planning….forever events blog

ask saundra

how did you get started in wedding planning?

Contrary to the majority of wedding planners out there, I did not begin after planning my own wedding. Instead I started becoming my friends wedding planner because I didn’t want to buy the ugly bridesmaid dress. Give me a clipboard and I’m happy at the back of the church!!

All of my experience in event planning has been hands on! I went to college, majored in Business and worked professionally for major corporations. This led me into the direction of corporate event planning and eventually weddings. However, my sales and marketing background have played a huge part in success of having my own business. It just so happens that I am a natural at event planning. It’s an art to be able to think analytically and logically.

what are the skills you need to be an event planner?

Well it’s much more than being organized and creative. And please trust me: pleasing clients is a lot harder than pleasing yourself when you have planned our own wedding. With that in mind, here are some of the qualities that will describe an excellent, professional planner:

Business oriented, outgoing, be able to sell and close the deal, proficient in bookkeeping and budgeting, possess the ability to see five steps ahead of any situation, a counselor, a mediator, someone who is not afraid of the unknown, you need a thick skin, the ability to smile through adverse situations, a great sense of humor, not allowing ego to play a role, not caving under pressure, understanding how to manage vendor’s with egos, not minding performing concierge services, not minding being away from your family and friends on weekends and finally a tremendous go-getter.

Okay…..and you need to be organized and creative, too!

why do you blog and give out free advice?

I started blogging back in 2006 with the business and a personal blog about my chocolate lab, Ranger. What can I say; he was a very creative pup. Writing is a way to express yourself and a lost art. Blogging has certainly helped me when I’m asked to pen articles for other professional magazines.

As for the free advice, I give wedding advice on the blog and every week on Wednesday mornings at 6:25am on the local Fox 7 AM Evansville news show. Let’s face it; there is a LOT wedding information out there for anyone to easily locate.

Also I truly believe that if you act secretive about information; then that is all that will surround you. Instead being giving and sharing information will come back to you.  Ten-fold.

why is your blog so personal?

That’s the definition of a blog: an online diary or a documentation of your personal thoughts. So sometimes it will be about business, wedding, advice or general random thoughts. Feel free to click the little X on the window at the top right hand corner if you don’t like what you are reading.

what frustrates you the most about the wedding planning business?

That many would-be planners will get started in this industry and treat it as a hobby instead of a real money-making business. That creates a lack of respect for the industry as a whole, and a lack of respect from friends, family and other professional event vendors. I personally get exasperated with vendors who don’t like change. They’ve been doing it the same way for 25 years and don’t see a need to step up their game or change with the times. The fastest way to grow old, is to become stagnant!

what do you love most about your job?

Flexibility, everyday is something different and I thrive on the stress. I’m not an overly romantic, flowery person; but I still get choked up when one of my brides walk down the aisle or I see an exceptional lovely first dance. Making people happy; makes me happy. Otherwise standing on your feet for more than 12 hours on a wedding day would not fly.

Didn’t see an answer here that you wanted? Please email us at staff{at}planningforever.com.