Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a wedding planner?   I was definitely curious so that is why I went out to lunch with some of my favorite wedding planners in the San Francisco Bay Area and ask them these questions.  I have worked with them on a special event this year and they are probably one of the most professional and organized people I know!  During our lunch, they told me some interesting stories and insights and oh, I guess I don’t mind sharing them with you too.

Photo courtesy of Ron Shoshoni

Photo courtesy of Frabuleuse

Arlene Marcos, Ah…New Beginnings  www.ahnewbeginnings.com

Eileen Chiu, Enchanting Events   www.enchantingevents.biz

Why do you want to become a wedding planner?

Arlene: “I love weddings and I want to be able to give this gift to the couples to be their guests at their wedding days.”

Eileen: “I want to help people at the wedding day by executing their wedding of their dreams.”

What was the most interesting event that you have coordinated?

Arlene: “For one of my weddings, the groom actually called the bride a bridezilla.  The bride was disorganized and forgot to bring all the items for the wedding.  She was late and didn’t get to her own wedding until 10 minutes before the ceremony.  When the bride got to the venue, I had to use my own CD for the ceremony because the bride fired the first DJ and did not communicate to the new DJ the specific songs that she wanted for her wedding.  Besides having a DJ, she also hired a singer for the wedding but the singer only sang one out of the two songs that she requested because the sound system didn’t work at the venue so people couldn’t hear the singer.  So instead of asking the singer to sing the other song, she had no choice but to ask the harpist to play a different song since no one could hear the singer.  She blamed me for the problem because she had to pay an unforeseen expense for the harpist to play the second song.  In the future, I want to stress the importance of communication with all vendors and finalize things one month prior to the wedding.”

Eileen:  “One of my couples hired me to be their wedding planner but three months after we talked, they broke up so the wedding was called off.  Fast forward six months later, the bride got back with me and wanted to get marry in three months.  But instead of marrying the same person, she actually found a different man and was ready to get married!  We ended up using a couple of the same vendors because of short notice.  This was my first cancellation but I was happy that she was able to find another groom this fast.”

What do you like most about being a wedding planner?

Arlene:  “To help the bride and groom to be the guest of the wedding.  It’s a joy.”

Eileen: “It is very rewarding to see that the couple is very happy and not stressed about their wedding.  I want to be part of the most important day of their lives.”

What is the most challenging part of being a wedding planner?

Arlene:  “Working with vendors that the clients hired because not all vendors are professional.”

Eileen: “Communication – both with the couple and with the vendors.  Some couple will change their minds often and I have to make sure that everyone is on the same page.”

What kind of preparation is needed before the day of any event?

Arlene:

-     Meet with the bride and groom at least 2 months prior.

-     Gather all of the information from the couple.

-     Collect vendor information and contact them.

-     1 month before the wedding, I send out the timeline to everyone.  It’s a work in progress timeline and I send out a finalized version a week before the wedding.

-     Call all the vendors and volunteers the week of the wedding to follow up on the timeline.

Eileen:

-     Meet with the bride and groom 4 – 6 weeks before the wedding.

-     Work on the timeline.

-     Constantly revise the timeline draft.

-     Email the final timeline the week of the wedding.

Do you have any tips for those who are looking to hire a planner for their next event?

Arlene:  “Couples can do all the wedding planning, but it’s important to have a planner for the day of the wedding.  That way, they can really enjoy, have fun, and not be stressed out.”

Eileen:  “Couples should be educated on what planners do.  Don’t expect a good planner to show up the day of any event.  They should work with the planner a couple months ahead.  Be more proactive in this process and communicate more often.  Don’t worry that the planner will take over your vision of the wedding.”

These are some of the magnolia paper flowers that I made using a paper flower kit.

Paper flowers have been around for many years but not that many people cherish their beauty since the majority of us prefer fresh flowers over fake.  However, using paper flowers is a excellent budget friendly idea for all occasions – whether it is for decorating your home, creating a set for a photo shoot, or even dressing up your wedding reception!

