Stress Free Planning

LGBTQIA+ ONE OF A KIND BUSINESS

Specializing in secular and religious ceremonies for all couples. We also offer referrals for wedding vendors and businesses who will not discriminate against couples! 904-362-3145 • SafeSpacesWeddings.com

Photo Credit: Oliva Morgan

Custom Embroidery Services also include screen printing and vinyl. No minimum order requirements! We can purchase the items for you or you can bring your own! @embellishedembroidery embellishedemb (904) 226-2260 • embellished@att.net embellishedembroidery.com

tips to keep you going

There are lots of titles used to describe one of a bride’s most-indispensable vendors. Whether a wedding coordinator, planner, consultant, or designer, these professionals are here to make your day a seamless success. After all, many brides say that planning a wedding celebration feels like a full-time job. And the day itself? It’s a lot of work. Our advice is to hire someone whose job is to exclusively manage some, even all, of the planning.

PLANNER VS. COORDINATOR

Wedding planners are with you from the onset. They can handle all logistics like referring vendors, negotiating contracts, keeping track of your budget, and even making payments. They can also be a big part of bringing your day-of vision to life, creating a detailed timeline to keep everything on track. A wedding coordinator, on the other hand, will typically step in much closer to the wedding, perhaps a month or so before the big day. This person will take care of any day-of or last-minute needs, keeping your wedding day and everyone involved on schedule and stepping in if there’s an emergency. If for any reason you don’t work with a wedding coordinator, put someone else in charge of fielding dayof issues. Trust us—as the bride, your only responsibility should be to delight in the day.

DO YOU NEED A WEDDING PLANNER?

You may want to hire a wedding planner or coordinator if you don’t have time to devote to planning yourself. Planning can take about 5 hours per week, some estimate. If you’re unsure about what’s all involved in a wedding, a wedding

planner will ensure nothing gets missed. If you have a short engagement or are planning a destination wedding, a planner is invaluable.

HIRING THE RIGHT PERSON

Wedding planners and coordinators should be detail-oriented, organized, and reliable. They should stay on top of their field and be in touch with trends and new offerings within the wedding industry. Many belong to consultant groups or associations, and networking with local wedding vendors is crucial. This allows your planner to make recommendations if you need them, and also shows you can trust them to work well with your chosen vendors. Here’s a handy checklist when looking for a wedding planner or coordinator:

1. Ask around to other brides, your vendors, or a trusted wedding publication like Premier Bride about recommendations for wedding planners and day-of coordinators in your area. 2. Read any reviews and look at photos of other weddings they have planned. 3. Meet in person and make sure your personalities click. 4. Confirm all the items your planner will handle. Ask about what happens in case of emergency.

MONEY MATTERS

The exact cost of wedding planning and coordination services varies greatly. Some charge an hourly rate, while others bill a flat rate or a percentage of the overall wedding budget. Know that the cost of hiring a wedding planner will be anywhere from $2,000 to $20,000 or more. The cost follows the hours put in; it’s said wedding planners typically spend anywhere from 80 to 250 hours planning a single wedding.

ongratulation

MATT & CAMI

SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 BECPHOTOGRAPHY

ongratulation

SHELBY & BRANDON

NOVEMBER 5, 2022 SOUTHERN PALM STUDIO

CHELSEA & EMANUEL

OCTOBER 2, 2022

premier vendors:

Reception Location: Azaleana Manor Catering: Davolis Catering Photographer: Breathless Imagery Photobooth: Picture Perfect Photobooth Videographer: NAS Visuals Cake/Sweets: Publix Wedding Gown: Curve Bridal Grooms Tux: Men’s Warehouse Wedding Planners: Day of Coordinators J.R. Events

DÉCOR

CREATING YOUR ersona STYLE

Whether it’s a glamorous reception hall or a tent in your own backyard, it’s extremely common to rent both necessities and decorations for your wedding. Here are some of the basics to help you navigate the world of wedding rentals and event design.

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Photo Credit: Christine Austin Photography