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Professional Wedding Planners VS Unprofessional Wedding Planners

We have been meeting with couples who potentially want to use our services for their wedding day. It was quite a surprise to hear their stories when meeting with other wedding planners and what they experienced. While meeting with these planners, they were told their wedding vision was ‘rubbish’ and to do it ‘the planners’ way. We found this was a mix of people who are new and also experienced wedding planners. Today we are going to look at the difference between professional wedding planners and unprofessional wedding planners.

Professional Wedding Planners VS Unprofessional Wedding Planners

Contemplating professional versus unprofessional wedding planners

While there is no strict right or wrong way to do things, we thought it would be a good idea for newly engaged couples to know what to look for and expect when dealing with wedding planners. The experience should be easy, seamless and enjoyable.

Your Vision

It’s your wedding, and you should have it any way you see fit. We had a couple advise us recently that while they were looking for a wedding planner, she had an experience that made our jaws drop. The planner very directly advised that the couple’s ideas were “not good” and to do it “the planners way”. Each person has their own unique style and taste. Just because you personally do not like a style/trend does not mean they should do it your way.

Your Vision: Example

An excellent example is one of our staff used to work for a top-rated beverage company. This staff member does not like the taste of lemon flavoured drinks, and the company they worked for came out with a lemon flavoured energy drink. They still tried the drink to understand how it tasted. When he spoke to his clients about it, they asked for his opinion. He was honest, consulted based on their clientele and the drink it sold well in his region. He did not let personal taste get in the way of what would work well for the client. A professional wedding planner should treat you the same and give you the same level of respect and give you experienced advised based on what you are looking for.

A professional wedding planner is supposed to take your ideas and bring them to life. Sometimes an idea may need a professional touch and to give guidance but to tell a couple it can’t be done, or a bad idea is just plain wrong.

Communication

Professional wedding planners should be able to get back to you within a reasonable time frame. The basic rule for couples looking to find wedding suppliers is to give them at least two business days to reply. The reason why I say business days is that we often get calls/emails to get a quote or meet in person and many of them are on the weekend. However, on weekends, we are generally busy with weddings/events that are currently taking place. Imagine if it was your wedding day and your wedding planner was focusing on sending quote’s to ‘other people’ when they should be giving you their undivided attention. We provide the same level of respect/service to all our clients.

At Pink Caviar Events, our goal is to communicate to you within one business day. If a wedding planner has not made contact in 1 week, then that’s a big warning sign. If they take a week to get back to you during the quotation stage, image how the communication will be over the months leading up to your wedding day, imagine having to chase your planner for updates consistently over a 6 – 18 month period. It will not be pleasant but a nightmare.

Pushing Agendas

There is never any problem with a planner promoting other services. The way we see it, we would rather the couple know of all possibilities/options than not advise them of what’s out there. An unprofessional wedding planner would always push their other products and services on you even though you have said no. It shows that their focus is on the bottom line and not your wedding. You do not want to be with anyone who continually pushes products you just don’t want.

Pushing Agendas: Example

We have an open-air photo booth affectionately known as Photo Thingy (check out some of the photos  🙂 Some couples want the photo booth, some do not. If a couple has said no to us about it, then we do not mention it again.

A great example was recently we needed some IT assistance. We had received a few quotes and narrowed it down to 2 people. Both were equally qualified and understood our issue that needed to be resolved. One was a little more cost-effective but was very pushy. He would always push his other services even when we said no. The other who was a little more expensive did recommend other services, but when we said no, he stopped and focused on what we wanted. We ended up going with the one that cost a little more purely because we did not want to be sold to continuously to while working with him. Had the cheaper IT person not been so pushy we would have gone with him. It goes to show that not everything is about price/knowledge but also how you act and treat your customers.

On a side note, if a couple chooses a different photo booth, we are okay with that. We will work with the couple and their chosen supplier. It simply comes down to personal choice and taste. Some couples want a booth that is a particular colour, specific feature or a different design entirely. In some cases, they simply see a photo booth at an expo and book them early before meeting us. We will never badmouth another supplier in the industry.

In Conclusion

A professional wedding planner has your best interest at heart. They make your vision a reality, communicate openly/often with you. An unprofessional wedding planner has poor communication skills; won’t make your vision a reality and always push agendas that you have no need or want for. If you are in talks with a wedding planner and they are showing these signs (amongst others) then its time to rethink if they are right for you. If you are looking for professional wedding planners, check us out.

What has your experience when looking for professional wedding planners? Have you ever had any experiences with unprofessional wedding planners? Join the discussion and let us know in the comments below 🙂

Booking Your Wedding Ceremony And Venue Space – Vlog

When most brides start planning their big day, they are super excited and they invest several hours researching. From looking at dresses, wedding magazines, online blogs and Pinterest looking for ideas. Most brides do not start with booking a ceremony and venue space first and we are here to tell you why you should.

Booking Your Wedding Ceremony And Venue Space

Today we are going to talk about why booking your ceremony and venue space first is so important.

So you are planning your wedding and are very excited. Maybe you have started to look at dresses, flowers and cake designs. Maybe you have spent weeks flicking through wedding magazines, pouring over Pinterest or searching online for ideas.

But, before you start googling for the perfect hair and make up artist, centrepieces or that exotic honeymoon destination, we suggest that you secure your wedding ceremony and reception locations first.

Did you know that some of the most popular wedding locations book out 12 to 18 months in advance? You don’t want to miss out on your dream location only because someone else booked it first. After all, there is no point in finding an ideal showcase piece that you cannot show off properly.

Once you have secured your location, only then should you start looking at how to decorate the space.

