A New Service from AEP

This weekend we had the pleasure of helping our friends at A Budding Tree with some setup for a wedding.  We loved helping and LOVE weddings but this was our first experience with a wedding WITHOUT a planner and I was in SHOCK!  
This wedding had a few issues in the very few hours I was there (all would have been solved by having a planner)

• Layout was never completed so no ideas on how room was setup or where DJ should be placed in terms of the entrance and then also with the lighting he was providing
• DJ had no playlist OR timeline
• No one was in charge of setting up menu cards or favors
• Venue said there was no cake on their sheet BUT bride had provided cake topper and cutting utensils 
• Guest book was there but there were no pens available for signing (and they were going to need to be specialty pens based on the guest book.

The venue coordinator CALLED the Bride directly with these issues. (a HUGE no-no as far as I am concerned as a planner, we NEVER bother the bride on her day) 

These issues were apparent to me in the very FEW hours that I was there setting up and this was even before the wedding started!!  Who knows how it went once the evening started.  

I left the wedding (after attempting to fix a few of these issues since I was there and able) dismayed at how someone's wedding day could end up going so terribly and wondering HOW could I help?  How can I help the bride who doesn't have the budget (or interest) in hiring a full planner for her wedding.  I have to be able to stop this from happening so that EVERY bride can have an easy time with their wedding.

I met with the Manager of AEP and we discussed what could be done to save the planner-less bride.  What was created from this meeting was our very new service!

Wedding Planning Express- $250 
This service will provide a 2- hour meeting with all of the people involved in your wedding plans (mom, bridesmaid, friends).  We will review the full details of your wedding as well as provide you with a rough timeline to determine how your day should look and a check list of items that you will want to check and review before the big day.  This service will allow for you to take all of the information and manage the details and expectations ALL without a planner.

While, my plan isn't to have a bunch of brides NOT hiring a wedding planner, I couldn't help but think there needed to be something for all of the brides who just don't have the budget for full services.  My preference is that you do have a planner to manage your day, so that family and friends aren't working but I know that some brides won't/can't or don't want to hire a planner.  

My hope is that this service will save all of those weddings (like the one I mentioned above) and all of those brides from the chaos and mess of mistakes, oversights and missing items.  

If this sounds like something you'd like, please email us today!  

www.alleventsplanned.com 

A Trainer for your Wedding Day-

The #1 thing that I hear about, outside of the obvious plans for the big day, are the size and shape the bride wants to be for her big day.  
Once the dress has been ordered there is a rush to squeeze out as many pounds as possible to be the "perfect size" for the day and for the dress.  

I know that working out and dieting are big on the list but the first thing I would say is that dieting should be immediately removed.  The last thing you want to do during a stressful time in your life is eliminate foods, cut back on needed calories or shock your body by drastically changing what it is used to.  If you need to do anything, cut back on the amount of the food that you eat but don't try to do a major overhaul, at least not now.

The other thing I would recommend is to get yourself a trainer.  I know, I know you are probably thinking that the last thing you need is another expense but trust me when I tell you that this one will change your life.

I workout with a trainer two times a week and the changes I've seen have been dramatic.  I have worked out my whole life, from running, weight lifting, aerobics, yoga and beyond but once I started with a trainer I felt like I was just entering the world of fitness.  

Here are a few reasons you should consider a trainer too-
1- You have someone to track your progress.  You may not notice the changes, but your trainer will and they will be able to adjust accordingly.  They will notice the changes in body, ability and focus and it is good for someone to be able to point that out to you.

2- You have someone to push you.  The trainer will know what your body can do and can safely push you to your max.  Injury is the LAST thing you want before your wedding so having a skilled professional coaching you is worth every penny to avoid spraining or tearing anything.  They can also make sure that you don't keep lifting those 10lb weights when they know your body can handle picking up those 20lbs.  

3- You have someone to personalize.  You can hop on the elliptical every single day for the nine months before your wedding but your results won't be exactly what your body could provide.  With a trainer they are able to pinpoint weak points, strong points and adjust accordingly.  This plan will change up your body and what it is used to enough that you will notice REAL results.  

4- They hold you accountable.  This is HUGE as you are going to have 101 excuses to not workout during this time.  I'm not implying that you NEED to lose weight but what I am saying is that staying fit and healthy during this stressful time will allow you to stress less, sleep more, feel better and keep you strong and feeling good throughout. 

Don't take my word for it, plenty of trainers offer wedding packages or even first time visits for free.  Call one up and see what you think.  You may not love the first one you meet so don't get frustrated, just keep trying.  Look for friends and family that look great and are in shape, ask them what they do or who they work out with and if you are already working out at a gym, stop by the front desk and ask if they offer recommendations.  

