Do you see any new trends emerging in the wedding industry presently?

There are definitely a lot of trends emerging in the wedding industry. I think a lot of couples or anyone who is planning an event is looking to have their events very customized to their personality. I see a lot of couples take the “traditional elements” and mix them with modern day components . This can be anything from – Traditional wedding cake modernized to candy tables, doughnut walls or cupcakes – I notice a lot of couples are trading in table cloths and chair covers for simple linen and natural wooden chairs – Wedding themes based on couples hobbies / interests such as “Harry Potter Themed”. – Traditional simple bouquets to large bouquets featuring a lot of greenery. – Traditional ceremony spaces to barn / rustic spaces – Couples are using technology to their advantage with wedding websites and collecting RSVP’s online. I love how couples are being creative and stepping away from old age traditions but still paying tribute to elements of a traditional wedding.

There are so many vendors to chose from on a wedding day, how can you help the couple?

YES there are so many vendors to choose from and YES it can be overwhelming.  So I always break down the vendor process one at a time. I sit down with the couple and go over their vision for their wedding day. We make a list of which vendors they will need. Typically, the first vendor we book is the venue because that’s what all other vendors are based on. If a couple has a family friend who they know will be a vendor on their wedding day, or has fallen in love with a certain vendor and for sure wants to book them we reach out to them first to let them know the potential dates we are looking at and they are the first ones we ask after the venue has provided us with available dates. Examples include Hairdressers, Makeup artists, caterers etc. Your wedding planner should provide you with a list of vendors they think would be a good fit and have a list of questions to ask the vendors. Sometimes wedding planners will sit in on the vendor meetings and help negotiate or modify contracts to tailor them to meet your couples needs.

When someone is looking for a wedding planner, what are some questions they should ask in the meeting?

– Can you tell me about your previous experience?

– What types of services do you provide? (Example: Full Service, Partial Planning, Day of Coordination)

– Do you do both design and coordination? – Have you planned any weddings at our site? – What happens if you are sick or otherwise unable to be there on the day of our wedding?

– Do you have any testimonials or references?

– How much are your services? – What is included?

– Do you have my date available? I would always ask the couple to have an idea of their wedding vision prior to the meeting. If possible they should know approximately how many guests they will be having, wedding location (generally speaking) , who’s paying for the wedding and what you are looking for help with. This should be more like a meeting rather than an interview. You want to make sure you and your wedding planner will be able to work together and that your personalities are a good match.