An example of a reception space (360 photo courtesy of Simply 360 – 360 photo, video and virtual tours)

We have seen couples come to us with a list of items they have either already booked or have their hearts set on having, only to find out that they have not secured a space or worse, their items don’t fit in the space. You should also check what is and is not allowed in the space. You don’t want to design your decorations around candles only to find out that you cannot have real candles in that space.

So to save yourself any headaches and lost deposits, we recommend using a professional service like us to locate and secure your ideal venue. If you prefer to do it yourself, make sure that you research and secure your wedding locations before you run off planning the finer details for your wedding. We also have a ceremony set-up option so check it out.

Until next time Happy Planning.

Do you have a favourite ceremony or venue space? If you did book (or are looking at now) how long did you have to book in advance to secure the location / venue? Let us know and join the discussion down below 🙂

Wedding Planing With Stephanie

This is part of a fortnightly vlog (video series) to help couples through their wedding planning journey. Be sure to subscribe to our You Tube channel or FaceBook Page for regular updates and future episodes. Click here for a list of all of the episodes in the Wedding Planning Advice Vlog series.

Planning With Your Man

If you are reading this then chances are you are currently planning your wedding (congratulations!). Chances are that your significant other does not share the same level of enthusiasm, not as involved as you like or just doesn’t seem to care. Well I actually have some good news, he IS interested and DOES want to contribute but might feel a little lost or overwhelmed. We are here today to help you through the process of planning with your man.

Traditionally it is the bride who takes the reigns for organising the wedding. Like it or not, women and men are wired differently. If you read our post about how genetically women have a keener eye for detail it helps explain a few things. Depending on your man, you relationship and how much control you are willing to give up will determine his involvement. I took some time to speak to some of our past and current clients regarding the process and they were happy to share some helpful hints of how to get your man to contribute more.

Planning With Your Man

This is not to say that all men will not be interested as it varies quite a bit. In fact at time of writing this blog I met with a potential client whose husband-to-be was probably more interested in the wedding than any other man I had met. We were discussing the logistics, family, food, colours and much more. He was very involved with spreadsheets and asking questions at all our catch up meetings.

As mentioned earlier, that most men are happy to contribute and in some ways wish they could contribute more. The trick is to identify the following:

Strengths

Planning with your man can be easy if you play to his strengths. This is done with  stuff he is good at, such as drawing/singing, keeping budget or an excellent people person. This can make your wedding unique with maybe a surprise solo from the groom that takes everyone’s breath away. Maybe he’s great at keeping to budget, you don’t want to pay thousands more than you have to. Perhaps he can help with seating arrangements and know where to put that tricky guest. Hone in on his strengths to your advantage and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Weaknesses

Perhaps he is bad at being organised, keeping on time or just doesn’t get colour. Identify things early on so that you do not scare him off. I have seen brides give tasks to their significant other in the hopes it will ‘help them grow’. Please note that your wedding day is NOT the day for this. While your intentions are good he may freak out or not handle things and drop the ball. He could otherwise be doing tasks to his full potential and may surprise you.

Hobbies

Such as cars, TV shows or sports are a great ways to get him involved. He already enjoys these things and this lets him shine through his passions. If your man is a car guy let him arrange the getaway car (with your requirements of course). He could enjoy working with wood and can create personalised table decorations. Recently we had a couple who let her husband influence their wedding with his passion for all things Star Trek and it worked tastefully well as she got the country rustic style she was hoping for and he got to get his Trek on! One great option where the man will definitely be interested is to create a signature cocktail.

Personal Style

You know your husband-to-be better than most and as such if you know of his personal preference for something and try to work it in. It could be something simple as his favourite colour or perhaps his favourite spot (to have the ceremony there or wedding photos taken). They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach so let one of his favourite dishes be on the menu.

Happy wife, happy life
Happy wife, happy life

Planning With Your Partner

When it comes to planning your wedding, planning with your partner and how to work together with them is high on the list. So much so we even made it part of our vlog series on wedding planning advice. Check out the video below or go to our YouTube channel to check it out.

So if you are stuck thinking of how to get him involved have a think of what he likes, what he is good or what sparks his interest and think how he can get more involved. Worst case after brainstorming ideas and still no interest from him… you can plan the day YOU want. Maybe just being with you and seeing you happy is enough for him.

Are you having trouble planning with your man? Have you found anything that has helped to get him involved? Join the discussion down below 🙂

Wedding Season – Is Real, Not A Myth!

Congratulations you have just gotten engaged and there is a good chance that one or some of your friends may have gotten engaged as well. Co-coincidence or maybe there is something more to it? Maybe it was the start of Wedding Season?

Many people say that ‘Wedding Season’ is a myth but there is a really easy way to prove this. Generally, it starts in January because the majority of proposals happen late December. While there is no official way to keep track of this officially, there are some tell-tale signs and a couple of easy ways to prove this.

There is a very interesting read that came out on Facebook here (https://www.facebook.com/business/news/engaged-people-on-facebook)

Does Wedding Season Exist?!?!?!

When Is Wedding Season

For a long time, Valentines Day was the most popular day to propose for a very long time. However, in recent times the most popular day has actually become Christmas Eve followed by Christmas, New Year’s Eve and finally Valentine’s Day. The reason? Too many people felt it has become to cliché or obvious (thus ruining the surprise).

Christmas is a time when people come together to be with family. This way he can pop the question with just you two and share it with everyone else the next day. Also, New Year’s Eve is a time of new beginnings. Why not start the year with some bling.

Everyone Loves Numbers And Graphs

Once you have been proposed to, you enter into a whole other sphere of getting into the wedding planning itself. Let’s start by using our good friend Google. I went to Google trends and put in the search term “wedding” over the past 4 years. What came back was some very predictable (almost heartbeat like) results. I ranged it from January 2012 to December 2015 to make it as up to date as possible.

