OHMYGOSH! I'M ENGAGED!
Let's see… we've got a bride and a groom…but where do we go from here? More and more couples now answer the above question by turning to a wedding coordinator to lend a hand in bringing their wedding together.
As couples start thinking about how to get from the engagement stage to the actual wedding day, they are often confused about where to get specialized services, how much to spend, and how to select the right vendors. Wedding statistics show that the average wedding can take about 250 hours just to plan. No longer considered as a luxury expense for just the wealthy betrothed, wedding coordinators are being hired more and more to advise and assist couples with the management of the planning, budgeting and other details for their big day.
How do you find the right wedding coordinator?
Whether you select one like the hilarious and offbeat Franck Eggelhoffer as portrayed by Martin Short in the 1991 remake of Father of the Bride, who got the Banks family through their engagement and wedding, or one a little more “grounded”, your personalities need to be compatible.
Having trust and confidence in the coordinator you select is supreme. Your wedding coordinator should guide you through all phases of the planning, always following your wishes and understanding your needs. Your wedding coordinator should be your new BFF.
One of the first questions in selecting your wedding coordinator should be “how long have you been in business?” You should also determine how the coordinator sets his or her fees. Wedding coordination fees can vary greatly from coordinator to coordinator. Here are some examples of wedding coordinator fee structures:
A percentage of the total wedding budget; usually 10-15%, or a
Fee based on the number of guests, or an
Hourly rate (can range from $40 and up), or a flat fee contracted for specific services or entire wedding planning, or
“Free” - run from this one---nothing is free
Owner, Dona Liston, of Social Situations located in Harlingen, has been in the wedding planning and coordination business for the past ten years. Her services range from a full turn key planning service to “just the day of the wedding” or anything in between. “I offer the peace of mind that all details will be handled beautifully,” stated Liston.
In addition to the actual wedding planning and consultation services, Social Situations offers an array of paper products-from invitations to tableware and party favors, a selection of wedding party gifts, areas designated in the store to view photographs of florists' and photographer's work, and to select colors and fabric for the reception. There is even a large room with long tables that Liston allows brides to use to address invitations, make table centerpieces and favors, and sample any food or cake items that could be served at the rehearsal dinner or reception.
Liston has a set hourly rate for her services and contracts with the bride for the anticipated number of hours and services desired. She provides a free initial consultation with the bride in order to gather the specific information needed to plan each wedding.
Social Situations works to take any stress out of the wedding couple's lives. “I am the first person at the rehearsal and the last one to leave the reception, states Liston. It's my job to ensure that the bride's personal things are where they are supposed to be. I have timelines for everything---every vendor has a timeline faxed or e-mailed with all the details. The wedding and the reception have to flow!” exclaimed Liston.
Debi Hunt, the “Social Diva” who is based in McAllen, has been in the wedding planning business for the past nine years. She operates as an independent business professional and works with the bride to offer advice and guidance. “It's not my wedding”, states Hunt “I want to ensure that every bride has her dream wedding come true.” “The bride and I need to meet and decide if we are comfortable working with one another---because we're going to be spending a lot of time together,” quipped Hunt.
A wedding coordinator also serves a “buffer” between the wedding couple and well-intentioned family and friends. “I can intervene on the bride's behalf when disputes arise with regard to the wedding plans---and trust me, this does happen,” stated Hunt. “I try to encourage communication on all levels. And I always have a 'Plan B' ready!” exclaimed Hunt. Wedding coordinators work to save you time, money and reduce stress levels.
The Social Diva offers three primary wedding planning packages: Silver, Gold and Platinum Packages---each with their own specific list of services that can be tailored to the wedding couple's needs and pocketbook. “I learn something new with every wed-ding,” said Hunt. She has the only fivetier (44”) chocolate fountain in the Valley, offers a white dove release in her wedding packages, can provide a horse and buggy for the wedding couple, and even keeps smelling salts on hand for the faint at heart.
Liston and Hunt both agreed that whether a bride uses a wedding coordinator, or not, there are certain basic elements which should be adhered to when planning a wedding:
Comprehensive contracts should be entered into with vendors to ensure that pricing and services are clearly delineated A detailed budget---in priority listing---should be created as soon as the couple becomes engaged Write out an exhaustive plan for your wedding---include everything---even down to which smells and tastes, the touch of the fabrics, etc. you want to experience on that day, and Don't go into debt for your wedding!
For more information on wedding consultation services, Social Situations and the Social Diva may be contacted at the following:
Dona Liston, Social Situations/Parties by Dona, may be contacted at: 1110 E. Harrison, Harlingen, Texas 78550; (956) 421-3662 - office or (956) 893-2046 cellular; www.partiesbydona.com or E-Mail: partiesbydona@hotmail.com
Debi, Hunt, the Social Diva, may be contacted at: 5111 N. 10 Street, #342, McAllen, Texas 78504; (956) 533-5248; www.socialdiva.org or E-Mail: valleyweddingplanner@yahoo.com.
