As a wedding planner, having a very functional vendor list is central to my being able to provide, you, the client, with exquisite services for your wedding.

So, to all of you who are wondering-- yes, I do have a vendor list. I have a recommended vendor for everything you need, from invitations, to the getaway car. I strive to meet with, introduce myself, and become very familiar with the vendors I suggest to my clients. My goal is to know the owners of these businesses personally and to be on a first name basis with them.

One of the great things about hiring me as your wedding planner is that I've already done the homework when it comes to vendors in the Colorado Springs region. As stated here, I strive to get to know you and your style. So when you ask me for a florist, or a venue suggestion I'm able to draw from my vendor list based on my knowledge of who you are as well as what kind of vendor will best meet your needs. I make it my goal to have a professional relationship with a variety of vendors so that, no matter the style of your wedding, your needs will be met.

When I send you to a vendor, and I will not always join you as is the case with package one, I will make sure you have a thorough knowledge of who they are and if they will be able to more than accommodate your needs based on your finances. I always call or meet with the vendor in advance to make sure they can meet your needs before I send you their way. I don't ever want you to waste your time and leave a vendor interview frustrated.

When you head off with or without me you can have confidence in knowing that the vendor you are about to meet will be:

Professional
Offer you the highest quality
Will more than meet your needs financially
Is qualified to offer you their service
Takes pride in what they do
Is 100% committed to pleasing you and making sure your needs are met

The amount of vendors you need to contract for your wedding will be totally dependent on the logistical requirements of your day. But when you hire me to serve as your wedding planner you can rest assured that no matter your needs or wishes I've sifted through the array of professionals in our area and am prepared to simplify the process of vendor selection for you.

Labels: Colorado Springs Wedding Planning, Vendor Selection

As a newly engaged couple begins the wedding planning process they are confronted with many decisions and can easily feel overwhelmed with the amount of choices they have in front of them. Choosing the location for their wedding is one of the many decisions that needs to be made shortly into the planning process. These locations are called venue's. In most cases a couple will choose one or two locations for their wedding day activities. Lately however, I've seen a trend that leads guests to only one venue where the entire celebration takes place. I call these 'all inclusive' venue's.

And by definition they are, well, all inclusive. The venue offers space for wedding party preparation, the ceremony, and a ballroom or large meeting room for the reception. Everything for the entire event is provided-- it's all there! And in nearly every single case the venue has a caterer on-site for the couple's purposes. In addition, there may be other on-site vendors like a DJ, full service bar with bar tender, florist, and sometimes even a photographer.

Some examples of 'all inclusive' venue's are:
-A botanical or city garden with a guest or meeting house
-An inn or restaurant
-An event center
-A hotel
-A religious facility that has additional space such as a 'Fellowship Hall.'
-A vineyard
-A historic farm or plantation
-A museum with event space

A venue of this type does not require less planning but it does take away alot of the guess work as well as guaranteeing a basic support staff for the event. It's somewhat simpler financially because there may be multiple vendors under one roof and usually only one total fee.

The couple should be aware that they may be required to use some of the in-house vendors the location has on staff. Also, along with their wedding planner, they should plan on having at least a few lengthy meetings with the venue manager to cover all the details. They should be prepared to make a few choices as the these venues will have menu options, basic decor options, and even different ceremony and reception rooms to choose from (as is often the case at hotels), all to fit their tastes and desires.

These are the venue's where the customer gets the biggest 'bang' for their buck! They can still have their desired theme and creative design because these venue's provide an upscale facility to do so!


A venue that includes a large ballroom for the reception adds class and an elegant ambiance to any wedding celebration.



Only feet away from the reception pavilion, this ceremony at a public garden was an immaculate location for a late summer wedding.

Labels: Vendor Selection, Venues

Many brides will assume they don't need a wedding planner because they have an on-site "location manager". I will be the first to say that these guys are awesome and know everything there is to know about the venue in which you're getting married at -- and, during the day of the wedding we usually work hand in hand. While they will help you with things related to the venue, they usually aren't going to assist you with the "design" of the venue as far as color schemes go, help you create or meet your budget for the florist, invitations, photography, and/or caterer, or make sure your guests are comfortable in the hotel you advised them to stay in by giving them a gift basket with needed supplies/maps. Some location managers may do this, but 99% don't.

In a perfect situation, you would have both. Someone who manages the venue and will assist you in venue related things, as well as a wedding planner to help you coordinate the details of the day and be there with you until the "send off"! Here are some things to ask yourself to see if you might want the assistance of a wedding planner for your day:

Are you the type of bride that wants to sit back and relax during your wedding?
Do you get overwhelmed with details and dislike multitasking?
Are you somewhat limited in time for planning your wedding?
Would you like someone to assist you in writing a wedding budget?
Do you have 4 or more people in your wedding party?
Do you have a large family and/or are having many guests come in from out of town?
Do you have "ideas" of how you want your special day to be but want help putting it all together?
Would you like someone to meet with vendors with you to assess if they would be a good fit for your day?

Whether you're 12 months away from the day of your wedding or 12 days, I can help you in the details of your day. From going to different vendor appointments with you, to decorating the tables for the reception, to being at your rehearsal and discussing who walks first and who stands where.... I want to be along side you on your big day to help keep it stress free!

Labels: Vendor Selection, Wedding Planning Tips