i am directing a wedding for a close friend of mine. i am married and i've been to weddings before so i know all the basics (i read all the time also) what are a few tips and information that i may not be aware of. im getting ready to go to school to become a planner for weddings and parties etc. but i want to look professional and do the best i can so if anyone has any info please let me know any information is greatly appreciated!
2007-01-07 07:18:23 · 5 answers · asked by tiffany b 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Perhaps you can get that planner course in before the planning actually begins? This is a really big venture for a novice and certainly not for the faint of heart. Be really careful since you won't want to hurt your friendship. Here is an article on becoming a wedding planner and there are a few courses mentioned. http://topweddingsites.com/become-a-wedding-planner.html
2007-01-07 10:13:39 · answer #1 · answered by weddingqueen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best source of information is going to be experienced wedding vendors in your area.
For example, a wedding photographer will know about typical wedding protocol in your area.
A veteran Wedding DJ will be able to organize a reception, assist with planning the "Order Of Events" at a reception (ie. Grand Entrance, announcement of dinner, announce toasts/speeches, cake cutting, bouquet/garter, first dance of bride/groom, father/daughter dance, etc).
A good Mobile Disc Jockey is like a "Free Wedding Planner" because they include these coordination services as part of the DJ cost.
Having an experienced Emcee (master of ceremonies), someone who is also the DJ, saves the wedding clients $$$, and will make YOU, the wedding planner, look great because everyone will comment about how it was "The Best Wedding We Have Ever Attended".
Here is a couple of other tips for being a successful wedding planner:
1) "Double Line" the buffet. Make this a stipulation with ALL wedding caterers that you hire on behalf of your clients. A "single line" for the buffet slows the reception down because it takes about 1 hour to get 200 persons thru a single line. Having two lines, means that you can feed everyone in 30 minutes.
2) "Fake The Cake". Save $700 by only buying a 2-tiered "real cake" that sits atop a styrofoam tiered mold (covered with real frosting). You cut up "Costco" sheet cakes in the back room, and nobody is the wiser. The "Fake Cake" costs about $150 to fabricate, but looks like B/G spent $850 on their cake.
3) Don't micromanage your vendors. Hire people who know what they are doing, and then LET THEM DO THEIR JOB.
2007-01-07 07:20:27 · answer #2 · answered by dj_mc_entertainment 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
first of all budget it doesn't matter how good a wedding is if they can't afford it and it doesn't materialize. List out everything ask them for what the big things are for them! Maybe you can get a cheaper cake but they want a bank killing desert buffet. Also book early the early worm gets everything. Do not steal the show from the couple they are your boss. Also make sure you get briefed on family dyanamics don't seat divorced parents together etc. Make sure you photocopy all receipts and contracts and insist on getting everything in writing!
2007-01-07 07:29:43 · answer #3 · answered by emmandal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a wedding director, and from personal experience, you do not want to direct your friend's wedding, if something goes wrong, they will blame you. Tell her to go with a professional.
2007-01-07 12:03:45 · answer #4 · answered by pinkfloydchickcs82 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lists lists and more lists. write down everything you think of or need to do...take notes when you talk to caterers and florists and such. plan ahead. talk to the bride (and groom-it's his day too~) and make sure you follow their wishes. but most of all, LISTS!
2007-01-07 07:22:13 · answer #5 · answered by BJC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