Tips from the Wedding Planner
Deborah Loewen, is one of the leading event planners (and one of the busiest) in the Calgary area. Her expertise in the planning and execution of beautiful high end weddings is well respected. She gets the job done while still being friendly and approachable. She also runs her own floral shop as she is also a heck of a florist. And no, she didn't pay me to say this. I've worked with her a number of times and have been thoroughly impressed. We both feel that brides and grooms should be as informed as possible so we posted some of the most common issues she runs into...
"What are some of the questions you ask upon first meeting with a couple?"
I ask each of them to tell me what the "one" most important thing is that they would want for their wedding day. This gives me an opportunity to understand what is a crucial item in the planning of their wedding and being sure that we achieve it. This is also an opportunity to each of them to hear what the other wants. The majority of the time either the Bride or Groom is surprised by the other's answer. I provide the neutral ground in which they can both speak freely.
My second question is; tell me about a wedding you attended and what you liked and did not like? I ask for the constructive criticism because this is any easy exercise for the couple to begin the planning process with an example that is personal yet not emotionally based. It is always easier to begin making decisions about what you want and do not want, when you have a reference point.
"Tell me about the most common issues you encounter on a wedding day?"
Well, I would honestly have to say, that with a well-planned wedding, the most common issue that arises on the wedding day is usually created by someone other than the bride and groom. Typically what can happen is that some friend, or family member who is attending the wedding decides to change what has been planned for months. Out of the best of intentions, they try to "help" which usually ends up causing nothing but more work, emotional upheaval, tension and a bride in tears.
"How about some advise for the nervous bride?"
Take a deep breath, be sure to drink lots of fluids (ice water is great! and perhaps one glass of wine) and focus on what the day is truly about. Everything will be beautiful and you will have lots of memories and at the end of the day, whether the cake is the wrong color or one of the groomsmen didn't show up, you'll be married!
"What are some key points the couple should have in mind when planning the time for their day?"
One of the most common mistakes when planning the timing of the wedding day is the lack of time between the ceremony and reception for photographs. When a couple decides on the time of their ceremony, they should also take into account not only any travel time for the wedding party to the photo locations they have chosen, but also travel time back to the reception. Considering most weddings are still traditionally held on a saturday, traffic can consume alot of time if attempting to cross a major city. Choosing photo locations in close proximity to either the ceremony or reception will allow for a more relaxed and fun-filled photo session.
One other consideration I strongly stress is that you should think of your guests during this time. What have you arranged for them to do while you are awaying capturing your special moments? A well planned wedding will include something for your guests, whether that is cocktails and appetizers, some light entertainment, a tour of a nearby attraction (winery, local art gallery,etc.). If your budget doesn't permit such an activity then include in your program for the ceremony some suggestions as to what they might like to do prior to the reception. When you arrive at the reception, your guests will be having a great time sharing stories of their activities and looking forward to the continuation of your wedding program.
"Why do you do this?"
"I Love Weddings!" the name says it all! I have a job where I can truly say that I make people happy! In a world filled with little time and too much to do, I am able to help alleviate some of the stress, provide creativity, guidance and suggestions as to how to achieve the Bride & Groom's dream wedding day and watching that come together on top of a mountain, inside their church, in a beautiful meadow or on a tropical beach...