In the Wedding industry, you get to meet lots of wonderful people. Our couples are all incredible people, but they aren’t the only folks we meet in our line of work. We often get to work with the same venues and other vendors that are there to make sure that the happy couple stays a happy couple. This year, we have had the great pleasure of working on a couple weddings and several side projects with the lovely Tonia from Aribella Events.
We asked Tonia a few questions about what wedding planning and event design is really like and her answers were enlightening and refreshing.
What is being a wedding planner all about?
After a polite laugh at the absurdity of how large this questions truly is, Tonia gave a wonderful and concise answer. Wedding planning is a game of how many hats can you wear on the same head. They handle logistics, etiquette, design and schedule, all with the intention of making the couple’s life easier while balancing all the details and spinning plates of a wedding. We truly are jacks of all trades.
What should every bride know about hiring a wedding planner?
Not all wedding planners are alike. There is a difference between those who are established professionals and those who are new in the industry. The established veterans have many connections and a track record that you can use to make the decision about hiring them. When hiring a planner, be sure to vet them for experience that fits what they’re looking for – i.e. not hiring a tent only wedding planner when you’re planning a ballroom wedding. Also, when you meet, make sure your personalities blend. Your planner is with you through the entire planning process and is by your side on the day of the wedding, so make sure it’s someone you like and mesh with.
What’s your experience with AGP been like?
Fantastic! We love that we have a similar value base; t’s not just how we tend to think as far as aesthetics, we partner well together because we understand the gravitas of it all. We fully appreciate the honor it is to be working our couples and giving them the greatest day ever.
What is one of your greatest wedding memories?
We had a couple that moved their wedding from California to West Chester because the bride’s grandma was turning 90 and couldn’t travel. They wanted her to be there. The whole day was fabulous and their first dance was absolutely magical. That’s what it’s really all about.
One final thing to note about Aribella Events that makes them absolutely phenomenal, they have a design and floral division within the planning umbrella. They’re work is lovely. They did all the floral for Michelle and James’ wedding along with the planning. Oh, and she made sure to Skype the ceremony for a distant friend who couldn’t make the trip! Commitment.
