Prioritizing Your Planning

We all know that wedding planning can be an overwhelming process.  The moment that ring is slipped on your finger you are overcome with excitement and joy.  Once the initial shock and excitement settle, it hits you that you have no idea where to start!  Well I'm going to give you a few tips that will help you begin the planning process with confidence.

The first thing you want to do is speak to a planner.  It's extremely important to speak to a professional and get as much information as you can, even if you choose not to make a commitment to them at that time.  We offer free consultations at Nashville Event Planning so there is nothing to lose!

After speaking with a planner you will want to decide on a budget.  Your budget is one of the most important decisions you will make because it will dictate which vendors you are able to use.  Talk with your fiance', parents, grandparents or whoever you think will want to pitch in on the big day.  These days couples are straying from the traditional financial delegations, so it's important to discuss who is paying for what.  We will be able to help you through this process so you get the biggest bang out of your buck!

Once you've decided on your budget, start brainstorming and getting ideas of how you want your wedding day to look.  This is the part most brides enjoy and look forward to.  Keep in mind that the wedding style you choose will influence the venue, and possibly the dress you choose as well.  For instance, if you decide to have a rustic western theme, you will probably want your wedding to take place at a venue that has a barn, field or other southern accents.  To be more cohesive you could choose a southern style wedding gown.

 

       

As far as which to choose first, decide which is most important to you: dress, venue or style.  Which are you not willing to budge on?  Which will you be most happy with?  Which is most budget friendly?  All of these questions will get you a few steps further in your planning.

Next you will want to choose your wedding date.  The reason you want to decide these things before choosing your date is because there is no guarantee that your desired venue will be available on the date you've chosen.  It's best to not get attached to anything before papers are signed.  Try your best to roll with the punches and be flexible.  However, like I stated earlier, if the date is something you are unwilling to budge on then plan accordingly.

There are many more decisions to be made beyond these.  I hope this gives you an idea of how to get started.  Nashville Event Planning really does aim to keep you happy, calm and collected throughout the entire process.  We can help you with anything and everything you need.  Our goal is for you to be completely overjoyed at the results of your wedding day.  We strive to make you happy!  Call us today and set up a free consultation to see how we can make the days up to, and the day of your wedding as easy as possible!

Live, Laugh, Love

Nashville Event Planning

Myth-busting

I'm sorry it's been so long since we have posted any blogs!  Our team has had a busy holiday season.  We are excited to be back in the groove of our passion: planning events!

Now that we have entered engagement season, I find it's important to remind everyone why having an event planner is so important.  There are so many misconceptions about having a planner that deter brides from even considering hiring one.  Here are some common misconceptions, or myths, and the actual truths and facts.

Myth- Hiring a wedding planner requires you to let the planner make all the decisions.

Fact- We are here make your dream a reality.  We want to guide you through the stressful process of planning your wedding.  Our goal is to find out what you want and bring it to life.  We don't want to take any of the involvement away from you.  Instead, we want to share our experience with you and ensure you get the most out of your day.

Myth-  If you are organized you don't need a planner.

Fact-   If you are organized and have the time and patience to plan your own wedding, more power to you!  However, a wedding planner's job doesn't end when the venue and caterer are booked.  It's extremely important to have someone who is skilled and experienced to execute the day. 

 That person will need to make sure every vendor is arriving on time and setting up properly.  We have a staff that is determined to have your day go as smoothly as possible.  It is a planner's job to have everything in place and cue everyone down the isle so that you all can enjoy the moment.  Having a friend or family member in charge often causes them to miss out on your special day.

Myth-  Only people with money can afford planners.

Fact-  Being in the event business, we understand the importance of a budget.  In saying that, we will do whatever it takes to not only work within your budget, but save you money.  Since we have a wide array of connections, we can find you the best deals and make sure you have the most reliable vendors.  

Wedding planners aren't just for someone who needs help with the planning process.  They're for every bride who wants assurance that their day will go as planned.  Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your wedding details and see what will work best for you!  

Live, Laugh, Love

Nashville Event Planning

Wedding Regrets

There are so many decisions to make when planning your wedding, you're bound to be less than ecstatic about the result of a couple of them.  The truth is, nothing is flawless.  Makeup may smear and that form fitting gown may seem like a much better idea after trying to maneuver around in your gorgeous ballgown, layered in beading and tulle.   Here are some of the most common things brides say they would've changed.  

