Four Weddings "TLC" Brides Pet Peeves

Yesterday I watched the TV reality series Four Weddings.   This particular segment was geared to the 40 top No No comments from the brides who had already appeared in the series. Here is a brief synopsis of each one:

1.     Late bride - never a good scenario

2.     Ensure the bridal parties flowers are on-time for the wedding

3.     Bridesmaids outfit – choose wisely

4.     Do not make the bridal party too big

5.     Be aware that not everyone will like the brides gown

6.     Make sure the officiate is not late and on-site well before the ceremony

7.     Ensure the officiate stays on track and does not want to steal the show

8.     Couple know their vows

9.     Over kissing or under kissing at the conclusion of the ceremony

10.  Outdoor wedding, remember the bugs and provide defence as applicable

11.  Reception; outdoor or indoor remember to think of temperatures

12.  Beware of outfits if outside e.g. wind friendly headwear

13.  If too hot and outdoors provide fans/hand fans or covering

14.  Ensure that outside noise influences are kept to a minimum

15.  Avoid animals, etc. within the ceremony, outside weddings check the grounds

16.  Ensure guest can see the ceremony

17.  Church to reception, keep distance to minimum

18.  Cocktail hours that are not organized efficiently

19.  RSVP protocol, guests arrive at reception and did not RSVP – decide process
20.  Wedding date – ensure it does not clash with an official statury holiday

21.  Centrepieces too tall, not big enough, not enough, too costly

22.  Length of time between wedding ceremony and reception

23.  Choosing a menu suitable for all your guests

24.  Food presentation whether it be buffet or a plated service

25.  Buffets versus a plated service

26.  Ensure there is enough food for everyone especially buffets

27.  Speeches keep them simple and not too much information about the couple

28.  Music volumes whether it be for the reception or cocktail hour

29.  Don’t overdo the entertainment

30.  Make sure the music will appeal to everyone and get guests dancing

31.  The question of utilizing gimmicks and if yes, making sure they are tasteful

32.  Do you need to have scary items – e.g. if you are married on Halloween

33.  If bride changes into a 2^nd outfit ensure it is on the same level as the wedding gown

34.  Throwing the bouquet – appropriate behaviour from the guests catching it

35.  Garters – tastefully remove them

36.  Wedding cakes chose flavours that all the guests will appreciate

37.  Chocolate fountains – yes or no?  Double dipping?

38.  Reception terminations – advise guests prior to break downs.

39.  Cash or host bar?  Choice of drinks?  Should non alcoholic drinks have a cost?

40.  Knowing your level of alcoholic consumption, even the wedding couple

Planner vs Day Coordinator

Yesterday I visited a client, it was the initial meeting and when I came away from this appointment I realized how it important it was to ensure the client felt comfortable not only with my personality but had a confidence factor that I would and could fulfil the services they required.

It was a role of Wedding Day Coordinator for a fairly large wedding and the client asked what will you do for us?  They had organized the venue, the menu selections, the photographers, D.J., entertainment and all the numerous other items required to make the day happen.

I explained to them that there was definitely a difference between a Wedding Planner and Wedding Day Coordinator.

Wedding Planner:

Starts the process of planning the event at the beginning of conception, assists in researching, negotiating, organizing and suggesting all the different components required.  They can take their couples vision and make it happen and then during the day of the wedding if required be on hand to ensure all the smallest details are perfect.   

Wedding Day Coordinator:

Collects all the various components required for the wedding and if possible speaks, pre-wedding date, to all the vendors to ensure everything is on track.  During the actual day the Coordinator ensure everything comes to fruition and accomplishes a stressful day for all the family and friends in a smooth and seamless manner

For me personally the Wedding Day Coordinator's role is more intense than a Wedding Planner - why do I say that?  A Wedding Planner has built up relationships over the duration of concept time to the date of the wedding and knows the nuances and idiosyncrasy of everyone involved. 

I would equate a Wedding Day Coordinator role to that of a well trained runner, they have to be on the block ready to run when the starters fires the pistol but they had not been able to train for the run.

Any type of Day Coordinators need to have an ability to see the whole picture fast and efficiently, the expertise to pull together timelines and information with ease, illustrating these facets to the client.

Both Event Planners and Day Coordinators have a place within the world of event management but it how we PEP's portray these types of roles that definitely will make the difference in a clients eyes.

Committees versus One-on-One Clients

I have just completed a 3 month duration working with a Committee of individuals vs. one person.  It was a unique experience as we planned the Conference.

Unfortunately, working with a number of people vs. one person does prove to have it disadvantages.  Sometimes the communication flow is not as forthcoming as when you are working on a one-on-one scenario.  My services had been acquired after the committee had been formed, several months previously, they had chosen the venue and various other facets of the conference agenda and for me as an PEP I could see gaps within the process and when I was able tried to illuminate these to them.

There were many learnings along the way and these I shall definitely be utilizing going forward.  I know that at the initial meeting it is imperative to ascertain the roles and responsibilities of the committee members and what my main role would entail.  Unfortunately, this committee had not worked with a professional conference/event planner too.

It is wise to remember that not all clients will follow the same template and even after all my years within the field I too continually learn new things at each event sometimes more than others.

William & Kate`s Royal Wedding

I wonder how many Professional Event Planners were glued to the T.V. early Friday morning to watch the spectacular wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  As I sat and watched I marvelled at the logistical undertaking. 

Someone asked me whether or not I could have planned this wedding and I said no, they looked at me in surprise, but I continued it would have taken dozens of Professional Event Planners for this massive legendary event. 

Listening to the various commentators the phrase used; the Palace team was a well oiled machine and I totally concur.  For their first function many years ago they must have had tremendous trepidation as they started with their basic template, which has now been massaged, revamped and revised to perfection.

As an experienced Professional Event Planner, I have my template that I can utilize for any kind of event.  Each function has its own nuance but the foundation remains the same but I build on it in different ways to correspond with the event.

If you do not have the right formula at the beginning, then things will constantly keep going wrong.  After each event you take a look at your template and add notes, suggestions and ideas that can be utilized again and again.

Like the team who manages the Royal functions, you must also become a well oiled machine with a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C contingencies and still make it all look seamless.