Raise your hand — the one with the sparkly diamond on the ring finger — if at the end of your wedding you want to have zero complaints about the way everything turned out? If your hand is high, listen up, buttercups. We caught up with four of New Orleans’ top wedding planners to find out what they wish every bride would do for her wedding. From start to finish, these tips will have you getting hitched without a hitch.
Valerie Gernhauser of Sapphire Events. Her advice…
Invest in your menu. “The most impactful way to make an impression is to ensure your guests don’t leave hungry and have plenty of options. Select an array of passed items that include approachable, familiar items and some outside-the-box items. The presentation is everything, so don’t overlook the display of how the items will be tray passed, and ask your caterer about options that will fit for your decor aesthetic. Our New Orleans-style receptions call for plenty of action stations and interesting food offerings to keep your guests satiated throughout the night — from Southern picnic to the tastes of Louisiana, consider grouping like-items together at the station to present items that will be paired well together. And a late-night pass is always encouraged — crawfish cake sliders, truffle fries in bamboo cones or even beignets and cafe au lait shooters will be a big hit. Also, pay homage to the cocktails. Enhance the traditional liquor options with unexpected elements like a beer tap wall that guests can serve from directly, or a bespoke selection of several mixology beverages that bring an extra special VIP touch to the night.”
Belinda Belk of Blue Gardenia Events. Her advice…
Be mindful of the order of, and what you actually want to be part of, the ceremony. “It happens all the time. Brides get caught up in booking vendors and setting the guest list and on moving onto the next deadline, and then they lose sight of want they actually want to be said at the ceremony. Make a point to plan that out and be prepared. This includes the standing order of friends. Everyone you pick is either a good friend or a family member and although it can be awkward, you have to pick which order you want them to stand in in advance — at the rehearsal is not the time to do that. People will be getting into town, rushing and even arriving late, so that should already be established. One thing I like to ask is for is a cheat sheet on brides and groomsmen. I’ll attach a snapshot of the person and a small note about who each is so I’m not walking into a sea of people and not knowing who to look for. Handing over intel on your group is so great for organization.”
Angela DiVincenti of Angela Marie Events. Her advice…
Trust your planner through and through. “I know so many brides who hired someone and [didn’t] listen to any advice that planner suggested. They are also running around on their wedding day or sending family to ‘check on the planner.’ Why hire that planner if you think she cannot follow through? A planner knows the ropes and what is necessary to make your day easy and stress free. A bride can be headstrong and still have a planner, as long as she is open to ideas and suggestions. The whole point of a planner is guidance — you’ve hired someone to make your day the best it can be. Planners are top dollar and a luxury — don’t waste that because you think your every idea is the best. With all of that being said — not everyone is a great planner. As you would with any vendor, do your homework. And honestly, down South, word of mouth is your best bet!”
Robyn Sedgebeer of Blue Skies Events Nola. Her advice…
Understand the pitfalls of Pinterest. “Pinterest, greatest thing ever! I can personally spend endless hours creating multiple dream weddings. But, there is a huge downfall that Pinterest has: it doesn’t show you how much things cost. When stalking gorgeous sparkly engagement rings or looking at beautiful floral arrangements, you need to keep a realistic outlook on it all. When showing your florist photos please keep an open mind that maybe the flowers aren’t in season or are just way out of your budget. Consider what you love most about the colors, look, style, etc…then he or she can show you what can be done within your budget. This goes with all of your vendors. We have all seen Pinterest fails, whether it’s a picture you tried to take with your dog and your engagement ring or a romantic new way to take a picture with you and your fiancé…some things just don’t work. Leave it to your amazing vendors to show you how to create a Pinterest wedding within your budget and style. Who knows your wedding could be the next trend on Pinterest.”
