becoming a wedding planner, part two

Our discussion continues of becoming a wedding planner, part one:

Why is it so important to have real-event planning experience before you tackle other people’s weddings?

For one thing, working with other wedding vendors. The real truth is many vendors don’t welcome wedding planners into the picture with open arms. I find it is because of past experiences with the newbie-planners-with-business-cards that have zero to little experience; suddenly making important decisions on the wedding day and reception.

Caterers, DJ’s, and photographers that have been in the business for many years tend to have little patience with these newcomers as they tend to be more of nuisance, than a help. Can you blame them?

Not because the newbie-planner is not earnest. Not because they are mean. But because of their lack of experience and gusto to direct the entire day and other vendors. Isn’t that what a wedding planner does, after all? Hmph. Invariably mistakes are made and it causes others to do double work.

Trust me, if you don’t have all your wedding vendors behind you during an event,
you are looking at a very frustrating, loooong and exhausting day. Vendors can figure out how long you have been in the business by talking to you for five minutes. They are sizing you up.

Always remember wedding planners do not create weddings. It is a combined effort of a team of wedding professionals that create weddings.

I have made some great alliances with well-respected vendors in this area; but make no bones about it; it took dozens of events and proving myself (and my company). Now they know if they see planning…forever events on the BEO; the vendors know things will be taken care of properly.

One more wrap up blog post on this subject at the end of the week; and I’ll put this subject to bed. For now. Part Three.

Plan on! -saundra