To Lash or Not to Lash? LASH-ME!

Pin It

I asked friends, makeup artists, and sometimes even strangers at the store about their lashes and the experience that they had for a couple of years before I was ever willing to try them myself.  I heard how much everyone loved them, but I also heard a few horror stories.

Over a year ago, I finally tried eyelash extensions, and I LOVE them.  If it hadn't been for a whirlwind summer that prevented me from being able to get in to Lash-Me to see Michelle for 3 months, I wouldn't be able to write this post.  I haven't been eyelash extension free for over a year...until this summer.

NATURAL LASHES:

I have a lot of lashes, but they are short and fine.  As you can see, my Natural Lashes aren't much to write about.

MASCARA:

Let's talk about mascara.  Even pre-lash-extensions, I didn't like to leave the house without lipgloss and mascara.  But if I'm completely honest, even the waterproof (which is what I am wearing in the "mascara" pictures) smudges and "runs" if I am outside in Texas humidity.  You can try a million mascaras, and you may like one aspect, but it's rare that you find one that:

lengthens, volumizes, doesn't smear/smudge, has a great brush, and doesn't clump.  It doesn't seem like it would be too much to ask, but apparently it is.  Even the "new" mascara that is supposed to be like having eyelash extensions is still a serious process!

 

LASH EXTENSIONS:
Now, I get that not everyone wants lash extensions as long as the ones I have here.  You can get lash extensions that are shorter, and you can choose where you want your longest lashes (center of your eye or outside corner.)  I actually have thinner lash extensions near my inner eye.  I wanted the really long lashes this time, because I have a wedding tomorrow.  I love that I don't have the hassle of mascara (or smudges.)  I love that I can roll out of bed even when we're camping with the family and still feel feminine without actually having to put on makeup (the lipgloss is still a must.)
Are they expensive?  They don't have to be.  Many places, including Lash-Me, offer a membership program.  Ultimately, I go in every 3-4 weeks to have 30 lashes added to each eye (30/30), and it takes Michelle less than an hour to do them. In the image above, I have approximately 75 lashes on each eye.  If you properly care for your lashes, then they last longer.  Your lash specialist should teach you how to care for them in your first appointment.
I also love that Michelle and her husband, Sam, own the business.  Sam calls me the day before my appointment just to remind me, and I love what this husband-wife team do to take care of their clients.  I met Michelle because she did my lashes, but now, I consider her a friend. 
*I was not paid in any way to write this blog post.  This post is simply to share MY experience.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Escondido Golf and Lake Club

Pin It Maybe you're looking for a destination wedding that doesn't require a flight out of the country and passports for all of your guests?  Escondido Golf and Lake Club in Horseshoe Bay, Texas is a hidden gem.  Although it's technically a private club, they do rent out their space for private events to non-members with a member sponsorship!

Escondido has beautiful indoor and outdoor options that can accommodate weddings of any size. Tuscan-inspired clubhouse, rustic hacienda, terraces, and rolling countryside and golf greens only begin to describe this gorgeous venue.

• Clubhouse: Ceremony for up to 250 attendees, Indoor Reception for up to 150 
• Events Lawn: Ceremony for up to 350 attendees, Reception for up to 250 
• Lower Patio: Ceremony for up to 350, Reception for 300-350 
• Hacienda: Ceremony inside for up to 75, Indoor reception for up to 50 
• Hacienda: Ceremony on Tee Box or Driving Ranges for up to 300, Reception for 300-400. 
• Lake Club: We do not recommend Ceremonies for this site 
• Lake Club: 200 Reception 

*The following images were given to us by Escondido with permission to use for the purposes of this blog post and are not from events that we produced*

Escondido Clubhouse - Images by Chris Bailey Photography
Coordination by Emily Moise, Keely Thorne Events 

Images by Chris Bailey Photography

Lower Patio, Clubhouse, and tented Events Lawn - Images by Chris Bailey Photography

Images by Jennifer Lindberg Weddings
Coordination by Whitney Cotton, DFW Events

Lake Club Reception - Images by Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

Images by Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

The Fairy Godmothers would love to help plan, design, and/or produce your wedding or event!  Please contact us, and we would be thrilled to work with you and the Escondido Director of Private Events, Kelly, to make your event uniquely your own!

