Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Hire a Wedding Planner

A colleague and wedding friend of mine asked me this week to contribute to a post he is putting up on his blog this week - the top 5 reasons why a couple should hire a wedding planner. After sending him my thoughts I figured it might also be helpful to post them here. So if you are reading this and on the fence about whether or not you need a planner hopefully this info will help:

1. Weddings are a BIG DEAL and one of the most important moments in a couple's lives so far, if not the biggest moment. On top of the emotional investment there is also a substantial financial investment that goes into hosting a wedding celebration for your family and friends. This importance of this event should not be left up to chance, which is where a wedding planner comes in. As a planner I help my couples find the venue and vendors who are the best fit for them, I guide them through the design and decor decisions to bring their vision to reality, and I make sure there is no detail or piece of the planning that is missed or forgotten along the way. And one of the best parts of working with a planner is having a professional you can go to at any time with any question, no matter how big or small that question may be.
2. Today's couples are very busy people, often working long hours and having additional commitments with graduate school, a second job, or family or community interests. Planning a wedding can seem like a 40-hour a week project and a lot of busy couples just don't have the time available to spend researching every option in the area for cakes or making sure they didn't miss any possibilities for local venues. A wedding planner is the wedding expert who can save couples tons of time and energy by presenting them with their best vendor options and cutting out all of that hefty research time. Most couples are amazed at how quickly they are able to find amazing vendors with my help and they know that they are booking a wedding professional they can trust and feel confident that they will do a fantastic job on their big day.
3. Wedding planners can reduce a bride and groom's stress level big time! I can't tell you how many brides tell me that they are feeling pressure from a parent, a friend, or a guest in regards to something with the wedding. Or that there is drama brewing among the people they love because of the seating chart, the selection of bridesmaids, or aspects of the formality of the event. And some brides just don't feel as connected to certain members of their family and need a planner to step in not only as a hired vendor but also as a friend. There have been countless incidents where I have assisted my couples in smoothing out some kind of stress or potential drama just by talking it out with them and taking over some of the burden to release their pressure. This is one major reason why choosing the right planner is so important - you never know exactly what you will need them for!
   
4. If you didn't think the Capital District/Adirondack area is a hot spot for destination events think again! The majority of my couples live out of state and are planning their wedding in the Albany/Saratoga/Lake George area. Most of them either grew up here, went to college here or vacationed here as kids and now want to return to this area to get married. When planning a destination event it can be really intimidating to try an do everything from far away. Hiring a wedding planner who works in the area gives you a local expert to connect you with all of the best resources this region offers. And with the help of modern technology so much of the wedding planning can be done through email, Skype, and texts so that the bride halfway across the country feels just as connected to her wedding here as a local bride would.
5. Wedding planners are not only used for the full planning of an event, we are also utilized quite frequently as day-of wedding coordinators. Even if you want to plan your wedding yourself there is a moment along the way where you sit and wonder who is going to be responsible for all of the tiny details on your wedding day. It can't be you and it shouldn't be anyone in your bridal party and family, so a day-of wedding coordinator is the perfect vendor to take the reigns on your big day and allow you and your loved ones the opportunity to relax and stay engaged in the special moments. Day-of wedding coordination is the fastest growing segment of my business because the service is so vital and so invaluable. Ask any bride who decided to hire a coordinator and they will tell you it was easily the best investment they ever made!

Warms My Heart

I love sharing heart warming stories and moments in my job that reaffirm the love for what I do...

In a recent blog post I recapped the wedding of Tori and John Romeo who came to me as a wedding gift from Tori's older sister (and one of my 2009 brides) Crystal. I planned Crystal's wedding and when her little sister got engaged she hired me as a gift to the bride and groom to give them the same assistance and guidance on their wedding day. Then just this past December I was hired by a best man who wanted his best friend and future wife to have a stress free wedding day. It touched my heart that he would be this generous to his friend and that he would come to me seeking the help they needed.

Well the most recent news is that just this weekend I was contacted by a former bride and groom who used me to coordinate their wedding two years ago. The groom's sister is one month away from her big day and is having a really difficult time putting together all of the final details and making sure she isn't forgetting anything. This bride is so stressed out that she basically can't wait for the wedding to just be over! My former couple contacted me asking me if there was anything I could do to help out and smooth things out in these final weeks. I put together a custom package for them and they surprised the anxious bride who broke out in tears when she heard the news. She was so relieved to know that she didn't have to carry the stress alone anymore and that she had a wedding planner to help her and make sure that her wedding day goes off without a hitch.

I love all of my couples and I truly do love what I do for a living. But when I have past clients who love me enough to want their siblings to have the same planning experience they did, that just puts me right over the moon. Thank you to all of my happy couples and for the opportunity to have all of these wonderful family 'reunions'!

