Wedding Consultants

In addition to the meetings I mentioned previously, I've also met with two other consultants. Sheila Corbett (http://www.elegant-events.net) and Lynda Barness (information below) are both skilled, resourceful, and sophisticated wedding consultants. While many hotels and country clubs have staff members that try to fill the role of a consultant, only a consultant can provide the necessary service and attention throughout the wedding process. I highly recommend that you consider retaining a consultant for help with the planning, and running, of the most important day of your life.

When I met with Lynda, we spoke about our roles in providing information to brides and grooms, regardless of whether they chose to work with us. Lynda was kind enough to provide the information below:


WEDDING TALK:
TEN TIPS FROM A WEDDING CONSULTANT


Doesn’t it feel like planning a wedding involves just about a million details? It can seem like they are just endless! Here are a few ideas to help make your planning a little easier:
1. Buy wedding magazines. Yes, of course you do this. However, instead of just cutting out pictures of things you like (which I do recommend), also make a pile of the things you hate. It is much easier to say to the florist (or cake baker, or any other vendor) that I love this and don’t want that. Having the visual example of the two extremes will help ensure that the communication between you and your vendor is very clear.

2. Order an extra boutonniere for the groom. He will get lots of hugs on your wedding day, and if the two of you greet guests before you take photos, his flower may not be so pretty in the pictures. Take a moment to make a quick swap of boutonnieres, and the photos will look even better!

3. Make sure that you physically take your invitations to the post office and have them weighed before mailing. You want to make sure that they get where they are going! You can order personalized stamps (from www.zazzle.com, for instance). The US Postal Service now offers wedding stamps in two denominations; one for the envelope and one for the response card. Remember NOT to pre-stamp response envelopes for those who live in foreign countries, because they will need to have their own postage stamp on the letter.

4. Let your photographer and videographer know of any personal family issues. If Uncle Jack doesn’t talk to Aunt Sally, you don’t want them shoved together for photos.

5. Purchase a new wedding perfume (and a new after-shave for your groom). Every time you wear it, you will remember your wedding day.

6. Take a napkin. Fold it, but not in the regular way. Try some OTHER ways. If you google "napkin folds," you will find more than a half-million entries! There must be something there that will strike your fancy, allowing you to dress up your table without spending anything extra at all. And where you place the napkin can be another choice: on the left side of your plate, across your plate, in a glass, on the back of the chair. These simple napkin adjustments will make a personal, stunning addition to the whole look of your reception room.

7. Be kind to your vendors. Have water bottles at the musicians’ stands at the ceremony, and make sure to discuss vendor meals with your caterer. Your vendors will be so appreciative (they don’t have to eat what the guests are eating, and most will be happy to have a sandwich. They have a long day and are grateful to be fed at some point during the reception.). The best time for the vendors to eat is usually during the cocktail hour.

8. There is a difference between flowers that decorate a cake (they shouldn’t be treated with any chemicals) and flowers that might be on a cake table surrounding the cake. Make sure to discuss with the bakery and also the florist.

9. Personalize SOMETHING at your wedding. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but do something to make your day yours alone. Try a monogram somewhere, or a signature drink, or use a family heirloom.

10. If you don’t own a glue gun, or you don’t want to have to use it on your wedding day, then you should hire a wedding consultant! Lots of little things go wrong, and it is nice not to have to deal with the stress yourself. All of the details are important, and the wedding consultant’s job is to help manage the details, the vendors, and your stress.



Lynda Barness
I DO Wedding Consulting
PO Box 22450
Philadelphia, PA 19110
215-262-8188
www.idoplan.com
lynda@idoplan.com