Posts Tagged ‘About Us’
If I were to label myself, and I hate labels,
I would say that I’m more of a planner than a coordinator. Planners excel at being able to take your vision – make it into something that exceeds your expectations – and be able to pull it off with calm, ease, and skill. They know how weddings work – like the back of their hands. They do not try to fit you into their mould, but look at what you want to do – and make it work. This is the advantage to having a “professional” planner on your side.
A greatly planned wedding and great day of direction are not mutually exclusive. They feed off one another. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, you need each piece in place to make the perfect fit – to see the perfect picture.
I don’t care how wonderful your wedding is planned. If it’s not executed correctly – I promise you – it’s not going to seem so great. Likewise, if the planning isn’t the best, a good day of person will take your visions and “work it” so it seems like it was planned perfectly.
Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle – baby!
Professional Wedding Day Direction is an essential piece to the puzzle. Essential. Unfortunately, many couples devalue it and only see it as luxury.
So – I have put a list together. It lists all the things we help our couple’s with when they hire us for Wedding Day Services.
Our comprehensive services include the following…
- 1-Initial consultation and 1-final details meeting 2-4 weeks prior to your wedding day
- Unlimited phone and email contact with Lisa
- Advice on all matters of wedding etiquette and procedure
- Access to a vast wedding planning resource library
- Unlimited vendor referrals
- General engagement checklist
- Walk through of your reception site with your caterer, floral designer, photographer, etc
- Personal timeline development and disbursement to family, wedding party members and vendors
- Final confirmations the week of the wedding
- Rehearsal coverage
- Unlimited wedding day coverage
- A knowledgeable and professional assistant on your wedding day.
- Be available for any planning, rental coordination, alcohol planning needs that you may have.
After you hire us, I will complete the following tasks:
- Contact your vendors to introduce myself and let them know that I am working with you to coordinate your special day.
- Ask you to “cc” me on any emails to your vendors so that I know what you want for your special day.
- Stay in contact to make sure everything is happening smoothly and to your satisfaction.
- Maintain an open line of communication so you can contact me at any time with problems or concerns.
- Make a preliminary walk through of your site (if I haven’t previously worked at your venue).
- Attend a walk-through of your reception site, with your caterer, photographer, floral designer, etc.
- Help you to facilitate positive communication between you and your vendors.
- Offer vendor referrals (if necessary).
- Contact vendors again, and work with you to put together a custom detailed wedding day timeline, which will be distributed the week of your wedding.
- Final confirmations with all vendors the week of your wedding.
- Wedding rehearsal coordination
We will complete the following tasks on the day of the wedding.
- Call all hair and make-up providers to ensure they have the correct room number on the morning of the wedding (unless we know the room number the night prior).
- Pick-up lunch for the Bride, Groom and their wedding party members and deliver it to the hotel or location of preparation (if applicable) – or call for delivery.
- Create a calm environment for the Bride, Groom, Wedding Party and Family.
- Complete all general set up (place cards, gift box, favors, table numbers, menu cards, pictures, guest book, unity candle, etc) per Bride and Groom’s requests.
- Be available for tent set up or rental deliveries (if applicable)
- Answer questions and field emergencies.
- Prepare processional – by lining up wedding party.
- Cue musicians for processional
- Cue wedding party as when to walk
- Ensure that everything is happening smoothly and per the timeline.
- Make sure that the Bride and Groom has refreshments (food and beverage) during the cocktail hour – while they are taking pictures.
- Make sure the Bride’s dress is properly bustled.
- Line family and wedding party for announcements (if applicable)
- Ensure that Bride and Groom and immediate family have drinks throughout dinner (so they do not have to get up – or ask).
- Ensure reception activities happen according to schedule.
- Cue caterers, photographer, musicians videographer and other service providers prior to special events (or entrance of the guests) – to make sure everyone is ready and everything is set.
- Work with the catering captain to ensure a smooth event.
- Distribute final payments (in the form of checks’) to vendors.
- Gather all wedding materials (guest book, pictures, client owned votives, vases, flowers, bathroom baskets, left over programs, menu cards, favors, etc) and load into pre-determined cars.
The number 1 question I get from the Washington DC Bride is…
You are at the lower end of the spectrum. I can pay more. You get what you pay for so why should I hire you?
My answer is…
If you are in this category – Salut! I think many Brides would love to say that they could pay more. My prices speak more to the demographics of the couples’ that I work with, than the level of service I provide. I love working with Washington DC couples. I also enjoy working with couples in Baltimore and Frederick. And couples in Richmond, Northern Virginia, and Minneapolis. And New England, Kansas City, the islands, etc. I have always found pricing to be difficult. I want the opportunity to work with a wide variety of couples – it’s just the way I am. Variety is the spice of life! What it comes down to – I am low in some places and high in others.
What is consistent is the high level of expertise I bring to everyone.
Based on my level of experience, training and talent – should my prices increase?