Trending Wedding Season Chart Graph
Trending Wedding Season Chart Graph CHECKED

Without boring everyone with numbers and if you bear with me you will notice that year in year out this is what happens. January starts off the strongest (due to people getting proposed) then after the initial excitement of your new proposal wares off it dips till around March when brides start searching and planning their wedding, getting ideas, going to expos and so on.

It will slowly increase until around July. It’s at this stage that most brides generally have everything sorted and slow down for wedding ideas. Then around August till December is when the majority of weddings happen. Then January comes around and BANG, wedding season starts all over again.

So is this a good thing, a bad thing? Truth is its fine and doesn’t matter if you were proposed to in December, Valentines Day or any other day as long as it is important to you. So wedding season is entirely provable!

Did your significant other propose to you during wedding season? If so what day was it? Do you find that your friends get proposed to during this time of the year? Let us know your thoughts and join the discussion 🙂

The World Of Men & Colours

When I speak to clients about their colour scheme, one of the more common issues we face when discussing colours is that the bride will be at the ball, but the groom will not have a clue what turquoise, grape or cayenne are. There is a couple of reason for this (and how to work around them). Today we will be discussing the mysterious world of Men & Colours.

The World Of Men & Colours

Men Are More Visual

The simple fact is that men are visual, which means that we need to SEE it to understand it. Compared to women who are statistically more auditory. As a man, I know what the colour blue looks like but I don’t see it when you say “Imagine the powder blue bow tie on the black tux”, I understand what you mean but I cannot picture it no matter how hard I try.

Men and Colours Man WTF Confused
Men and women think differently

The solution for this is very simple and will save many arguments or the “he just said yes because he didn’t understand”. It is much easier for me to go down to a shop and see what they look like, or go online to do an image search to get an understanding.

The X Factor

The other issue is that men do not see the wide variety of tones that women do. When I was getting married, my now-wife and I were choosing our wedding theme and colours. She presented me with a few colour options such as plum, salmon and teal. As a typical male, I sat there, scratched my head and said: “What kind of colours are those?”. 

She showed me a colour chart, and I said: “Ahh Purple, pink and blue”. She shook her head and said, “No, they are plum, salmon and teal”. Both sexes, are very different and can lead to arguments.

The simple fact is that the male brain is wired differently to females and our perceptions of colours are vastly different. While men and women see the same spectrum of colours, men generally clump that spectrum into roughly seven colours. However, women, on the other hand, will see upwards of 20 different colours.

Without getting too technical here is a simple science lesson, the reason for this is purely in regards to genetics.

The X chromosome allows us to perceive the colour red and women have 2 of them. As a result, women are able to see more tones of red and distinguish between them better. Men have an X and Y chromosome and as a result, while we can see red, just not as articulate as a woman’s eye. As a result, across the spectrum, colours are more clumped together in a male’s brain.

How To Find Out Your Future Husbands Favourite Colour

So how do you find out your husband’s favourite colour? Do not fret there is a simple solution. While men might mentally group colours more so than women, we are still able to see the same colours. After a slightly colourful argument with my fiancée (pun intended), she asked me what colour I like, and I replied ‘Green’.

I went to the fridge and pulled out a beer, pointed to it and said “This green”. With a sigh of relief, she replied “emerald green”. After that, it was plain sailing from that point onward. If you are having any issues trying to find the right colour with him, ask him to show you. Ask for an example in the house, online or when you are out and about. Just don’t throw 1,000 colour pallets at him and overload him (that’s a topic for next time).

While these techniques seem very simple, they will save you from having arguments and understanding how to use these techniques for men & colours to keep everything easy and smooth.

Check out the video below about planning with your partner, which is part of our vlog series on wedding planning. Check out the link about planning with your partner on YouTube.

When you decide to give Pink Caviar Events a call, and we start to discuss options with your husband, rest assured we know how to articulate exactly what you want while also communicating to your future husband in a way he understands. This leads to your ideal wedding, and you are both on the same page. Contact us today to see how we can bring wedding planning harmony to you and your man.

Men & Colours – Your Man Your Way With Him

The above advice was about men in general on how they operate and see the world. Your man is unique, and you know him best (hence why you are marrying him.

If you have a technique that works then stick with it, but if there are some ideas up above that may help them feel free to add it to your repertoire. What is great about this advice is that it will help you long into your marriage and create better harmony as you can understand him a little better.

Do you have any tips/advice we did not mention? Do you think you could incorporate some of these ideas with your man? Let us know down below and join the discussion 🙂

Empowering Leap Year Proposal: Discovering the Origins and Significance of Women Proposing to Men

A leap year proposal has become a popular tradition in recent times, with many women taking the opportunity to propose to their partners on February 29th. The origin of this tradition is shrouded in mystery, but there are many fascinating stories and legends associated with it.

Some say that it dates back to the fifth century when St. Bridget of Ireland complained to St. Patrick about women having to wait for men to propose. Others believe that it was a law passed by Queen Margaret of Scotland in the 13th century, which allowed women to propose to men on leap year day.

Whatever the origin may be, the leap year proposal tradition has become a symbol of empowerment and gender equality. It gives women the chance to take the initiative and make their feelings known, regardless of societal norms or gender roles.

If you’re thinking about popping the question this leap year, go for it! You never know, it might just be the start of a beautiful journey together.

At Pink Caviar Events, we firmly believe that the idea of a leap year proposal should not be restricted to just one day every four years. If a woman feels ready and wants to propose to her partner, any day of the year is the perfect time to do so.

However, there is no denying the charm and allure of a leap year proposal. It adds an extra element of surprise and excitement to the proposal, making it even more memorable. That’s why we wanted to delve deeper into the history and significance of the leap year proposal tradition.