1. "I would have hired a wedding planner."- Taking on all of the stress, decisions and financial planning is a daunting task.  Do yourself a favor and hire a professional!  Professionals, like Nashville Event Planning, will be able to guide you through the process, reassuring you that you are not on your own and that you're getting the best deals possible with other vendors.  We will help you stay within your budget, but also give you the quality you desire.

2. "Pick the venue before the date."- Avoid setting the date and choosing the venue that is available.  Choose the venue that best suits you and your groom to be and then set the date.  It's much easier to figure out a date than it is to find a venue you both like, that's in a good location and is in the budget.  

3. "I shouldn't have splurged at the last minute on unnecessary impulse buys."-  Set a budget and stick to it.  A wedding planner will help TREMENDOUSLY with this.  A professional can tell you what is and isn't necessary.  When it's getting close and the pressure is on, it's hard to tell what purchases will really make a difference and the ones you'll regret.  We can guide you in the right direction and keep you from spending unnecessary money.

4. "I wouldn't worry so much about getting my dress dirty."- Some of the prettiest pictures will be outside, under trees, in fields or even in a creek.  Have fun and get it cleaned later.  

5. "I would've hired a videographer."- If you want more then just pictures to capture the most precious moments, be sure to hire a videographer.  Some photographers have a package that includes videography.  Don't wait until the last minute though.  Make time to find someone with good reviews.  

6. "I wouldn't have chosen a buffet."- Buffets can be inconvenient at times.  Guests with children, disabilities or older guests don't like to stand and wait in a line and then try to manage to get back to their seat with everything on their plate.  A seated dinner helps the reception flow a lot smoother.  It also speeds dinner up so you and your guests have more time to mingle and celebrate.

7. "I should have chosen a venue that had better options for pictures."- If your venue doesn't have any scenic spots for pictures, then you might end up having to travel a bit to get the pictures you want.  This takes a lot of time and can be hectic trying to corral the whole wedding party off to a different location and back.  Instead, make sure your venue has plenty of options for great pictures that you'll be forever happy with!  If you have to, you can always toss the dress back on another day to get your perfect shots in front of your favorite football stadium! 

8. "I shouldn't have invited so many people."- Inviting too many people can dig your budget into the ground faster than you can say "I do".  Invite the people who you want to share your day with, who you couldn't imagine it without.  A guest count of 200+ isn't necessary for most couples.  It will limit your venue options and also take a huge toll on your budget.  The more people, the more cake, food and guest favors.  

9. "I wish my dress fit better."- It may take 4 fittings to get it just right, but you'll sure be glad that your gown is hugging you in the right places on your wedding day.  It's worth it to pay a little extra or put a tad bit more time into your dress rather than to hope it fits and have a slip of a strap or a loose bodice. 

10. "I wish I would have been more comfortable."- Sure, those 5 inch heels are super trendy.  Too bad no one can see them under dress.  The truth is, you could wear flip flops and no one will know the difference, unless of course you're wearing a short dress.  In that case, get you some fabulous flats for the reception!  Dress to impress, but also to enjoy the party.

11. "I should have spent more time with my guests."- Remember that your guests have come just for you.  Make a stop at each table to say hi and thank them for coming.  Or even try to make a round through the reception.  You may not get to talk to every person, but try your best to be appreciative and enjoy their company.

12. "I wish I had slowed down to enjoy the moment."-  This seems to be the most common regret among brides.  Probably because the day is so hectic, and so exciting it just flies by before you know it.  You've been waiting for 1+ years and it feels like it's gone in five minutes!  Make a point to just stop, slow down and soak it all in.  Before the ceremony, during the ceremony, during pictures, at the reception, any chance you get savor the moment.  Having a wedding planner will take all the stress of coordinating of you so that you can relax and enjoy your night.  

Live, Laugh, Love

Nashville Event Planning

Venue Coordinator vs. Wedding Planner; Which is best for YOU?

“Is a Venue Coordinator the same as a Wedding Planner?” 

The short answer is ‘no’.  I so often hear couples say that their venue has its own Wedding Planner, when in fact they're referring to a ‘Wedding Coordinator’.  The two are far from the same.

