Is it really the best day of your life?

From the time you were old enough to watch romantic movies, it was instilled in you that your wedding day is going to be the best day of your life, but is it really?

I want you to enjoy your wedding day and love every second of it because frankly there will never be another day like this in your life. It is a day to celebrate the love between you and your fiancé.  It is a day to celebrate the start of your married life.  It is the day to celebrate you and your fiancé with all the people who love you both, and the people who first taught you to love. Your wedding day is indeed a wonderful day but it is not the best day of your life.

The second you said “yes”, your life forever changed.  From that moment all these questions started swirling: Who do I tell this news to first? When do I post it on Facebook? When are we getting married? Where are we getting married? Who will be invited? When do we take engagement pictures? What food will we serve? Where will the reception be? Where will I get my dress? What style dress do I want? Who will my maid of honor be? And the list goes on…There are so many details that go into your wedding day to make it as perfect as possible, but believe me it will never be “perfect.” It will be what you make it, but it still won’t be the best day of your life.

Your wedding day should be seen as the start of a lifetime of “best days” with the person you vowed to love forever.  Your wedding should not be stressful or overwhelming.  You should wake up and have nervous-excited butterflies in your stomach and a smile on your face all day.  Today is the day that you enjoy, to have a party to celebrate your new life.  After the guests have left and the reception is over, you have changed.  You both leave that reception together to live a new life.  Even if you lived together before the wedding, you are not leading a dating life anymore, now it’s a married life. You will go to bed each night and wake up each morning next to your partner.  You will learn more about them and they will learn more about you every single day.  You will find there are some things that they do that drive you crazy, and some that really make you smile.  Maybe they have really bad morning breath and that grosses you out, but you learn to love it because every morning you smell that breath because they kiss you on the forehead first thing to let you know they are choosing to love you, first and foremost, every day of their life with you. Maybe the day you realize that, it’s the best day of your life.

If one day you decide to bring a child into your life, into that love that you share and into that world you created, it will bring along another set of “best” days.  It may bring you some difficulty. Until the day you finally know that you are certain to be bringing a child into your family. You spend all day planning how you are going to tell them and once you have the perfect plan, you feel those nervous-excited butterflies again.  As they walk through the door, you can no longer contain your excitement, you tell your partner the news and that wonderful smile spreads across their face and you see tears in their eyes.  Maybe that is the best day of your life.

Years later and 2 children later you see your partner teaching your daughter how to ride a bike in the driveway.  You smile and silently cheer her on from inside the house.  You watch as she takes off and your partner lets go of the bike and she starts to wobble.  He sees her uncertainty and grabs her before she falls off the bike.  You watch as he takes her into the lawn and sets her in his lap and rocks her reassuring her it’s going to be okay and kisses her on the forehead.  In that moment you realize, your partner is really a great parent.  Maybe that is the best day of your life.

Years and years later you both sit on the porch watching the world go by and your grandchildren play on the lawn.  Your partner reaches out and grabs your hand.  Your hand looks a lot different now, more veins and wrinkles, but that ring is still there.  Gleaming as bright as it did the day he put it on your finger.  You look up at him and he smiles at you.  He looks different than he did when you married him but he is still your partner with that same smile and same eyes you fell in love with years ago.  You start thinking of all the things you’ve experienced over your lifetime with him.  You begin to realize there was never a “best day” of your life, it was a life filled with best days.

The truth is your wedding day should be a great day, but by no means the best day of your life.  As a bride said to me, “All I can hope is that this ISN’T the BEST day of my life, I have years to spend with my partner, I sure hope it isn’t all downhill after my wedding day.”  Keep that in mind while you are going over the details of your wedding day, whether with me or another planner or by yourself.  Keep it in perspective and say to yourself “This is going to be a great day, that will lead to a lifetime of best days to come.”

-All Events Planned

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

Secrets Behind Photography- Spencer Photography

This isn't the first submission by a photographer and it won't be the last.  The idea has been to show a range of photographers and their opinions.  This will give everyone the chance to see that all photographers from all areas and skill level are really interested in giving you the best work they have to offer.  There are enough skilled photographers in this industry that you don't have to settle nor do you have to turn to a "friend" to do the work.

Spencer Photography has won the following awards/honors--Approved as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA)-Approved as a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) by the Professional Photographers of Ohio (PPO)
-2009 Professional Photographers of Ohio Fall Conference - 1st and 2nd place in the "Wedding" category. 1st Place in the "Creative Open" category
-2009 - Winner of the Akron/Canton Fox 8 Hotlist for "Best Photographer"
-Chosen by The Knot Magazine "Best Of Weddings 2008-2009"
-2009 - Wedding image chosen for the cover of the Akron/Canton "Today's Bride Magazine"
-2008 - "Sunrise on Bryce Canyon" chosen by the Professional Photographers of America for their prestigious International Loan Collection
-2007 - Chosen by Akron Life & Leisure Magazine "Best Wedding Photographer"
-2005 - Awarded the prestigious Fuji Masterpiece Award by the Fuji Corporation

If the list of awards isn't enough to give you an idea of the quality of his work, his answers to the interview questions will.  Spencer Photography offers high quality products & service.  See for yourself Larry's feelings on all things wedding photography.