By understanding its roots, we hope to inspire more women to take the leap and propose to their partners, whether it’s on February 29th or any other day of the year.

Empowering Leap Year Proposal: Discovering the Origins and Significance of Women Proposing to Men

There are a couple of theories behind this, but the most popular one dates back to Ireland. Saint Brigid of Kildare had asked Saint Patrick for permission for women to be allowed to propose to their suitors. This is the same Saint Patrick, who is the Patron Saint of Ireland. It is the same Saint Patrick we dress up for in green clothes and go out to have a Guinness.

Saint Brigid had asked because there was a rising complaint that men were not proposing to their girlfriends. The main reason was that they were apparently ‘too shy’ to ask. Initially, Saint Patrick had allowed for women to propose once every seven years. Brigid did not think this was good enough and had asked to make it every leap year.

The next course of the event’s come under speculation. It was said that when the law changed, and women could propose every leap year, Brigid had gone down on one knee and proposed to Saint Patrick Himself. However, she was refused by him.

The legend goes that he bent over and kissed her on the cheek to let her down gently. He also offered her a silk gown to ease the rejection. As a result, the Irish tradition, therefore, dictates that any man refusing a woman’s leap-day proposal must give her a silk gown.

Queen Margaret and leap year proposal

The story of Queen Margaret of Scotland and the red petticoat is a fascinating one. Legend has it that the queen was concerned about the plight of young women who were too shy to propose to their partners.

So, she decreed that on leap year day, women could propose to men, but they had to wear a red petticoat as a sign of their intention. The red petticoat was meant to be a warning to men that they might be proposed to, and they should be prepared for the possibility.

The idea caught on quickly, and it became a widespread tradition in Scotland and other parts of Europe. Today, the red petticoat is no longer necessary, but the idea of proposing on leap year day still holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Whether you choose to propose with a red petticoat or not, the most important thing is to follow your heart and take the leap if you’re ready to spend the rest of your life with the one you love.

Other Theories

The tradition of the 12 pairs of gloves is believed to have originated in the 19th century and was popular in countries such as France, Italy, and Denmark. It was seen as a way to level the playing field between men and women when it came to proposing marriage.

In those days, a woman proposing marriage was considered taboo and frowned upon. So, by imposing a penalty on the man for refusing the proposal, it was believed that he would think twice before turning down the woman’s offer.

While the 12 pairs of gloves might seem like an odd penalty by today’s standards, it was a sign of the times and the social norms of the day. Today, however, women proposing to men is widely accepted, and the penalty of gloves has fallen out of favour.

But the idea of proposing on leap year day still holds a special place in the hearts of many, and it remains a cherished tradition for those who want to take the plunge and pop the question.

As we have said before, we believe that any man/woman can propose to whomever they choose, whenever they choose. But at least you now know where the tradition comes from and have a few days to prepare.

If you would like a hand with your proposal, contact us – your Sydney wedding planner specialists and stylists. If you are serious about asking your man’s hand in marriage, then here is your chance. That being said… it is only a few days away 😉

Did you see someone propose on the leap year day? Are you planning to propose in 2020 or figure its too soon? Do you think the traditions are too archaic or this tradition is fine? Join the discussion below and let us know your thoughts 🙂

Why Hire Wedding Planners to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Creating a beautiful and memorable wedding is no easy task. The level of detail and organisation that goes into crafting the theme, arranging the right vendors and choosing the best entertainment can seem like it requires an advanced degree. Understandably, some brides get to a point where they lose it! So why hire wedding planners? When brides hire wedding planners, they can not only prevent a bridal meltdown, but the relationship can also lead to an even better event than you could possibly imagine.

Why Hire Wedding Planners to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Why hire wedding planners: A black-and-white photo of a bride facing the door.

Starting Out With A Wedding Planner

You may have had your whole wedding planned in minute detail since you were five and a half. It may seem like you don’t need to hire wedding planners. But you may need a wedding planner more than most people! Making sure that the day goes off without a hitch is the primary job of the wedding planner.

Hiring wedding planners can be a game-changer, especially when it comes to dealing with the stress that inevitably comes with wedding planning. With a wedding planner, you can have peace of mind knowing that all the details, whether big and small, are being taken care of by someone who has the expertise, skills, and experience to make your dream wedding a reality. From choosing the perfect venue to creating a stunning floral arrangement, a wedding planner can handle every aspect of your wedding planning process. They can also help you stick to your budget and find the best vendors who can provide the services you need.

Pink Caviar Events, the wedding planners based in Sydney, pride themselves on offering bespoke and personalised services that cater to each couple’s unique style and preferences. By collaborating with a professional wedding planner, you can ensure that your wedding day is everything you’ve always imagined and more. So why not make your life easier and let a wedding planner take the reins while you enjoy your engagement and look forward to your big day?

What Does the Wedding Planner Do?

Well, a little bit of everything! A wedding planner serves in whatever way the bride wishes. Some brides need a sounding board to generate creative ideas. The Sydney wedding planner team at Pink Caviar Events love to brainstorm. No matter what vision you have for your wedding, the wedding planners in Sydney have relationships that bring the best Sydney wedding vendors together at amazing prices.

Why Hire Wedding Planners: A photo of a bride crying.
Why Hire Wedding Planners

Staying in touch as the bride goes through the wedding planning process is part of the Sydney wedding planner’s job. As planners, we are contactable by phone, text and email. Those 2 am panic attacks are put to rest quickly when there is a professional wedding planner on the other end of the phone, anticipating your every need.

