May 22, 2017 | wedding planning
I’m on a roll with time management lately. This is where to find Part I and Part II of the series.
Here’s one more thought for you on time management, and then you’ll know much of what I know. This one’s a doozy, though, and most people don’t like to admit that it’s true, so brace yourself:
There won’t be more time later. In fact, there will probably be less time later.
It’s always tempting to think that after some event or after some project is finished, there will be more time to work on whatever it is that you are putting off. This is a fallacy, and the reason is that if there isn’t enough time for everything now, then things are being put off until later. And that means that on top of all the stuff that belongs in the future, you’re adding stuff from the present. And that means that there won’t be more time. There will just be more to do.
If you find this depressing (and some people do), just remember that you can do something about it: Get at least one thing off the list today. That is one thing fewer you’ll be doing in the future, when there’s less time for it.
May 15, 2017 | wedding planning
Good planning has great results! Photo by Ann Oleinik.
If you’re looking for Part I on time management, you can find it here. This week, I have a few more thoughts on the subject that I hope you’ll find useful.
Once you have your overall timeline in place, try to stick to it. It might be tempting to jump around from project to project, but I find it works better to finish one thing before going on to the next. It helps you to focus on what you’re doing so that you don’t overlook the details and it also gives you a nice feeling of accomplishment when you check a project off your list.
Another trick is to use tiny scraps of time to best advantage. If you have ten minutes while you’re waiting for an appointment, think of a small job you can get out of the way in time that might otherwise be wasted. Look up reviews for a make-up artist you’re interested in or scan Pinterest for decor ideas. Using these little bits of time can add up to a whole lot in the grand scheme.
But don’t worry! You can get it all done in time.
May 15, 2017 | wedding planning
If you’re looking for Part I on time management, you can find it here. This week, I have a few more thoughts on the subject that I hope you’ll find useful.
Once you have your overall timeline in place, try to stick to it. It might be tempting to jump around from project to project, but I find it works better to finish one thing before going on to the next. It helps you to focus on what you’re doing so that you don’t overlook the details and it also gives you a nice feeling of accomplishment when you check a project off your list.
Another trick is to use tiny scraps of time to best advantage. If you have ten minutes while you’re waiting for an appointment, think of a small job you can get out of the way in time that might otherwise be wasted. Look up reviews for a make-up artist you’re interested in or scan Pinterest for decor ideas. Using these little bits of time can add up to a whole lot in the grand scheme.
But don’t worry! You can get it all done in time.
May 8, 2017 | wedding planning
Good planning has good results. Photo by Johnny Knight.
As you might imagine, I know a thing or two about time management. I’d like to share some tips with you. While these are applicable to just about everything in life, they are especially useful when it comes to wedding planning.
It’s tempting to procrastinate on projects until you’re close to the deadline, but that tends to be a bad idea for event planning. One way to avoid that syndrome is to set yourself mini-deadlines. For example, you could say that you want to have an officiant hired by a certain date and a florist figured out three weeks later. And don’t wait until the deadline to start working on the project. You can save yourself many headaches by working slowly and steadily. It doesn’t give you an endorphin rush, but it doesn’t give you ulcers, either.
If you’re having trouble setting yourself deadlines, you might want to consider working with a professional who is good at that sort of thing. It’s not everyone’s best skill, so hiring someone to complement your skill set could be a very smart move.
If you are happy working by yourself, here’s another tip: I find that the easiest way to make a timeline is to work backwards. Start with your final deadline (the wedding day!) and work back through everything that needs to be done. Be realistic–or perhaps pessimistic–about how long it will take to do things. And if you miss a deadline, it’s important to simply forgive yourself and keep working.
And remember, these are only guidelines, not iron-clad rules, and sometimes the best way to stay on track is to break the rules. But if you need some guidance, these are a good place to start.
May 8, 2017 | wedding planning
As you might imagine, I know a thing or two about time management. I’d like to share some tips with you. While these are applicable to just about everything in life, they are especially useful when it comes to wedding planning.
It’s tempting to procrastinate on projects until you’re close to the deadline, but that tends to be a bad idea for event planning. One way to avoid that syndrome is to set yourself mini-deadlines. For example, you could say that you want to have an officiant hired by a certain date and a florist figured out three weeks later. And don’t wait until the deadline to start working on the project. You can save yourself many headaches by working slowly and steadily. It doesn’t give you an endorphin rush, but it doesn’t give you ulcers, either.
