If you’ve seen the remake of ‘Father of the Bride’ with Steve Martin, chances are your first introduction to an event coordinator was ‘Frank’ Р pronounced ‘Frahnk’. Steve Martin was not only reeling from the knowledge that his little girl was getting married, but at the spiraling monstrosity her wedding was becoming. He balked at every price and every detail. And while it made for great comedy, it shed a rather misguided light on the importance of hiring an event planner. Bottom line: the difference between having an event coordinator and not having one is the difference between having weeks filled with stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights Р or the option of just freely expressing your vision, and having the confidence you’re working with someone who has the ability to carry it off.

To me, the answer to the question of whether or not an event necessitates a coordinator is almost always, ‘most definitely!’ Even if you just take a moment to talk to one on the phone, it usually becomes immediately clear what it is they bring to the table.

The majority of people have no idea how many details there are in the making of a successful event. Your event coordinator/planner is a breed of person who possesses the otherworldly ability to selflessly serve those who are in need of a stress-free wedding, party, or corporate event and they actually enjoy it!

For starters, there are countless phone calls, consultations, documentations, and yes, from the beginning you must keep it all vigilantly and legally  documented for your protection! There are contracts and signatures for everything from lighting and catering to sound and entertainment. And did I mention the countless hours of follow up to make sure all of these contracts are honored and fulfilled in keeping with the vision you have of your special day? This is the passion of the planner, but for you, the client, already inundated with responsibility Р planning the perfect event is not always a welcome intrusion!

I have always taken great joy in this demanding, yet rewarding field. I have the unique opportunity to create and set the atmosphere of an event coupled with an extraordinary flair for floral presentation, room dЋcor, and room-transforming staging! You know all of those wonderful magazine photos that you pour over, the ones that make you say, ‘that is exactly what I want?’ How do you think they came into being? It takes a coordinator to take the canvas of your day and illustrate it with exquisite perfection.

One of the most important elements of this life’s calling is the necessity of taking the stress off of the client Р or the family Р and taking the responsibility for everything. From the overarching coordination, to the smallest touch Р when you don’t have to handle it, you become free to focus on the other facets of the day Р you know, like smiling, enjoying yourself, and being happy! What I see so often from those who try to do it themselves is a glazed look that comes from too little sleep and the lack of opportunity they have had to actually participate in their event. When you have a planner, then you get to be ‘in the moment’ and your memories will be more vivid and lasting.

Another benefit of employing a coordinator is the broader sense of enjoyment they can provide to the event. The coordinator is very cognizant that it may be someone’s special day Р but they are also acutely aware that everyone needs to have a good time! They have the ability to create an environment where the client’s dream can come true, and the appreciation of your guests for your consideration of them is also strongly felt and expressed.

If you’re on the fence about a wedding or event coordinator, it never costs anything to talk, to ask questions, and to indulge your curiosity of what it would really be like to transform your special day without making a permanent dent in your way of life!