Do I Really Need a Wedding Planner?

YES, YES, & YES!


While you are sitting and getting your make-up done, do you really want the florist, bakery, venue, and calling and bugging you wondering where they are supposed to go or asking you detail questions?

Also, keep in mind that your catering manager at your venue is NOT your wedding planner!

What are some of the tasks that your catering manager is responsible for?
-Provides venue information and venue
-Set-up and tear down of the event
-Provides the couple with a menu tasting and menu
-Provide couple with a floor plan of the event with his/her knowledge of the property in order to create the best flow
-Act as the go-to person if your wedding planner has questions regarding the venue/staff/set-up

What are some of the tasks that your wedding planner should be responsible for?
-Set-up a complete timeline of your event
-Your catering manager can refer preferred vendors, but your wedding planner most likely has a more vast knowledge of trusted vendors
-Coordinate drop off times with vendors and ensure they find the right place when they do arrive
-Coordinate your entire event while working closing with the Catering Manager
-The wedding planner also stays much later than your catering manager. Generally, the catering manager leaves after the grand entrance or immediately after dinner is served
-Reviews contracts with all of your vendors. This is VERY important. Planners know what verbiage to watch out for and be wary of.
-Planners also know a whole lot about wedding etiquette. Don’t embarrass yourself and make a wedding no-no. It always seems like your fiancé’s grandma catches you on something like that!

Wedding planning is a tough and competitive business. These ladies and gentlemen pride themselves on knowing all there is to know about weddings. It would be in your favor to have one on your special day.



*Definitely can’t afford a planner? To save your sanity, make sure you designate a family member on the day of your wedding to deal with all the vendors, put out any favors on your tables, and speak with the catering manager onsite if he/she has any questions.

Do You Know Your Catering Manager?

Sure, you know your fabulous, awesome wedding planner who is at your every beck and call, but do you know your catering manager? You remember, right? That person you signed a 10-15 page contract with for your ceremony and/or reception venue?

You may think that your catering manager is out of the picture and your wedding planner takes over as soon as that contract is signed. In reality, your catering manager is JUST as important to your big day as your wedding planner. Who do you think your wedding planner goes to when they have questions?

Think of your wedding like a concert: Your wedding planner is the Tour Manager and your catering manager is the Lead Roadie. The CM (catering manager) is behind the scenes making sure the venue is set exactly the way it is supposed to be, all staff is in the appropriate places, and everything is just right at the venue.

It is very important to get to know your CM at your venue. He/She knows the property very well and may know little things that can make your wedding that much more beautiful. It can also be significant to know your CM when it comes to the final bill. Did you sign your contract guaranteeing that you would have 100 guests and now you are only going to have 90 attending? Having a rapport or friendship with your CM may sometimes alleviate additional costs. Obviously that isn’t a guarantee but it couldn’t hurt and it will definitely make your event go smoothly. It also makes it easier for you as a bride when making last minute requests at the venue. If you are friendly with your CM, they are more than happy to rush around for you.