Whether you want to have your wedding organized or you are a self planner, your party should be well prepared. Wedding planner Anikó Arzner gives here answers to ten frequently asked questions about marriage and wedding planning.
10 questions to a wedding planner
Aniko for planning a dream wedding
Why is it useful to hire a wedding planner?
Very simple: The bridal couple marries - ideally - only once in a lifetime, we wedding planners do this every weekend in the high season and that for years. Our customers benefit from our wealth of experience, our contacts and our professionalism. In practice, this means that the majority of the (time-consuming) planning steps are our responsibility. In this way possible stumbling blocks can be avoided and our bridal couples can concentrate on the most beautiful aspects of the wedding preparations. Based on the wishes and ideas of the bride and groom, we design individual daily routines, select suitable service providers, keep an eye on the budget and finally ensure that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.
How much time does such planning take?
When we become wedding planners? This varies greatly from wedding to wedding. Without taking into account the company on the wedding day, we invest about 80 - 100 working hours per couple. When bridal couples plan their wedding on their own, twice as much time can quickly be saved.
What is the approach of a wedding planner?
After the bridal couple has contacted us by mail or phone, the next step is a first meeting. You get to know each other and develop a basis of trust in conversation. I listen very carefully at the beginning and sometimes I try to tease out between the lines why and how they want to get married. In doing so I develop a feeling for the ideas and expectations of bride AND groom. Planning begins on this basis. The various "milestones" are tackled step by step. It is important to us not to rush anything and to let the planning grow, because often the most beautiful inspirations come during the planning process.
What is the most difficult point during planning?
One of the biggest challenges usually arises right at the beginning: the search for a suitable wedding location. Often bridal couples have too precise ideas and a whole list of criteria to be fulfilled. Often these ideas cannot be implemented 100% in reality. Therefore, we encourage our couples to set priorities and to be clear about where one can perhaps cut back. When you make one decision after the other, the perfect wedding location sometimes only emerges at second glance.
What was the most bizarre wish of bridal couples?
This was undoubtedly the desire for a swimming mermaid in an oversized aquarium.
What should not be saved at a wedding in any case?
Every bridal couple should ask themselves: What will I still remember in 10 or 20 years when I think back to my wedding?
Personally, I wouldn't do without quality catering. Regionality and sustainability concerns us all and makes the festival a taste experience. Besides, I would always invest in a good photographer. It captures the most beautiful moments for eternity. Last but not least, of course, the atmosphere stays in the heads of the couple and the guests - there is nothing like good live music or a DJ who knows his craft. Yes, on these three essential points I recommend not to economize.
What is the secret of a harmonious daily routine?
As is so often the case, it is the balance between too much and too little that is decisive for a harmonious process. A well-balanced daily schedule with some highlights that will positively surprise the guests is the most important thing for us. Live music, for example, is a tried and tested Ice Breaker and is usually always part of our afternoon activities. If children are also invited, a varied childcare is part of the repertoire
so that everyone can relax and enjoy the party. A quick draughtsman, magician, a floral wreath workshop or the like is a good idea if the wedding ceremony takes place quite early. Our tip:
If possible, guest actions should always take place before the wedding dinner, so that the opening dance and the party do not move too far back.
If guests are informed by means of a schedule when something happens, this also helps to keep track of the time. The evening programme should not contain much more than dinner, speeches and possibly a two highlight such as a walking act or fireworks. A wedding is a party, not a performance! Dance through the day with as much ease as possible!
Which 3 tips would you give to a bridal couple who are planning their own wedding?
- Take a relaxed approach to planning and don't let surprises throw you off track!
- Create priority lists and book your favorite service providers in time!
- On your wedding day, hand over the scepter in complete confidence. This is the only way to spend time with your favourite people in the here and now.
What topics do bridal couples discuss most when planning a wedding?
Sometimes there are different views on how the wedding budget should best be distributed. The male part tends to give priority to topics such as catering or fancy cocktails and the bride-to-be wants to invest more in loving details. But you can only spend the money once. With our moderation, however, there is always a good intermediate path.
Is there a philosophy that best describes the planning of a wedding?
There is no right or wrong. As soon as the decision is made, one is focused again and on the right path towards the personal dream wedding. And never forget to follow your heart.