For this post, I was lucky
enough to sit down with my good friend and past work mentor, Katie Hunt. Katie
is a recent UNI graduate, now working at Park Place Event Centre. She got her
start in event coordinating while interning at Park Place in 2012 and Red Frog Events in Chicago, Ill., in 2013!
Our goal was to create an
“Event Coordinator 101” guide for newly engaged brides! But, before we get into
the good stuff, I think it’s important to first know the difference between an event coordinator and an event planner. An event planner typically works with the bride and is involved in all
aspects of the wedding planning, including working with outside vendors like
florists, bakeries, photographers, etc. An event coordinator is typically
employed by the venue itself, and is in charge of all the details of the
timeline, like making sure that all the vendors the bride or an event planner
contracted are following the schedule, and that the event runs smoothly.
Where to start:
So, you just got engaged?
Congratulations! Make sure you take at
least a couple of weeks for you and your fiancé to celebrate appropriately
and enjoy being newly engaged before you start planning! Once you are ready to
start making plans for your big day, Katie recommends starting with the location. Call different venues, keep a
list of prices and menu options, and eventually choose the one that is perfect
for you and your fiancé. Keep in mind that when it comes to your venue you need
to be willing to compromise. Your perfect date may not be available, but any
good venue will do anything they can to find another date for your special day.
Time to meet your
coordinator:
Here is a list of tips that
Katie felt were the most important to remember when you are meeting your event
coordinator for the first time.
- Don’t stress! Easier
said than done, we know, but don’t feel like you need to know all of the
details for your first meeting!
- Bring a list
of general ideas of what you are looking for, like your budget, a rough date,
number of guests, color swatches or sample pictures, and a list of questions
you may have!
- Break the ice
with your coordinator; you are going to be working with each other until the
day of your wedding, so it’s important that you are all on the same page and
communicate well.
- Be open-minded!
It’s not unusual to get swept up in the excitement of planning and go over
budget. Fortunately, the coordinators are full of great tips and ideas as long
as you are willing to hear them out!
- Remember, the coordinator is here for you! If you choose to go the coordinator route, it is
important to remember that most coordinators are in the business because they
are just as excited about your event as you are! They are also just as
understanding. Planning a wedding can be a tedious and time-consuming project
and they don’t expect you to do it alone! Katie said she is always
communicating with her brides via phone, email, and in person, just to assure
the bride that her event will go off without a hitch!
Good luck & happy
planning!!
XO.
