REASONS TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER!!!

2010-12-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

Other than wedding season (Spring/Summer) this is a wedding professionals favorite time of year. Between Christmas, and Valentines Day right around the corner, a lot of engagements occur. So wedding planning begins!

When it comes to booking a reception space, most venues have an "in house" Wedding Planner/Coordinator. Yes, that is all fine and dandy, if you like your wedding looking like every other wedding that is booked there. Only difference there may be is linen color change, and you may get to choose one out of 2 or 3 centerpieces. If you want different linens such silk, lamour, pintuck, or any other couture linen, either the facility won't have access to find such linen, or if they do they will mark up the price incredibly. Professional wedding planners have access to multiple vendors from every wedding category from linens, floral, stationary, DJ's, and photographers. A wedding planner having these connections means they can negotiate good rates as well. Which means it saving you money! It's always better to have OPTIONS instead of the standard polyester linens and hurricane vase or tarnished candelabra centerpieces a venue will offer you, and every other bride that walks through the door.

A question a lot of newly engaged couples ask is, "Why do I need a wedding planner?". Most think it is just a waste of money, because the couple can do everything a wedding planner does on their own. This is true, to an extent, but on your wedding day, you can't possible try to orchestrate your own wedding AND handle any issues that arise. Whether these issues are big or small, you can't fix these problems, and still worry about hair, makeup, your dress, photos, etc.

Top 10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner:

10. Saves time – Planning wedding takes enormous amount of time. In fact, the average couple spends well over 200 hours planning their special day. A good wedding planner will save you time and energy by researching vendors, taking care of the many, many details, and coming up with various creative ideas to make your wedding amazing!

9. Saves money – Weddings can be extremely expensive. However, by hiring a wedding planner, couples can save a great deal of money. Because wedding planners provide so much business to vendors, they are often able to negotiate discounts for their clients. Wedding planners are also well-versed at helping couples set budgets and sticking to them.

8. Saves relationships – Weddings are very stressful. This stress often results in many arguments for couples as well as with family members and friends. Wedding planners have been there time and time again and know how to avoid such problems before they begin as well as act as a buffer when there are conflicts. Wedding planners are also able to take on the responsibilities often assigned to loved ones so that everyone is able to enjoy the wedding. Remember, you still want a relationship with your mother well after your wedding!

7. Ensures dreams are made realities – Most have been dreaming of their wedding day their entire life. Wedding planners work for the couple and ensure that all desires are met (and often surpassed)!

6. Offers advice – Wedding planners have planned countless weddings and know exactly what works and what doesn’t. They are also knowledgeable on wedding etiquette. Furthermore, wedding planners are able to recommend competent vendors, based on personal experience.

5. Acts as the “go to person” – The average wedding has at least 22 different vendors. Combine that with the entire wedding party and all of the guests and that is a lot of people with questions and concerns! By hiring a wedding planner, couples can simply tell others “talk to the wedding planner!”

4. Creates schedules – There are so many events leading up to the big day! Couple that with the many things that happen during the wedding and who can keep track? The wedding planner can! Wedding planners are well-versed at making detailed itineraries for all involved (including other vendors) and making sure that everything happens on time!

3. Handles crisis – Whether we like it or not, most big events involve crisis. Who really wants to deal on their wedding day with the bakery not delivering the cake on time or the flower girl throwing a tantrum? No one! Wedding planners know how to handle all unforeseen circumstances.

2. Orchestrates from rehearsal through the end of reception – Do you want to be responsible for organizing rehearsal or making sure the bridal party is properly lined up? How about making sure that the guest who had a little too much to drink departs safely? Wedding planners orchestrate from rehearsal through the end of the reception, ensuring everything goes off without a hitch!

1. Minimizes stress and maximizes fun! – Hiring a wedding planner ensures that you will have a worry-free and stress-free day, thus, allowing you to enjoy your day like your guests!

Calling all vendors!!

2010-07-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

MMBS is looking to expand it's vendor base!

Calling all Caterers, Florists, Cake Designers, Photographers, Videographers, Make-Up Artists, Dance Instructors, and more!

Send over your info...

Apuje Kalu - One of my favorite Fashion Stylists!

2010-07-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

I first started following this gentleman on Twitter. He has a love for 2 of my favorite things in life. Bacon (pork!) and red velvet cake. So why wouldn't I follow him? He has an amazing sense of humor to match his amazing sense of style! Being an event planner, and a plush diva, fashion is my thing! From his journey to Africa to see family, to his photo shoots, I ALWAYS look forward to seeing his engagement photo shoots.

His sense of style, and the amazing photographers he works with, they NEVER let me down!

Take a peek at this engagement photo shoot! If you're on Twitter, follow him! @Apuje

Apuje Kalu

Lavida Given by Nature

2010-04-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for all natural hair and/or body products? You may want to check out Lavida Given by Nature. Specializing in hair and body care for the whole family.

Lavida is also a proud sponsor for I Do Brunch. "I Do Brunch" is a networking event for event professionals to get together and discuss challenges we face in the industry today and learn from one another and offer advice all the while taking in the ambiance of this years "English Garden" theme.

Although I could not attend this year, I am looking forward to seeing photos of the goodies Lavida has come up with.

Help raise funds for the Cake Girls!

2010-04-07T08:26:00.000-07:00

The very talented "Cake Girls" shop in Chicago burned down 3/29 due to a fire from an upstairs apartment. Please help them in raising money to assist their now out-of-work employees as they rebuild their establishment. You can purchase your t-shirt here!

The Moments of Shavonne

REASONS TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER!!!

Calling all vendors!!

Apuje Kalu - One of my favorite Fashion Stylists!

Lavida Given by Nature

Help raise funds for the Cake Girls!