Love,
Shannon

Will You Be Having a Best Woman or Man of Honor?

Photo by Erica Ferrone

When selecting their attendants most bride's choose from a group of their closest girl friends, but what if someone who is especially important to you happens to be male? Or if you're the groom and you want to have a female in your bridal party? In that choosing a 'bridesman' or 'man of honor' and a 'groomswoman' or 'best woman' is an option for you. I have had several weddings where there were guys as bride's attendants, or women who stood on the side of the groom. They can be dressed the same as the other people in the bridal party, meaning a man of honor can wear the same tux or suit as the groomsmen and a female attendant can wear the same dress as the bridesmaids, or you can choose a coordinating outfit for them.

A wedding party is supposed to be comprised of the people who you feel closest to and who you want standing beside you at the altar as you say your vows. If that person happens to be a bride's best guy friend/relative or a groom's best female friend/relative then bring them in and allow them the chance to share in this special occasion with you, regardless of what side of the altar they stand on.

Photo 2 by Jeff Foley Photography
Photo 3 by Hillary Harvey

Wedding PINNING Plus!

Are you on Pinterest? But more importantly, are you following wedding experts like me on there? I have been busy on Pinterest pinning wedding inspiration photos, details from our past events, accent pieces from our own weddings and even a few personal pins as well. Don't find out 6 months from now that every bride you know is working off of Pinterest and you are just now beginning to explore it.
Come follow me now.

My Valentine

Photo by Matt Ramos Photography

Today is the universal day of love and I can only do my part and follow suit by posting
an homage to my special Valentine:

*****************

Thank you Adam for being my friend, my shoulder to lean on and my biggest fan.
Without you so much of my personal and professional success would not be realized.
You are everything I want and something I feared I would never realize.
You are my life, my light and my everything.
I love you.

*****************

Congrats to all the happy couples out there!
Wishing you all a very happy Valentine's Day!

Photo Session for Me!

This weekend I got to spend a little time on me, and with the help of friend and colleague Tara Wiley I spruced myself up and got some much needed new head shots. I have to say it was really weird getting in front of the camera mostly because I spend a lot of my time at weddings staying out of the photographer's lens. But Tara took good care of me and even kept me going through a cold 20 degree weather day that also came with tons of heavy wind. I was freezing!

Tara is a super talented photographer and the owner of Tara Wiley Photography. She is located just south of Albany and available to shoot events all over the northeast. Lately she's been on a roll with baby photos and if you want to get some ooey gooey newborn and baby face love then you have to check out her website. And of course keep her in mind for weddings and events, as well!

Thanks so much Tara!

xoxo,
Shannon


PS - I couldn't decide on my favorite so I thought I would put up a few and hopefully someone can help me choose. If you have one you love leave a comment to let me know!

Cake Frosting: Fondant or Buttercream?

Photo by Gallery 9 North

Your guests enter your reception ballroom and their eyes land on your beautiful wedding cake situated underneath a beam of angelic light. They ooh and they ahh but what are they seeing? A cake frosted with fondant or one with buttercream?

Some details in wedding planning are easy to decide on and some are, well, not so much. When it comes to choosing your cake you have several choices to make - round, square or abstract? Chocolate, vanilla or red velvet? Mousse filling or fruit filling? And what the heck is the difference between fondant and buttercream frosting?? Now I can't help you tell you what flavors taste best (well I can but your taste buds should probably make that decision for you) but I can help you decipher the ins and outs of your two frosting options.

All four of the photos above are cakes that have been made with buttercream frosting. Buttercream is the frosting most commonly used in wedding cakes and is the one that most resembles the frosting you get on birthday cakes, cupcakes, and most frosted items at your local bakery. Buttercream can be dyed to match any color and can take design elements on it such as swirls, dots, etc. Usually buttercream frosting is included in the cost of your cake and not something you have to pay extra for. The downside to buttercream? It is applied to the cake with a pastry knife and therefor can show any flaw or imperfection. If you have seen a perfectly smooth frosting on a cake before it probably wasn't buttercream. Now I'm not saying that buttercream will give you a messy look (these cakes above look nothing close to messy) but you can't get the shine and complete flawless smoothness with this type of frosting.

Now these four cakes have been made with a fondant icing on them. Fondant is almost like a sugary play dough, and it's rolled out in sheets and laid down on top of the cake layers. It can't stick to the cake itself so a thin layer of frosting, most often a buttercream, is applied to the cake layers prior to the fondant begin laid on. Because this frosting is applied as one whole sheet and not by knife or bakery tool it maintains a completely uniform smooth look, as seen in the examples above. Fondant can be made in any color and can have decorative icing details applied to it. The downside of fondant? Most people aren't crazy about the way it tastes. It is much more of a paste like layer than a fluffy frosting so the texture and taste are different than what most people are used to. Also fondant is almost always an upcharge so a cake with fondant frosting costs more than one with buttercream.