On the day of the big event, the wedding planner is something of a stage manager. Sometimes called “bride slaves”, the wedding planner’s job is to take all the pressure off the bride! The wedding planner Sydney values most make sure that everything is just right and goes to plan. Coordinating vendors, being prepared for minor emergencies and helping get everyone where they’re supposed to be on time. That’s the day of the wedding planner while the bride’s day is in a fairy tale she’s always dreamed of being her wedding day!

Wedding Planners Cost Money!

Of course, professionals expect to be paid for their expertise! Contrary to popular belief, wedding planners can save couples money on their wedding day budget. The partnerships with vendors, venues, caterers and entertainers that a Sydney wedding planner brings to the table are worth cold hard cash! Couples generally save money when they partner with a professional and experienced wedding planner like Pink Caviar Events. This is because we have so much to offer in savings and you no longer need to ask yourself “Why hire wedding planners”!

8 Reasons to Hire Planners to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

Here are some of the reasons to hire wedding planners to make your wedding unforgettable:

1. Expertise and experience

Wedding planners are well-experienced professionals in the industry. They have planned and organised various weddings, and their expertise ensures that every detail is checked. Starting from the initial consultation to the final farewell, a professional wedding planner handles every aspect, ensuring a well-organised and successful wedding event.

2. Stress Reduction

Planning and preparing a wedding can be a challenging and stressful process in the long run, especially for couples with busy schedules or limited experience in event management. Opting to hire a wedding planner can help with all these responsibilities, allowing couples to enjoy the journey to their wedding day. A seasoned wedding planner serves as the couple’s support system, handling every aspect of the wedding with perfection.

3. Time-Saving

Arranging a wedding requires significant time and effort, which may be challenging when you have other responsibilities to attend to. When you hire wedding planners, you free up so much time as they handle all the time-consuming roles. They handle all the tasks, which allows couples to spend quality time with each other and their loved ones before their big day.

4. Extensive Vendor Network

With years of experience, wedding planners have already established strong relationships with a wide network of reputable and reliable vendors. They can immediately recommend top-tier professionals who match your vision and budget. With a wedding planner’s extensive connections, they can secure the best deals and packages for you so that you can get the best value for your money.

5. Personalisation and creativity

Every couple dreams of a personalised and unique wedding that reflects their love story. Working closely with a wedding planner who understands your vision, style, and preferences ensures that your wedding dream will be realised. With their years of experience, these wedding planners have lots of creative ideas to design your wedding, bringing your dreams to life. They ensure to give the couple and their guests an unforgettable wedding experience.

6. Problem Solvers

Unexpected challenges may pop up while planning and preparing for your wedding day. And if you don’t want to get stressed while waiting for your big day, opting to hire wedding planners is the best option. A skilled and seasoned wedding planner is always prepared to handle any issues that come their way. They are fast thinkers and can easily look for solutions to any issues, ensuring that your wedding runs smoothly. Knowing that any issues will be expertly handled by your wedding planner, you can relax and enjoy your wedding.

7. Budget Management

Hiring an experienced wedding planner can actually help you manage your budget. They are helpful in setting a realistic budget based on your vision, style, and priorities. They can also recommend some cost-effective alternatives and negotiate with vendors to ensure you stay within your allocated budget while still achieving your dream wedding.

8. Meticulous attention to detail

The majority of well-experienced wedding planners have strong attention to details, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding is never overlooked. These wedding planners ensure to take care of everything about your wedding, even the small details. Their meticulous approach ensures that you’ll experience an unforgettable wedding celebration.

5 Factors to Consider Before Hiring Wedding Planners to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable

1. Check your budget

Before searching for a seasoned wedding planner, it is vital for couples to check and determine their wedding budget. Every wedding planner offers different services and packages at varying price points. It is important for you to be clear about how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding and look for a planner who can work within your budget.

2. Check experience and portfolio

When checking for potential wedding planners, make sure to check and review their portfolio. You can browse the previous weddings and events they handle and check if there are any that match your preferences. Remember that experienced wedding planners often have a diverse portfolio, displaying their skills and expertise in handling various types of weddings.

3. Check Compatibility

Choose a wedding planner with whom you feel comfortable and compatible. Remember that this person will play an important part in your wedding journey, so make sure to pick someone you feel comfortable sharing your ideas with. It is better to schedule a meeting or consultation with the planner first so that you can check and assess if they are someone you’re comfortable communicating with.

4. Check Services Offered

Make sure to check the type of services a wedding planner has to offer before hiring them. Take note that some planners offer full-service planning, while others only offer day-of coordination or partial planning. 

5. Your vision and style

Lastly, ensure to look for a wedding planner who understands and respects your wedding’s vision and style. A top-notch wedding planner will work closely with you to bring all your dreams and ideas to life, rather than imposing their own ideas and preferences.

If you are looking for more wedding planning advice, check out our Wedding Planning Vlog on our YouTube channel.

Have you considered a wedding planner for you wedding? 

Event Hire Now Available Across Sydney – Centrepieces, Ceremony Items & More!

Starting TODAY, we have launched our new Events Hire Range here at Pink Caviar Events. Due to popular demand, you can now custom hire the specific elements for your wedding without the full need of one of our events stylists. With our ever-growing and diverse event hire range, we are sure to have something that will be the perfect addition for your event. No event is too big or too small. We cater for private parties, birthdays, corporate events, engagements and weddings, kitchen teas, conferences, christenings and more.

Sydney Event Hire Now Available At Pink Caviar Events

White Bridal Thrones

Speaking to our clients over the past couple of years, many wanted to hire specific decorative items for their event without the need of our stylists. They already had a great vision and we happen to have the perfect item to make it complete. As a result the event hire section was created. There is a huge ever growing list of of items available for you to choose from.