Kelly Aldridge

Director of Private Events
Email: kaldridge@escondidotexas.com
Phone: 830.598.7800

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

The Benefits to Having an Engagement Session

Pin It

Today, we have a guest post from George Street Photo:

From creating your guest list to selecting your honeymoon destination, there’s no question that the wedding planning process can be overwhelming -- and that’s not even considering the effect it has on your bank account. When it comes to choosing between the “wants” and “needs” on your wish list, certain items, like an engagement session, may be the first to go.

But, before you dismiss the idea of an engagement session for good, think again. After all, it may be one of the most valuable investments on your planning checklist, ensuring you get the most out of your photos on your wedding day.

Image courtesy of George Street Photo

The benefits to having an engagement session are tenfold, but perhaps the most valuable is having the chance to work with your photographer before the wedding day. Through an e-session, you and your fiancé will have an insider’s glimpse into your photographer’s working style and personality. Think of it as a trial run for the main event: Does your photographer’s demeanor mesh well with the two of you? Will he or she be able to come up with creative ideas on the spot? The only way you’ll be able to alleviate your doubts is by working with your photographer ahead of time, and an e-session presents the perfect opportunity for that.

Image courtesy of George Street Photo

On that same note, engagement sessions are also a fantastic opportunity to give yourself a trial run -- giving you and your significant other the chance to get comfortable in front of the camera ahead of your wedding day. As much as we’d like to have the confidence of a supermodel in front of the camera, the truth is that it takes some time for most of us to warm up to the idea of having our picture taken for an extended time period. The only way to build your confidence and comfort level is through practice. And your best chance of doing that is through an engagement session!

Don’t forget about other vendors you might want to give a trial run that could be combined with an engagement session. Consider asking your make-up artist or hairstylist to offer their services for your engagement photos, as well as the wedding. That way, you’ll get a sense of their versatility in creating looks for different types of occasions, allowing you to evaluate their skills and gauge whether they’re qualified to create your wedding day look.  Plus, you’ll get to see how that look photographs before it’s the big day!

 

Image courtesy of George Street Photo

Finally, while you’re sure to treasure the precious moments captured on your wedding day, you’ll also want to have casual, every-day photos of the two of you before getting glammed up for the big day. An engagement session will provide the laid-back setting you need to feel carefree in front of the camera and get photos that authentically reflect who you really are as a couple.

----------------End of Guest Post---------------

We completely agree that loving your photographer (and your planner) is of utmost importance, and what better way to get to know them and how they work than during your engagement portrait session!  

For more information on George Street Photo & Video and their engagement sessions or other photography and videography options, please check out their website. 

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Meet Our Vendors: Complete

Pin It

Complete has a wide variety of services that help to make your magical day one of a kind.  Kevin and his team are really great people that are passionate about helping others and giving you a great service at a really great price.

Below is a list of services offered:

1.     Photography: $1495

·         8 hours of photography day of wedding

·         Signature release for all your photos

·         “Top Ten” folder ready with additional editing

·         “Album ready” folder with additional editing

·         Editied photos uploaded to pctage 30 days after the event

·         Online website to order your own prints

·         6-8 week flash drive delivery after the event

2.     Videography: $1400-$1700

Cinematic style: $1395

·         6 hours of videography day of event

·         2-3 minute trailer 3 weeks after the event

·         8-12 minute music video delivered on 3 DVD’s 10-12 weeks after the event (incorporates audio from vows/toasts)

·         Easy to share with friends and family

Cinematic Plus: $1695

·         Includes everything from cinematic style

·         Plus ceremony/toasts in full

3.     DJ: $795

·         Up to 4 hours of DJ service

·         Professional MC (completed extensive training)

o   Includes white glove service, introductions, announcements

·         Includes dance lighting and wireless microphone

·         Thorough online planning process-‘Event Manager’

