Details, a professional planning company

""I already have a wedding planner. She's with my venue.""

I recently spoke with a bride who was excited to announce she already had a wedding planner - through her venue. My first thought was, "Oh, you have no idea!", but I very briefly explained the difference without trying to sound like I was making a sales pitch. I honestly feel for brides who expect their venue-supplied wedding planner to actually fulfill that role.

Ladies, a venue "wedding planner" is not a professional, full-service wedding planner looking out for your best interest! The "wedding planner" supplied by the venue is a sales person who has been hired to promote their venue as a viable option to the wedding market. This wedding salesperson will provide the following services:

Provide a tour of the venue

~ Make menu recommendations

~ Create your Banquet Event Order outlining your event specifics

~ Arrange for a tasting

~ Oversee setup as it pertains to the venue responsibilities

~ Act as a liaison between your professional wedding planner and the venue staff

~ Communicate to the venue staff contract specifications

~ Process your invoices

Depending on the services you select, a professional wedding planner (Details included!) will provide the following services:

~ Act as your personal representative with your venue and other suppliers (baker, photographer, florist, etc.)

~ Recommend suppliers that meet your budget, style and personality

~ Pass along discounts provided to the planner by the suppliers

~ Negotiate contracts (including with the venue "wedding planner")

~ Preview facilities to ensure layout will work for your event

~ Meet with suppliers along with bride and/or groom and, if necessary, meet with suppliers in place of the bride and groom

~ Assist with etiquette and protocal

~ Create timelines and keep everyone on track

~ Manage your total budget

~ Create a supplier payment schedule with reminders sent in advance to the person responsible for payment

~ Create room layouts

~ Design all printed pieces to ensure cohesive look from start to finish

~ Design decor for ceremony and reception (and rehearsal dinner, engagement parties, etc)

~ Act as liaison between family members and bridal party

~ Stuff, address, stamp and mail invitations

~ Track rsvps

~ Direct the rehearsal

~ Direcet the ceremony

~ Direct the reception

~ Secure room blocks and arrange for transportation

~ Oversee all setup and teardown

~ Be onsite throughout entire event

~ Review final catering bill for accuracy

*AND MUCH MORE!

Ask yourself this one question: Who is signing the paycheck of the venue "wedding planner"?

I hope this clarifies any confusion, but should you have questions, please contact us at jami@detailsplanningcompany.com