And now Secrets Behind Wedding Photography by Spencer Photography
Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: With the advent of digital photography anyone who owns a camera believes they are a “photographer”. It is a misconception to believe that the camera makes the photographer. The camera is a tool just as a wrench or screwdriver is to the mechanic. It takes years of practice and study for someone to attain a level that makes them a true professional. Organizations such as the Professional Photographers of America enable the true professional to advance their knowledge and skills thru seminars, conventions and educational opportunities. They offer a certification program that once completed, helps the professional separate themselves by reinforcing their technical expertise thru testing and review by their peers.
Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their photographer?
A: When it comes to wedding photography the old adage absolutely holds true: you get what you pay for. It would be a mistake to eliminate the possibility of hiring a particular photographer based solely on price. What would one think if they saw a brand new Mercedes Benz priced at $5,000? I know that I would think “What is wrong with that car?” In the same vain, what would one think if they saw a 10 year old clunker for $100,000. We all would probably have the same reaction: “Are you kidding me?!!” The same thing needs to be considered when looking for a wedding photographer. There is a reason some photographers are more expensive than others. They give the best customer service; help your wedding day run as smoothly as it possibly can; and they provide the absolute best quality images and products.
Q: What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a vendor/site?
A: Originality and creativity. This is the number one thing that separates photographers. Also, how well does the photographer handle color and lighting. If you really make an effort to notice these things you will see a profound difference in many photographers and it will help you select only the best.
Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?
A: A larger album. The album will tell the story of your day, not only to you, but to your future generations. A good album should flow and not be overstuffed with images.
Q: What is the worst story you have heard about a mistake someone in your industry has made?
A: A professional, no matter what industry, should never EVER drink alcohol while working. A professional should act like one.
Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: I try to provide every one of my clients with the absolute best service and give them the most awesome wedding images regardless of their budget.

Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts with their photographer?
A: Make sure to pay attention to deadlines. Be sure that the pricing that is offered at booking is locked in regardless of the wedding date. Also, make sure that you have recourse if the vendor does not fulfill their end of the contracted agreement. That should be in the contract.

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: Just allow enough time to get the images that you want without interrupting the flow of the day.

I have to say that most of Larry's answers are answers that I would have given myself on the interview.  If you agree, great, if not, tell me why or submit the interview with your own answers!  Would love to hear from any vendor in the wedding industry, even other wedding planners!  You can check out Larry's work at http://www.spencerphotography.net/

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

PS- Don't forget to check out my news segment on Channel 5- WEWS, THIS Friday between 5pm-6pm. 

My Interview on Planner Wire

Check out my interview with Serenity Knutson, Editor in Chief of Planner Wire.

Click Here
http://www.plannerwire.com/article_template.cfm?aid=1749&sid=30

What do you think of the interview, have any feedback or even better/different answers, let me know!

Check out MY interview here!

After interviewing vendors throughout my blog, I was thrilled to be able to answer some interview questions myself.

Check out my interview here.  Let me know your thoughts and feedback on my answers.  I'm definitely interested in what other planners have to say and what their answers might have been.

http://www.beaplanner.com/ 

New secrets from WEDDING DRESS SHOP...

The following interview is thanks to Bobbie at All Brides Beautiful in Hudson.

 

Some information regarding their store and services.  

All Brides Beautiful is located in the historic district of Hudson, Ohio, a delightful destination of unique shops and gourmet restaurants.

Our salon continues the historic elegance of Hudson as you walk through the carved doors of our 1832 “Wooden Farrar” building and into our welcoming Victorian style rooms.
You will be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable bridal consultants who look forward to creating with you the bridal ensemble of your dreams.  Our exceptional, detailed customer service will continue throughout all your fittings, on-premise alterations, and final pressing and bagging of your precious wedding gown.
The expertly crafted and creatively designed couture gowns that we offer are true designer styles and not “copies”.  We feature fine silk fabrics, unique laces, as well as detailed hand-stitching and beading.  Many of our accessory designers offer customization, making yours a one-of-a-kind look.  Brides come from all over the country searching for the unique designers that we carry.

And now for Secrets Behind- Wedding Dress Shops/Boutiques  

 

Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?
A: The biggest misconception when searching for the perfect wedding dress is to try on as many gowns as possible.  Doing so actually overwhelms most brides and tends to confuse the selection process.   Finding the silhouette that best compliments the bride-to-be’s body architecture is paramount.  The vision that the bride-to-be has of herself on her wedding day, as well as the venue for her wedding, must also be taken into consideration when selecting the dress of her dreams. Finally, setting a flexible budget and communicating that to your sales associate, will narrow the search and make the process much more enjoyable.

