Wedding Planner Myths: You Do or I Do?

There are many preconceived myths about wedding planners. Couples do forget that when you hire a planner, you're actually tapping into their experience and contacts which in the long run will save you money and of course turn your dream into fairytale reality. I chanced upon a well written blog by Jen Wooster-McBride, a wedding planner from Ohio which describes the perceptions that many have about what we do.

You can get Jen's original's post here and also as below.

I recently set up a booth at a local bridal show. As I talked with the brides and grooms I began to realize there are many misconceptions about what a wedding planner (or bridal consultant) can do for you. I then asked a few of my Twitter friends and got some additional feedback. So without further ado here are some of the most common myths about wedding planners and the wedding planning process.

1.I don’t want someone planning my wedding for me- Let’s put it this way, when searching for your first home a real estate agent facilitates the process, guides you and offers advice. They don’t choose which house you buy. That’s your job. Well, wedding planning works the same way. It’s your wedding and every decision is yours to make. A wedding planner acts as your agent. They facilitate the process, take care of the technical aspects and offer advice. It is still and will always be YOUR day.


2.I can’t afford a wedding planner- Did you know it takes 400 hours for the average bride to plan a wedding. That is 10- 40 hour work weeks! Can you really afford to spend that kind of time? Not to mention a wedding planner can save you money through discounts, negotiation and by helping you eliminate unnecessary expenditures.


3.Day of coordination (or weekend) is just the wedding day- Quite simply- No. It depends on the package you purchase but a professional will not just show up on the day with no idea what is going on! A day of coordinator will work with you several months before the wedding to ensure all the details are wrapped up, create a detailed timeline, confirm your vendors, attend the rehearsal and be there on your wedding day to take care of any issues that arise.


4.There isn’t that much to do- My husband volunteered when I was in need of an extra set of hands for a recent wedding. Let’s just say the manual labor was more than he expected. After a full 12 hours he said it was one of the most exhausting work days he ever had. Did I mention he works in construction?


5.I am supposed to want to do this- For some brides, the wedding planning process is heaven. Pretty things they have dreamed about for years. For others it’s hell. Yes hell. It is OK if you don’t like doing the planning but still want to have a rockin’ wedding. A bridal consultant can ease the pain.


6.My friends and family are going to help me- Of course they are! That is what friends are for right? But on that day wouldn’t you rather they enjoy all the little details you have painstakingly picked out? As one of my twitter friends said, “Friends don’t let friends set up”. Or teardown. Leave that to the professionals so you can celebrate with your loved ones. After all isn’t that what weddings are really about?

My Fair Lady

Audrey Hepburn was an iconic beauty of the 60s and I just love her timeless style and her movies (especially My Fair Lady). Her words are a constant inspiration to me and am sharing with one quote that I feel will inspire any brides especially when you feel a little overwhelmed amidst your wedding planning.

  Source Pic

"For attractive lips,
Speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes,
Seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure,
Share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair,
Let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise,
Walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things,
Have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed,
And redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,
You will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands;
One for helping yourself, and the other for helping others"

Unique Bridal Bouquet

Who would have thought of using brooches to make a bridal bouquet? What you waiting for....start raiding your grandma's jewellery box for ideas.

Source Pics

It's All In The Details....Darling!

There are lots of ways to make your wedding memorable especially for YOU and your guests. It's all in the details. So many people are overwhelmed with the big things; i.e. the banquet hall, the decor, the entertainment that they overlook the simple little details that will have your guests oooo-ing and ahhh-ing for years to come.

I love this photo taken recently by a talented photographer friend as the picture speaks volumes. It's not just about culture but the intricate designs of the 'inai' (henna) that brings a feeling of pureness to the day. And I am overwhelmed by the whole feeling it brings that if I was really there with the bride I would probably shed some tears....of joy. Of course. :)

Photo taken by Jennifer Tai Photo Artistry

Sharing The Love

Found these lovely poems whilst randomly surfing  (believe it or not...) for chocolate cookies recipe. I don't even see the connection between the two, but am glad that I came upon it as now I can share them with thee.:) The words are simple yet so powerful and endearing.

A Dream Come True

When you asked me to marry you
I didn’t need to think it through
Yes has to be the answer, I knew
‘Coz to me you have given your heart to.

How to be a good wife I have little clue
But I know my love will guide me through
Will give me the strength to subdue
All challenges that I may bump into.

This is because I love you too
To have you as my husband is a dream come true
Standing here today my emotions are few
Only bliss and happiness as you said “I do”.

Photo taken by One Eye Click 

A Wedding Wish

When I popped the question, I had little clue
If you will marry me without further adieu
When you said yes, I finally blew
A sigh of relief as my life will consist of us two.

A wife is someone for a husband to
Protect, love, cherish and value
These and more are what is due
As I embarked on this new journey with you.

My wish is that I can come back to this same venue
To reaffirm my love after 10 or 20 years are through
To tell the world I still love you true
As much as I love you today when I said “I do”.

Taken from here

2010: Bring It On!!

Hello World!

I just love the start of a new year. The smell of hope, love, potential proposals are lingering in the air. If you're one of the lucky girls to be recently engaged, then CONGRATULATIONS! FACT: the wedding planning journey is going to be full of ups, downs & in between.
Some of the things I realized when planning my own wedding were:-

• everyone has an opinion (take it with a pinch of salt, friends & family just love you to bits that they want to share their two cents)
• you will get into silly arguments with your fiance over something that you don't even remember why you're fighting in the first place
• whether you care to admit or not, you do momentarily turn into a 'bride-zilla' and drive everyone around you nuts

Having said that, this is the time to exercise your creative muscles and widen your circle of friendships. May 2010 bring you all lots of success, laughter, love and mouth-watering food. Yeah, isn't it obvious I'm a foodie. :)

Meanwhile, spread the love people!! xoxo


Sherly

Cinderella Moment

I was once asked out of the many weddings I’ve experienced and helped to plan which was the most perfect. Honestly, the answer is simply ALL weddings are truly perfect as it’s as unique as the individuals themselves be it chic, glam, offbeat, casual or simply traditional.

What most brides forget during their wedding planning journey that the wedding is the coming together of two people and two families. Everything else is icing on the cake. Don't you agree?

Photo taken by Covershots

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