Or you can contact my personal trainer directly and receive 10% off sessions.  Obviously, I think the world of her or else I wouldn't be able to feel this type of dedication to the concept of a trainer but you'll have to see for yourself!  
Erika Kohler at Results Personal Training 

Aron & Erika also happen to be past All Events Planned clients-

Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com 

Who Really Needs a Planner- Louis & Nataya

Louis and Nataya were married October 1st, 2011 at the beautiful Club at Key Center.  Their wedding was an intimate affair of close family and friends, who all loved them both dearly.  The most love to be seen, though, was between the two of them.  From the minute I met them, they shared this wonderful friendship together that every couple wishes to have with their partner.  Louis was amazing to watch as a very, strong man, who still had the softest place in his heart for his wife.  They had fun with the planning (even as I gave birth to a son during the process) and when it came time for the wedding day they both glowed.  Everyone in the wedding party cried during their vows and just as quickly everyone celebrated their new love at the reception.  Thanks to Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography for capturing it all!  

Q: What made you decide to hire a wedding planner?
A: Louis said having a wedding planner was a requirement as part of the engagement. I have a tendency to over analyze, and become overwhelmed by minor details. Louis felt that having a planner would make the planning less stressful for the both of us. 

Q: What types of things attracted you to each planner that you interviewed?
A: Honestly, we Googled Cleveland wedding planners, checked out a few websites and decided to contact planners based on the look and feel of their websites, online reviews, price and availability. 

Q: What was something that made you NOT want to hire a particular planner and on the same note what was something you found that made you WANT to hire a certain planner?
 A: According to Louis the first planner we met with was “too agreeable” and seemed to good to be true. We decided to hire All Events Planned because Louis felt like Brandi would “keep it real”. 

Q: What was the best thing your wedding planner did for you? 
A: There were so many things... she kept me from going insane by  entertaining several major meltdowns about invitations and chivari chairs. During the planning process she was informative and enlightening. Brandi was there at every step of the process to remind us that our wedding was about what we wanted for our day. When the vision became blurry she was direct and honest and helped to keep us focused while being professional and respectful of our choices
The day of the wedding she was our peace of mind. We never worried or second guessed whether something would be done. 

Q: What was something your planner did that you would never have thought of doing?
A: There were certain parts of the planning I would not have assumed need so much attention. ex timeline. However because of Brandi’s experience and attention to detail our wedding day went according to plan the wedding actually started on time !

Q: Did you feel that your wedding planner was worth the cost?
A: The level of service we received was beyond what we could have imagined. Priceless would be an understatement
  
Q: Was there anything you would have changed about your experience with your wedding planner?
A: Well, there was this one thing (I'll point out that the ONE thing was me finding out I was pregnant during our planning process and then giving birth to a baby two months before their wedding)........but how that was handled is what solidified our decision in knowing we made the best choice by selecting All Events Planned as our wedding coordinator. Brandi’s professionalism and commitment to her clients is undeniable. 

Q: Is there any situation where you could see why a bride would NOT want a wedding planner?
A: No. I do understand that some brides feel like they can manage the planning process. However your wedding day goes by so fast, as a bride I wouldn’t want to spend a moment of it worrying about details. Even with the smallest budget, a wedding planner is an investment. Brandi helped us stay on track with our budget and helped us save money along they way. Finally, having a planner allows for the bride, groom, bridal party, family and guest to enjoy being part of the overall wedding experience without having to fold napkins, light candles and/or que the DJ.  
Louis and I both agree that selecting All Events Planned was one of the best wedding planning decision we could have made. Brandi is someone that we now call a friend.

Here are a few more pictures of their big day from one of Cleveland's best photographers, Larry Spencer of Spencer Photography.  Megan and the staff at Key Center deserve a ton of credit as they are always so wonderful to work with too!  

Happy Planning!
www.AllEventsPlanned.com 

Who Really Needs a Planner- Robin & Tommy

Robin & Tommy were married at St. Ann's in Cleveland and then had a wonderful reception at the Club at Key Center.  The one thing that struck me about their wedding was that everyone there was so happy for them and so excited to be a part of their big day.  They truly glowed with their love for each other and each person that they talked to or that gave a toast, glowed with the same love and happiness for the couple.  Tommy even surprised Robin with a special toast before their first dance. It was so exciting to  be a part of all the love they shared and the beautiful wedding they put together.
On a side note, Club at Key Center did a spectacular job on the event and I am lucky enough to have several weddings this year at the site.  I look forward to working with them and my September & October weddings.  


Robin & Tommy brought their wedding photographer up from Cincinnatti and I must say that Nathan (of Nathan Peel Photography) was a great professional, easy to work with and got me their wedding photos within a week!  That's almost unheard of!  Here are a a few photos of his work and of Tommy & Robin's big day!  

Here is what Robin had to say about working with All Events Planned on her big day!



Q: What made you decide to hire a wedding planner?  
A: Right after I got engaged, a friend of mine had one big recommendation - get a wedding planner, especially to help out on the big day! I am typically pretty organized myself but I knew that it would be such a relief to have someone there on the wedding day to help execute all of the plans. 

Q: What types of things attracted you to each planner that you interviewed?
A: When interviewing a planner, I started with online recommendations from the A: Knot.com and from vendors that I had already booked. I wanted someone who seemed organized, fun and hard working. 

