Week 33 – Know what you are looking for

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Bonjour from Project Wedding HQ

Well I have many excuses for not blogging, but I won’t go into them, but I will try and make up for it this week with 2 blogs.  On the weekend I participated in a Wedding Expo in the City and met many many Brides and on the odd occasion was thrown the question “Why should we hire you over some of the other exhibitors”.  It is a difficult question to answer when there is other people in the Industry there.  However I have also been interacting with Brides on a particular Facebook Page and have been hearing some very sad stories of late, with wedding suppliers letting them down.  I also met with a lovely couple yesterday who have been let down by there venue. I am very passionate about the Industry and this upsets me as this is a couple’s special day and they need to know they can rely on us as suppliers to ensure everything goes perfectly without them having to worry.

Therefore I thought I would give you a little background on myself and my business, as for me I know the people in the Industry and I know who to select for my wedding and have started making some progress with this.

I come from 17 years in the Industry from starting off as a Waitress in a venue, to moving up to Wedding Coordinator and then managing 2 Venues.  Prior to that I worked in the Corporate World.  As a Wedding Planner I am of the belief that a Certificate of  Wedding Planning does not make you an experienced Wedding Planner if you start your business just after you have graduated.  This piece of paper does not teach how to handle a Brides emotions, deal with the mishaps of a Wedding Day and other organisational tools required.

I am down to earth and will not sugar coat anything I tell you how it is whether it be you are hiring me as a Wedding Planner, Decorator, to do your Floristy, to make your Stationery or the other services we offer.  This honesty and my experience over the years and since relaunching my business 11 months ago, has got me to where I am.

This blog is not meant to be controversial and have a go at other suppliers, far from the case and it is not meant to frighten Brides at all as there is a lot of businesses in the Industry who are very professional, but in the recent months I have just heard to many sad stories.

For Brides who don’t know where to start I host group Wedding Workshops and I educate  you on the pitfalls you can come across when planning. This workshop has proven to be very successful with past Bridal Couples. If you would like to know more just email me at firstclassevents@bigpond.com.au

TODAY’S TIP –  When selecting a Supplier:

  • Ask around about the particular supplier you want to go with, get reviews and check their testimonials
  • Have a list of questions ready for when you go for your consultation
  • Make sure the images they are using are not royalty free, they are actual images of there work
  • Read the fine print in the contract

These four tips are just to start you off, but are important.  I hope today’s blog has opened your eyes as it was truly educational for me on the weekend when I went to the Expo myself.  Until next time.

Au Revoir, The Savvy Bride

Week 35 – OMG!! …. Out of Control

Pulling Hair Out

Bonjour from Project Wedding HQ

Well I have been out of action for a week as like other Brides-to-Be, I work 7 days a week and long days and time is flying by rather quickly.  I have finally lost the plot and my head is spinning out of control.  Yes yes I am a Wedding Planner, but planning your own wedding does not make it any easier.  I have decisions to make as well.

OMG the decisions decisions desions, where to next.  So at this point I have a Groom, Venue, Theme – that is all that is confirmed and the wedding is 28 weeks a way.  I said this to my fiancee the other night and it just sounded so terrible, saying 7 months so much better.

So where to next.  I did a Wedding Workshop on the weekend discussing these very things with my Bridal Couples and I said stop REMAIN CALM.  Ummmmm I don’t know if I can do it.  I was meant to have my Save the Dates out 4 weeks a go and that hasn’t happened yet.  I went for my first Bridal fitting a few weeks ago and was meant to do a follow up and that hasn’t happened.  My bridesmaids and I decided that we would go dress shopping for them and that hasn’t happened.  So when is this all going to happen.

So here is just some of things I need to start thinking about:

  • Getting on top of my wedding budget
  • Celebrant
  • Photographer
  • Floristry
  • Stationery
  • Wedding Vows
  • Ceremony Location
  • Wet Weather Location
  • Permits
  • Wedding Dress
  • Bridesmaids Dresses
  • Suit Attire
  • Rings
  • Hair & Makeup
  • Wedding Cake
  • Ceremony & Reception Music
  • Entertainment
  • Bonbonniere
  • Menu
  • Seating Plan
  • Transportation
  • Honeymoon
  • and the list goes on.

So no wonder we go crazy as a Bride and lose control.  On top of our normal work and social commitments we have to plan a wedding which is a full time job in itself.  Did you know the average wedding takes over 200 hours to plan by the time you make phone calls, go to appointments, make your decisons, finalise and complete the wedding planning process.  Something to think about.  Until next time.

Au Revoir, The Savvy Bride

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