While a Venue Coordinator can be an important asset to those couples who choose not to have a Wedding Planner, their responsibilities and concerns differ greatly from those of an outside professional. We want to help highlight the differences between the two roles so that you can make an informed decision about which option is right for you and your budget.

In a Nut Shell…

 The Venue Coordinator

Venue Coordinators work solely for the venue in which they are employed.  Their main role is to liaise with the bride and groom and the on-site operations team.  They will work closely with you on the areas that specifically relate to the venue such as showcasing the space, menu tasting and ensuring that payments to the venue are made on time.  After your initial booking, there is likely to be some contact but they generally step in to meet with you again approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the wedding day to confirm logistics and to go over the venue regulations.

On the wedding day itself, their responsibility is to provide the service that they are contracted to, such as ensuring the venue is set up correctly (tables, chairs and place settings), the drinks and food are served on time and suppliers dismantle their equipment and vacate the premises when they should.

It’s also worth noting that a Venue Coordinator often leaves after the meal is served.  Although there would still be an Operations Manager on-site, their concern will be to finalize service and manage the bar.  They won’t be responsible for assisting with dismantling items not supplied by the venue, or resolving any problems unrelated to them.

The Wedding Planner 

A professional Wedding Planner works for you, and is there solely to ensure that you have a perfect day from start to finish and that it's exactly as you've envisaged.  Depending on the type of service you have chosen, we are likely to have planned the majority, if not all, of your wedding; From sourcing the venue and suppliers, to creating the design concept, and also planning the schedule of the day and making sure every last detail is in place. Therefore, we know the ins and outs of your wedding day to the same level of detail (and sometimes more) as you, so we are best equipped to manage the day.

On the wedding day we will be there early in the morning to oversee the set-up of the venue and provide that extra level of detail required to ensure the rooms look perfect.  We rigorously check the seating plan has been followed correctly, make sure the tablecloths have been pressed and cutlery is lined up perfectly among other things.  Having created highly detailed schedules of the day, we then manage the proceedings – timings of the drinks, reception, the bride and groom’s entrance, speeches, first dance and so on.  We deal with any problems that arise behind the scenes and stay late into the night to ensure everything goes as planned.

Problems on the day

What happens if something goes wrong? Someone spills foundation on their dress, a supplier doesn't turn up or your cake is damaged?  A Venue Coordinator will offer some assistance but a Wedding Planner again goes that one step further.  We have ‘emergency kits’ on hand to remove the makeup, we can call in a favor from another supplier or use some cleverly placed flowers to disguise the cake accident.

Suppliers

Most venues have a recommended supplier list, however some operate on a commission basis where the supplier has to pay a certain percentage if they are booked, or simply pay to be on that list.  While this may give you a small selection of suppliers to choose from, it doesn’t guarantee that they are of a certain quality and it also means that they haven’t been chosen specifically for you. A Wedding Planner on the other hand has spent years building up close relationships with high caliber suppliers so they can rely on them to deliver 100%, plus ensure they are exactly what you are looking for.

Cost

Some people sadly still view a Wedding Planner as a luxury, where as all of our clients see us as an essential.  The average cost for the full planning service is between 10 and 15% of the overall budget; however, through our preferential rates and tough negotiations we can save you money, so in effect the cost of using a Wedding Planner is dramatically reduced or in some cases actually covered.  A Venue Coordinator ultimately has the venue’s best interest at heart so they won’t offer discounts unless it’s a weekday or off-peak.  As they won’t be involved in the sourcing, negotiating and booking of all of the suppliers, they won’t be able to pass these possible savings onto you.

The Difference?

In the end, the decision comes down to the client. If you are a very hands-on bride who has a love of spreadsheets, a zest for bargain hunting and the strength of a project manager, the likelihood is that you will be more than happy to simply lean on a Venue Coordinator to see to a few details. On the other hand, brides who are strapped for time or lack the confidence to make their dream wedding come true may favor a Wedding Planner. There can be no better investment than knowing that you have someone entirely on your side, ready to jump in to any situation in order to ensure your day goes to plan.

To find out more about Nashville Event Planning visit our website, find us on Facebook, or Twitter! www.nashvilleeventplanning.com

Live, Laugh, Love

Nashville Event Planning