Tuesday, October 18, 2016

An Honor and Priviledge


 
 
 
This past week I was honored to become a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants.  I am excited to not only further my knowledge of the profession but network, be mentored by others in the field, make final decisions about getting my business up and running and have a way to connect with couples who may be in the market for the services I'd like to offer. You won't be wasting any prayers you may want to send my way.  I definitely can use them. I'm so excited to get a real, true start with this.
 
 

A Wedding Planner?!...Do I Need One?


Congratulations You've Met "The One" And You're Engaged! Absorb and enjoy that for a minute, even before telling anyone.... not too long but enough let you and your love enjoy this new phase and consider your life together. Once you do begin the planning process, which I'm Sure you're excited about, you might wonder where to start, what kind of timeline to follow, what to choose first(cake, venue, dress) how to stay on budget and so on. No doubt once you share the good news you'll have all kinds of people offering help and ideas.  This might be the point at which you think "how will all this get done?" Can you plan this yourself, yes of course! You can decide on and make all selections (which can be a huge part of the fun) yourself and put it all in action on your wedding day. As long as it's what you both want that's all that matters. Even with all you know about the process you may want to consider the help of a wedding planner.  Let me briefly walk you through what one does... and doesn't do.

It's probably easier to start with what we don't do.  I believe it's a misconception that we're going to convince couples and their families to have some kind of over the top, extremely lavish, reality star budget, style affair that an average couple can't afford or don't want. Or that we're the only ones who know anything and therefore will completely dictate all aspects of the process. That's So Wrong!  A good planner will let you know that they will only assist with as little or as much of the process as you wish. Most if not all offer packages ranging from simple consults to assistance with either partial or full event planning. It will also be someone that is knowledgeable about all aspects of the wedding planning process from concept to coordination to implementation and all things in between. Therefore as we listen to your desires we can advise as to timelines to follow and questions to ask vendors you may not realize need asking(Advisor). While listening to you we can pair you with vendors who can best bring your vision to life(Coordinator). Most planners have a preferred vendor list which consists of vendors they know and trust. As much as it's not fun, we can help you have your dream wedding while staying within whatever budget you set. Elegance, beauty and style don't have to cost an arm and a leg. While a planner should never claim to be or act as a psychologist, we can act as a buffer of sorts to help calm nerves and offer objectivity in stressful situations(Mediator). Most importantly, we will allow you, your fiancĂ©, family and friends to simply enjoy the day. Place your trust in us that vendors you have chosen are ready to implement the day you dreamed of and planned for. We are there to assist with questions people may have, we are prepared to solve(hopefully unbeknownst to you) any problems that should arise. And just ensure a smooth flowing event from beginning to end.