Have Your (Wedding) Cake And Eat It, Too!
By JACKY RUNICE
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| Tiffany Wilkins shows examples of Carlson Craft wedding invitations at Complete Bridal in East Dundee. (Photos by JEFF KRAGE) |
When you consider that engaged couples have to chew over wedding venues, guest lists, flowers, songs, photography and video, vows, cakes, invitations, budgets, reception themes, soon-to-be-in-laws AND the dress, it’s no wonder that the modern age has spawned Bridezillas.
These days, the mother of the bride often is too tied up to crunch numbers, so the mother of invention has given us the wedding planner, an omniscient Zen master of all things nuptial, so peace and perfection reign on the big day.
How else would you know which photographer you can count on to capture the essence of your wedding day, or that you can save money by cutting back on flowers by using more greenery?
These are only a few ways wedding planners like Tiffany Wilkins, owner of Tiffany Inspired Events in Crystal Lake, ensure smooth sailing with a boatload of matrimonial guidance.
Wilkins, who cut her connubial chops at bridal expos and in salons, says that attending bridal shows is a great way to meet potential vendors who may eventually dress, photograph and host your wedding.
However, a planner can quickly determine which vendors are right for your needs, budget and personality.
How to choose a planner
“A wedding planner should be local so you can meet in person as much as possible,” Wilkins says.
“And it’s very important that both the bride and groom meet the planner. Just like choosing a vendor, you need to find someone who speaks to you, someone who you can communicate with. Ask others who have used planners, and if you‘re still not sure, go to the wedding expos - there may be a few there. If you have your heart already set on a photographer or caterer, for example, ask him or her for a wedding planner referral.”
Erin Kriete of Lake in the Hills found Wilkins by word of mouth.
“A friend had been to a wedding that Tiffany coordinated and raved about it,” Kriete says.
“I wasn’t sure how I felt about hiring someone to help me, but she’s very open-minded, has great ideas and I like her professional opinion. Although I like the idea of doing it yourself, I’m not that creative, and instead of having my mom tell me what to do, it’s nice to have someone who is unbiased.”
Begin with a timeline
If he “put a ring on it” over the holidays, what do you do now?
Wilkins says that having a year to plan is average, but lately she has been seeing more clients planning their wedding further in advance. For example, Kriete’s wedding day is set for July 2013, but she began working with Wilkins in October 2011.
“Parents aren’t paying for all of it these days, and a longer timeline means couples can save money and be financially prepared,” Wilkins says.
“The latest figures show that at least 37 percent of engaged couples are contributing to their own wedding and are saving a combined 20 percent of their monthly income in order to help pay for it.”
How much is the main event going for these days? Disregarding various and sundry Kardashians, the royal family and Brad and Angelina — if they finally make it legal this year — the average cost for a 150-person wedding checks in at around $27,000.
A wedding is a big investment, and a planner will not only help walk you through the process, but also know what to do if something goes awry.
Wilkins says she once planned a wedding that had to be crafted in six months. The reception venue was already booked and invitations sent before the couple found out that the reception site was double booked.
“We had to start over from scratch — rent a tent and linens and tables and a backyard and take care of lighting and catering,” Wilkins says.
She also has helped brides who ordered gowns online, instead of in a shop, and received an overseas package with a tacky rendition of what they thought was a designer dress.
But through thick and thin, Wilkins enjoys helping couples plan their special day.
“I’m there coordinating things and want to see the magic happen and the look on the bride’s face,” she says.
“That’s the reward, and I wouldn’t miss it.”
What to look for
Marriages in 2011 saw plenty of birdcage veils, eco-friendly favors, paper lanterns, tons of cupcakes, unusual reception venues like barns, and unique themes, such as “Alice in Wonderland” or western weddings.
What are the big themes of 2012?
Wilkins predicts less traditional themes and more personalization with couples coming up with fun ideas and things never seen in a wedding. A popular YouTube video that features a bride and groom boogieing down the aisle may spark future ideas.
“As far as gowns, last year we saw mermaid and trumpet-style dresses, but 2012 should bring layers, big bows, lace sleeves (a la Kate Middleton) and a modernized 1980s look, with some neon colors, like bright pinks and greens for bridesmaids,” Wilkins says.
She also notes that wedding attendees shouldn’t be surprised to see short wedding dresses paired with cowboy boots.
And finally, destination weddings haven’t waned, she says. Couples are willing to sacrifice a larger wedding to enjoy a more playful, vacation-like affair, with grooms donning flip-flops.
