outsiders and book more gigs!
So, if you're in the market for a band, check out their website for any upcoming showcases they may be doing in your area. Then, make a date and go enjoy the show!
Until next time, happy planning . . .
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Follow the leader
Every one of my clients tells me that one of their goals for their wedding reception is for their guests to have a good time. When I press them to define a "good time," many couples reply that they want their guests to eat really good food and for them to be up and dancing to the entertainment they selected. So, I make recommendations to them for the best reception sites and/or caterers and great bands and djs. The couples then go and select from my recommendations -- the platform is set for everyone at the wedding to have a "good time," right?
Wrong! There is one more ingredient that must be taken into account - one that can't be as easily selected as a good band. It's the guests themselves! You must think about who will be attending your wedding -- their ages and personalities. Are most of your guests older family members who prefer to sit and talk with other relatives that they haven't seen in a while, or are they twenty-somethings who go clubbing every weekend? For the most part, the guests will drive how the party unfolds. However, YOU, the bride & groom, can set the stage, so to speak. If you want a packed dance floor all night, make sure that you are leading the dance sets! Guests follow the bride & groom's lead, so go out and enjoy yourselves and everyone else will join you on the Conga line!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Wrong! There is one more ingredient that must be taken into account - one that can't be as easily selected as a good band. It's the guests themselves! You must think about who will be attending your wedding -- their ages and personalities. Are most of your guests older family members who prefer to sit and talk with other relatives that they haven't seen in a while, or are they twenty-somethings who go clubbing every weekend? For the most part, the guests will drive how the party unfolds. However, YOU, the bride & groom, can set the stage, so to speak. If you want a packed dance floor all night, make sure that you are leading the dance sets! Guests follow the bride & groom's lead, so go out and enjoy yourselves and everyone else will join you on the Conga line!
Until next time, happy planning ...
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Congratulations on your engagement!
Did you know that most engagements happen between Thanksgiving and New Year's? Yup, all you guys out there probably have been learning all about the 4C's recently -- cut, color, clarity and carat. You've probably visited your friendly jeweler more times in the past 2 weeks than ever before in your entire life. The choices of engagement rings, from traditional to contemporary, may seem endless. But don't worry, you will pick THE RING soon, and it will proudly burn a hole in your pocket until you ask your girlfriend to become your fiancee! And then the fun really begins!
For some of my clients, I've seen that the future husband's involvement in the wedding planning process is limited to selecting the engagement ring, picking out a tux and showing up to the church on time. However, for most of my couples, planning their weddings is a shared experience. Together, they plan the first (and probably biggest and most expensive) party of their lives, and create happy memories along the way.
In a way, I'm jealous of all the fun you are about to have. My husband proposed to me on December 13, 1997, and I still remember -- with a smile -- all the difficult, trivial, monumental and frivolous decisions we made along the way to the altar. Your journey is just beginning, and I hope you take time to enjoy the process.
Until next time, happy planning ...
For some of my clients, I've seen that the future husband's involvement in the wedding planning process is limited to selecting the engagement ring, picking out a tux and showing up to the church on time. However, for most of my couples, planning their weddings is a shared experience. Together, they plan the first (and probably biggest and most expensive) party of their lives, and create happy memories along the way.
In a way, I'm jealous of all the fun you are about to have. My husband proposed to me on December 13, 1997, and I still remember -- with a smile -- all the difficult, trivial, monumental and frivolous decisions we made along the way to the altar. Your journey is just beginning, and I hope you take time to enjoy the process.
Until next time, happy planning ...
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