4.     Photo Booth: $795

·         Up to 4 hours service

·         Unlimited prints for the guests

·         Attendant to facilitate the process

·         All imaged delivered in thumb drive at the end of the night

·         Includes a variety of props

·         Scrapbook with additional attendant- $150 additional

5.     DJ + Photo Booth: $1290 (up to 4 hours)

In addition to what is listed, Complete also offers Karaoke machines, screen projector rentals, wireless up lighting, custom monograms, and dance floor lighting.  You can chose to use some of their services, or all of them, but whatever you do choose, Complete will not disappoint and will make your day the best it can possibly be. 

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Schriee Kushaney Photography

Pin It There are so many photographers in Central Texas, that it's impossible to work with ALL of them.  At the same time, we don't recommend vendors unless we have worked with them.  Catch 22?  Sometimes.  We research vendors, meet with them one on one, and then find ways to work with them in one way or another.

Last month, Schriee Kushaney photographed my family on what had to be one of the most disgustingly humid mornings of the year.  Her family photo shoots are usually scheduled for an hour.  If you've met my husband, then you know that 20-30 minutes is the maximum amount of time he will cooperate for pictures with or without gross weather.  (That was true even on OUR wedding day.)  Add to that 4-year-old twins with the attention span of...well...4-year-olds and an 8-year-old that is much more interested in photo-bombing or being silly in EVERY.SINGLE.PICTURE. than actually showing us his great big smile for documentation.  She had her work cut out for her!   Not only did she get some great images of our family, but at the end of the shoot, she opened her bag of goodies to let the kids each pick a treat, and the kids asked, "Can she take our pictures EVERY year?"  Really?  They WANT to go do it again next year?  Win!

This is my family - the real us.  Thank you, Schriee!  We cannot thank you enough.  Go check her out on Facebook, too.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Meet Our Vendors: Julie Wilhite

Pin It

Julie Wilhite

 Having your picture taken can be a tricky thing; you either love it or hate it. Regardless of your feelings on being photographed, JulieWilhite will make you feel comfortable and confident. We had the opportunity to spend the morning with her and have our very own Fairy Godmother photoshoot. Julie feels like an old friend and gives gentle direction to ensure you look your best in every shot.

As a photographer, Julie likes to let the essence of the couple come through in the photoshoot. Her engagement sessions are like a story, gently unfolding as the couple becomes more comfortable in front of the camera. Her shots capture the emotion between two people and the joy in any room.

With her base package starting at $3,400, a bride gets all the necessities, including 2 shooters, an online gallery, and personal disc with all the images. To ensure each picture is perfect, Julie will use photoshop to touch up an flaws or remove any environmental distractions. 

Here is a glimpse of 5 of the Fairy Godmothers through the lens of Julie Wilhite.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Your Very Own Wedding Tasting

Pin It

Incorporating a mini-mockup at your tasting can give you a glimpse of what months of planning looks like when it comes together.  Linens by Premiere Party Central & florals by Stems Floral Design

One of our favorite appointments with our brides is the tasting appointment.  Not just because we love good food, -It's true, we do-  but also because we get to sit down with our bride and groom, maybe even a parent or two, and see them in what is usually a fun and relaxed environment for all.  It allows everyone to really get to know each other so that when we spend your wedding day with you, we are not just a vendor, but a friend of the family.  It also helps us be more in tune with the needs of our bride and the immediate family.  While we are there, we can assist in making recommendations, talk through etiquette questions that may come up, take notes of the things you loved or disliked, and see to it that any questions you still have are followed up on, and decisions made are carried out through the remainder of the planning process.  A tasting is a great time to get with your florist and rental company to incorporate a mini-mockup as well.  After what is likely months of planning, it will be your first glimpse as to what it will look like when it all comes together.  We have yet to see a bride whose face doesn't light up when she walks into the room and help melt away some of the planning stress.