If you’re having trouble setting yourself deadlines, you might want to consider working with a professional who is good at that sort of thing. It’s not everyone’s best skill, so hiring someone to complement your skill set could be a very smart move.
If you are happy working by yourself, here’s another tip: I find that the easiest way to make a timeline is to work backwards. Start with your final deadline (the wedding day!) and work back through everything that needs to be done. Be realistic–or perhaps pessimistic–about how long it will take to do things. And if you miss a deadline, it’s important to simply forgive yourself and keep working.
And remember, these are only guidelines, not iron-clad rules, and sometimes the best way to stay on track is to break the rules. But if you need some guidance, these are a good place to start.
May 1, 2017 | wedding planning
Someone has to keep track of all the little things. Photo by T & S Hughes Photography.
I was at a wedding show recently talking to couples who were about 15 months away from their weddings. What I heard from them, over and over, was, “Oh, I don’t think we need a planner.”
What they didn’t know yet is that I get a lot of calls from couples who are about 3 months away from their weddings, saying, “We had no idea we would need a coordinator!”
If you’re in the very beginning stages of wedding planning, let me help you out. Here are a few of the reasons you will likely say, “We need a planner/coordinator!”
Reason #1: Wedding schedules baffle most people. While I find them a breeze, about 95% of my clients need help making up a schedule for their wedding day. It’s nothing to be ashamed of: It’s a specialized skill. If you don’t know how to create a wedding day schedule, your planner or coordinator does.
Reason #2: Someone has to keep track of all the stuff. You’re probably dreaming about all the little things that will help make your wedding day special and unique. There are the place cards, the guest book, the favors, the centerpieces, the card box, the programs, the candles, the decorative objects, and so many other things. Who is going to make sure that every object is in the right place at the right time? Who will keep track of things and make sure that everything is set beforehand and packed up at the end of the night? There’s one easy answer: Your day-of coordinator!
Reason #3: A planner or coordinator is an insurance policy with your vendors. You’ve hired all these terrific vendors to help you entertain your guests. You have a caterer and a DJ and a florist and a photographer. Chances are, they will do a great job, since most wedding vendors are dedicated professionals. But what if someone is late or forgets what you want? Having a coordinator who works only for you to help them or remind them of what your wishes are can make all the difference between a good wedding day and a great one.
Reason #4: Your planner or coordinator will solve problems–and often can prevent them in the first place. My primary job, as your wedding coordinator, is preventing and solving problems. I doubt there has ever been a wedding since weddings began where something hasn’t gone wrong. Sometimes it’s something large; sometimes it’s a few small things. But there’s always something. If you don’t want to have to worry about that, you need someone there whose job it is to make things right. Hiring a professional means you have a designated person for exactly that purpose–someone who is focused on the job alone and not also emotionally involved in your wedding day.
There are lots of other good reasons you might consider hiring a planner or a coordinator, but these are a few that you might not have thought of yet. So, in addition to the financial benefits of hiring a coordinator, there are many practical reasons to do so. What are you waiting for?
May 1, 2017 | wedding planning
I was at a wedding show recently talking to couples who were about 15 months away from their weddings. What I heard from them, over and over, was, “Oh, I don’t think we need a planner.”
What they didn’t know yet is that I get a lot of calls from couples who are about 3 months away from their weddings, saying, “We had no idea we would need a coordinator!”
If you’re in the very beginning stages of wedding planning, let me help you out. Here are a few of the reasons you will likely say, “We need a planner/coordinator!”
Reason #1: Wedding schedules baffle most people. While I find them a breeze, about 95% of my clients need help making up a schedule for their wedding day. It’s nothing to be ashamed of: It’s a specialized skill. If you don’t know how to create a wedding day schedule, your planner or coordinator does.
Reason #2: Someone has to keep track of all the stuff. You’re probably dreaming about all the little things that will help make your wedding day special and unique. There are the place cards, the guest book, the favors, the centerpieces, the card box, the programs, the candles, the decorative objects, and so many other things. Who is going to make sure that every object is in the right place at the right time? Who will keep track of things and make sure that everything is set beforehand and packed up at the end of the night? There’s one easy answer: Your day-of coordinator!
Reason #3: A planner or coordinator is an insurance policy with your vendors. You’ve hired all these terrific vendors to help you entertain your guests. You have a caterer and a DJ and a florist and a photographer. Chances are, they will do a great job, since most wedding vendors are dedicated professionals. But what if someone is late or forgets what you want? Having a coordinator who works only for you to help them or remind them of what your wishes are can make all the difference between a good wedding day and a great one.
