“After You Say “YES” and Before You Say “I DO”

Questions You Need to Ask Before Hiring Your 

Wedding Planner

We all know how the story goes.  The proposal, the ring and you say “YES.”  You make phone calls, show everyone your ring and even post it on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.  You now happily and excitedly begin the wedding planning process.  You’re buying the magazines, going on Pinterest boards and reading every wedding planning blog you can until you fall fast asleep, only to be rudely awakened when your tablet lands on your head, and we aren’t talking about the paper kind.

Your now feeling a bit overwhelmed as reality sets in and you realize all the aspects involved in creating your wedding.  It can be a bit daunting, especially if you are working full time and still would like a bit of a social life.  There are options, but we don’t mean your best friend or your Aunt Mary, sorry Aunt Mary.  Think about hiring a professional, a Wedding Planner.  Before you do, here are some questions you are going to want to ask them. And believe it or not, the price shouldn’t be your first.

Are you available on my wedding date?

This should be the first question asked, why go through a whole lot of questions, thinking this is the one, only to find out they are booked on your day.  If your date isn’t set in stone then inquire into what dates they have available.  You now have a list of dates they are available when checking with other vendors i.e. DJ, photographer, venue… you are hoping to use.  A bit of advice, don’t wait too long to get back with them, their calendar is filling up.

How many weddings do you do in a month and in a day?

It’s understandable that they will be working with other couples during your planning.  But you want to make sure that they are available to you during this time as well.  The amount of weddings they can successfully handle depends on the size of their team as well as the type of weddings they are planning.  You want to make sure they are not going to have to share their attention to two weddings on the same day.  This is why doing only one wedding a weekend allows them to give you all the attention needed the week leading up to your wedding. 

How will you communicate and how often?

Figuring out which form of communication works best is vital.  Ask them how they normally communicate with their couples.  Is this by phone, emails, text message, or perhaps Skype.  Let them know as well, which is the best way to get a hold of you.  If they are big on emails, but you only check yours every few days, there will definitely be a break-down in communications.  If you are all about texting, perhaps if they text you that they have emailed you, the information is being delivered and read. Problem….Solution.

How often will depend on exactly what you have hired them for.  Most planners have different level of packages depending on the needs of the couples.  Will we have scheduled phone calls?  Can I call you at times other than our scheduled times?  Some couples may require weekly check-ins while others want to be involved as little as possible.  It’s best to determine how much communication is expected from both from the beginning. 

Do you create a timeline that everyone will be following, vendors, family and friends?

A wedding planner’s role is not that of a boss but as a support system for everyone involved.  Have them explain their system for making sure everyone get the same information, how they are able to make sure things are run on time and how they will are able to firmly but respectfully, and in a fun manner, keep family members and friends on task.

Do you have references?

Ask them if they have couples they may contact by email or phone as well as vendors that they have worked with.  Check to see if they have any testimonials on their website as well as reviews on Yelp and other social media sites.  These should be given to you without hesitation and actually encourage you to contact them.  This is a sure sign they have many happy couples.

Prices?  What do you charge?  How do you charge?  How are the payments set up?

Okay, now you can ask about prices.  By now you should have a feeling as to the value they will bring to the table, the stress that will be removed and how a little bit of your life is given back to you as you go through the planning process.

What they charge will be determined by the package or program you choose or design with them.  This can be done as a set price, which allows you to know exactly what to put in your budget or by a percentage. Often the percentage is approximately 15% of your budget.  This way can be a little unnerving as this number can change either up or down during the planning process.

Most will require a non-refundable deposit.  The balance is then set up on a payment schedule.  They may have one already in place but you can most likely negotiate this before signing the contract to what will work for the both of you.

There are so many more questions you can ask during your interview, the list can go on and on but, remember that not only should you be asking questions of them, they should be asking questions of you.  This shows they are interested in your feelings and ideas and are listing to you as well.  Take the time to interview 2-3 wedding planners, make sure you are good fit and you and your partner can now enjoy your wedding day.

If you have more questions or would like answers to these questions, please send us an email or give us a call.  We would love to talk with you and set your mind at ease

Happy Wedding Day!!

Table Number Designs

We've Got Your Number

Making your table numbers part of your decor

We've all seen this at weddings, parties and events.  The tables are set with amazing linens, beautiful flowers and stunning china but the first thing you look for when entering the room is the "table number."  Is the standard table number holder really the first thing you want you guest to see?  If this is the only choice you have, you may want to add your own number cards in colors that compliment your table design. 

While there is nothing wrong with them if possible, think of your table number as an extension of your decor.  Try to incorporate your personality and theme into the design of  them.  This doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg.  These colorful tiles match the beautiful flowers and were purchase at the local hardware store.  They are ceramic tile house numbers.

Or what about these cork numbers, think about the fun you, your friends and family can have collecting them.  Just make sure you leave yourself enough time to collect enough for all your tables. :-)

And not all have to be numbers, locations work just as well.

Here are other ideas to start you thinking:

And Two become One

Unity candles have become a symbolic tradition of what the wedding ceremony is all about. The bride and groom are instructed to take the taper candles and together light the larger candle, often personalized, to represent two becoming one, a family. This candle becomes a keepsake. 

Like your wedding cake top, which is to be enjoyed on your one year anniversary, should you be successful in keeping if from getting freezer burn (this for yet another blog) you can once again enjoy lighting your candle.  Don’t fall asleep or step away because now your keepsake has melted away.   

I love this alternative to the wax version, the oil unity candle.  The vessel can be personalized as well but can be lit year after year, even if you should be preoccupied and forget it is burning.  

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