We recently enjoyed a tasting with our bride Kristin, her fiance Aaron, and other family members at the lovely Driskill Hotel.  No doubt a hotel distinguished for it's beauty and historical value, but perhaps unknown to most is the unforgettable food.  Although the catering menu is not the same as those to be found in the dining areas, it's safe to say the quality and presentation are equally remarkable.  Many brides don't consider the food they are getting until they have already signed a contract with a venue, but the food and drinks you serve your guests is likely the biggest percentage of your expense for the day.  That being said, knowing the selection and taste of the food you will be serving your guests ahead of time should be of high priority when making a decision on where to plan your wedding.

Kristin and Aaron took into consideration what they already knew they liked, and they did an excellent job selecting menu items that are less common to try for their tasting.  First course was the passed appetizers: A nice well rounded selection of meat, seafood and hot or cold selections.  Of course, Kristin loved the Asian spoon presentation, a favorite trend among brides.

From Top left and clockwise: Pumpkin Seed Crusted Quail with Guajillo Chili BBQ Sauce; Smoked Duck & Wild Mushroom baked in Phyllo; Mushroom Seared Beef Tenderloin on Marsala Onion and Parmesan; Charred Ahi Sashimi, Tobiko, sprouts on Cucumber

Next we moved on to the appetizer and salad courses.  The presentation of each of these were so artistic and certainly not to be overlooked by guests.

From left to right: Bibb Lettuce & Endive Salad with Candied Walnuts, Cambozola Crustini & Asian Pear Vinaigrette; Avocado & Mango Salad with local Baby Lettuces, Sweet Texas Onions & Coriander-Lime Vinaigrette; Dungeness Crab & Ahi Tower w/Tomato & Avocado Relish

Moving on to the main course.  Both steak and seafood plates were nicely paired with a selection of red wines allowing the family to choose the perfect complement for their dinner selection.

From left to right: Grilled Petite Filet Mignon & Pacific Prawns with Truffle Potato Puree, Roasted Portobello, & Baby Corn Asparagus Bundle with Merlot Jus; Petite Filet Mignon & Tarragon Crusted Salmon with Parsnip-Orange Zest Puree & Asparagus Wrap; Olive Oil Poached Tomato Confit

Finally, a favorite course by most brides, the cake!  Executive Pastry Chef, Tony Sansalone, is well known in the industry for his amazing cakes.  Still a great selection pictured below yet we highly recommend making your way to the Driskill's 1886 Cafe & Bakery to also try his popular 1886 Chocolate Cake.  Fans of chocolate say it's the best chocolate cake they have ever had!

Can't decide on just one flavor?  Choose a different one for each tier instead!

What are you looking forward to at your tasting?

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

"ICE" thee Wed

Pin It

April is here along with the beginning of wedding season! It is a wonderful time when people come together to celebrate a new chapter of their lives! The memories from the reception last a lifetime and everyone is looking to create a unique experience at the best cost. Discover below why ice sculptures are a great solution to make your client's day special.

1. The average cost of a wedding in Central Texas (Austin and San Antonio) is about $26,329. 

The average cost of a single block ice sculpture (best seller) is $425: only 1.6% of total wedding cost!.
 

The average cost of an 8 foot fully functional custom ice bar (big ticket item) is $2750 at 10% of total wedding cost.
 

The average cost of one custom ice table centerpiece is $85 (minimum order of 10 for $850): only 3.23% of total wedding cost!

2. Even though it is really, really HOT in Texas, a majority of events are held indoors where the temperature is very comfortable for guests as well as ice. Because all sculptures are created and packaged in the freezer, no melt time is lost in transport before it is displayed. Sculptures are presentable for 5-6 hours before the details wash out.

2a. Yes, the ice melts, but everything at a wedding expires, except the photos and video. The food is eaten, the drinks are had, the music stops, the lights turn off, the flowers die, and the wedding planner goes home! Brides and grooms want to create a memorable celebration and get the most out of their money. Ice sculptures add a unique touch while not breaking the budget.

