We have invited our colleague Crystal to write a guest blog post for Duo d'Amore.
Ever been to a party with a group of people you’ve never met? Inevitably the question of “so what do you do for a living?” will come up. As a Wedding Planner the reception of my career path is extremely mixed. Women who squeal gleefully at what they imagine to be a wholly romantic and luxurious career path, commitmentphobe men who cringe and look desperately for anyone else to talk to, or the ever fun and enjoyable “what’s that?” look of bewilderment.
My career as a Wedding Planner is a mix of a million other careers. I’m one part therapist, financial planner, production coordinator, designer, life coach and friend. I have to wear a million different hats and be able to randomly assume them as the situation requires and from client to client.
To my brides & grooms my role is this – guide them in creating THE moment (not A moment) of their adult lives. Your wedding should be filled with Once-in-a-Lifetime Awesomeness – that’s where we come in! It’s about facilitating their journey through this rite of passage and time honoured tradition called marriage. My job is to wade them through the sea of options to narrow the vision and create THE MOMENT that is completely perfect for them. Sometimes this means getting them barefoot on a beach in Bali or wrapped in Vera Wang surrounded in a landscape of orchids and glittering crystals. Whatever my clients vision for their big day it’s my job to get them there.
To vendors my role is a bit different – the people you surround yourself with, involve yourself with, take creativity, time or energy from seek out a Wedding Planner as a haven of understanding. I’ve walked the role of a wedding day Photographer. Bore witness to an Officiants process. Worked closely with Designers to understand their terms, their foundations, their logistics. My job is that of translator of my clients vision. Vendors seek guidance, clarity and confirmation that their skills and services match you, my clients, vision.
To your bridal party – I become the producer or orchestrator of the wedding. While they are the actors, I am the director, guiding them through posturing, placement, timing and most of all enjoyment. I am their personal cruise director to make sure that they are enjoying your big day almost as much as the client!
To your family – I am the peacemaker and therapist. Planning a wedding is emotional for everyone involved. I navigate the terrain of family issues with a keen eye to perception and foresight in viewing problems. When we see the problems in advance their less likely to creep into the wedding day. We act as both the sounding board and landing pad for secure and happy families.
Still unsure of what my career is? Or as a man at a party once joked… “right, I get all that… but what do you DO exactly?”.
Here’s a rundown of just a few tangible components of what I DO as a Wedding Planner:
- consultations to discuss vision & priorities
- site inspections
- custom creating a wedding design plan
- vendor referrals
- catering logistics, menu planning & tasting
- itinerary creation
- budget analysis
- planning checklists
- direction of ceremony rehearsal
- vendor liason
- wedding day setup/coordination
- emergency assistance & training
- overseeing scheduling & event
Hiring a Wedding Planner is not a sign of weakness from a bride & groom but rather a strength. It’s an open acknowledgement to your friends, family and vendors that you have a vision for your big day and don’t want them to be concerned or stressed about the details but rather to enjoy the celebration. Enjoy the spotlight and let an experienced Wedding Planning professional pull it together for a smooth and elegant wedding.
Love & All Things Pretty,
Crystal Adair-Benning
Planner of Once-in-a-Lifetime Awesomeness
Distinct Occasions
416.562.6995
www.distinctoccasions.ca
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