Q: Who can benefit from a Wedding Coordinator?
A: You! Many brides plan their own weddings but want someone there to manage the wedding day and take care of any problems that may pop up. Other brides simply feel overwhelmed by all of the tasks involved in creating the wedding they've always dreamed of and need help with the entire planning process. Finally, some brides only need professional help in certain areas, such as putting together favors, decorating the reception or organizing the seating chart. Whatever your needs, having a wedding coordinator to call upon can be a sanity saver!

If you've never even planned a large party, it is difficult to envision all of the details that will be required to pull off your perfect wedding day. A coordinator is able to direct you to reliable vendors in your area and can offer advice that often saves you time and money. They also give you creative ideas to help make your special day unique, even if you are planning a traditional celebration. In addition, coordinators help you decipher your contracts and they know what types of questions to ask each vendor to ensure that your requirements can be met. Wedding coordinators are often able to keep your budget on track and can help you allocate your dollars wisely. They are also not afraid to be "the bad guy" with regards to family members and friends and coordinators are skilled at running interference for their clients so that the wedding is what the Bride and Groom have envisioned. After all, this day is only about the two of you! Remember, not even your mother or best friend wants to deal with last minute problems on your wedding day. Having a coordinator on hand to help problem solve means that your wedding party will be able to fulfill their wedding-day obligations and enjoy the day as well! Finally, coordinators are indispensable when it comes to keeping track of administrative details such as seating charts or gathering RSVP's.

Q: What should a bride look for in a coordinator?
A: Experience and passion are a must! Wedding coordinators must be detail oriented, creative and have the ability to communicate well with many people. Look for a coordinator that has prior experience in event planning or catering. A degree in marketing, public relations, or communications is an added bonus because these fields often require coordinating special events. Additionally, look for wedding coordinators that belong to professional trade organizations within the industry. Take advantage of the preliminary consultations that wedding coordinators often provide. Hire the coordinator that listens to what your needs are and offers advice based on the criteria you've given. Finally, be sure to ask about viewing their portfolio.

Q: When should I book a coordinator?
A: You should book a coordinator far in advance of your wedding date. Ideally, you will have 9 to 12 months to plan your wedding. So hiring a coordinator a month or so after your engagement is customary. If you plan on marrying within 6 months you should meet with a coordinator immediately. Wedding coordinators will often want to know your wedding date before they schedule an appointment with you so that they do not double book a client. It is imperative that you have a date in mind before calling a coordinator.

Q: How does Wonderful Day Weddings charge for services?
A: This depends on the type of package that you choose. If you choose the White Rose package a $500 retainer is required and you will be billed incrementally each month. The final balance will be due two weeks before the wedding. The Day Lily package requires a $300 retainer and the balance will be due the day of your wedding. For the Wild Flower and Sunflower packages, we will charge an hourly rate of $50.00 and will send you an invoice to be paid upon receipt. Wonderful Day Weddings accepts cash or checks only.

Q: Is there a charge for an initial consultation? How do I hire Wonderful Day Weddings?
A: No. Your preliminary consultation with Wonderful Day Weddings is FREE. We will meet by appointment at a location convenient to you. During the first meeting, you will be able to ask any questions you may have regarding us and we will discuss the type of wedding that you have in mind. In addition, we will talk about general details such as the potential wedding date, the package that best suits your needs, and your estimated budget. If you decide to hire Wonderful Day Weddings, simply take the contract home, read through it, sign it and send it back in the prepaid envelope with the retainer fee to book your wedding date. When the contract is received we will make a copy and mail it back to you. Once you've hired us we will be in contact through phone, email and personal meetings to plan your big day!

Q: Can you coordinate ethnic/cultural weddings?
A: Absolutely! We welcome the opportunity to coordinate weddings of all faiths, interfaith marriages and same sex committment ceremonies. Mixing your religious or cultural traditions with modern expectations can be tricky. We will work closely with you to create a wedding that is influenced by your ethnic or cultural traditions, yet stays true to what you desire as a couple.

Q: Do you recieve commission or a "referral fee" from wedding vendors?
A: No. We believe that in order to be your advocate we cannot accept any type of payment from wedding vendors to refer their services to you. Wonderful Day Weddings is 100% devoted to your best interests. We will only refer you to vendors that best fit your style and budget, and we don't enter into any exclusive agreements with wedding vendors. Vendors that have made our preferred vendor list are there because they have provided quality service to our clients.