Q: What was something that made you NOT want to hire a particular planner and on the same note what was something you found that made you WANT to hire a certain planner?  
A: One planner that I interviewed did not seem very excited or interested in helping me plan my wedding. She also never followed up with me after our interview, which I thought was very unprofessional. The main thing that made me want to hire Brandi was that she was very organized and prepared for all of our meetings and she was very happy to discuss all of the details of my wedding. Brandi was so much fun to meet with and really helped me feel prepared and organized with all of the wedding planning. 

Q: What was the best thing your wedding planner did for you? 
A: The best thing that Brandi did for me was to help me cover every tiny detail of the wedding ceremony and reception. She thought of aspects of the day that I would have overlooked and I was so glad to have someone help me to make sure that I had everything accounted and planned for. 

Q: What was something your planner did that you would never have thought of doing?  
A: I was so surprised and happy that Brandi sent confirmations and schedules to all on my vendors for the wedding day. It was nice to know that everyone was on the same page and that they knew they could turn to Brandi with any questions on that day. 

Q: Did you feel that your wedding planner was worth the cost?  
A: Very much worth the cost!! I think this was one of the best decisions/purchases that we made for the wedding. It is difficult to put a price on peace of mind on your wedding day! 

Q: Was there anything you would have changed about your experience with your wedding planner?  
A: Nothing, it was wonderful working with Brandi and I could not be happier with the way everything turned out!

Q: What was something you wish you would have known before hiring your planner OR what was something you wish you would have hired your wedding planner to do?  
A: I wish that I would have hired my planner to help with the wedding shower too. I think that it would have made the event run more smoothly and would have been less stressful for my mom and myself. 

Q: Is there any situation where you could see why a bride would NOT want a wedding planner?  
A: Not really... even though I had time to work on the planning before the wedding, I was so glad that neither myself or family/friends had to be burdened with small details and issues that arose on the wedding day. While I could see cost being an issue, I think this was by far some of the best money that we spent for our big day!

I think that seeing her say that this was some of the best money she spent on their big day, is easily one of the best compliments you can receive as a planner!  


Here are some more photos from their day.  

www.alleventsplanned.com
Happy Planning!

A Bad Vendor is a Bad Vendor

There really is no way around this concept.  If you are a bad vendor, you can't be anything else.  Now I'll clarify as to what I consider a "bad" vendor so that we aren't having too many ideas floating around but the main thing is, you can make excuses but bad is bad.

My biggest issue would be clients that book, then make excuses for these bad vendors.  You (client) need to understand that if there are issues with the quality of service in the beginning, there will be issues the entire time.  If you think it stressed you out while you were planning your wedding, wait til your wedding day when you are already stressed out enough.  I want people to expect more from their vendors.  This is a big day, a big deal and you are typically paying a decent amount of money, so expectations are expected. 

Things I've heard from Brides that absolutely make me want to cringe-

"I've booked a photographer, and they have great photos, they are just SO busy they don't have time to return calls"

"I've booked a cheap limo service, it really is a great deal.  They haven't sent a contract, even though I've asked for one a few times, but I can't pass up a good deal."

"I found this great catering company but they insist that they never have been asked to do a tasting before, so we aren't going to have one before our wedding day."

"I saw this band play at a local bar and their music is awesome but they claim they don't do contracts, they will just show up as requested, I'd feel better with a contract, but they said they never do them."

"You should meet this amazing makeup artist I found.  She's kind of short with me sometimes but she's so busy (because she's so good) that I totally understand she's just stressed."

"We did an engagement shoot with this photographer and she really didn't listen to us, or do the photos we wanted, but I'm hoping she will be better on our wedding day, she's been in the business so long, I know she'll do a great job."

Really people?  I have actually had these things said, out loud by grown adults that would probably never allow this type of bad service from any other type of vendor but for some reason on wedding days, people just get uncomfortable with confrontation.  Maybe it is because you already have SO much going on and you are just happy to have decisions made, but let me tell you, it will be something you'll regret in the long run. 

This is the most basic statement I can make
If service is bad at the start, it WILL NOT get better once you give someone a deposit, it WILL NOT get better as you get more nervous about your wedding day.  Deal with it now, while you can.

Am I saying to have insane expectations of your vendors.  Absolutely not.  There are time when a vendor is going to take a day longer to return your call than you wanted, or they might forget a small detail when they send you your contract.  These things are NOT what I'm referring to.  I'm referring to the quality of service you get, the care that they show, the respect that they give you.  I would rather work with a new, inexperienced, young vendor that is desperate to do a good job, than an expensive, high-end vendor who things that their reputation is what sells them so they don't bother with anything else. 

It isn't always bad but if I can tell you, a few of those brides that didn't take my advice to deal with their issues, had worse problems in the long run, that I then, fixed at the last minute all the while trying not to let them stress out about last minute difficulties.  Of course, that's my job, so if you have a planner, you should be safe but at the same time, if you have a planner and choose not to take their advice you are probably better off just not having a planner.

The limo company, that didn't send a contract....
Never showed up.

The rude makeup artist.......
Did the wrong colors/makeup application for the client.

The experienced photographer......
Missed all of the shots the couple had specifically asked for.

