"Day of"... more like "Month of"

Not every couple understands how involved "day of" coordination is.  Many think that it is as simple as coming in for the rehearsal, and actual "day of".  

The problem with that is any experienced planner worth their fee knows it is impossible to come in and execute a well planned event coming in the day before.  Hourly rates for planners start at $50 per hour.  So while it is tempting to hire a coordinator who charges $500 for a "day of" package, they are going to work more than 10 hours ($500 divided by $50/hour).  Check out this breakdown in a recent Huffington Post article.

• Contacting your contracted vendors and obtaining their contracts -- three hours
• Reading and fully comprehending contracts -- three hours
• Venue walk-through -- two hours
• Creating a timeline to perfection -- three hours
• Assisting you in creating your ceremony order and flow -- one hour
• Rehearsal -- one (more like two) hours
• Pre-planning with the bride on ceremony lineup, guest lists, floor plans, etc. -- two hours
• Wedding day -- 10 to 12 hours
• Total hours required to PERFORM SUCCESSFULLY on the wedding day: 25 hours

25 hours X $50 = $1250.00

Would you really want to trust your special day to someone who sells themselves short?  If they don't value their experience and skill set, why should you.  Take the $500 you would spend on the "day of" package with an inexperienced planner and put it as a down payment on a more experienced planner.  In the long run, it will be worth it.

Experienced planners have better resources and are better equipped to provide you with your dream day.  Most experience planners also offer payment plans - making their packages more affordable.  At the end of the day: "Don't put the success of your wedding day in the hands of the $5-an-hour wedding planner."

For our rates, or to schedule a consultation, visit our website to contact us today!

You're Engaged!! Now What??

"Congratulations!" Get used to it... It's a word you're going to hear a lot of! This is an exciting time for you and your fiance! We're so very happy for you - just as your friends and loved ones are.

But now that it's began to sink in... you're engaged... NOW WHAT? What's the next step? We understand how excitement can quickly turn into feeling overwhelmed. At Pink Tie Preferred, we work to ensure each client enjoys the wedding planning process. Don't you want to have a blast at your own wedding? Want an event that's unlike any other?

Let us help you with how to build your wedding team!  The best way is by working with an experienced and knowledgeable event and/or wedding planning firm, like Pink Tie Preferred! But if you're too excited, and would like to begin now - here are a few tips to finding the right vendors for you...

Do Your Homework.  You’ll get much more out of a meeting or conversation with a wedding professional if you do a little background homework first.  Spend some time on the internet or talking to friends who’ve recently been married.  Find out the average prices in your area and what services are available.  Get an idea of what you like and don’t like.  Wedding websites and chat rooms can be a great resource.  This way when you meet with a wedding professional you’ll be able to ask better questions and have an idea of what to look out for.

Meet With Them.  An in person meeting is the best way to interview a potential wedding vendor.  It lets you get the full experience of their personality, style and professionalism.  If that’s not possible, have a phone conversation.   

Ask Questions.  There are no stupid questions!  Make sure you get clear, specific answers to your questions. If you aren't sure what something means, ask them to clarify. Keep asking questions until you completely understand. If a wedding vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren’t the one for you.  The best wedding professionals are patient, understanding and take the time to help you make the best choices for your wedding.

Listen.  Don’t just hear the words they say, really listen.  Watch the vendor’s body language.  Are they confident and comfortable with their response?  Do they look and sound nervous?  Do you get a “funny feeling” about them?  Take all the sights, sounds and feelings into account along with their responses; if your gut tells you something isn’t right, it probably isn’t.

Check References.  Portfolios are hand-picked to show off the best work, but they may not represent the “average” wedding performance.  Videos are edited for the optimum presentation.  But real referrals from satisfied clients are hard to fake.  Call up both client and professional references.  Ask questions and use those listening skills.  Even if they give a rave review, you’ll often be able to “read between the lines” if there were any issues or problems. Ask around and search the internet for reviews.  Check the Better Business Bureau for any outstanding complaints against the business.  Weigh all of this information into your choices.

If chosen wisely, with the right wedding team you get expert help and advice…for free!  Contact us today at (248) 560-PINK or by vising our website at http://www.pinktiepreferred.com/ to schedule a complimentary introduction interview today!