3. Ask and you shall receive! Most anything can be made into an ice sculpture. If you haven't seen what you want on the website, just ask, and we will be happy to create a custom design. Functional pieces (food or drink displays, luges, photos opportunities, etc) are a great way to create a memorable interaction for the guests. You can't lose with function AND style!

If the above reasons weren't enough, when you or your client book a new order with us for their Spring Wedding (before June 23, 2013) and mention this newsletter, you’ll receive 15% off your purchase. Contact Sean Leahy, owner and sculptor of Full Spectrum Ice, to discuss how to add a unique element to your client's wedding today at stl.ice@gmail.com or 512.560.2340.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Love your lashes!

Pin It

A couple weeks ago I booked an appointment to get my first set of lash extensions.  Until recently I thought they were a luxury reserved for the Hollywood elite and models.  Certainly they were an unnecessary expense for this "medium-maintenance" girl.  What I didn’t realize is how much they are becoming increasingly popular and that quality lashes are slowly becoming readily available for an everyday look.  My appointment was with Jessica at AmorLashes, one of the few companies in the Austin area that offers 100% real Siberian Mink lashes.  Before you start drawing up animal rights signs, know that they don’t kill the animals to gather these, they simply brush the minks and then collect the fur by hand.   Jessica is a Certified Licensed Esthetician who decided to open up Amor Lashes in order to offer her clients the convenience of being the only mobile lash service company in the area!

Jessica brings in her table and within minutes I’m laying down with my lower lashes carefully held down by pads while she goes to work individually gluing lashes to my existing upper lashes.  It’s certainly a tedious process but the time passes quickly as Jessica and I chatted it up.  She was fun and easy to talk to which is a necessity with any salon experience in my opinion.  By the time we were done, Jessica hops up and runs over to see me look in the mirror for the first time.  I don’t think I was prepared for the dramatic difference it made!  To be fair I was worried at first that maybe they were too long.  My doubt didn’t last long though and I admittedly caught myself looking in every reflective surface throughout the day to see the difference they made.  I realized how quickly I had already grown to like them and feel comfortable with them.  The quality of the lashes means that they don’t look and feel like the cheaper options that are heavy and plastic.  Instead they are soft and super lightweight and therefore not only are they better for your natural lashes but also allows you to add more to each lash giving you a full look.

Before vs. After

Fast-forward 2 weeks and I am IN LOVE with my Amor Lashes!  This past weekend I went out to meet up with some neighbors and my dear friend stops and immediately asks me, “What kind of mascara are you wearing because it is amazing!”  I smiled and said, “None!” She was shocked to find out the truth.  Even 2 weeks later my extensions still blend into my natural lashes so well that you can’t even tell that I have fake lashes on.

Mink lashes are the perfect solution for brides who are looking for an easy maintenance and long lasting look between the engagement parties, bridal pictures, and of course for the wedding day.  Depending on the care of your lashes, you usually need a refill after a month or two.  Since they are semi-permanent and longer lasting than over-the-counter fake lashes, you don’t have to worry about them falling off or getting into disarray when it matters most.  My favorite part is that no mascara means no worries about smudging or runny makeup messes.  They are natural enough that I feel just a little extra flirty wearing them during the day but dramatic enough that they give my eyes that extra pop I want at night.   Right now Amor lashes is offering a special on a full set of lashes.  Head over to their website,  to find out more details and be sure to tell her Your Very Own Fairy Godmother sent you!

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295

Site Coordinator Vs. Wedding Coordinator

Pin It

"My venue has an on-site wedding coordinator, so why do I need a Professional Wedding Coordinator or Planner?"