Yes. They probably should, can and will increase. But, our clients are the first in my mind. I want to be able to provide professional and excellent services to all of our present and future clients.
Happy planning!
Elegant Event Planning and Design offers customizable package options.
Check it out!
Happy planning!
In addition to linen and chair cover rentals, chairs and tables, we offer invitations to our clients. Check it out!
Happy planning!
We want to continue making our client’s planning process easy. We have fulfilled our clients rental needs for the last 8 years – and we will continue to be able to provide these services – regardless of your package choice.
Check it out!
There are some common questions that people ask (when they call or I meet for initial consultations) that would be prudent to answer here.
1. By going hiring you, will the vendors you work with provide me discounts?
I am not a discount wedding planner. I don’t choose to work with vendors because they give me or my clients the largest discount. I choose to work with vendors that are the best in the area. I’m not discounting my services, so why should I expect them to discount theirs? The vendors that I work with are the best at what they do – and that’s your piece of mind. You will be guaranteed that they will respond to your needs and provide you the very best of themselves. This is the biggest guarantee as this is your wedding – and you have one chance to get it right. Would you rather pay me to work with people who get it right – every time and live on a referral business based on impeccable reputation, or work with vendors – willing to do anything for a buck?
It’s up to you.
We work hard to make the process seamless and create the look and feel you want – and will recommend you to the very best to accomplish the goal.
That’s what you are hiring us for.
2. Do you receive kickbacks?
What you see is what you get. We do not contract any vendors on your behalf. You contract with each individual vendor yourself – you see and sign contracts and you pay the deposits. If we are working on your behalf, you still see all contracts/invoices. The only invoices coming through us are the rental and service invoices.
Our vendors are stellar. They don’t need to pay us to use them. Our biggest kickback is a happy Bride, Groom and family!
3. What do you do?
This is a hard one, because I know each planning firm does something different. I’m going to make it easy by telling you what we don’t do.
- Flowers – we do not have the storage space, training, or time. Stick with the professionals
- Ceilings or of windows – we do not have the insurance, proper equipment or staff
- Event lighting – Please…
- Other vendor areas – You’ve witnessed my photographic talent. We don’t do video, sing, play the bagpipes, hum, or anything else.
However, we can recommend you to the people that can accomplish these goals.
We are an intimate firm. We are not an all-in-one. Unless you go with a larger wedding/event planning firms that have 30 person staff specializing in 15 different things – you can choose someone who dabbles in many different areas and is a master in none, or a person who dabbles in no other areas and is a master in one.
It’s your wedding – it’s your choice.
4. Is this your (meaning me) only job?
No – this is my career. I do not work another job. How could I be available to you, and give you the best of myself, if I am concerned about something else for 40 hours per week?
This is how I support my family – and I take it very seriously.
5. Do you have back-up?
Yes. My assistants have been working with me for a number of years and have experience in wedding planning, non-profit and corporate event planning.
Happy planning!
I wanted to use this Sunday morning to give a heart felt – Thank you – to all who read this blog. My one goal for this blog was to reach people who seemed to be out of my reach.
There are a lot of very good reasons to hire a planner/coordinator for your wedding -and likewise, there are many reasons why couples’ do not hire a planner/coordinator. I want to use this blog as a vehicle to provide useful and up to date information on a few distinct topics- for a wide variety of couples’. I want you to take the information I post to make your weddings everything you want them to be.
Since this is a friendly informational portal, let me know what you want to hear about. I can come up with ideas on my own – lots of ideas – but since this is your place as well as my place – email me – leave a comment. Your personal information will be kept safe. I will not contact you (unless you ask or I need clarification), I will not try to sell my services to you – and I will not sell your information to a third party.
I do this because this is what I love to do. It makes me feel good. How many people can say that?
How can you blame me? I see our couples’ through one of life’s most important “right of passages”. I help them through the struggles, celebrate in the joy, and help them on their road to happiness.
Most importantly, I do it because of this…
I love this!
Happy planning!
Thanks to all the wonderful photographers – Jennifer Hughes, Love Life Images, Borrowed Blue Photography, Thomas Graves Photography, Rachel Smith Photography, Rodney Bailey, Stephen Voss, Paul V Photo
Well, I’m having fun anyway! So many weddings – so little time – and it’s always a pleasure!
If I were to label myself, and I hate labels,
I would say that I’m more of a planner than a coordinator. Planners excel at being able to take your vision – make it into something that exceeds your expectations – and be able to pull it off with calm, ease, and skill. They know how weddings work – like the back of their hands. They do not try to fit you into their mould, but look at what you want to do – and make it work. This is the advantage to having a “professional” planner on your side.
A greatly planned wedding and great day of direction are not mutually exclusive. They feed off one another. Like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, you need each piece in place to make the perfect fit – to see the perfect picture.
I don’t care how wonderful your wedding is planned. If it’s not executed correctly – I promise you – it’s not going to seem so great. Likewise, if the planning isn’t the best, a good day of person will take your visions and “work it” so it seems like it was planned perfectly.