Not all of these incidents were with my clients.  Some were with friends who told me about their wedding issues after their wedding.  (Being a friend does not automatically make you a wedding client but being a wedding client does tend to make you a friend)

Not all of these issues ended poorly.  The catering company who "didn't do tastings" had wonderful food on her wedding day.  Although, the fact that they wouldn't do tastings just made her whole wedding planning process more stressful than it would have been had she just gone with a company that made her feel comfortable.

I'm not suggesting you become a Bridezilla.  That will work backwards in the sense that you will end up not being able to work with GOOD vendors because they won't want to deal with YOU being rude and awful to them.  (Side Note: No, I haven't ever worked with a Bridezilla, and I hate the term)

So, think now....are you making excuses for your bad vendor?  Are they causing you more stress than you would like from someone you are paying?  If so, reconsider.  Sometimes it is even better to lose your deposit with them, then it is to be worried that they won't do a good job.  Don't know how to manage that, email me, call me and I'll be happy to help you handle the situation.  I get emails on a weekly basis from people who aren't sure what to do about their bad vendor.  Sometimes the vendor isn't bad, the communication between the two of them is just mixed up and other times, I hope to think that I helped save them from a mini-crises on their wedding day by stopping a bad vendor before they made a mistake.

Good luck and Happy Planning!
www.alleventsplanned.com

What I Learned in 2010

Well my wedding season is coming to a close.  I'm sad to say that while I had a busy "regular" wedding season, my off season didn't fill up like it did last year.  So, I end 2010 on October 22nd with a wonderful vintage carnival themed wedding with two amazing people.  I'm excited to start on new adventures during the "off season" and of course, to start the blogging back up.

I always wonder how much information is too much information to share with, well, everyone so I skip sharing info on my clients and try to share information to help you become a better planner or to help the bride, better understand her need for a planner.  This series will do both.

No matter how long you've been in the industry, there will always be things you can learn.  No wedding is the same, no client has the same expectations as another, so you never really "get the hang of it" while working.  You get the basics, but there are never ending changes. 

This year, I'll review what I learned from the new facilities I've worked with, the new clients I've had the wonderful honor of getting to know and any of the mistakes that might have occurred in the planning process.  Yes, I said mistakes, nothing to worry about but definitely found a few things I would have done differently for my benefit, not for the clients. 

First topic will be- "A Bad Vendor is a Bad Vendor"
Look for it soon...

Happy Planning!
http://www.alleventsplanned.com/

Pay Attention When Hiring your Planner...

While I think that every bride needs a planner, I KNOW that not every planner is right for every bride.  Just as much as you wouldn't hire a photographer that you don't like, or a bakery without tasting their work, you shouldn't hire a planner without getting to know them.  I don't many people that hire a planner on their first email, but just in case you are wondering how the process should go, here are a few tips from a wedding planner on hiring your planner.  Good planners know better than to tell you what you want to hear, during the interview process but planners who just see you as "money" will tell you whatever they think you want them to say.  So this will help in paying attention to little things.

How do they communicate?
If you are strictly an email girl and the wedding planner you are talking to, really only communicates on the phone, that's going to be an issue along the way.  If don't enjoy technology and your planner insist on emails, the planning process is going to be difficult.  If they can't even meet you on your terms to schedule a meeting, then you may want to reconsider.

How timely are they?
This is pretty easy, but sometimes overlooked.  If your planner is late in returning calls, emails or meetings then you will need to be prepared for that during the planning process.  If you are more of a laid back bride and a few minutes here and there don't bother you, then go for it, but if you schedule by the minute, this type of planner will not "fit" into your plans.

Where do they want to meet?
This isn't always easy for a planner.  When you are busy, it is sometimes hard to travel an hour to meet with a potential client, given they haven't booked you yet.  However, trying to meet you in the middle or giving you options is a better idea than if they insist on meeting you where they are located.  I'll always meet with a potential client at her wedding site, since that really allows you to see more of their vision, which in turn will give you a really good idea of how your styles will work together. 

When do they want to meet?
If you hire a planner that can only meet in the evenings or in the weekends, it usually means she has another job during the day.  While this isn't usually an issue for planners, it does mean that she won't be available 24-7 for you.  If you aren't in the search for a 24-7 planner, than this won't be an issue for you, but if you want someone dedicated solely to the planning of weddings, then you'll have to look elsewhere. 

What did they wear?
Yup, even this will say something about your planner.  While, I'm not implying that planners should be in gowns for all appointments, it isn't a good sign if your planner shows up in sweats or anything dirty/wrinkled.  Beyond the obviously, your planners style will be expressed in how she dresses, so you should get a good idea of whether you'll have the same style in planning.  If you aren't a cardigan and pearls kind of girl, then the planner who shows up in them, might not be the right fit for you. 

What did they bring?
Do they have wedding magazines to give to you?  Examples of their work to review with you?  An example of a contract to show?  A notebook to take notes?  Showing up with nothing, is a bad sign that your planner isn't prepared.  Showing up with poorly done materials or old/out of date items, is another bad sign.

