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Engagement 101 - Special Features Good advice can save you more than money.
Getting the right amount of help
A look at wedding coordinators
Cortland Kirkeby
- The best wedding coordinators understand wedding economics.
In this day and age, weddings can get very expensive before anyone really understands what they're buying. Today's wedding coordinators stay on top of prevailing market conditions, costs to vendors, etc., so they can give you sound advice about different price ranges, what to expect in return for what you spend, etc. Additionally, most wedding coordinators maintain information on several vendors at different price points. If you can't afford established stars, your coordinator can steer you toward emerging talents who aren't yet well enough recognized to charge top dollar.
- The best wedding coordinators exert their own measure of quality control on vendors.
In the eyes of a vendor, the biggest difference between you and a coordinator can be summed up in one word -- tomorrow. Because s/he coordinates weddings for a living, your coordinator is someone your vendors can expect to see a lot of in the ongoing future. If they mess up your wedding, your coordinator will know not to use them or recommend them ever again. That's a powerful incentive to do one's best. You, on the other hand are expected to fade into the background and never be heard from again (although this could prove false, especially if you take advantage of the vendor referral opportunities described elsewhere on this website!).
- The best wedding coordinators are there on your big day.
Ask any of your married female friends about their state of mind on their wedding day. If any tell you they were cool, calm and collected throughout, beware lest -- like the man who claims he's head of the house -- they lie to you about other things as well. Like any roller coaster ride, your wedding day will be a magnificent memory tomorrow, but a huge load to process right now. It might even scare you a little. That's where a coordinator can be a huge help -- generally overseeing all of the vendors, vendors' employees, relatives, friends, etc., leaving you to concentrate on getting yourself prepared.
No, wedding planning isn't for everyone and wedding coordinators aren't for everyone. The perfect recipe for your wedding planning support system will depend on you -- your schedule, your organizing skills, your personality.
And yes, your dreams, as you prepare for that magical day.
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