Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Wedding Planners Facts or Myths You Decide




When I got married, on Long Island, the “wedding planner” was the person at the catering hall, or as my husband called it, “the wedding factory” that actually booked and sold us on the dream of the perfect wedding.  Once we were sold he then took our deposit and gave us a list of the vendors they wanted us to use.  When the final balance was due we met with him for maybe the 3rd time to finalize our menu and give him the name of our florist, photographer and band.

So simple and easy.  Not really.  He did not hold my hand during the process and help me make important decisions or decipher the contracts and promises of my vendors. It was an impersonal business transaction and half way thru the process he quit and I got a substitute, who was not privee to the conversations and promises I had received.  Talk about un-needed stress.

Today, you too can use the “wedding planner” at the banquet facility.  But you should be aware that their experience in planning events is limited to the space that they are currently working in.  They are not out in the world of events planning parties and weddings at an assortment of venues.  Furthermore, they will probably have a minimum of between 2-4 weddings or special events booked for each and every weekend of the year.  In addition, they work for the venue.  Their loyalty lies with the venue.  Yes they want you to have a wonderful and memorable celebration with them but at what cost?  Will this planner set up meetings for you with other venues?  Translate contracts and proposals from the different venues.? Take your call when you are having a stressful day?  Look at your invitations to make sure the wording is correct and there are no spelling errors?  Answer 40 emails a day with care and concern? Will they go with you to the dress fittings or makeup consultations? Will they be available to meet with the photographer and videographer? Will they spend countless hours on the phone and in person with your florist, designer and lighting specialist?  Will they help you patch up the fights you are having with your fiancée?  Will they lend a compassionate ear when you are upset with your mother?  Will they get the cake lady to call you back or answer your emails? 

Most importantly will they allow you to create the wedding you always dreamed about.  Offering a myriad of possibilities and insights or will they just give you what they give to each and every bride that walks into their space? An independent planner will always have your best interest at heart. First and foremost they will always work in your best interest.  They will serve as your guide, your coach, your therapist and friend during this entire process.  They will execute your dream day with perfection the way you envision it and want it to occur.  They will trouble shoot and spin a magical web for you to spend your day in joy and happiness.

Your independent wedding planner will do more than make 5 phone calls and give a list of preferred vendors.  He/she will pool her resources and connect you with the right people for your personality, style and budget.  He/she will provide you with innovation and the latest trends.  She will encourage you to think beyond the pictures you see in the magazines to help your style and personality come through- not the venues.  Planners do not have an agenda- they have a passion.  There is no sales quota that they need to meet.  At the end of the day they get their comfort and satisfaction in your joy.

Dear Reader, What is the biggest fear you have about your wedding? 

If you found this article helpful or interesting please leave a comment.  Let me know your thoughts, If you have any questions or need any information or would like to see me write about a topic you need help on let me know.  If you don’t want to leave a comment below you can always email me: Julia@eventuresinc.net or simply visit our website at www.eventuresinc.net. Subscribe to our list for your free eBook “Make it Your Own! The Ultimate Guide to Personalize Your Day”

Grace, Gratitude and Happy Planning!

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