Who do they recommend?
I have a HUGE issue with this one.  If your planner immediately says to you "Oh, I have GREAT vendors that I love working with" when you tell her you need recommendations, then you should head out of that meeting.  No planner should be able to recommend vendors to you until they get to know more about your style, budget, timeline, date and any other detail that would matter when hiring a vendor.  It shouldn't matter who SHE likes to work with, it should matter who YOU would work well with.  Of course you will want recommendations from your planner, and we all have them, but they shouldn't be able to give them to you until they know you and know more about your wedding. 

How do they leave?
Did they tell you they would follow up?  Did they insist you book on the spot?  Did they give you documents to review at home?  How they go is just as important as when they show up.  Pay attention to these small details and you'll make a better choice on hiring a planner.

These details are small, but will give you a really good idea on how your planner is and how you'd like working with her/him.  These details are small enough that they can't be "faked" typically.  Anyone can "say" they've been in business for years and done hundreds of weddings but few can convey that level of experience in their meeting ability. 

When all else fails, you can just email me and I'll let you know what I think about the planner you are about to hire. 

Hope you all have a wonderful summer, post will be limited during wedding season but I thought now was a good time to give some information on hiring since I've seen lots of articles that, I wasn't sure, covered, all the details.  Really, this one doesn't either, I could get more into the meeting and how it is run, but that's for another post!

Planners, if you aren't sure how you run your meetings or how you come across, ask a few friends to "pretend" to be brides and then give you feedback.  You might be surprised at how good/bad people think you are in a wedding meeting.  And, even if you think you are amazing during your potential client meetings, it doesn't hurt to hear that feedback from someone.  I've even asked people to sit in and listen to meetings that I have with potential clients.  There is no thing as too much constructive criticism, at least I don't think so.

Happy Planning and for most of you Happy Weddings for the 2010 Wedding season!!!!

www.alleventsplanned.com

Your Site Manager ISN'T Your Wedding Planner.

I enjoy this industry (if you haven't been able to tell) and I enjoy all the wonderful people that I get to meet.  So, I try not to be too disappointed of how some people view Wedding Planners.  We get a pretty bad rap, especially here in the Cleveland area.  I don't mind so much because, as you'll see from any planner's reviews the clients that do work with us, LOVE us.  As well they should, we help make their most stressful/anxiety-filled day calm and magical.  Who wouldn't love that?  Well the answer, sadly, is not everyone.

My current issue is Site Managers.  What that term means, in the sense that I'm using it, is the contact person you have at the facility you rent for your wedding location.  Either the Banquet Manager, Chef, Hall Coordinator, Site Director, etc..different names for people that run the facility. 

Now of course I don't mean ALL Site Managers, I just mean some, and it doesn't happen often but when it does it  is totally damaging to a coordinators ability to work at a facility.  Some Site Managers will go so far as to recommend that the bridal client DOES NOT hire a Wedding Planner.  Why, would anyone ever say this?  Well, the Site Manager will claim that they can handle all of the details that a Wedding Planner would normally handle.  They suggest that the Bridal client can save herself $1000's if she just doen't bother with a Wedding Planner who will "just get in the way of their staff" and "try to manage everyone/boss everyone around." 

UGH. 
There goes that client.  I've had a client tell me that she was reconsidering working with me after talking to her Site Manager because as the Site Manager put it she "really encourages her clients to NOT bring along a planner, as they don't like planners getting in the way" OUCH. 
Two things then. 
One, some of the fault of that impression will go to the "bad" and "inexperienced" planners in the area.  You get one planner who either things too highly of him/herself or another planner who doesn't have a clue what she's doing and I'm certain I'd tell people to stay away from Wedding Planners as well. 
The other thing is that we, as Wedding Planners, don't just come on the day of the wedding (at least I don't).  We have prior meetings, planning sessions, detail, layout and design meetings to get the entire day together.  There is no site coordinator who is going to come when you try on dresses, or come to the florist meetings or your tastings or organize your bridal party or help you pick out programs.  Yes, they manage on your wedding day, and they are familiar with the site, but without the proper planning and involvement, it won't matter what they know, since they don't know the details.  I would say that "Day Of" isn't hardly half of what I do.  You work with clients 6 months, 12 months, 18 months prior to their wedding day and you get to know all you need to know about the event, the bride, her family and her friends.  That is what you need to know, to make everything work. 
With all that being said, I was, at one point, one of those people who worked for a hotel and didn't really understand why a planner would come along, so I do have to admit, I understand. 

However, I would never have suggested to a client that they NOT hire a planner as no matter what they did, they always seemed to make my job easier and do some of the tiny detail work that I never seemed to have time for and in the worst case they would jump in and help with the HUGE work that we were running around trying to get done.  I guess I never ran into a "bad" planner while working as a Site Manager.  Maybe that's why I don't understand.  Maybe it is because, no matter how difficult someone is to work with, I would always respect their position in the industry and know that hindering their ability to work, to be successful and to do their best, isn't going to end up making anyone look bad, except, well me.  And, no one should want to look bad.  Right?

