wedding planner Archives - PlanAnEvent.org

Wedding Planning: It’s All About Uniqueness and Joy!

August 16, 2012 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of comedy_nose

I love event and wedding planning. Yes, it’s a love hate relationship but really what isn’t. I enjoy taking something from ground zero and turning it into something extraordinary, by using my knowledge, experience and people skills and applying them to create fabulous events. My most favorite part of the experience is the end when a happy client is beaming and makes my day by uttering two simple words … “thank you”. It really does make it all worthwhile. The majority of my job involves planning and executing events and meetings and when I am not thoroughly frustrated I totally appreciate and adore my job.

When I am able to and time permits I partner with local planners to help them on their event day with whatever is needed. It’s a great way to learn new things and see planning from someone else’s perspective. I especially enjoy doing this for weddings as it affords me the opportunity to learn more and more about this wonderful and happy industry. I was lucky this past weekend to be asked to help a wedding planner friend and of course jumped at the chance. When on site I was showed an amazingly creative wedding dance video. It featured a bridal couple that danced their way into the venue, yep you heard it right, literally danced themselves right into a lifetime of happiness. It’s a real can’t miss so I couldn’t resist sharing it and with thanks to the happy couple Jill and Kevin and YouTube, sit back and enjoy.

Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: planning, video, wedding planner, weddingplanning, Weddings

Should You Use a Wedding Planner?

September 25, 2011 By Andrew Maxwell Comments

In “olden times” – you know, way back in the ‘70’s – planning a wedding was very much a family affair with the bride, her bridal party and the two mothers all chipping in to hunt down the perfect venue, book the entertainment, bake the cake and even break out grandma’s famous and top secret cannoli recipe. It fell to friends and family to organize and strategize and realize the happy couple’s perfect wedding. Forty years on and things are a lot more complicated and a lot more competitive. The average mortal needs help to navigate the bumpy waters of the wedding industry.

With so many decisions and so much to choose from brides – of all ages – are finding that the first, and perhaps the most important decision that they’ll make – once that ring goes on the finger- is to find the right wedding planner. A good wedding planner will take much of the stress and worry out of your wedding allowing you to really relax and enjoy your big day. A few things to keep in mind.

This is Your Wedding – NOT the Wedding Planner’s

It’s your wedding – but is it really? Let’s face it. One, maybe two couples throughout history really got to do their wedding their way. For many hiring a wedding planner is a form of “protection” – a kind of buffer from the well-intentioned family and friends who all throw their two-cents in about what they’d like to see, hear, eat and wear on your big day. Just realize, when selecting a wedding planner, that some can be guilty of doing exactly the same thing. If you’re not careful your wedding ‘expert’ may take your day and turn it into his/her day. So when you’re researching wedding planners be sure to have a clear vision of the things that you HAVE to have to make the day a success for you. These will be your non-negotiables. And then expect your wedding planner to find interesting and creative and affordable ways to execute your vision.

A good wedding planner will listen to you. He/she will get to know you so that the wedding is a reflection of your values and personality and not a reflection of his/her “relationship” with specific venues and suppliers.

For example, you and your partner want a small and unpretentious wedding with a nice, casual cocktail reception in a small, cozy restaurant. Do your research. Look at the planner’s website to see the type and variety of events that he/she has created in the past. If every event featured on wedding planner’s site includes festive balloon arches in a plethora of colors – your pastels and your primaries – then just keep on looking. Some planners tend to duplicate essentially the same event, but in different colors, over and over again. If the events highlighted on the wedding planner’s website and promotional literature have a similar look and that look is not what you’re after then move on.

After outlining your expectations and “must haves” with a potential wedding planner have him/her give you some suggestions – immediately. As in “right then and there”. How creative and resourceful is this person? Does he/she have the resources and contacts to give you what you want…rather than giving you what they have?

You have a budget – find a wedding planner that will help you stick to that budget – not double it.

The wedding industry creates lasting memories for brides and grooms everywhere. The industry works hard to give every bride her “perfect day” whatever that may be. However, some less scrupulous wedding planners will manipulate the emotions that come with getting married for their own financial benefit. “Of course, if you really loved your daughter you’d upgrade to the stretch limo”…you get the picture.

Guilt is great selling tool when it comes to planning weddings and funerals (but that’s a topic for another day). You’ve told your wedding planner that you want “small floral arrangements” on each table but he/she comes back with a suggestion of “live glow-in-the-dark tropical fish swimming in Swarovski crystal bowls” as THE must have centre piece of the season – just say NO. A good wedding planner will find a way to use unique or indigenous wild flowers for your “small floral arrangements” or incorporate creative vases to give you want you want.

And finally, do not be afraid to speak up. Communicate your vision, your expectations and your budget very early on in the process. And expect your wedding planner to stick to it. If your wedding planner is taking you to places where you do not want to go – then just don’t go there.

Wedding Event Planning – What’s Hot! (plananevent.org)
Wedding And Event Planning Budget Tips (plananevent.org)
Some Things Are Beyond Your Control When Planning Weddings (plananevent.org)
Wedding Planning Course – Here Comes the Bride (plananevent.org)

Filed Under: Planning An Event Tagged With: planning an event, wedding planner, Wedding Planning, Weddings

Wedding Planning Course – Here Comes the Bride

July 27, 2011 By Randy Markus Comments

Photo courtesy of Kattekrab on flickr

Here comes the bride…and all that jazz. Just the thought of it all seems romantic and fun. At times, wedding planning really can sound like the perfect job.

So you think maybe, sort of, perhaps, you might want to be a wedding planner. Of course you’ve been to many a wedding. Sure you’ve helped your sister plan her wedding and possibly you even planned your own wedding. You feel confident that you hold some of the more positive qualities needed in a wedding planner. Then that ever present thought creeps in “Is this the right move for me?”. So basically, like the majority of us, when making a monumental decision, you are not 100% sure.

Where is…Well…Everything

Including that great first step, speaking with active Wedding Planners and picking their brains, you’ve done the research. You’re sure you have several of those great qualities found in present day wedding planners. You’re organized, calm and composed, flexible, a people person and you are always able to recognize those “joy moments” in life.

Sure, you could go the route of trial and error and dive in head first, but is there a way to be sure? As sure as possible without ruining your hard earned reputation or making a great big career blunder?

Funny you should ask because, yes there is. A next, good step is a wedding planner course.

Next Step…You Hoo…Over Here…

By committing to a wedding planner course (part time, full time or on-line) you take your wedding planning knowledge to the next phase. A wedding planning course will take all that knowledge you already have, add to it and enhance it. It will provide you with the platform to learn the basics where needed and fill in the gaps of what you are missing; expert advice and an insider’s look into the wedding planning business.

Once you have made it through the course, in addition to enhancing your professional talents with wedding planning skills you will receive your certification. Certification will set you apart from the others. The course will enrich your professional talents and experience with wedding planning skills. And it will provide you with the confidence you need to get your butt out there, put what you know and have learned on the table and start planning weddings.