What the Heck is a Wedding Planner Anyway?

Monday, 28. June 2010

Most people have seen the Wedding Planners in the movies. They come in, they take control and they cost you a ton of money. Well, if that were an accurate portrayal then they wouldn’t be the latest trend in the World of Weddings.

If there is one thing that I have learned, it’s that people really have no idea what a Wedding Planner does. I have heard that they are too expensive, that the Bride and Groom would rather do the wedding themselves and even that the couple wants the wedding they want not the wedding that the planner would create. Trust me when I say that none of this is accurate! It is the responsibility of the planner to work WITH the couple to help create the vision that they want for their wedding while maintaining the budget that is originally set. Every Wedding Planner is different, but if there is one thing that they have in common it is the fact that they only have the Bride and Groom’s best interest at heart.

So, what does a Wedding Planner do exactly? One of the latest and greatest concepts is called “Day Of Services”. A Bride and Groom get into the process of planning their wedding and realize that they are over whelmed or they are disagreeing with family members. To make their day stress free, they hire a Wedding Planner for the day of the wedding. The Wedding Planner will take down all of the information with the couples vision, and do the work for them on their special day so they are able to just be the Bride and Groom. No stress about the flowers, no stress about the décor of the hall or banquet room, no nothing- just a beautiful wedding that they get to enjoy.

If you were to choose full wedding services, a Wedding Planner will sit down with you to get a feel for what it is that you want. What is your budget? What colors do you like? Where are you thinking you want the ceremony? Where do you want the reception? What kind of reception? It is the responsibility of the Planner to ask the questions that will bring out what needs to be done and what can be left out. One of the major benefits to a Planner is the fact that they have contacts within the industry. They can make suggestions, schedule appointments when you don’t have time, go with to appointments if you want another opinion or just keep everything documented and straight to make for a happy couple. There are also instances when the Wedding Planner can work with the couple and family members to create harmony and prevent as much resentment as possible. Those of you that have gone through it, or are going through it now know exactly what I am talking about!

Over all, life is too busy to have to worry about what color pink you want or to fight because the groom picked out tuxedos that you hate! At the very least, schedule yourselves a consultation with a Wedding Planner and see what it is that can be done to make your experience easier. I bet you won’t be disappointed!

-This article was written by Jessica Schaetz, certified wedding planner in Northeastern Wisconsin. Jessica has been making dreams come true for Brides and Grooms since 2006. Jessica can be reached at 920-540-7447 or by email at schaetz223@att.blackberry.net

6/26/2010 Gadzynski/Henrickson Reception

Sunday, 27. June 2010

Last Saturday, we were at Julie and Craig’s wedding reception at the Holiday Inn in Neenah, WI.   This venue is by far one of my favorite venue’s of all time.  I love the staff, the load in and load out area, and the fact that the bar is close to the dance floor makes for a much easier evening of fun!

Craig and Julie were introduced right at the beginning in a grand entrance format to the Classical version of Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve, we transitioned from their into dinner music with a variety of music by Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson & Michael Buble, a very eclectic mix.

Following dinner, we continued the evening with approximately 30 minutes of games and interactive dances for the kids, which culminated into the scavenger hunt which got the bridal party and adults revved up for an evening of fun!   Their first dance was Lucky by Colby Calliet and Jason Mraz!

We played a wide variety of songs throughout the night from Louis Armstrong to the Black Eyed Peas, and Phish.   Craig & Julie, we wish you nothing but the best!

6/19/2010 Schuh/Roadt Reception

Friday, 25. June 2010

We celebrated with Kyle & Jessica Roadt last weekend at the Marriott in Racine, WI.   I’d first like to thank Jolene and the rest of her top notch staff for a job well done.   Everything was great from the set up to cocktails, to the bartenders and staff, and the food.   If you are looking for a venue for your wedding reception, check them out!

They went with a tropical beach theme.   It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon.   The afternoon began with cocktails on the patio to some beachy island music, so we played a mix of  Buffett, Bob Marley and some carribean music on our remote portable system outside.   Dinner music followed inside with a mix of 60’s and 70’s soft rock.

We kicked off the dancing with the grand march which included separate songs for each couple, followed by their first dance.    We had several requests which covered many genres including, Lady Gaga, The Bee Gees, and Michael Jackson.   Kyle & Jessica also used our event lighting division for uplighting.

Congratulations to you both, we wish you nothing but the best, and thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

6/12/2010 Hawley/Holz Reception

Sunday, 13. June 2010

Yesterday we were at Scott Holz & Samantha Hawley’s reception at Romey’s Nightingale in Black Creek.   It was a big reception with over 350 in attendance to celebrate with Scott and Samantha.    We introduced the entire bridal party before dinner, and then played a mix of classical while the dinnertime festivities took place.

Scott and Samantha opted for a buffet table of giant cookies for dessert rather than the traditional wedding cake, they were great.

Once we kicked off the dancing, we had several requests, and plenty on the dance floor all night.

Thanks again Scott and Samantha!

5/30/2010 Brown/Johnson Reception

Tuesday, 1. June 2010

Memorial Day Weekend is usually rainy, cold, and dreary, but not this year! We were at Amanda Brown’s reception, where it was hot. I couldnt believe how warm it was for Memorial day weekend. Nonetheless, we were at the Lakeside Park Pavillion for the reception. Guests enjoyed a wide variety of Christian, worship and praise instrumental.

One highlight of the evening was “giving away” the centerpieces. We played the dollar game (creative ways are always fun, ask your dj for some unique ideas!).

Most of the night was a mix of positive main stream and Christian Contemporary. It was a great night!