It’s Friday and today’s topic is on the importance of having a wedding planner. I’d like to introduce you to a guest on our blog today, Stacey B. Of ASU Kerr Cultural Center.  I’ve had the privilege of working with Stacey on a number of occasions, and I’ve loved every one of them! She has a number of years in the industry and has graciously shared her knowledge with us in this series of articles centered around making your wedding day less stressful. This is part 1 of a 2 part series on the virtues of hiring a wedding planner for your day!

Join me in welcoming Stacey to the Dreamcicle blog! — Kristi, xoxo

IN PRAISE OF WEDDING PLANNERS

I work at a concert venue and event space on the National Historic Register. ASU Kerr Cultural Center is a historic heritage site in Scottsdale with deep connections to an authentically Arizona blend of music and women’s history. The venue is the former home and practice studio of Louise Lincoln Kerr. She was a hospitable, compassionate and forward-thinking lady that offered up her home as a space for creative people in the mid century to jam or work on their craft.

We remember this history during every private event—the space feels comfortable like a home (because it is) and is at once casual and welcoming in a way that effortlessly invites couples looking for a meaningful alternative to a cookie-cutter wedding. When a potential renter visits, they usually get it and connect with the personality of the space or they don’t. In addition to presenting a curated set of performing arts events each season, ASU Kerr Cultural Center doubles as a very busy, very in-demand rental site.

Wedding Planners are Your Friends

Through my experiences here, I have learned about a diverse spectrum of wedding expenses and priorities. Having worked receptions for 60 to ceremonies and after-parties for 250, I have recognized one key thing: wedding planners are your friends and your surefire ticket to a fun and memorable wedding and reception.

Delegation

It’s all about delegation – if you task someone with decorations, vendor paperwork, logistics and day-of coordination, you are freer to enjoy the company of your guests and visit with loved ones through the event. If you hire someone to set up, put out fires through the gathering and clean up afterwards, you can relax and be available to your spouse and guests through the wedding and reception. You’ll cut yourself out of the stressful logistic issues that can come up through the whole process. Only you can decide how much this is worth to you.

 Time Management

Concurrently working in the wedding and music/concert promotion industries has shown me that even smaller gatherings require a level of planning that may be best to entrust to professionals. It’s a simple matter of time management; what kind of experience will two guests of honor have when they have to simultaneously play party planners (sometimes for the first time!)? It’s a vital role that deserves time and effort. Do you want to worry about where the bar service’s extra ice should go or deal with floral arrangements catching fire over candles when you’re just trying to get married and attend to all of the important guests you’ve invited? Wouldn’t you want someone else to deal with those issues while you have your first dance, pose for pictures, laugh with loved ones and celebrate your day?

If you find a good wedding planner and trust them completely to respect your priorities while acting on your behalf, you will be open to experience the true joy and elation of assembling your cadre of family and friends for a beautiful gathering. The vendor relationships, creativity and experience of a wedding planner are valuable beyond measure. While you may want to assume total responsibility for all details concerning your wedding, you may find that a wedding planner is a priceless soundboard for your dreams and ideas, as well as a key liaison between you and her or his established network of wedding pros. These are the experienced people that will come together to create an incredible event just for you. You ARE being responsible for details by hiring an event pro!

Tune in Next Week for Part 2!

Photography: Dreamcicle Studios Photography | Venue: ASU Kerr Cultural Center | Wedding Planner: Denise Nicolette of What A Day Weddings

About Dreamcicle Studios Photography: We’re a madly in love husband and wife photography team in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area that loves capturing love more than anything! We photograph new beginnings and completed souls; faces of anticipation, happiness, love. It’s wedding photography designed uniquely for you. We’d love to speak to you about photographing your dream wedding day! Contact us by clicking here.