Wedding Planner

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. More often than not I am hired for my "day-of" services but I love it when I get to assist in bringing a client's wedding vision to life from the time of engagement through the end of the celebration.

I have a lot of experience in planning destination weddings where Austin is the destination city. Sixty percent of my clientele live in a city other than Austin and most of the planning is done via email and phone calls.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Helpful Tips
Planning your wedding should be fun. In our society there is no ritual requiring as much social awareness and etiquette or that is as costly as a wedding. Weddings are detailed emotionally charged events. It is no wonder that this is such a stressful time for brides. We have compiled some very helpful hints to help you focus on the right activities, the right choices, at the right time - to help avoid undue stress and costly mistakes.

1.Put together a realistic budget before you hire any vendors. You don't want to go into debt planning your wedding or special event. Know in advance what you have to spend. Then do some research on pricing before you sign any contracts with vendors. Keep your guest list to a minimum if you are on a tight budget and don't invite everyone you know.


2.Weddings are expensive. The average formal wedding in the Austin area costs about $30,000 for 150 guests. You may be able to save some money if you schedule your celebration on a Friday or a Sunday, even more on a weekday evening. You might need to consider timing your reception to avoid mealtime and do not serve alcohol or limit the alcohol to one specialty drink. The best advice is to hire the best, most experienced wedding planner available. This will save you money, keep you on budget, and avoid costly errors no matter what your budget. Click Here for a Useful Wedding Cost Estimator


3.Throw away the word "perfect". Remember to be flexible and maintain your sense of humor.


4.Don't procrastinate. The best venues, caterers, and other wedding professionals book early. You want the ability to pick the best vendors available in your price range and that means begin to hire all your wedding professionals as soon as the date has been set.


5.Research a minimum of three vendors in each area for a proper comparison.


6.Hire your wedding consultant or event planner first, before other vendors. Once you have a working contract with your planner, then begin the search for other wedding professionals.


7.Be honest about your budget with all your vendors. Your don't want to waste their time or yours with estimates that don't fit your needs.


8.Be honest with yourself about what is the most important factor for your wedding. If you are most concerned with having a gourmet sit-down 5 course meal, then you may not be able to afford to rent that perfect ballroom too. Write down your priorities and adjust your budget accordingly.


9.Get it in writing!! Don't assume anything. Read your contracts. Most importantly, consult your mate. It's his or her wedding too.


10.This is by far the most important. Do not hire wedding professionals because they are the least expensive. You get what you pay for. Research the vendors and make educated choices.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I have been in the local event industry for fifteen years and in addition to becoming a Certified Wedding and Event Planner through Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute, I also teach that certification through Austin Community College's Continuing Education program.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. "Why should I spend money on hiring a wedding planner when my family and friends have agreed to help me do everything?"

1. In most instances, this is the first time that a woman has planned one of the most important and memorable celebrations in her life. She has no idea what "everything" comes to entail when it is all said and done.

2. I have had people share stories about how they have had family rifts after a wedding because something happened that was not planned for and a family member ended up being blamed. This is so sad to me and completely preventable when a professional who is neutral in the situation could have been utilizied to handle everything that popped up.

3. Your friends and family should be able to celebrate this momentous occassion with you, not be late to your ceremony because they weren't finished decorating or having to sweep and mop at the end of an emotionally charged evening in formal dress because the caterer already left and the property manager will charge extra to do it.