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Sunday, October 18, 2009

"I already have a wedding planner. She's with my venue."


Don't Let This Become You!

I recently spoke with a bride who was excited to announce she already had a wedding planner - through her venue.  My first thought was, "Oh, you have no idea!", but I very briefly explained the difference without trying to sound like I was making a sales pitch.  I honestly feel for brides who expect their venue-supplied wedding planner to actually fulfill that role. 

Ladies, a venue "wedding planner" is not a professional, full-service wedding planner looking out for your best interest!  The "wedding planner" supplied by the venue is a sales person who has been hired to promote their venue as a viable option to the wedding market.  This wedding salesperson will provide the following services:
  • Provide a tour of the venue
  • Make menu recommendations
  • Create your Banquet Event Order outlining your event specifics
  • Arrange for a tasting
  • Oversee setup as it pertains to the venue responsibilities
  • Act as a liaison between your professional wedding planner and the venue staff
  • Communicate to the venue staff contract specifications
  • Process your invoices
Depending on the services you select, a professional wedding planner (Details included!) will provide the following services:
  • Act as your personal representative with your venue and other suppliers (baker, photographer, florist, etc.)
  • Recommend suppliers that meet your budget, style and personality
  • Pass along discounts provided to the planner by the suppliers
  • Negotiate contracts (including with the venue "wedding planner")
  • Preview facilities to ensure layout will work for your event
  • Meet with suppliers along with bride and/or groom and, if necessary, meet with suppliers in place of the bride and groom
  • Assist with etiquette and protocal
  • Create timelines and keep everyone on track
  • Manage your total budget
  • Create a supplier payment schedule with reminders sent in advance to the person responsible for payment
  • Create room layouts
  • Design all printed pieces to ensure cohesive look from start to finish
  • Design decor for ceremony and reception (and rehearsal dinner, engagement parties, etc)
  • Act as liaison between family members and bridal party
  • Stuff, address, stamp and mail invitations
  • Track rsvps
  • Direct the rehearsal
  • Direcet the ceremony
  • Direct the reception
  • Secure room blocks and arrange for transportation
  • Oversee all setup and teardown
  • Be onsite throughout entire event
  • Review final catering bill for accuracy
  • *AND MUCH MORE!
Ask yourself this one question:  Who is signing the paycheck of the venue "wedding planner"? 

I hope this clarifies any confusion, but should you have questions, please contact us at jami@detailsplanningcompany.com

~ Jami

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