So there you have the ins and outs of cake frosting. Now go brush your teeth!

Photography credit for the eight cake images above:
Photo 1 - Tracey Buyce
Photo 2 - Out of the Ordinary Photography
Photo 3 - Belathee Photography
Photo 4 - Jessica Patch
Photo 5 - John Seakwood
Photo 6 - Tracey Buyce
Photo 7 - Bob Donlon
Photo 8 - Jessica Painter

E-Newsletter - Are You On The List?

Our latest e-newsletter is out. If you didn't get yours that means you're not on the list (how sad!). In order to be added I just need your email address so feel free to email it to me or just comment on this post.

Happy planning!

~ Shannon

Follow Me On Pinterest!

I just started on Pinterest and I am posting wedding inspiration images and ideas, as well as some personal things to my life. Come on in and follow me!

Sweet Words From My Newest Client...

I was booked just yesterday by a couple who is planning their September 2013 wedding in Saratoga. The bride and I have exchanged a few emails and a phone call this week to discuss her needs and the exact planning and coordination package she wanted to book through me. Just yesterday I met her for the first time, as well as meeting her mom and dad, and after getting home last night she sent me an email that included the following message. It was so sweet and touching that I just had to share:

"Lastly, I'll be honest that I initially wasn't sure about hiring a planner. Although my parents' priority is to ensure that I have the wedding of my dreams, I continued to suffer from sticker shock and was becoming quite frustrated. I wasn't enjoying the process and was agonizing over every decision. When I met you my stress instantly faded away, and I now understand what a valuable resource you are. I know that we just began working together, but if you ever speak to anyone who is on the fence about hiring a planner, it would be my pleasure to speak with them. This is by far the best decision I've made thus far, and I'm so grateful for everything that you've done for me already! If there's anything that I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out… I'll tell anyone how incredible you are!"

Thanks so much Kristine! You are the sweetest and I'm so happy to be working with you!!!

~ Shannon

Not Sure What to Gift Your Favorite Bride and Groom?

Photo by Jason Bryer

Ever sat there and wondered, what in the world can I gift my favorite and bride and groom? A cheesy memento? An embroidered dish towel? Or just something lame off their registry? Well have you considered their gift could be a wedding vendor?

Oh yes, you can do that!

Over the years I have seen the most amazing outpouring of love to brides and grooms, but none has felt as personal and as special to me as the times when someone in their lives has given me - a wedding planner/coordinator - to them as their wedding gift. Just recently I had a best man contact me to inquire about my services as a day-of wedding coordinator. His best friend and his fiancee are getting married at The Inn at Erlowest in April and as his best man he wanted them to have the greatest wedding gift of all time - a sure fire way to have a stress free and unbelievably good wedding day. This best man has since contracted with me and I am on board to make the bride and groom's dreams a reality. It may seem like a rare occurrence but this is not the first time I have been hired as a gift to some very special brides and grooms. For the last 5 years of my business I have had countless moms and dads gift me to their children and employ me to take the reigns on their wedding planning, their wedding day, or a combination of the two. Even this past year I had a bride of mine from 2009 pay for me to be the coordinator of her little sister's wedding this past fall (see the photo above of both happy couples with their happy wedding planner!). Nothing in this world gives me greater pleasure and joy than to be selected as the gift for a bride and groom - it's honestly the coolest feeling ever! So if you are wondering what to give that special couple who seems to have everything, why not give them the assurance of a "perfect" wedding day? It's the gift I'm sure they won't look to return or give back after all is said and done. :)

Congrats to my newest couple Becky and Justin and thank you to Chris (their best man) for gifting me to your best friends. I am so excited for your big day!!

Happy planning,

Shannon

WPP Wins the Bride's Choice Award - Three Years in a Row!!

I received this notification from the staff at Wedding Wire today:

We are excited to announce Wedding Planning Plus has won the Bride's Choice Awards™ 2012. This prestigious award is determined by reviews from your past clients and recognizes the top 5 percent of local Wedding Professionals from the WeddingWire Network.

I give a HUGE thank you to all of my past clients who not only took the time to go online and post a review about us but posted some of the most amazing comments I have ever seen. When I am having an off day I log on and read what was written about the work of myself and my team. It's an instant pick-me-up!

Want to see our past reviews? CLICK HERE

Check us out on NYWB!

