Page 57 - HDG1173 - CWD Fall 2015

unVEIL Tiger Pointe Golf Club
Seville Quarter
Q. Planning a wedding is no easy task. From scouting for vendors,
to negotiating contracts, balancing a budget and orchestrating the Fall 2015 57
flow of events, the countless details can be difficult and confusing.
To whom can a bride turn for help?

A. Your wedding possibly will be the biggest party you ever throw,
so leave the taxing, time-consuming wedding preparations to
professionals: wedding coordinators and wedding planners.

Q. What’s the difference between the two?

A. Often, the distinction is blurry, since wedding coordinators’ and
wedding planners’ jobs can overlap and since the scope of each
professional’s work varies in regard to each event. But in general,
wedding coordinators come into the picture shortly before your
wedding (sometimes even the day of), after you have done most
of the leg work yourself. Wedding planners, in contrast, hold your
hand through the entire planning process, from selecting the table
linens to timing the toast. Here are some typical duties of each type
of wedding professional:

* Wedding coordinators often help create a wedding-day time-
line, set up before the event and make sure the day-of events flow
as they should. Some help you plan the event menus and book
vendors. While you, your family and friends enjoy your wedding and
reception, wedding coordinators work hard behind the scenes to
communicate with your vendors, making sure everything is going
smoothly and confirming contract obligations. Some will even pin
on the groomsmen’s boutonnieres and line up and cue the bridal
party during the ceremony. However, others do not provide day-of
services.

* Wedding planners are ideal for brides and grooms who are
very busy and who need a lot of help during the planning process.
They typically assist you with every aspect of your wedding, from
selecting vendors, wedding attire, overall décor and even items on
your bridal registry. Wedding planners almost always do the work of
wedding coordinators, as well, making sure your wedding day goes
according to plan.

Q. What are the benefits of hiring a professional?

A. Often, coordinators and planners can save you time and
money since many of them have relationships with vendors who
offer discounts. Also, they keep track of your budget to make sure
you are staying within it. Unlike family members and friends,
experts offer unbiased opinions and even act as mediators. They
have experience negotiating wedding contracts and can give you
advice about what pitfalls to avoid (for example, don’t pay a vendor
all of the money up-front). Additionally, they can help you see
the big picture so that all aspects of the wedding are coordinated
seamlessly.