Our Range Is Always Growing

Take a look at some of the things we have on offer in our decorative event hire section:

  • Centrepieces & Table Decorations – make your table decorations stand out with plenty of range to match your colour, themes, style and budget. If you are looking for some impressive take decorations or bling for your wedding or corporate event? Take a look at our range of charger plates, gold cutlery, tea lights and more.
  • Ceremony Items – in some cases, you only need items for your ceremony to give it that final touch and make it complete. With a wide selection of chairs, arches, arbours, red carpet, decorative florals & drink stations available.
  • Furniture – Sometimes the furniture at the reception venue does not match your style/theme. We have a wide selection of impressive thrones, couches, bridal party chairs, Tiffany chairs, rustic barrels barrel bars and other custom hire furniture items.
  • Table Cloths & Sashes – The finishing touch to any event is often the chair covers and sashes. We have an impressive array of chair covers, sashes (satin, organza and lycra), table runners and speciality tablecloths of all shapes sizes and colours. We are sure to have something that meets your vision.
  • Additional Hire Items – It’s the little things that make an event special. It is also those little things that make someone go “oh I wish I had that” or “forgot to get one of those”. Those ‘little things’ are things such as wishing wells, seating charts, backdrops and our impressive white thrones.
  • Much more available – be sure to check out our full range.

Combine Hire Items With Our Existing Services

We offer the ability to source professional advice and decorative event hire from the same place. Why not make an appointment to come to our consultation studio and plan your dream event. If you like a specific item, you can also utilise one of our other existing services. You can combine one of our traditional services. Services such as our styling services, wedding/event coordinators or photo booths to add some fun to your wedding/corporate event. Who says you can’t have everything, well now you can!

Always Something New

You may have come to our page months ago to check out and see what is available. We are always on the lookout for new and exciting items for any wedding or corporate event, so do not forget to bookmark this page. That said, we also have a vast array of traditional event hire items in our range. Traditional and classic are timeless for a reason, and you will also find them here at Pink Caviar Events.

Feel free to check out our hire range and have a look around amongst our other traditional services. Be sure to check out our official Facebook Page for examples of our work and how our items can help to make your event look AMAZING! Contact us today to see how we can turn your wedding or corporate event/function into something spectacular.

Are there any hire items you would like to see in our store? Is there anything you are looking to hire for your event? Let us know down below and join the discussion below in the comments section 🙂

Children at Weddings – Vlog

Are you considering having an adult only or child friendly wedding? Check out some tips from a pro below on how to or not to include children at weddings:

Children at Weddings

When it comes to the topic of Children at wedding, this is one we are often asked about. They want to include their families but at the same time, not have to worry about people leaving early or screaming children during their ceremony.

Here are a few of our suggestions on children at weddings. We hope they help you to decide what is best for your special day. Bear in mind that these will depend on your family situation and wedding location.

Our suggestions when it comes to children at weddings:

  1. No children rule 

    This is for those who want an adult only wedding with no children interruptions. This could depend on the location and could have good and bad outcomes. First of all, you may have an uninterrupted ceremony and a reception where parents can let their hair down. At the same time, this could offend some of your other guests. This is because you have excluded their children by not begin able to attend. Also causing dramas by having them arrange a babysitter.

 

  1. Immediate family children only

    May assist you in limiting the number of children at your wedding. There will always be someone who will complain that their children were not invited.

 

  1. Children permitted at the Reception Only 

    This will allow you and your partner to say your vows in front of family and friends and not have to worry about children screaming, crying or running around.

 

  1. Arrange for a wedding nanny/babysitter or children entertainment

    As a result, this option will keep the little ones busy and occupied. Parents will be able to enjoy your wedding knowing that their children are being looked after. This is all while still being able to check in on them.

Walking on the beach on your wedding day

These are just a few suggestions for you. We have another article from our wedding planning blog that relates to having children at a wedding. Furthermore, if you do decide to have children at your wedding, we can also arrange what we call Children goodie bags. These goodie bags are presented in a branded canvas bag. They are a take-home souvenir of your wedding day. They contain items like activity books, pencils, stickers and toys to help keep the kids busy on the night.

Another option is to use one of our on the day coordinators, to ensure the day runs smoothly. Your coordinator can also be the main point of contact for any children based activities, entertainers and/or wedding nanny.

Until next time, Happy Planning!

Are you allowing children at your wedding or having an adults-only wedding? If you are having children at your wedding, are you looking at using a wedding nanny? Are you organising children actives to keep them occupied? Let us know and join the discussion down below 🙂

Wedding Planning Vlog With Stephanie

This is part of a fortnightly vlog (video series) to help couples through their wedding planning journey. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel or Facebook Page for regular updates and future episodes. Click here for a list of all of the episodes in the Wedding Planning Advice Vlog series.

Maid Of Honour Duties

Congratulations you have just been giving the honour of being a maid / matron of honour (or you are a bride seeing what the duties entails). There are many assumptions about the modern day maid of honour duties. This can vary considerably depending on the culture, social attitudes and so on. In fact some movies will have you believe that you almost have to fly to the moon and back just to appease some brides.

Today we will be looking at what is genuinely expected as a bridesmaid in Australia. While it will vary depending on the culture and attitudes, we are going off what we have seen and worked with here in Australia.

List Of Maid of Honour Duties

Bridesmaid helping the bride on the wedding day with her shoes

Coordinate The Other Bridesmaids

Although this may seem simple, bridesmaids will have different opinions and attitudes. It is your job to keep them all in check and coordinate with then should they have any specific duties. In some instances, you may have to respectfully remind them that they are here for the bride and that this day it is not all about them.

