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Why Wedding Planners?
Navigators of your wedding success
The use of wedding planners by Long Island brides is on the rise and it's not to JLo's credit. They are good and they know their stuff. In the long run, wedding planners save you money, and in the short run, they save you time, frustration and headaches.
According to Debbie Kahn, of AGI Events, located in Hewlett, "The wedding should be a happy experience, but it can also be stressful. Planners are there to be the bride's delegate when wedding vendors have conflicting agendas, for example. The caterer wants the food to take priority, to be served hot and make sure everyone is seated when it's served. The band, however, wants everyone up and moving on the dance floor. I'm there to make sure the bride's agenda comes first."
Planners have connections with vendors in your area that most brides do not. They can use their connections to get preferential price and service, saving you time and money. Kahn says that planners know what should be negotiated into contracts. They serve as an intermediary. According to Kahn, vendor meals, valet parking, security, ladies' room maintenance, help for the bride and a safe place to store her valuables, should all be included. "Beware of hidden costs," warns AGI, "brides are often unaware of the 20% gratuity and sales tax that are included in contracts."
Wedding planners can help make your dream come true, while helping you stay within your budget. "I sit and listen to the couple. I take their vision and make it a reality. I try to make it unique with regard to emotional feel of the wedding, the visual. There is no cookie cutter mold for a wedding. No two weddings I do are ever the same."
Kahn sites some trends in Long Island wedding planning. "Color is becoming huge. I'm doing a wedding at the end of October that has a fall theme. Coppers and greens will rule the room. Centerpieces will be trees and place cards, leaves. There will be brown roses. These bold colors are a beautiful departure from the norm. Destination weddings are also on the rise for Long Islanders. They want the beach, sleep away camp, the mountains. I find demand for the traditional venues to be waning a bit."
Now more than ever, Long Islanders want to make a weekend of it, according to Kahn. They start with the Friday night, 'rehearsal dinner' to begin the celebration for the bridal party and out-of-town guests. They print beautiful invitations for this and create montages, video compilations, of their lives since they were kids. The next morning there might be a brunch and then the actual wedding in the evening. They then have a party the next day. "They don't want it to end," Kahn laughs.
Brides can find a wedding planner by going to bridal shows, where they can meet them face-to-face. Referrals by satisfied clientele are an excellent way to get a planner. "Hire one as soon as you set the date; that way they can start saving you money from the get-go." Kahn added.
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