The ultimate plan: tips from wedding pros

By Jennifer Cox, October 3rd, 2012

While many couples decide to recruit the help of expert wedding planners when organizing their big day, just as many brides and grooms-to-be choose to go at it solo and make all of the arrangements themselves. Sometimes a daunting and overwhelming task, these tips from some Montreal wedding planners can put their minds at ease and lend a helping hand.

• Check vendors' references. Make sure you can speak to someone that has used their references.
• Make a budget, otherwise things can easily get out of control.
• Lighting can go a long way and can completely transform a room for drab to fab.
• Taste a caterer or reception hall's food before booking with them, even if they charge you. There's no point in spending all that money on food that you don't like.
— Mariela Johnson and Stephanie Ramirez Siple, MJ Weddings & Events
 
• Start your planning early. This will give you more opportunity to get what you want and to reflect on making big decisions. 
• Define your families' and friends' roles from the beginning, which will allow for more focus and less ambiguity amongst your loved ones.
• Enjoy, laugh and savour the creative process. 
— Suzanne Bouvrette Hurst, Galleria Event Design
• When trying to calculate your price per head, take 45 percent of your budget (which is the typical percentage breakdown for the reception) and divide it by the number of guests. Don't forget to add taxes and service charges to this, and look out for hidden "admin" fees that some reception locations charge.
— Rachel Cripps-Gervais, An English Rose — Luxury Lifestyle Weddings

• Ask questions. There are no stupid questions. Make sure you get clear, specific answers. If a wedding vendor has a problem with you asking questions, they probably aren't the one for you. The best wedding professionals are patient, understanding, and take the time to help you make the best choices for your wedding.
• Listen. Don't just hear the words they say. Watch the vendor's body language. Are they confident and comfortable with their response?
Do they look and sound nervous? Take all the sights, sounds and feelings into account along with their responses. If your gut tells you something isn't right, it probably isn't.
— Daniela Caputo, Daniela Caputo Event Management

• Get organized and keep track of all of the vendors you visit, the information they give you, quotes you receive, and  emails sent. There are so many little details involved in the planning process and you want to make sure you don't get lost in them. Keep spreadsheets, update them, and always follow up meetings with emails detailing what was discussed.
It will help to avoid a lot of misunderstandings and stress at the last minute.
 • Don't listen to everyone around you. Everyone will have something to say about what you should do, how you should do it, and what it should be like. A wedding is a very personal thing so take everyone's advice with a grain of salt and do what you want to do because at the end of the day, it is all about you and your spouse-to-be. 
• Add personal touches to reflect who you are. The most special weddings are those that include a lot of personal touches from the bride and groom.
— Tania Tassone, Événements Blanc Events