When the Planner Plans: I’m Engaged, Now What?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Today, I am excited to introduce a new feature called "When the Planner Plans", by Kristin Carolan of Simply Stunning Events. Kristin got engaged a few months ago and I was so excited to hear all about her wedding plans. So, I was honored when Kristin offered to write a monthly article about her wedding plans - from start to finish. I always wondered if wedding planners practiced what they preached. Would they follow these stupid etiquette rules when they planned? Who would they hire? What neat aspects would they incorporate into their wedding day? Now, we'll find out:). Over the next few month, she will give us the inside scoop on her wedding plans, her planning process, etc.
Congrats on your engagement Kristin and Brian! Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Guest Post: Kristin of Simply Stunning Events is a Nashville, TN-based wedding and event planner who is currently engaged to Brian Kaplan, a Nashville wedding photographer.
Choosing a Date
When I got the ring on my finger, I was just like any other bride, I was excited...first things first - I needed to choose a date. I had been dreaming of an October wedding and figured with five Saturdays in October 2009, one had to work! Unfortunately, the 31st was out since the children at my wedding would feel gypped out of trick-or-treating. The 10th and 24th were out due to venue availability and I was already attending a wedding out-of-town on the 17th. The 3rd it is!! Yay! On a whim I decided to call my friend Adam at the Hilton downtown to make sure I could block off plenty of rooms. Turns out, the International Bluegrass Music Association (the what?) was holding their annual convention and nothing was available. So much for my October wedding (sigh). I was bummed for a few days then realized that there was nothing wrong with September and in the end it didn't really matter.
As a "bride planner" to fellow
1) Consider a season or month you prefer. Spring and fall weddings are obviously the most popular but there are perks to winter or summer weddings as well. For one, you can often get deals from vendors during the off-season (November - March) and summer weddings can be very convenient if you have many children or college age folks invited since they won't be in school.
Inspiration by Season
Winter Inspiration Board from Wedding Bee
Fall Images from Nashville's own, Kate Crafton
Spring/Summer Inspiration Board by Snippet & Ink
2) Check with venues. If you have a preferred venue already, check the availability since the decision could be made for you if they only have one day open.
3) Check with key family and friends. Be sure to run your possible wedding date by those who will be in the wedding as well as immediately family members as to avoid any conflicts. It's always possible that an important person in your wedding party may have a vacation planned or be attending another wedding.
3) Check with hotels. Before you shout your wedding date from the rooftops, double-check the hotels in the area! This is often not thought of until much later in the planning process, but you could be in a lot of trouble if you book everything for your wedding only to find out your guests will have no where to sleep because a large convention has taken up all the hotel space in Nashville.
Yes, it could happen, trust me!
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
send
Posted on December 3, 2008 |
Filed under: Inspiration & Trends, Real Nashville Brides, Wedding Planners & Coordinators