Like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle – baby!
Professional Wedding Day Direction is an essential piece to the puzzle. Essential. Unfortunately, many couples devalue it and only see it as luxury.
So – I have put a list together. It lists all the things we help our couple’s with when they hire us for Wedding Day Services.
Our comprehensive services include the following…
- 1-Initial consultation and 1-final details meeting 2-4 weeks prior to your wedding day
- Unlimited phone and email contact with Lisa
- Advice on all matters of wedding etiquette and procedure
- Access to a vast wedding planning resource library
- Unlimited vendor referrals
- General engagement checklist
- Walk through of your reception site with your caterer, floral designer, photographer, etc
- Personal timeline development and disbursement to family, wedding party members and vendors
- Final confirmations the week of the wedding
- Rehearsal coverage
- Unlimited wedding day coverage
- A knowledgeable and professional assistant on your wedding day.
- Be available for any planning, rental coordination, alcohol planning needs that you may have.
After you hire us, I will complete the following tasks:
- Contact your vendors to introduce myself and let them know that I am working with you to coordinate your special day.
- Ask you to “cc” me on any emails to your vendors so that I know what you want for your special day.
- Stay in contact to make sure everything is happening smoothly and to your satisfaction.
- Maintain an open line of communication so you can contact me at any time with problems or concerns.
- Make a preliminary walk through of your site (if I haven’t previously worked at your venue).
- Attend a walk-through of your reception site, with your caterer, photographer, floral designer, etc.
- Help you to facilitate positive communication between you and your vendors.
- Offer vendor referrals (if necessary).
- Contact vendors again, and work with you to put together a custom detailed wedding day timeline, which will be distributed the week of your wedding.
- Final confirmations with all vendors the week of your wedding.
- Wedding rehearsal coordination
We will complete the following tasks on the day of the wedding.
- Call all hair and make-up providers to ensure they have the correct room number on the morning of the wedding (unless we know the room number the night prior).
- Pick-up lunch for the Bride, Groom and their wedding party members and deliver it to the hotel or location of preparation (if applicable) – or call for delivery.
- Create a calm environment for the Bride, Groom, Wedding Party and Family.
- Complete all general set up (place cards, gift box, favors, table numbers, menu cards, pictures, guest book, unity candle, etc) per Bride and Groom’s requests.
- Be available for tent set up or rental deliveries (if applicable)
- Answer questions and field emergencies.
- Prepare processional – by lining up wedding party.
- Cue musicians for processional
- Cue wedding party as when to walk
- Ensure that everything is happening smoothly and per the timeline.
- Make sure that the Bride and Groom has refreshments (food and beverage) during the cocktail hour – while they are taking pictures.
- Make sure the Bride’s dress is properly bustled.
- Line family and wedding party for announcements (if applicable)
- Ensure that Bride and Groom and immediate family have drinks throughout dinner (so they do not have to get up – or ask).
- Ensure reception activities happen according to schedule.
- Cue caterers, photographer, musicians videographer and other service providers prior to special events (or entrance of the guests) – to make sure everyone is ready and everything is set.
- Work with the catering captain to ensure a smooth event.
- Distribute final payments (in the form of checks’) to vendors.
- Gather all wedding materials (guest book, pictures, client owned votives, vases, flowers, bathroom baskets, left over programs, menu cards, favors, etc) and load into pre-determined cars.
The number 1 question I get from the Washington DC Bride is…
You are at the lower end of the spectrum. I can pay more. You get what you pay for so why should I hire you?
My answer is…
If you are in this category – Salut! I think many Brides would love to say that they could pay more. My prices speak more to the demographics of the couples’ that I work with, than the level of service I provide. I love working with Washington DC couples. I also enjoy working with couples in Baltimore and Frederick. And couples in Richmond, Northern Virginia, and Minneapolis. And New England, Kansas City, the islands, etc. I have always found pricing to be difficult. I want the opportunity to work with a wide variety of couples – it’s just the way I am. Variety is the spice of life! What it comes down to – I am low in some places and high in others.
What is consistent is the high level of expertise I bring to everyone.
Based on my level of experience, training and talent – should my prices increase?
Yes. They probably should, can and will increase. But, our clients are the first in my mind. I want to be able to provide professional and excellent services to all of our present and future clients.
Happy planning!
You rarely see a wedding planner who has a $5,000.00 budget and a $105,000.00 budget coexisting in the same gallery – a gay wedding, a Persian wedding, a Jewish wedding, a Korean wedding and a Catholic wedding coexisting on the same website.
We work with everyone and we are very proud of that!
Take a look.
Happy planning!
In the last 8 years, we have had the pleasure of creating dreams in Virginia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Montgomery County, Frederick, Hagerstown, Southern Maryland, the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, New England, Kansas City, Minneapolis and beyond! Take a look at how we separate ourselves from the rest!
Give us a call and see how we can help you create/realize your dream!