Help Shop For The Wedding Dress

While the bride’s mother generally goes along to help shop for the wedding dress, so does the matron of honour/maid of honour. One of the top bridesmaid duties is to help the bride choose her dress. Please keep in mind that the dress is about the brides tastes and what best suits her. Many family and friends will always interject what THEY want her to wear, but it is your job to be the voice of reason and back up the bride if needed.

Assist With Pre-Wedding Tasks

Sometimes being a maid of honour/matron of honour is like being a personal assistant. While you are not expected to run around like one of our brideslaves, it is implied that you help with errands for the bride as she will return the favour when it is your turn to get married.

Spread Wedding Information To Guests (If Required)

Through the use of email, text, social media and so on you can spread the details of the wedding and share information with other guests. While you may not know everyone, you can do your best to repeat and confirm the bride’s information, so everyone is aware of any changes and to avoid confusion.

Help The Bride Change Clothes (If Required)

One of the more customary bridesmaid duties which goes all the way back to ancient times is to help the bride get dressed on her wedding day. Those delicate and massive dresses can definitely use a hand (or two) to get into it. One of the other maid of honour duties is to help her get out of her wedding dress and changed into reception attire (if need be). In some cases help her with a speedy exit to the airport for the honeymoon to get her out of the dress and into something comfortable.

Be The Rock & Emotional Support

It is not every day a person gets married. While many brides and grooms are excited, some are scared. Your job is the be there for them emotionally should it be needed. She will come to you as you are her best friend and will require that support from you more than anyone else.

Plan The Bridal Shower & Hens Party

Perhaps the more fun duties is that you are to help coordinate with planning the bridal shower. You also have the fun of organising the hens’ party with the other bridesmaids. One suggestion is to keep the brides tastes in mind, you might like certain things but she may not. Try to plan the party this way, and you will keep the bride happy.

Keep The Brides Attire In Order

You may not realise this, but brides dresses are big and long…. They can be very big and very very long. During the festivities, it is part of your bridesmaid duty to make sure it does not get in her or anyone’s way. Try to make sure it does not get dirty and make sure it is positioned nicely for when she walks down the aisle (as well as for photos).

Hold the Bouquet When The Couple Exchanges Vows

The bride will be busy exchanging vows (and rings), holding hands and performing the ritual of committing to her partner in life. She will need her hands to be free. You will need to hold the bouquet for her during this time.

Collect Gift / Envelopes If There is Any Issue With The Gift Table (Optional)

In some cases, people forget to put their gift on the gift table or for whatever reason are unable to. You must collect the gifts and add them to the table. At the end of the night assist the bride and grooms parents with the collection of the gifts to make sure they go safely into the right hands.

Speak At The Wedding (Optional / If Required)

While traditionally the maid of honour/matron of honour does not need to do a speech, it has become quite a common sight to see them present one. The speech is either done alone, with other members of the bridal party or as a performance of a song/dance with (or for) the bride at the reception. Check out our Maid Of Honour Speech Guide for tips on how to write a great speech.

Witness & Sign The Marriage Certificate

One special duty is to witness the bride and groom sign their marriage licence and also be a signatory. To sign this document is very personal and considered a personal and high honour.

Stand In The Receiving Line

When the wedding ceremony is over, you need to stand next to the groom in the order of procession to welcome the guests and the wedding. Please note that this is sometimes optional as it is on a wedding per wedding basis. The vast majority of the time it is just the wedding couple and their parents. In many instances, the bridal party are required to join in. Traditionally the full order list is:

  • Bride
  • Groom
  • Maid Of Honour / Matron Of Honour <- You Stand here
  • Best Man
  • Bridesmaid #1
  • Groomsman #1
  • Bridesmaid #2
  • Groomsman #2
  • Brides Mother
  • Brides Father
  • Grooms Mother
  • Grooms Father

Make Sure The Bride Eats (Highly Recommended)

Did you know that the vast majority of brides do not eat on their wedding day until they sit down at their reception at 7 p.m.? Some brides faint as a result and this is not good for them. Sit them down and make sure they get plenty of fluids and eat something during the day. You could also order a bridal party hamper to make your life easier and have something substantial for the bride and the bridal party.

Dance With The Best Man During The First-Dance Sequence

It is customary for the bride and groom to dance the first dance together at the reception. Then traditionally the maid of honour/matron of honour will dance with the best man. The rest of the bridal party will follow and then all the other guests will join in.

The List Of Maid Of Honour Duties

If there is one bridesmaid duty/maid of honour duties above all else, it is to be there for the bride. While this role of maid of honour has been glamorised as fun, it is essential for the bride. Just be there and be the support she needs.

Check out our blog about the olden times and the dangerous duties of the bridal party. Find out where some of these duties came from and be glad of some of the things you no longer have to do!

What are your thoughts about the bridesmaid/maid of honour duties? Do you feel we left anything off this list? Join The Discussion and let us know in the comments below 🙂

On The Day Coordinators – Your Ultimate Wedding Day Partner for Seamless Celebrations

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to coordinating all the details on the big day. This is where on the day coordinators or wedding coordinators come in. These experienced professionals can manage and coordinate all aspects of your wedding day, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and you can enjoy your special day without any unnecessary stress.

By hiring on the day coordinators at the beginning of your wedding planning journey, you can benefit from their expertise and guidance throughout the process. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations on vendors, venues, and other aspects of the wedding planning process, making sure that your wedding day is a success from start to finish.

So if you want to make sure that your wedding day is unforgettable and stress-free, consider hiring on the day coordinators to help you plan your dream wedding.

On The Day Coordinators – Your Ultimate Wedding Day Partner for Seamless Celebrations

The difficulty that many brides face is balancing the desire to enjoy their one and only wedding day. This is balanced against the desire to provide those in attendance with the most amazingly great time they can remember. Being the bride doesn’t always fit well with being the event planner. Many brides have come to this conclusion.