Any Site Managers want to chime in?  Any Planners have any stories of Site Managers that you have dealt with or are dealing with?  Love to hear your feedback

Happy Planning,
http://www.alleventsplanned.com/

Secrets Behind- Photography

One of my favorite things about wedding day is the beautiful wedding day photography.  Photographers have become amazing artist and it isn't because of the digital camera.  It is because the wedding industry has been blessed with very talented, artistic, creative and unique people.  It is filling up with them actually.  Thankfully, for my brides, it is easy to know good work from the bad, just look at the pictures.  Compare good photographs to bad and then compare GREAT photographs to good, the difference is tremendous.

With that being said, I am once again, featuring a photographer on my "Secrets Behind" series.  I don't think there will ever come a time when I run out of good photographers for this series.  

Now SECRETS BEHIND- PHOTOGRAPHY by Julie Hahn of Sugarbush Design

We were introduced to Julie through one of our 2010 bridal clients.  Our bride found Julie and fell in love with her work.  We are very excited to work with her and to see the great results from her photography.  The ceremony is being held at Cleveland Botanical Gardens and reception at Signature of Solon, both will make for great backdrops for the wedding photos.

And now for the "secrets"
Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: That all photography is the same.  I don’t think people know that people can specialize.  Landscape photography is different from sports photography which is different from architectural photography which is different from street photography, etc.  There are different techniques, skills and equipment that apply.
For wedding photography specifically, I think the biggest misconception is that you can save money by asking a family member or friend to shoot the wedding. There are a few things I would advise wedding couples to consider if they want to go this route:
•    Ask yourself if you want your family and friends to be your guests.  It is very hard for your friend to do both and he/she will still think of themselves as a guest even if they are supposed be taking pictures.  For example, if they want to have a drink or catch up with out-of-town friends, then that's time that they’re not taking pictures.  Also, if they're drinking, the photos will be blurry.
•    If your friend isn’t a professional, you might not save any money.  I spent several months this year fixing wedding photos for a bride who had a family friend cover the event.  The time, expense, frustration and heartache that it took to bring these photos to a place where we were both comfortable with them was substantial.
•    If you have a professional photographer as a friend, consider what you are asking them do. Are you expecting your other friends to give you a $3,000 gift for your wedding? 

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their photographer?
A: Not having an opinion.  The best thing a couple can do is have a well-considered, unified, heartfelt opinion.  I think everyone is so deathly afraid of becoming a ‘zilla of some sort that they think the best position to take is one of “Oh, I’m easy.  I don’t care.”  But if you don’t have a clear vision of what you’d like to see happen, then everyone else will be guessing and will be influenced by their opinions, not yours.

Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a photographer?
A: Compatibility – both in terms of style of photography and personality.  I cannot imagine having someone whose company I didn’t enjoy following me around all day with a huge camera.  I’m sure my smile would be less than genuine
Consistency – every one of us is capable of taking a stunning picture…once in awhile.  It’s a different situation to be able to take really good, quality photographs (in addition to the “great” ones) over the course of 10-12 hours straight under a wide variety of conditions.  In checking out photographers, I would ask to see complete wedding galleries of a few different weddings to make sure your photographer can cover the entire event.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you?
A: Well, I’m an all-inclusive kind of gal.  I book for the full day so that I don’t have to worry about looking at my watch wondering if they are going to start the first dance on time. Wedding couples are really saving on the potential added costs of needing extra time when they book with me.  

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?
A: Ordering prints and albums.  Most wedding couples want their images on disc so that they can print them out themselves which is totally understandable.  However, no photographer can guarantee how the images will look when printed at Costco, Target, Walgreen's, etc.  All of those printers are different machines with different specifications.  Professional photographers calibrate their monitors to match their photo labs’ printers to ensure that what we see on our computer screens will match our prints.  Also, the photo paper will be professional grade which makes for better quality, longer-lasting photographs.

Q: What is the worst mistake a person in your industry can make?
A: For people starting out in the photography business, I believe it is a big no-no to “borrow” images from another photographer, with or without their permission, to build a portfolio or start a website.  That might sound like common sense, but it happens and it’s yucky.
I have a friend who was second shooting (not the primary photographer) at a bar mitzvah and the main photographer was scolded by the rabbi, during the ceremony, for moving around too much and being too intrusive.  Yikes!

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: Well, I would love to travel and do a destination wedding, but I’m sure everyone says that.  With unlimited funds, I would do a full-on, magazine-style shoot complete with every kind of stylist I could think of.  Scout some crazy locations (and these places would probably charge serious money to shoot there), have some fun wardrobe changes, maybe a few wind machines, I don’t know…it would be great.
One thing I don’t think I’ll ever offer, but would love to see is for the wedding couple to hire really trustworthy and fun babysitters who can care for and entertain kids at the wedding…maybe in an adjoining smaller room.  I think it’s always a difficult thing to exclude kids from weddings and I think the parents would appreciate having their kids invited to the event, but also free to enjoy the evening.

Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts with their photographers?
A: Timelines, cancellation policies and what is expected from the wedding couple/bridal party.  A good example is when there is a group photo to be taken and someone wanders off.  The photographer can’t take the time to go find that person, if we even know who it is!

