Maryland Wedding Planners
Your 911 for Planning Crisis
Article By: Jessica Gardner
With endless lists of Invitations, decorating, coordination, and vendors, planning your wedding is tough. You have so many responsibilities that you don’t know where to start. Is it possible to get it all done with less stress? Of course, hire a wedding consultant (a.k.a. wedding planner). Turn to the ones that make a living off of dream weddings and feel the weight lift from your shoulders. These highly organized individuals carry stress like a banner and can make short work out of any crisis that surfaces on your big day. Read on to find out who these professionals are, what to expect and how to keep it cool with our stress-relieving tips.
The Facts:
What is a wedding planner?
Someone who isn’t shy. Wedding consultants break each event down into categories and separately (or simultaneously) work on each one to make sure it runs smoothly. Calm and focused, they take the heat so you don’t have to while saving you time and worries. One-on-one, they work with the wedding party, vendors, contacts and staff and manage to bring them all together for one neat package.
What do they do?
While their tasks may vary from each individual consultant, most of them will take on jobs large and small. Some of the jobs they undertake are: communicating with vendors, maintaining the budget (which you have set), planning and decorating the rehearsal and ceremony, providing etiquette advice, arranging transportation and accommodations, acquiring and mailing invitations, setting up appointments and negotiating contracts. Be sure to speak with them about tasks you would like completed before hiring them.
Are they for real?
When putting your wedding in the palm of another’s hands you want to make sure that they are legitimate. As in every professional field, there are those who will try to make a profit off of your hopes and dreams without providing what was promised, so be extra-cautious. Ask to see a license, this ensures that the planner you hire is certified and not just experimenting with the career. If provided, call the organization on the certificate to see if it exists. Take a look at their references and the letters of past clients to find out if they were happy with the result. Lastly, just observe their behavior. Consultants should be social and professional- trust your judgment.
When choosing a planner:
- There are many choices to pick from- most of them are charming and seem to be concerned with making your wedding as seamless as possible however, not all consultants are created equal.
- Make sure their personality is a match to your event- they should be calm, organized and focused but with enough personality to get to know you and be personable.
- Find out how long the company has been in business and specifically how long your planner has been a wedding consultant. In order to give you etiquette advice and a properly designed ceremony they should be experienced.
- Tell them your vision for your ceremony and gauge their response. They should be excited and build on your ideas with creative suggestions of their own.
- Ask up front about any charges or fees to ensure you are on the same page
- See if they have liability insurance
Stress Management:
The word “stress” doesn’t even describe that frenzied, frustrating, pressure weeks before your wedding but by following some easy steps, you can minimize the chaos.
- Own your wedding.
Only you, your spouse and your consultant should be in charge. If friends or family interfere, know that they mean well but this is your event and you have to be happy with it. Listen to their suggestions with an open mind but don’t commit to an idea that makes you unhappy. - One big happy family.
We all have those near-and-dear ones who just cant stand each other. Family disagreements happen all the time but don’t let it ruin your big day. Acceptance will take you further than worrying. But if the thought of it keeps you up at night just have a heart-to-heart. Explain the importance of having your whole family attend to share in your happiness. - Learn how to say “no”.
No one likes to hear it but even with an event as special as a marriage, you have to have a budget; not all of us can have a Trump-style wedding. Discuss money-saving tips with your consultant, they can help you stick to your budget while giving you the most bang for your buck. - Give yourself time to unwind.
Everyday shouldn’t be focused on schedules and appointments. Take a day for yourself each week and turn your phone off or on vibrate. Take a walk, try yoga or be a couch potato- whatever helps you to relax. - Don‘t become a Bride-zilla.
This term is reserved for those who get carried away with visions of fairy-tales and perfect endings and work non-stop to make it happen no matter what the cost. For better or for worse we live in reality where anything can go wrong but the key is not to take it seriously. There would be no surprises if life were planned. - Shiatsu your cares away.
The day of or before your ceremony, get a massage. It’ll give your skin a glow by improving your circulation and will take care of any nagging worries.
Are You Breathing?
Often as children, girls are told to “suck-it-in” causing our stomach to contract, making us look slim and allowing us to fit easily into clothes. With brides this is no different. With the fear of not being in able to fit into a gown they will unconsciously follow tier mother’s advice. The problem with this is that we aren’t breathing. The oxygen stays in the chest and doesn’t circulate throughout our body which can make us cold, dizzy, tired, anxious or have indigestion. Make sure you check every so often to see if you are breathing properly. Put a hand one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest. Practice expanding only your belly on each inhale, trying not to let your chest move too much. Next, fill your abdomen with breath as before but follow with expanding your chest as fully as possible during the same inhalation. On the exhalation be sure to completely empty both then hold your breath for one second before inhaling again. Try this technique at least 2-3 times daily to improve chronic headaches, lessen stress, and improve circulation.
Our Wedding Planner Spotlight: Affairs Remembered,
Known for their creative and unique style with breathtaking floral color schemes and strategically placed rose petals, this company designs truly spectacular events. Attention to detail is key in their highly romantic style with linens, soft aisles made of flowers and fabrics, and lavish, creative table settings. Budget-conscious and prepared to take on any planning challenge, the team at Affairs Remembered is one that will cater to your needs with everything from attire details and hotels to before and after wedding parties. Not only do they provide a place for the kids with supervision by licensed nannies but they go the extra mile by having clowns as entertainment for them. Even though the company is rather young (open for six years) the chief consultant has over twelve years of planning experience which means they have what it takes to make weddings run smoothly. Visit www.affiarsremembered.com for photo galleries and additional information.
Unity Candle Creation by Affairs Remembered,
Certifications- Bridal Consultation certificate from Penn Foster and the Bridal Institute of America
Contact-
443-415-4253
Inquiry@Affairsremembered.com
www.affairsremembered.com
Check out our Wedding Planners page to view more
Remember not to lose sight of the meaning behind your ceremony- it’s not just about the flowers, the cake or the music but the prelude of a new life with the one closest to you.