This is a common question and one we wish all venues would be more honest about from the beginning.  We are very used to working with coordinators in churches and/or venues, so it's not uncommon to have a wedding coordinator and site coordinator.  In fact, it is a huge bonus to have someone who is familiar with the facility and has seen many events take place there.  The overlap between what a facility coordinator brings to the day of and what a wedding coordinator does throughout the planning process can create a powerful team of vendors working together to handle all the details.  It may sound like an unnecessary expense, but MOST church/venue coordinators will tell you that having a well-trained and experienced professional wedding coordinator is not only a benefit to you, but to them as well.  The biggest way to sum it up is that we guide you and ALL of your vendors to handle the details of the wedding from the moment you book us until the end of the wedding night (and sometimes beyond depending upon the services you have selected.)

• Primary Focus: Site vs. Client
• A venue/church coordinator is better described as an on-site coordinator; some are even more appropriately titled "Catering Managers" or "Site Coordinator."  An on-site coordinator oversees the wedding or reception, but their priority is to watch over the best interest of the venue. Our role as a wedding coordinator is to look out for the best interest of the family with regard to all vendors and aspects of the wedding weekend.  In fact, most on-site coordinators leave once dinner has been served.  Having an on-site coordinator is valuable in promoting the sale and the experience of the venue; they appear to be an added asset when booking, and they are! However, they do not fill the role of a wedding coordinator.  It is important to have someone that knows where all of the outlets suited for a band's needs are located and who to call if the air conditioner needs to be adjusted. The site coordinator wants to make sure your experience with the VENUE is superb, but they aren't going to make sure your florist is running on time, has delivered everything that was contracted, your cake is as you had envisioned, or your photographer is capturing all those special pictures you want to have.  There are some venues we love working with, because we know that the on-site staff when combined with our services will make for a flawless event.  We will do everything we can to form a strong team with your site coordinator no matter where we are though.
• Money
• The site-coordinator may offer some discounts to ensure that you book your event with them, but they are not going to seek out discounts with other vendors or negotiate better rates with other vendors for you.  An experienced wedding planner with great vendor relationships should be able to tell you which vendors may offer you a discount as the planner's client (that would have otherwise been unavailable to you) and which ones he/she may be able to negotiate the contract or proposal to be more in your favor.
• Details during the planning process
• The on-site coordinator won't be the one to accompany you to your vendor appointments and to make sure your linens, floral, and your lighting are all cohesive.  Between now and the wedding, you will have questions about etiquette, decor, timing, logistics, what kind of lighting to use, etc.  They will answer some of your questions, but that is not their job to answer questions about every detail.  When venues have 2-6 weddings or events booked every weekend, they simply don't have the time to guide you through the planning process in such great detail.  The site coordinators are not there to read over your contracts to make sure your best interests are being met and you are being protected.  They don't guide you in a budget plan and help prioritize your spending. 
• Detail set-up on the day of
• A wedding coordinator will help set out those little extras you may have worked so hard to make or to design.  The escort cards, the programs, the favors, and the tossing items are all little pieces of the wedding that begin to add up in the amount of time to set up that may fall on you to get ready.  You should not become stressed with the little pieces of the day that need to be done, or worse, run the risk of forgetting details.
• Preferred Vendor List vs. Vendor Recommendations
• A site coordinator may have "vendor recommendations" which means they will hand you a "preferred vendor list."  Again, they are working with the interest of the venue in mind and may not go out of their way to find a vendor that fits your personality, budget, and vision.  There may be some good vendors listed on a venue's preferred vendor list, but you have to ask when was that vendor list last updated and why were those vendors selected.  Just last month, a client that booked The Fairy Godmothers, had been given a preferred vendor list by the venue with out of date recommendations. They hesitantly booked a florist that did not give them a contract.  We later found out that not only was the  florist intending to include out-of-date smaller arrangements than the client had envisioned, but the florist was planning on using fake flowers.  Next, we found out that the baker they were referred to was going to make their fondant covered wedding cake despite not having any experience with fondant.  The baker was also working out of her unlicensed home kitchen (before the cottage law) instead of a regulated commercial kitchen and did not have any contract in place!  The clients booked our services with 2 months to go before their wedding, and we were able to find a new florist, a new (professional) pastry chef, and review all of their other bookings, on top of the other planning pieces that normally take place during that time frame.
