Analogy time!

About two years ago I bought a designer handbag from Target. (You all know Target gets some pretty good designers these days and for less!) Anyways, I’ve casually used the bag on and off since the purchase. Recently, it became my go to bag. I was using it on a regular basis because it suited my needs. And one day while I was out running errands…the braided leather handle broke. NOT a happy camper. But it was my go to bag of the moment so I took it be repaired. The handbag doctor fixed it up and I thought it was as good as new! Yeah. Not quite. Spent the day in wine country two weeks ago. The other handle broke. It was at that point that I realized I was not sporting a designer handbag for less…I was sporting less than a designer handbag. The bag was worth exactly what I paid for it and not a penny more.  However, my beautiful French leather bag that I spent several hundred dollars on has taken a beating in the year that I’ve had…no problems whatsoever! Its a handbag that on some days looks like my luggage because its so jam packed with stuff…but not a single stitch is out of place.   Worth every penny and then some!

“Worth every penny and then some” is how you should feel about your Wedding Planner / Coordinator. Its not about how cheap or inexpensive they are, but what they are offering you. Did they plan their own wedding and decide to “go in to business” or spend years in the industry developing their skills before taking on the most important day in your life? Have they only ever “planned” or have they spent time in the caterer’s/photographer’s/florist’s shoes? Do they crack under pressure and stress or thrive in those situations? I know with finances being what they are these days, its tempting to scoop up the “deal” but the deal may not be worth it in the end.

So you can use the “broken handle” Wedding Planner because they are offering you a good deal, but remember the deal comes with trade-offs. Or you can use the “not a single stitch out of place” Wedding Planner that offers you exceptionally high quality service, won’t fall apart on you when you need them the most, and leaves you feeling like it was the best money you ever spent. The choice is entirely up to you.

And when all else fails and you don’t know what to do… ask questions! Nothing is more valuable than being as informed about your decision as you possibly can be.

Happy Planning!

This past Tuesday was the Association of Bridal Consultant’s Annual Holiday Party at the Prado in Balboa Park.  There were all kinds of yummy treats on hand!  For the cocktail hour there was tray passed champagne, a gourmet coffee bar with espressos and lattes by Joes on the Nose, mini pastries, mini donuts by Party Donuts and chocolate dipped fruits by Edible Arrangements.

Lunch was provided by the Prado with a Mashed Potato Bar (a personal favorite of mine!) and buffet of green beans with pancetta, orecchiette pasta with pancetta and a cream sauce, pumpkin raviolis and a sushi station by Sushi on a Roll!

Floral arrangements were provided by Hartworks Floral, Lois Mathews Design and Rae Florae.

The very lovely menu cards were done by Posh Paperie (they were really beautiful!).  The list of vendors goes on, but these were the highlights of the day!

As a San Diego wedding planner, it is always fantastic to see the work of so many wonderful local vendors and the ABC certainly gives me an opportunity to see them showcase their work.  San Diego style weddings certainly have a distinct vibe and these vendors never forget that!  Kudos to everyone that participated!

The Prado at Balboa Park
Sushi on a Roll
Hartworks Floral
Lois Mathews Design
Rae Florae
Posh Paperie
Joes on the Nose
Party Donuts
Edible Arrangements