By WPIC instructor, Sue Morris, WPICC, CMP of Soulmates Barbados
10 Things Day-of Wedding Clients should know before they start their Wedding Plans
- Do not choose the “day-of” service because it is less expensive than full coordination services. Choose it because you want to plan your wedding in addition to having the capability and time to plan a wedding.
- Meet with a professional first. Even if it is just for a consultation. It is worth it.
- Weddings are not expensive. However, hosting an all-inclusive, full day event, with food, beverage, venue, décor, entertainment etc. is expensive. Please be prepared for the cost.
- The more decisions that you make prior to the wedding, the more you will save. Last minute decisions and changes are expensive. Indecision leaves little room for negotiation.
- Respect your planner’s time, experience and profession. Many clients opt to ignore the practical advice given from experience.
- Don’t hold back information from your planner. You are compromising their capability to ensure your wedding logistics and flow makes sense based on your individual situation.
- Always over-estimate the cost of the wedding and depending on cultural background, under-estimate the number of guests that will actually attend.
- Give your planner all the details of your wedding, event the details that you don’t think they will need.
- Do a short list of vendors and contact them in groups of threes. Remember to let a vendor know that you have found another option and release the date. Many wedding vendors know their wedding clients are inexperienced and may hold bookings on queries alone.
- Feed your vendors. Make provisions for your staff (yes, they are your team for the day!) to have a decent meal and access to non-alcoholic beverages. You may need to be prepared to negotiate for special pricing on this with your reception venue.
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