• Budget Planning
• You have a budget.  Part of our job as a wedding coordinator is to help you find ways to think creatively and save money or come up with cost-effective solutions. Many times, vendors are willing to offer discounts because of our relationships with them and because they know working with our team is going to make their job easier.  Ask your vendors!  They will tell you it is a night and day difference between weddings with experienced planners and weddings without.  
• Vendor Selection
• Vendors can make or break your event.  Knowing the client and knowing your vendors is one way we make sure that we match personalities in vendor selection.  Part of our job is building and maintaining relationships with reputable vendors and staying current on the happenings within the industry.  Our team attends monthly industry meetings and networking events to grow our relationships.  It's not only the reason we are able to make educated recommendations, but if something goes wrong on the day of the wedding for some reason, we have an easier time calling in favors with vendors because of our relationships with them. 
• Number of Events on Your Wedding Weekend
• We are a boutique firm.  That means that we focus on quality of weddings vs. quantity and take a limited amount of weddings on in a year.  A Fairy Godmother will not take on more than one wedding in a weekend.  Especially if you are an out-of-town client or your venue has another large event (ie. golf tournament or fashion show) the week of your wedding, you are going to want someone who is focused on your wedding planning.  As sweet and talented as your site coordinator may be, the reality is that he/she is going to be starting your wedding on the end of a long event weekend!
• Proactive Planning
• The earlier you book a wedding coordinator, the better.  Wedding planners don't just handle the day-of services (although that is a BIG part of what we do,) but we help troubleshoot items and confirm with vendors many times prior to the wedding weekend to minimize the risk of any surprises.  We create a detailed timeline that coordinates all the vendors for load-in, set-up, the order of events, making sure the photographer, the couple and the family are where they need to be when they need to be. We make sure the music is appropriate, the music starts and stops when needed, the food is kept replenished, the bartenders are not serving an irresponsible guest, the tossing items are ready and passed out, and the couple's transportation is ready and waiting.  We'll make sure the photographer or videographer doesn't decide to run to the restroom when the DJ announces the first dance or that it's time to cut the cake.
• Communication Regarding Timeline
• We don't do late...unless you tell us to.  We will find a way to get back on track with regards to the timeline while still ensuring a smooth flow of events.  In the event that things are running late, for example, you don't want the buffet line to open because the on-site coordinator told the kitchen staff to serve the food even though the officiant has not had a chance to bless the meal.  Communication is one of our most important jobs.  Nobody else fully takes on that big responsibility.
• Timeline Manager
• A site coordinator usually leaves after the meal has been served. Without a wedding coordinator, suddenly your DJ/band or your photographer becomes tasked with maintaining the flow of the evening and whether or not the father of the bride and the bride are ready for the father daughter dance or if the photographer or videographer are ready or if they had to run to the restroom. Having that responsibility means they are not able to do their job to the best of their abilities.
• Eat
• We'll make sure that the couple eats, and then we'll do what we can to have food set aside for them (if they desire) for the limo ride home. Maybe they are enjoying the company of their guests so much they didn't get a chance to sit and eat the wedding cake, we will make sure to box some up and send it home with them.
• Knowing the Details & Handling Details on the Day of
• Our job is to make things run so seamlessly smooth that the couple and both sets of parents are guests at the wedding and not having to "work" it.  If any problems do occur, we make decisions and handle things so that most brides never even know there was an issue.  If a bridesmaid's zipper gets stuck and breaks, the groom's boutonniere breaks, the candles on a table weren't lit - we are there with an emergency kit as big as a large suitcase to handle those little issues.  If it looks like it's going to rain, but the couple's send off transportation is a vintage convertible, we'll be the ones to make the call and give the transportation vendor notice to put the roof back on.

If you still aren't convinced, check HERE for a 2 part blog entry from a British Columbia planner.

ownfairygodmother.com

Austin 512.644.6886

Houston 972.804.3295