Q: What is something you wish all of your clients knew, or a certain thing you wish all of your clients would do to make working with them easier?
A: My request is not so much for the wedding couple, but for all of the wedding guests and non-photo/video vendors out there.  Please be aware of the photographer and videographer.  We are being paid to capture this unique day and when we need to compete with guests and other vendors for space, placement, and time, it causes delays and missed shots.

I just want to thank Julie from SugarBush Design Photography for really getting into the interview and giving some thoughtful and VERY helpful answers to the questions we have.  I think these interviews can benefit everyone in the wedding industry by allowing us all to see the event from another perspective.  It will make better wedding vendors and better brides, in the long run.

Happy Planning,

Brandi 

All Events Planned




 

Who Really Needs a Wedding Planner- 2

The response from the last interview with a bridal client was HUGE and I am SO glad because I think this might be my favorite series.  I'm really interested in hearing from brides that used other planners, so if you did use a planner (not me) send me your answers so I can post it on the blog in the next edition of "Who Really Needs a Planner." 

To follow up with the series I have an interview with a bride that was referred to me through At Last Event Planning.  Here are a few photos from her wedding.

Photos are all courtesy of the great and wonderful people at Z Media.  

 

 

Q: What made you decide to hire a wedding planner? 
A: I hired a planner within the last month of the wedding planning because the details of the day became overwhelming. It was reassuring to know that she would be there to oversee everything that needed to be done on my day so I didnt have to worry about it.

Q: What types of things attracted you to each planner that you interviewed?
A: I didnt interview planners, only Brandi, and she seemed very organized and professional.

 

Q: What was the best thing your wedding planner did for you? 
A: EVERYTHING!!! Basically, handling the little details that I couldn't do on my actual wedding day and coordinating with each of the vendors to make sure they were where they were suppose to be that day!!

Q: What was something your planner did that you would never have thought of doing?
A: At dinner, she came to the head table, asked the bridal party if we needed anything, and offered to get us drinks!

Q: Did you feel that your wedding planner was worth the cost?
A: Definitely!!

Q: Was there anything you would have changed about your experience with your wedding planner?
A: No.

Q: What was something you wish you would have known before hiring your planner?
A: I only wish that I would of hired Brandi sooner! It would of alleviated a lot of stress on my part.

Q: Is there any situation where you could see why a bride would NOT want a wedding planner?
A: Only if she could not afford it.

The best part of Christine's last answer is that most planners can work with a bride on any budget.  You cut back the areas you don't need more service and you only use a planner during the most important aspects of your wedding planning.  That way anyone, on any budget can still enjoy the expertise and knowledge of a very skilled planner.  I don't ever suggest hiring a less experienced planner because they are "cheaper" unless you are prepared to work with someone, with, well, less experience.  

Bride's send me your interviews, I want to hear about other planners as well!  

www.alleventsplanned.com 

Secrets Behind a DJ/Entertainment Service

The "Secrets Behind" series has been a huge success and I have really enjoyed learning new things from different vendors.  Certainly a vendor that everyone has looked into at some point, is the DJ.  The stereotype has long passed, hopefully, but I will still say that there are some stragglers holding strong to the DJ image.  I'm grateful to have an interview from someone who has never had the stereotype and has been around long enough to have proven how good a DJ Service really can be. 

Without further delay I present:
Secrets Behind DJ Service by Rich Siebert of Beach Boyz Entertainment

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry? 
A: That all DJs are cheesy, they play music too loud and that all we do is just press play on an
i pod or CD player.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides make when choosing a DJ? 
A: They only worry about their music interest, forgetting about the 150 other guests attending the reception. Also many brides don’t dance & that’s big no-no.  Guest take the lead of the bride and groom and if they dance their guests will too but if they don't, well then you'll end up with an empty dance floor. 

Q: What things should a bride look for when hiring a DJ? 
A: First and foremost look for professionalism. Look for a DJ who will give the bride and groom exactly what they want, not what the DJ thinks is best.  Find a DJ who is not going to try to steal the show and who knows who’s day it ultimately is!  

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you? 
A: Lighting has come a long way and uplighting that can transorm any room into a glowing room with style or a monogram light with the brides initials or names projected on the dancefloor.

Q: What is one of the worst things that can happen when booking a DJ?  
A: I hear it all the time, the DJ overbooked and cannot do the wedding.  This not only causes the bride and groom undo panic, it is totally irresponsible of the DJ service.
 
Q: What is the worst mistake a DJ can make? 
A: Not properly training their DJs.  Weddings are the hardest events to DJ and while it is the DJs job to juggle the bride and grooms requests along with their guests, they need to make sure the timing is flawless and that everyone is fully entertained while communicating with bride, groom and parents so everyone is on the same page.  Several DJ services don’t properly train their DJ and this greatly effects the reception.  Proper training with scripts, troubleshooting, music knowledge, and overall flow of a wedding reception are crucial elements any DJ should be well aware of.

Q: If a client had endless funds what unique idea/service or products would you offer them? 
A: I would offer them a LED dance floor for their first dance.    This floor like the one at the Union Club in Downtown Cleveland is amazing and as soon as it’s turned on, all the guests gasp in amazement.  Every hall needs one of these.