On average, a typical wedding floral centerpiece is $50.  But if you purchase a pre-made paper flower kit that contains materials to make 12 flowers, it’s only $15.  The kit is perfect for those who are beginnings because it provides you with all the essentials to make it happen.  Add on a simple elegant vase that costs around $8, you only pay $23 + tax.  What a deal!  True, it takes time to put them together but it’s a fun project that you and bridesmaids can get together over a weekend to complete.  Best of all, you can make them whenever you want without having to worry that they only last 5 days like fresh flowers.  Also, I have to say that it’s probably one of the greenest ways to plan your wedding.

Left:  This a close up of the paper magnolia flower made from the flower kit.

Right:  The magnolia flower kit comes with all the materials that you need to make the perfect bouquet.

You should try them.  I am having so much fun making these flowers while watching my favorite TV shows at night.  All you need is a kit, wire cutter, scissors, and PVA glue.  If you’re creative, you can purchase different pattern papers, floral wires, and floral tape create your own designs!

Here is a bouquet of paper daffodils made from the kit.  Then I put the arrangement in a simple metal watering can.  Simple and fun.  Spring is here!

You can easily purchase the daffodil flower kit at the Paper Source store or at their online store.  If you are a beginner, you should talk to one of the sales associates at the store and he/she can give you a quick 10 minutes tutorial on how to make your first bouquet of paper flowers!

PVA is the secret ingredient to making all paper flowers.  It looks and feels like Elmer’s glue but stronger.

Here is your must-have checklist for your next trip:

The basics includes the ubiquitous Trench Coat, a pair of Boot Cut Jeans and a Cardigan.

Trench coat / Jacket
Every woman should own a classic neutral-color trench coat (short or mid-length) in their closet and should carry it with her on every trip. A trench coat is sexy, sophisticated, and versatile for any occasions. If weather unexpectedly changes during your trip, you’re covered.
Featured: DKNY “Henley” Short Trench, Nordstrom, $168

Boot-Cut Jeans
They are the universally flattering denim silhouette for every body shape. A dark rinse is the best color so you should undoubtedly bring a pair with you. With the popularity of ‘casual elegance’ you can wear jeans day or night.
Featured: Paige Denim, Laural Canyon Jeans, ShopBop, $189

Cardigan
Cardigan is a great layering piece and can instantly update your look from day to night. Pick a medium weight cardigan (cotton or cashmere) in a neutral color (black, cream, gray, camel, etc.) so it’s appropriate for most weather.
Featured: Petite Extrafine Merino Ruffle Cardigan, Banana Republic, $80

A few lovely trinkets

Fun, Glamorous Jewelries
Jewelries are probably the easiest fashion items to have if you want to update your look from day to night. Since they’re lightweight and can be tucked away in your carry-on luggage, you can bring multiple styles without worrying about space.
Featured: Guess Wing Necklace, $22 | Guess Rock Rolla Key Charm Bracelet , $22

Totes to keep it simple.

Mid-Size Tote and ‘Clutchlet’
A mid-size tote would be very useful as a carry-on and also during the day when you’re out shopping or sight-seeing. The tote shouldn’t be too big because it’ll be difficult to carry when you go out. It should also be made out of lightweight materials like fabric or soft leather. Use a ‘clutchlet,’ a clutch-style wallet that may come with a wristlet, so you can use it as a wallet during the day and can carry it as a clutch for night. You want your accessories to multi-task for you.
Featured: Coach Tribeca Op Art Tote, $358 | Xhilaration Quilted Clutch Wallet, $13

The basics elements of layering while traveling

Tank Tops, Tees and Blouses
These are the basic layers for traveling. Because they’re thin and won’t take up a lot of your precious luggage space, you can pack a few in different colors so you’ll have different outfits everyday. Pair them with your jeans and change around between your track jacket, cardigan, and trench coat and no one will notice that you’re recycling your clothes during your trip. Sneaky, huh?
Featured: Gap Favorite Ribbed Tank, $10 | JCrew Perfect Fit Tee, $25 | Gap Silk Ruffle Blouse, $60

By all means these are not the ONLY must-have items when you travel because everyone has different needs. But this list will give you the basic ideas so you’re well-prepared for your next travel. Simplicity is a bliss, especially when traveling is so hectic nowadays!