Yesterday, I heard an interesting comment. As I was setting up for an event at the Blaisdell Manor in Minneapolis, I began speaking with a woman who works there. She said that she does not allow her clients to see what goes into the preparation for their events because it "takes away the magic!" We were talking about all the work that goes into events. It is truly amazing what goes on behind the scenes during the creation of beautiful events. It is like day and night, literally! If people wonder whether or not the price of their caterer, DJ, and wedding coordinator is actually worth it, it usually is!
Every Saturday we go to a "bare venue" (great venues, I should add), and I always think, "Oh my gosh, how are we EVER going to get this done?!" But we jump right in! Tables go up, linens go on, someone starts setting tables, another is organizing the escort cards, cake table (or cupcakes), flowers, chairs and sashes. But shoot, we still need napkins folded, and it looks like it's starting to rain! We go to the company van and grab all ten umbrellas and cardboard boxes. The cardboard boxes act as sponges to soak up some of the rain and the umbrellas are for the guests to use while walking into the building (not knowing that the sun was actually going to come out in the nick-of-time). We run back and finish placing candles, table numbers, and everything else that needs completion. We put our finishing touches and...Voila! Magnificent! We have just enough time to run to the church and light candles before the wedding party needs boutonnieres and bouquets.
Now, from a bride's perspective, she wakes up in the morning running a little late, but has just enough time to get to the spa with her mom, sister, and closets girlfriends. They all get mani's and pedi's, get their hot stone massages and facials, have their hair and make-up done and put on their dresses. Everyone is looking and feeling their very best! They get the call that the limo is there to pick them up, so they head outside. In the limo they get their first glass of champagne and ride to the site for photography. When the photo shoot is over, it's time to get to the church for the ceremony. The violinist begins playing Pachelbel's Canon in D and the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle. The bride walks to the entry of the church with her dad, and their guests stand. Among all the people, the towering flowers lining the aisle, flickering candles and the violin filling the church with breath-taking music, she sees her groom. This is where the "magic" is!
I think it is obvious which experience a bride would like to have on her wedding day. We exist for a reason! We thrive under stressful, crunch-like circumstances and we enjoy creating the magic for the bride and groom to experience with their families and friends!
In the months I have been working in this industry, my understanding of wedding planning has drastically changed! I realize now how much work it takes to plan a wedding and execute the plans in reality, so that it is smooth, romantic and flawless for everyone else present. I admit that I watched J-Lo's "The Wedding Planner" and David Tutera's "My Fair Wedding" and I have read all the bridal magazines and researched certification. I had the romantic dream of becoming a wedding planner! Now I have realized the Earth-shattering reality! The "magic" of wedding planning is not being the coordinator, it's being the bride with a wedding coordinator! That being said, I love it! It is fantastic to see the bride and groom glow in their magical day. And that day could not be as magical unless I had sweat all over it!
By Chelsea
