Wedding Planning Tips

A Professional Westchester Wedding Planner Offers Some Helpful Tips for Planning a Wedding

Wedding Planning Tip: Establish A Theme

Wedding Planning Tips Planning a wedding can be a very stressful task. For brides who have never been married before, and even for those who are making it down the aisle a second time, there are many facets to preparing a wedding, and it’s no wonder that brides can feel daunted. When I first meet with my clients, we sit down and go over all their thoughts about what a dream wedding would be for them. I usually bring a list of words, that I ask the client to look over, and choose which ones bring to mind their fantasy wedding. Though this may seem like a silly task, from the words that are chosen, I can get a feel for the theme or style that this particular bride is hoping for during her wedding. That is one of the most important elements of planning a wedding. Once a theme or style is determined, it can set in motion the vendors who need to be chosen to bring this dream to life. It also make the planning easier when one has something precise in their mind; all the vendors then know what is being asked of them, and can cooperate to make that goal a reality.

Wedding Planning Tip: Compare Prices

Another tip that I give to my brides is to always compare prices. Even though you may meet with one vendor and fall in love with that person’s ideas, it is in the client’s best interest to measure up with someone else’s thoughts. By receiving proposals from vendors, you can compare prices, and also see who will give you more for your money. Some vendors will be very attentive to your needs, and the level of their devotion to your wedding will be outlined in their proposal, and during your initial consultation. When you see a vendor who is willing to go the extra mile for a client (i.e. staying later than necessary during the day of, is always prompt when returning your calls, listens to your concerns), you know this person will perform to the best of his/her capabilities when it really counts on your wedding day.

Wedding Planning Tip: Get Everything In Writing

A piece of advice that should not be ignored is to get everything in writing. From your vendors, to your ceremony location, it is in your best interest to have your wants stated in a contract or agreement. Some officiants tend to not want to send out a contract, so I suggest asking him/her to write a letter acknowledging all the services expected for the wedding day. It always important to have your desires written to avoid any confusion with your vendors regarding your dreams, and it also acts as an insurance policy if they do not comply with your ideas in the end. Also, if you are planning on doing something unique (using unusual flowers, for example), it is most important that it is written so everyone is clear and understands what his/her responsibilities may be. A contract enables both the client and vendor to know exactly what they both need to do in order to make the day a success.

Wedding Planning Tip: Ask Vendors About Certifications and Memberships

When meeting with prospective vendors, one should ask if he/she is certified or a member of an affiliated national group. While being in an organization or having certification does not necessarily make one vendor better than another, it does show that this individual took an extra step. Likewise, just because a vendor does not belong to a reputable organization, it does not mean that your perfect event will become a disaster unless you use someone who is certified. All this truly shows it the level of importance the business is in that vendor’s life, which shows the level of commitment you may receive.

Wedding Planning Tip: Taste the Food!

Do not overlook the importance of tasting the food! One wouldn’t purchase a new car without test-driving it, so the same should be said in regard to the food served at a wedding. A caterer may be the nicest person in the world, but if the food doesn’t taste well, that is what the guests are going to always remember. Choosing the right caterer for your wedding is one area that is best not to skimp on, as it is an incredibly important component of the reception.

Wedding Planning Tip: Hiring a Wedding Coordinator

Some people may view hiring a wedding coordinator to be a luxury, but in many cases, enlisting the assistance of a professional can truly make planning a wedding much easier. While it is another expense, if one uses a great coordinator, they can work within any budget to make the wedding a success. In today’s busy world, engaged couples do not have the time to do all of the legwork and research needed to plan their special day. By hiring a coordinator, he/she already knows of many locations, vendors, and resources that would best fit into the couples planning, and therefore saves the couple precious time. Also, a great coordinator can even help the couple save money by knowing where to cut costs. A coordinator takes care of the many intricate little details that occur when putting on a wedding, to ensure the couple can relax, and have a wonderful and stress-free day.

By Laurie Nicoletti of Ravishing Affairs, Inc.
Photos in this article courtesy of Ravishing Affairs, Inc.