Q & A Session with a Seasoned Wedding Coordinator

Recently, I asked my readers, {all of you}, what questions they would ask a wedding planner, if given the chance. My resident wedding coordinator, Trish, is back sharing the answers to those questions!

Hi my name is Trish and I have been working in the “wedding business” for over 7 years. For almost four years I co-owned a gourmet cupcake business and 95% of our business was weddings! Meeting with the brides and grooms and their families for tastings was always a pleasure, and many times our opinions regarding other aspects of the couples special day were requested. That was right up my ally, because I LOVE everything “wedding”. I now work for a very unique wedding venue as a member of the event team. Every week is a new experience and challenge, but, the joy of making the most important day in a couple’s life as special as possible is the MOST fun you can have! Hard to call it work!

The Answers to the Questions you were Dying to Ask:

1. What is the number one area to skimp on if you want to plan a wedding under budget? And what is one area NOT to skimp on?

In my opinion, if you are on a budget the first place I would look at to save or cut back on your budget would be with your flowers. Elaborate floral centerpieces etc are not the “end all” trend any longer. A few simple sprigs in a vintage or modern vase can look as casual or elegant as you desire AND can save you quite a bit of $$ and time since these can be put together by a helper rather than paying fees from a florist designer. Same simple things can be done at the end of pews or seats at your ceremony. There are a lot of simple and beautiful and most important, less expensive options out there to choose from.
Since I am a “foodie” I would say never skimp on the food. Whether you are doing appetizers or a full sit down formal dinner…make sure your food is delicious! 🙂

2. How early should a bride begin to plan her wedding?

How early you start planning your wedding really depends on many things. Is there a venue you “have to have” that requires 12 month ahead reservations or are you open to where you have your wedding? With the right coordinator, you can put a wedding together regardless of size rather quickly (3-9) months.

3. What is the best way of pleasing everybody? Or should you not try to please everybody?

It’s my feeling that the only people you should be trying to please are YOU and your GROOM…it’s your day :-).

4. Where should I register, and what should I register for?

Where you register should be dependent on a couple of simple things..what is your lifestyle and what things do you need and/or wish for to enhance that style as a married couple. Those items should include the practical as well as just “fun” things you probably would never buy for yourselves…that’s part of the fun in registering!

5. Should my wedding have a theme? Or just base it on a few colors? And what colors should I avoid selecting and which colors prove easy to coordinate with/look good on everybody/go with the season?

Theme/no theme it’s just a personal choice. As long as you have continuity and flow I think it works! Themes are lovely. Start with the littlest things at your wedding right through to the bigger things, like food, venue etc. I’ve worked at weddings that are beautiful either way. The only thing I will add is that doing even a little theme can be a lot of fun.

6. Who pays for what? {maid of honor, best man, parents of the bride, grooms parents, etc}

Ah…this is really a fuzzy question to answer. Not too long ago, every etiquette book drew the line from start to finish…who pay for what. What I am now seeing with weddings (including my own children’s) is that the lines have blurred and both sets of parents seems to be contributing without “specific” areas. It’s wonderful but one thing I would say is because it is a bit blurred…once you decide on your date, you may want to sit down with families and actually converse about who may be able to help with expenses and to what extent…then you have no surprises or disappointments.

7. Which flowers go with what season? Or which are better to find (depending the month of the wedding).

If you are keeping it simple, go with a wild flower look from your local Farmers Market. If you want more formal, your florist is the best person to help you with those decisions.

8. Besides the photographer, should I have a videographer?

I think having a videographer is just a wonderful addition to your still pictures. Although they can be costly, seeing your day on video is a beautiful memory because in the moment so much is going on you will forget so much of the day. Maybe you can ask a friend or friends to record part of the day if a professional videographer is not in the budget.

9. Should I buy or rent the wedding dress? (Or the pros and cons)

There are so so many choices for dresses at ALL price points, purchase or rental. Take the time to exhaust both options. The goal…find one you feel beautiful in!!

10. Wedding band, DJ, or both?

Live music is great but as long as the music is fun for you and the guests at your party, a good DJ can make the magic happen just as well.

11. What style of b-maid dress looks great on different body types?

Simple lines works best on every body shape. Try mixing it up with some strapless and sleeved versions in the same color or tonal…looks beautiful!

12. Should I worry about my bridesmaids wearing the dress again or just pic something I like?

A good discussion to have with your bridesmaids and take their feelings into consideration. A lot of the choices out there today look a lot more “cocktail” and can be worn again. A good consideration.

13. What are some alternatives to traditional wedding cake?

Dessert bars are very, very popular now, with a wedding cake or just with a cake topper to cut. Everyone loves the variety of many desserts to choose from.

14. Are wedding favors really necessary?

Not necessary but a cute gesture. Many options at low cost..be creative if it’s something you really want to do. Get suggestions from your coordinator.

15. When do you send out wedding invites?

Everyone is soooo busy in this crazy world..I think its important to send out a “Save the Date” as soon as you have the date confirmed and then send out out your actual invitation 4-6 weeks prior to your wedding!

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and HAVE FUN!

The Answers to the Questions you were Dying to Ask:

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