A Happy Bride & Groom - Make it all Worthwhile

Saturday, September 24, 2011 I was the Wedding Planner for a Moroccan Reception and when the Wedding Couple entered the Banquet Hall and saw that their vision had been created it was perfect.  It takes a "village of people" to ensure everything comes to fruitation but the smiles on the faces of everyone involved makes you realize that all the hard work and sometimes frustration does make a memorable day.

Importantly you have to also be happy too because you reputation is also extremely important.

I ensure that I keep all the wedding dates of the couples with whom I have assisted on file and write them anniversary notes. Recently I wrote a 1st Anniversary note to a wonderful couple who were married in September 2010 and they were delighted to hear from my.  To my amazement they sent to me photographs which had been kept for me - I had not given them a mailing address and for 12 months they waited. 

Here is 1 photograph another has been inserted onto my website. 


This illustrates how important the right professional event planner can influence a special day and how fantastic it is to be part of one.

Networking Events

In July 2010 I was given the opportunity to manage a LinkedIn Group based in the Chatham-Kent area.  The number of members being just under 50 since that time we have grown in numbers to 159 which is truly exciting.
  
My mandate for the group was to help establish strong business relationships and also coordinate a quarterly meeting where the members could mix and mingle in a social atmosphere.

In April I tried to make it materialize but it was just not the right moment in time and decided that September 13 would give me another opportunity - it was perfect.  We had more than a dozen C-K entrepreneurs attend and it was I felt a great success.

A number of networking associations hold weekly, bi-weekly and monthly gatherings and I wanted to establish another type being quarterly.  When I have attended these regular meetings, the same core of business people tend to be within the groups, which I know is great but for me I wanted diversity but yet still maintain a core and my belief is that it could be more achievable meeting every 3 months.  I might not be correct in my thinking but I want to give it my best 300% effort.

Trying to coordinate business people with all the many calendars is like trying to "herd cats" due to their hectic schedules.  Therefore, it is wise just to put a stake in the ground, pick a date and head for it, unfortunately you cannot please all but if you can capture a few then it is truly worthwhile.

Next is finding a location, that will accommodate a fluctuating size and atmosphere. These types of events are totally different from weddings or corporate events, you need to put on another type of hat and think more like an entrepreneur not a planner.   You have to imagine what would entice you as a business individual to attend and will it be a fruitful.

After meeting the C-K Group on Tuesday the reception was perfect.  You could see the close knit community environment and new members were welcomed like old friends.   

Next one is scheduled for December 13, we picked this month to encompass a Christmas theme and offer some different types of activities for interaction.  Not only will it be fun but what a great way to end a year and see what the future holds for the next.

Thank You ULM Video Productions

My adventures of coordinating another East Indian Wedding which encompassed the ceremony and reception on September 3 and 4 were required again.  This was an extremely organized couple and from my first initial meeting in March to the date of the wedding I must have demolished a forest with all the print outs required.   This would be my 2^nd East Indian Wedding encounter, there were slight differences but the overall template would remain the same.  Here is the YouTube link for you to view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sk0BsojR-oM

The vibrant colours and decorations required are vast and all the vendors who facilitate these functions should be well versed in their traditions and requirements.  These weddings truly make a statement and the benchmarks are extremely high. 

My mandate is to always try and be one step ahead, on the actual day of the ceremony and reception I was in the banquet hall at 6:00 a.m. to coordinate, assist, supervise and generally ensure that everything keeps moving.  When trying to explain my role to an individual they captured it perfectly, these weddings are “productions” and this is a true statement.  Armed with a clipboard and timeline breakdown of everything down to the smallest detail, the necessary telephone numbers plugged into my cell phone is a must.

All the vendors, photographers, videographers, florists, decorations, banquet staff work as a team to create the wedding couples vision, there is not an individual that makes this happen but a host of talented people.

I received this comment (below) from the videographer and I am very proud of it.  If you can impress one of your fellow colleagues it illustrates that your role as a Wedding Coordinator is on the right track.

Thank you for being on top of everything. Normally, we end up doing your job too (getting entrances right, telling clients what to do, etc.) I guess that's why we did even feel like we were working.  So thank you for making our lives easy. I just wish there were more people like you. Look forward to working with you again.   ULM Video Productions

Unfortunately, there will be moments during the event that you might be unpopular but your role is to ensure that everything runs smoothly and seamlessly and that the couple and their family does not see any mishaps that happen behind the scenes.

To be a Professional Event Planner you must wear many hats;

• Advisor
• Mediator
• Problem Solver

The rewards back for you:

• Fulfilment
• Satisfaction
• Knowing you have chosen the right career