Q: What is the one thing bridal clients should Review in contracts with their DJ? 
A: What the DJ is wearing, setup time, extra fees for overtime, really there are an endless amount of details to cover in a contract with your DJ.

Q: What is the one thing you wish all of your clients knew when working with you?
A: I wish all my clients knew how important the DJ is to the success of the wedding.  Several brides and grooms will spend more money on a cheese and veggie tray than they will on entertainment for their entire event.  While food is important, dinner only lasts about an hour.  Your entertainment can lasts for about 5 hours, so you should have wonderful music and a DJ who handles all the details.  That way everyone leaves the reception hall saying “That was one of the best receptions I’ve ever been to!"  That is priceless!  I would also wish that brides would consider this:  your choice of entertainer is an insurance policy against bad memories of a disappointing occasion. (that you will remember for a lifetime)

Thank you again to Rich Siebert of Beach Boyz Entertainment.  Check out their website here.

I hope that my readers are starting to understand that while some aspects of a wedding don't seem to be fun and glamorous to plan, all aspects are important to the success of your wedding day.  Having a planner who knows that and respects vendors for their services is crucial to a wonderful wedding day.  Even without a planner, remember that if even the smallest detail goes wrong, it will be the one detail you will always remember. 

Look forward to more in the secrets series in 2010 and of course, contact your favorite vendor so they can be featured on the series. 

Happy Planning!

Just Turn on the Lights!

I can say, in all honesty, nothing is worse (not even a screaming bride) than staff on-site that do not enjoy working with a wedding coordinator.  Since I came from a background of event planning and do know more aspects than that of just a coordinator (banquets, service staff, management, bartender) I understand their thought process from time to time, but when they make my job difficult, that's when I no longer understand where they are coming from.  
My experience has been that if you go in and help with things, as opposed to demand things, you will always have a better experience for yourself and for the bride.  I have the utmost respect for every single person that works at an event site because even without just one of them, things would go off as well as they should.  Now, with all that being said here is my conversation with an "angry bartender" last evening, that actually gave me a chuckle.
BACKGROUND- Site is beautiful and is decorated (of course) in a Christmas theme with red, golds, ivory and even a little silver.  There are twinkle lights in very strategic places so that the room is evenly and perfectly lit.  However, the bar lights don't seem to be working, so I approach the bartender.
ME- "Is there anyway we can get the lights on before guests start arriving?  I want everything to be ready to go so I can show the bride the room."
BAR- "What lights?" "Oh, these lights around the bar, ya, they don't work" (he walks away)
ME- (when he returns) "Hi, okay, well if those lights don't work, I have LOTS of extra lights I brought just in case, so I'd be happy to set those up in the garland around the bar, I'll even just leave them here so you can have working lights."
BAR- "Okay, no, I just said they don't work." (walks away again)
ME- (now following him) "Well, I have lights that DO work, so I can put them up, you don't have to help or anything, I'll just get them situated myself, just show me the plug."
BAR- (now back at the bar) "Listen, the lights don't work, there is no plug back here for the lights."
ME- (pointing to the lights attached to the extension cord) "Well, here is the extension cord, that should help, right?  If it isn't long enough, I've brought extra extension cords."
BAR- (visibly annoyed) "Okay, I already told you, they don't work, there isn't anywhere for me to plug them in back here."
ME- (smiling, BIG smile) "Well, why is there an extension cord connected to them, if they can't be plugged in, in the first place." 
BAR- (putting closed sign on bar and leaving the bar) "I don't know but I told you they don't work."
WOW, all that time, that whole conversation and he could have just plugged them in for me, but no, it goes on.  Of course, at this point, I'm certainly not allowing this attitude to be acceptable, I hadn't done anything to this man and my job is to make everything perfect for the bride, I can't have anyone get in the way of that.
I approach Banquet Manager to discuss.
ME- "Hi, I know we've talked and everything is great, I just need the bar lit up, everything is light strategically and without those lit, the room doesn't look right."
BANQUET- (rolling her eyes) "Oh yes, I can see it doesn't look right, just let the bartender know."
ME- (totally understanding her eye roll) "I know, I know, I'm being a pain but my job is to make everything exactly as the bride request, so I have to get these lit."
BANQUET- (feeling badly for eye roll) "No, you are fine, you certainly aren't as bad as most of the planners we get in here."  "I'll talk to the bartender for you."
ME- (thankful but still annoyed ALL this had to happen to get lights on a bar turned on) "Thank you SO much, you know I wouldn't be worth what they pay me, if I couldn't manage to get the bar twinkle lights turned on."
At this point the Banquet Manager and Bartender discuss the lighting situation and then the Banquet Manager leaves and comes back with the Utility Manager who goes behind the bar and, yes, plugs in the lights.
I am not posting this to focus on people sometimes having a poor attitude.  My job isn't to worry about anything like that, it is only to make things go well for the bride.  My point is to show, those of you who don't believe in coordinators, how some of the most mundane, ridiculous and absolutely simple task can turn into 20 minutes of work, for no reason other than people like to be difficult.  Which in turn, is why it is sometimes good to have a planner so that you don't have to deal with them, because once you add this in to the hundred other things I do, it is a long and exhausting day.