I recently networked with a Wedding Planner in New York who was only too happy to share her insight into the business with me. I thought her answers to the questions listed below were an awesome resource for couples in the planning process of their weddings, and wanted to share.
Chantal Stephens is the owner of Events by Coco, located in New York.
PC Silver Fox
As a planner yourself, if you were hiring a planner/coordinator for your own wedding, what 3 things would you look for in that planner/coordinator?
"If I was planning the most important day of my life, I definitely would want a few particular things in a planner! She would need to be trustworthy, as I would want to make sure I feel comfortable trusting her with every detail in the planning process. She would need to have excellent communication skills, as I am the type of person that really likes when people are quick to respond. And she would need to be super friendly/caring as I would hope we would become friends because we will be together so much so I would want her to be someone I can easily get along with and have fun with!"
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about planning weddings?
"I have learned (quickly) that weddings involve a lot of details! They are very time consuming and take a lot of patience!! As a wedding guest, you are really missing ALL of the background noise and what it takes to make sure everything goes on without fail."
PC Marrero Events
Do you think having a Day-of Coordinator is absolutely necessary for a wedding to run smoothly?
"Yes, I absolutely do. As I mentioned above, weddings require many details, timelines, and it really gives a bride a much needed relief to not have to deal with all of that on their day. I love to be able to allow brides to enjoy the most important day of their lives!"
What's one thing you really want future couples to know about the wedding planning process?
"It doesn't have to be stressful!!! And there are so many ways to save money! It can be so much fun and enjoyable if you have the right planner guiding you through!"
What roles outside of a planner/coordinator does the wedding planner sometimes need to assume on the job?
"We are definitely a wearer of many, many hats. Whether it be planner, mediator, therapist, fashion adviser, quick thinker, problem solver, janitor, and so much more! Whatever we are faced with, we put that hat on and get to work!"
PC The Balance
What are the 5 top qualities you believe a good planner must have to be successful?
"Communication, compassion, strong planner/organizer, strong net-worker, creative eye!"
On the day of a wedding, what emergency items do you bring with you to solve potential issues? Why?
"I have a big emergency kit full of anything from tide, Advil, Pepto, wipes, water bottles, band aids, nail file, nail polish, tissues, mints, and so much more."
Any tips for couples looking to hire good planners/coordinators?
"When you first meet with them, you will feel whether they are right or not. The right planner will ask you the right questions, and you will truly feel like she could be your friend!"
Have anything to add? How would you answer the questions listed here? Let me know in the comments below!