Trust Your Gut!

Trusting Your Instincts When Planning Your Wedding



Would you go into a car dealership and buy a car you don't like?  After hours, weeks and even months of researching, would you let the dealer convince you to take the model they had in mind for you?  Didn't think so.  So, why is it so difficult to speak up when the florist, the designer, the baker or even your wedding planner are not on the same page with you and the vision you have for your wedding day?  It doesn't have to be that way.

Quality vendors do have a lot of experience, which is a benefit to you.  However, your wedding is a first for them...or anyone for that matter because you and your fiance are a unique couple.  Even if you have been married before, there has never been a wedding like the one you want to have now.  When you put a plan together for the design and the flow of your day, it ought to feel one-of-a-kind, because you are.  If that plan isn't a map to what you envision, let your vendors know.  If you don't, they can't fix it.  Worse, you will end up settling for someone else's vision, and disappointment is pretty much impossible to overcome after your wedding day.

If you are in the beginning stages of planning and aren't sure how everything should come together, you still know what you want.  Even if you are challenged with putting your vision into words, there are steps you can take to make sure your day reflects you:

1.   Start Collecting Photos/Images -  You have a vision of what your dream wedding looks like.  Unfortunately, until you share it, that picture only exists in your head.  A good planner/designer/event director will be able to pull elements from your photos and put together a visual collage.  We put together a  "Vision Board" for our couples, so that we can be sure we are on the same page before choosing any event elements.  Even if you can't explain what you want, we know what you have in mind, once we see a picture

2.   Refer Back to Visual Collage/VIsion Boards Throughout Planning - Your Board becomes a road map of sorts, because it reminds you of what you are working towards.  Make sure that you refer to it when you begin selecting florals, decorative elements, table linens, stationery, etc.  Even if you choose a detail different than what is pictured on your board, you'll be sure to stay true to your overall vision

3.   Communicate Quickly When Something Isn't Working - Remember, that you and your fiance set the tone for your day.  But in order to have the wedding you envision, you have to let your vendors know if something (sometimes someone)  is not quite right, when they have time to fix it.  If you have that nagging feeling in the pit of your stomach (small or growling), trust it and say it!  A professional desires to meet his/her clients' expectations, so getting it right is crucial.  Beware of the vendor who makes you feel like you are wasting their time with your opinion and/or reasonable changes.  The worst time to hear that a bride was unhappy is after her wedding day...

4.  Trust Your Feelings  - I am meeting far too many brides who leave vendor meetings feeling  under valued... after paying top dollar.  If a vendor does not make you feel important or that your wedding day is special, reconsider giving them your business.  A good vendor is not just talented, they are professional.  They may work 3-10 weddings every weekend, but this is likely your first and only wedding.  You should be made to feel like a priority.  Vendors who work well together usually have similar work styles, so ask your favorite vendors for referrals.  Chances are that if your planner is patient, organized and resourceful  he/she will know others who are too.  Above all else, if you have the feeling early on...or even late that a vendor is not going to work out after you have tried to communicate with them, move on

Our instincts are loyal. They aren't privy to the background stories of others or their political ties... they just know us.  When your instincts tell you something is not quite right, listen and investigate.  Once you know the facts, act on your behalf.  Do not wait for "things to work themselves out", particularly when it comes to planning your wedding of a lifetime.

There are some wonderful, talented vendors in this industry.  But just as you are unique, so should the team pulled together for your wedding be.  Be selective and make sure that you are equally excited to work with one another.