The New York Wedding Boutique loved our posts on 2012 wedding trends so much that they decided to post the info on their bridal blog. Love it! Check it out!

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR GUEST ENTRY ON THE NYWB BLOG

Now Hiring: Wedding Planning Intern

Happy New Year everyone! As we head into a new wedding year we are again looking for interns for the upcoming wedding seasons. This is an unpaid position that requires attendance at all weekend weddings and also includes 10-15 hours of work during the week that can be done from home and from our Delmar office. The ideal candidate is someone who has interest in the field of wedding and event planning and comes to us with a unique drive to learn as well as prior experience in planning small and large scale events. For those who are interested in applying please email me at shannon@weddingplanningplus.net and I will give you further details.

Happy New Year and Happy Planning!

~ Shannon

More Wedding Trends for 2012!

Like I mentioned in the first post of this series, weddings will continue to show a ton of personalization and specialization in 2012 as couples try to wow their guests with style and details that has not been seen before. Here is another trend that can make your wedding stand out and show that you laugh in the face of tradition.


Last year: Floral corsages

Photo by Tracey Buyce

This year: Jeweled brooches

Has anyone really paid attention to the corsage the mother of the bride is wearing? Well that's because every mother of the bride wears the same ivory floral piece attached to the strap of her dress that gets crushed when she hugs people and slops around when she dances. Who needs it?! Instead of the traditional floral corsage why not choose a beautiful jeweled brooch that all of your important VIPs can wear. They can be of any size and shape and can be selected in a color to match the colors of the wedding. You can even get smaller versions to be pinned down the stem of your bridesmaids bouquets so they can match as well. This is a fun a beautiful way to show that your parents, grandparents, readers and VIPs are important and is something they can have for a keepsake forever. Please if I am in your wedding trust me I'd rather have one of these!

More Wedding Trends for 2012!

We discussed the trends for wedding dresses but let's not forget to talk about the trends in 2012 for guy's wedding apparel. The Royal Wedding didn't miss this area, as we are seeing a return to the classic formal look for guys this coming year. Keep your eye out for black formal tuxedos, bow ties, and the standard shiny shoe. I love this look because classic is my personal favorite way to go and because couples will look back at their wedding photos and never feel that they are so out of style because they decided on something trendy at the time. Way to keep it classy and classic!

Photo by Gallery 9 North

More Wedding Trends for 2012!

What is event in 2011 has had the most influence on 2012's wedding scene? The Royal Wedding. William and Kate made their mark on weddings with their lush and grand event and brides are snatching up their ideas and their style all over this coming wedding year. One area that has seen a major influence from the Royal Wedding is the wedding dress industry. Look for lace, sleeves, and full skirts in the year to come (as seen below in the Reem Acra and Monique Lhullier dresses). Classic royal beauty never goes out of style.

Wedding Trends for 2012!

With every passing year things change in the weddings and what was in last year may not be what's in for this coming year. In a series of posts I want to share with you some of the top weddings trends for 2012 that I am most excited about.

Last year: Candy bars

This year: Bangle bars

For 2012 the secret to successful weddings will continue to be the personalization and specialization of the event from start to finish. What we will see more of this coming year is catering to the genders by offering guys a man lounge and the women a chic area to congregate and have fun. What female guest wouldn't love to sip a martini while sifting through bangle bracelets and funky rings to match her cocktail dress? And she can take those items home with her and remember your amazing wedding every time she puts them on. Letting guests dive in to a Bangle Bar is a fun way to make your wedding stand out from the others and also give your guests a fun useful gift instead of some boring wedding favor. Bling it on!

Happy Halloween!

WPP mascot Reilly got all dressed up to share a little Halloween spirit with everyone. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!!

Ceremony Tip

Photo by Heather Bohm-Tallman

I see a lot of wedding ceremonies. And there is one thing during a ceremony that tends to happen and shouldn't so I wanted to share my thoughts on it. The thing I'm talking about occurs how the bride and the groom say their vows. Now you all know the vow portion of a ceremony - it usually goes something like "Bride, repeat after me, I ~Bride~ take you ~Groom~ to be my husband..." You know, the part where the officiant feeds the bride lines that she repeats, then does the same for the groom. This is the serious part, the part where everything counts and the actual marriage is really happening, so this can be a fairly stressful and emotional to both the bride and the groom. Now the tendency for some is to look at the officiant who is feeding them the lines and repeat them right back to them. Fight this urge! You are not marrying your officiant, you are marrying your fiance, so look your fiance in the eye when you say your vows. You will be wrapped up in the moment at that point so practice the eye contact part during your rehearsal. Trust me if you practice it then you will do it naturally on wedding day and by doing so you will make your wedding planner very happy. :)