Q: What are a few mistakes brides sometimes make when choosing their wedding gown vendor? What things should a bride look for, look at, when selecting a bridal salon?
A: When selecting a bridal boutique, it is best to find a salon that is full-service with an experienced staff and alterations department.  This will ensure that the bride-to-be will have the best fit for the most important dress of her life.  A meticulously altered strapless gown, for example, will stay put on the bride, eliminating the need to pull it up during the day-long event.  A reputable bridal salon will know what style changes can be made to their gowns and offer alterations at a competitive rate.  The bride-to-be and her family need to know that an experienced seamstress is like a reliable auto mechanic: talent and experience deserve time and compensation.Making an appointment at the bridal salon lets the staff prepare a room, and a consultant, to assist the bride-to-be with her wedding gown selection and coordinating accessories.  A full-service bridal salon will have an appealing collection of veils, shoes & jewelry, as well as trained staff that can create a complete bridal look.  With that in mind, one of the biggest mistakes we have seen is when a bride-to-be purchases her gown at a chain store, or on-line, and then tries to find accessories to match without her gown.   In order for her to achieve the correct style of veil, or complimentary jewelry, the bride-to-be would need to drag her dress with her, risking possible damage to her precious gown.  Bridal salons could ask for a consultation fee for this service, so it is best to select a salon that has all that the bride-to-be needs.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should save on when booking with you?
A: The bride-to-be should take advantage of any promotions that are available at our salon.  Trunk shows are a smart way to shop for your wedding gown.  There is a larger selection of the featured designer’s newest styles shipped to the salon and a 10% discount is offered when a gown is ordered during the trunk show.  We have a fall veil promotion that offers the bride-to-be a free veil of her choice with the order of a new gown.  When a gown is purchased from our salon, the bridal party receives a 10% discount on their dresses.  A couple of our bridesmaid designers also advertise a fall promotion with an additional 10% off.  These designers boast fashion forward styles that are recycled by bridesmaids as party apparel for future occasions.  This is quite an appealing prospect for a woman investing in a bridesmaid dress.For the bride-to-be that has a lower wedding gown budget, but still wants a quality wedding gown from a personal boutique, it is appropriate to ask if the salon has sample gowns for sale at a discount.  We have discontinued couture designer gowns available to purchase off-the-rack for up 75% off their retail value.

Q: What is the one thing a bride should splurge on when booking with you?
A: We love to carry unique and elegant fabrics.  So, splurging on a lush, dreamy fabric will make the bride-to-be feel and look magnificent on her wedding day.  Our gowns are crafted luxuriously inside and out, with smooth silk against her skin, the bride-to-be will not want to take her gown off!  For full figured brides, splurging on the appropriate undergarments is essential.  She will want not only comfort and support, but expertise on how her bustier will incorporate into her gown for a seamless and precise fit.

Q: What is the worst story you have heard about a mistake someone in your industry has made, anyone, ever. Alternatively, you can answer to what is the worst mistake a person in your industry can make?
A: The worst mistake a bridal salon can make is to ignore a potential client.  We have heard many stories about salons that get disgruntled by future brides that just walk-in to have fun trying on gowns.  Yes, it does cost the salon a good deal of money in consultant salaries to work with a client for an hour, or more, who has no intention of purchasing from their store.  Some sales associates become frustrated, and even annoyed, at a bride-to-be who does not bring her mother to try on gowns ~ they do not take her seriously. 

Q: If you had a client who had endless funds what unique ideas and products/services would you offer them?
A: For the professional woman who is planning her wedding, while juggling a full time career and other responsibilities, All Brides Beautiful pampers her with comfortable, private fitting rooms and a knowledgeable consultant that will find an answer to any question or concern the bride-to-be might have.  We go out of our way to look for that special accessory, or coordinating flower girl dress, even if it is not part of our inventory.  We work closely with our select designers to have each item tailored to the bride-to-be’s individuality.  We can customize many of our gowns and accessories to become truly unique masterpieces of fashion design.

Q: What are a few things that bridal clients should review in contracts with their bridal salon?
A: When signing a wedding gown contract it is wise to understand the timing schedule for the manufacturing of the gown, along with the time needed for fittings and alterations.  Allowing ample time between fittings will save the bride-to-be money on rush alterations.  Other questions a savvy bride-to-be asks:  Does the bridal salon charge extra for storage of the gown once it arrives?  Are there additional fees for bagging and pressing of the gown? What is the best way to transport my gown?

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: Our favorite clients are excited to be getting married!  These happy brides-to-be have researched our salon on-line, made an appointment, are thrilled to tell us about their upcoming wedding, and are open to style suggestions.  Personal attention and quality selection are what our sophisticated brides know they will find at All Brides Beautiful.

A sincere thank you to Bobbie for all the wonderful insight into the world of bridal gowns.  If you have any comments or feedback, don't hesitate to email.  Also, a big thank you to everyone for their feedback on the last installment, I received well over 20 emails, as well as several comments regarding the brides POV.  Something to remember though, it is all from just one person's point of view.  If you don't agree, or if you see a better or different way to approach things, email me and offer YOUR answers to the interview.  Visit our website at www.alleventsplanned.com and check out our services.