Reason #4: Your planner or coordinator will solve problems–and often can prevent them in the first place. My primary job, as your wedding coordinator, is preventing and solving problems. I doubt there has ever been a wedding since weddings began where something hasn’t gone wrong. Sometimes it’s something large; sometimes it’s a few small things. But there’s always something. If you don’t want to have to worry about that, you need someone there whose job it is to make things right. Hiring a professional means you have a designated person for exactly that purpose–someone who is focused on the job alone and not also emotionally involved in your wedding day.
There are lots of other good reasons you might consider hiring a planner or a coordinator, but these are a few that you might not have thought of yet. So, in addition to the financial benefits of hiring a coordinator, there are many practical reasons to do so. What are you waiting for?
Apr 24, 2017 | vendors
Custom Silk Jersey White and Purple Color Blocked Wedding Gown. Photo © Brave Lux Photography.
Remember a few weeks ago when I said I was moving into an office space with Crafty Broads? Well, the lease is signed, and it’s official. So who are these Broads and what makes them so Crafty?
Crafty Broads was founded originally as a wedding planning and custom garments/alteration business. The wedding planning half of the business has moved to St. Louis, where the business has expanded. But you’re probably more interested in what’s in Chicago if you’re reading this.
Crafty Broads in Chicago makes custom garments, including wedding dresses, suits, corsets, and probably just about anything else you can imagine. You can have a custom veil or fascinator made for you. You can have garments altered to fit you. Pretty much, if you want something done with clothing–especially fancy clothing–you can get it done at Crafty Broads. If you want to get an idea of the breadth of their work, check out the gallery on the website.
And don’t forget the alterations. If you have a garment that isn’t quite right or needs repair or just doesn’t fit, Crafty Broads is the place to go to make it right.
I’m lucky to be sharing a space with so much creativity. It has inspired me to start making lace again, which you’ll be able to see when you’re at the shop. There’s a lot of goodness all in one place!
Apr 24, 2017 | vendors, wedding planning
Remember a few weeks ago when I said I was moving into an office space with Crafty Broads? Well, the lease is signed, and it’s official. So who are these Broads and what makes them so Crafty?
Crafty Broads was founded originally as a wedding planning and custom garments/alteration business. The wedding planning half of the business has moved to St. Louis, where the business has expanded. But you’re probably more interested in what’s in Chicago if you’re reading this.
Crafty Broads in Chicago makes custom garments, including wedding dresses, suits, corsets, and probably just about anything else you can imagine. You can have a custom veil or fascinator made for you. You can have garments altered to fit you. Pretty much, if you want something done with clothing–especially fancy clothing–you can get it done at Crafty Broads. If you want to get an idea of the breadth of their work, check out the gallery on the website.
And don’t forget the alterations. If you have a garment that isn’t quite right or needs repair or just doesn’t fit, Crafty Broads is the place to go to make it right.
I’m lucky to be sharing a space with so much creativity. It has inspired me to start making lace again, which you’ll be able to see when you’re at the shop. There’s a lot of goodness all in one place!
Apr 17, 2017 | Budget Planning, Weddings
Even a very small wedding can benefit from having a coordinator.
There are two major reasons people don’t hire a wedding planner or coordinator: First, they think they don’t need one. Second, they think they can’t afford one. I’ll address the first issue in a couple of weeks, although I’ve written about it before. Today, let’s talk about how a wedding planner or coordinator has an impact on your wedding budget.
Hiring a day-of coordinator for your wedding can add a few thousand dollars to your budget (depending on which coordinator you hire). It’s usually less than 10% of the budget, unless you have a very small budget. Is that the end of its impact on your budget? Hardly!
When you hire a coordinator, you can actually save money. And the earlier you hire, the more likely your coordinator will be able to help you save money. One of the things that makes weddings expensive is the fact that a great many people getting married have never planned a wedding before and can get trapped into spending more than necessary.
That is one of the reasons why I encourage my clients to keep in touch with me as they plan. Let’s say you hire me to coordinate your wedding as soon as you have a date, maybe a year in advance. You can always drop me a note or call me up when you have a question or problem. Chances are, I have an economical solution.
I was talking to a woman recently who was a couple of months away from her wedding. She was thinking about hiring a coordinator, but before we were able to have a discussion about it, her budget blew up and she decided she couldn’t afford me. I kept thinking what a shame it was that she hadn’t hired me much earlier and given me a chance to prevent the budget blow-up in the first place.
So, when you’re making your budget, include a reasonable amount for coordination. In the long run, your budget will thank you.
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