Those who have ended up stressed out and tired are not really enjoying their own wedding. This is mainly due to the fact that they have had to be the ones running around, checking and fixing things. Smarter brides have determined that they can’t do everything at the same time. They have hired an on the day coordinator to put their minds at ease.

Having the right team on hand is crucial when it comes to planning your wedding. Trying to do it all alone can be overwhelming, especially when you’re also the bride. Even with the help of family and friends, there’s just too much to oversee. This is where Pink Caviar Events’ on the day coordinators come in, adding value to your team with a magical mix of personality traits, skills, and connections.

With your dedicated wedding coordinator, you won’t have to worry about assembling the necessary ingredients for the perfect wedding. Your coordinator will be there to make sure everything mixes properly and at the right time.

They will use the agenda or schedule for the day as orders to dictate who goes where, when and how. This will ensure that vendors who need to set up before the event will be in place on time and that deliveries will happen on schedule.

Your on the day coordinators will oversee all the details, from the schedule of events to the guests, vendors, food, and photos. With their help, you can enjoy your special day without having to worry about any of the logistics. They will ensure that everything runs smoothly and that any issues are resolved before they become problems. At Pink Caviar Events, we believe that having an on the day coordinator is essential to ensuring that your wedding day is perfect.

On The Day Coordinators Fix Problems Before They Happen

On the day coordinators play a crucial role in ensuring your wedding day runs smoothly. They are responsible for overseeing every detail, from managing vendors to dealing with any last-minute issues that may arise. With their experience and expertise, on the day coordinators can provide peace of mind to both you and your partner, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

One of the key benefits of on the day coordinators is their ability to fix problems before they even happen. They have a keen eye for detail and are quick to identify any potential issues that may arise. By being proactive and addressing these issues in advance, they can prevent any disruptions from interfering with your wedding day. This leaves you with the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the festivities and enjoy the company of your loved ones.

In addition to problem-solving, on the day coordinators also serve as the go-to person for any questions or concerns that arise on the day of the wedding. They act as the quarterback of the event, ensuring that everyone involved is on the same page and that everything runs like clockwork. With an on the day coordinator by your side, you can rest assured that you are in good hands and that your wedding day will be a memorable and stress-free experience.

Check out our vlog series on wedding planning to get you started or check it out down below (or comment below) 🙂

10 Tips for Planning a Stand Out Event

Events all require a fair bit of planning, but it all comes down to execution if you want to plan and host a stand-out event. When event planning, here is our team’s list of ten key tips that will make event management even easier for you!

10 Tips for Planning a Stand Out Event

Before anything else, figure out what you want your event to achieve. This will help you to focus on the most important details- like choosing the right location or crafting a killer agenda. Keep it fresh. When planning an event, it’s important to keep things interesting for your guests.

stand out event management sydney

1. Start event planning early

Get a head start on event planning, so you have all the best options available to you. If you start months in advance, you know that you’ll have a lot of the best options available to you and ready to go.

Don’t wait until the last minute to get started on event planning; start early and plan each step of the way. This will help ensure that everything goes according to plan and that your guests have a great time!

Prioritise what needs to be done and when so that everything runs smoothly. Try to keep your timeline as close to actual execution as possible in order to avoid any last-minute surprises or cancellations.

2. Budget wisely!

The next big thing should always be your budget. How much is your company willing to spend? What can you realistically get for that money? Are there areas where you can pull back so you can pull more resources for another aspect? Staying within the budget is one of the most important steps for having a stand out event.

Ensure you keep costs in mind while planning your stand out event, as it is important to avoid overspending on unnecessary items. A little bit of forethought can go a long way in ensuring your stand out event is affordable and enjoyable for everyone involved!

3. Create a vision for the event

What are you celebrating? What do you hope participants will take away after the event has ended? Once you consider those questions, you should settle on a theme. That will guide the physical appearance of the event as well.

Not every company or event is going to be the same, so it’s important to have a vision for what you want your stand out event to look like. From décor to music selection, make sure that all of your ideas are reflected in your plan.

4. Hire an event planner or event coordinator

When planning a stand out event, it’s important to involve all the right people in order to make it successful. From the management team down to your employees, getting everyone on board is key to a successful event. Hiring an event planner or coordinator can take the stress and heavy lifting off of your shoulders.

Not only will this help with event planning, but it can also help keep your guests entertained and on task. Having a designated person to handle everything from set up to pack down will save you time and money in the long run!

Getting the help of a professional will help things run more smoothly, and they can cover aspects of things you may not even think to consider. Outsourcing your events to a seasoned event producer can help you to try new ideas and stay innovative to ensure that people keep coming back year after year!

5. Make use of technology and social media!

Utilise technology at every turn. Create social media hashtags. You could even consider having an app made if the event warrants such a thing.

From iPads in the hands of guests to live streaming capabilities, technology can be a huge asset when planning a stand out event. Not only can you keep everyone up-to-date on what’s happening throughout the night, but you can also use technology to create engaging experiences for your guests that they won’t want to miss out on!

For the people who couldn’t come/didn’t come, you have a chance to show them what a great time they missed.

Social media is also a great, free promotional tool. Whether you’re getting the word out about your stand out event or showing highlights after it’s over, posting about your upcoming event on all of your preferred networks will generate interest and ensure that everyone knows about it and will look forward to the next time.

Working on Laptop Phone on Desk

6. X Factor element

If your event allows for it, bring in someone well-known to give your stand out event an extra edge. Whether it be a memorable entertainer or a respected speaker, having something like this will make the event more memorable.

From simple things like table decorations to more elaborate setups, using props and scenery can really take an event up a notch. Not only is it fun for guests, but it can also help to set the tone for the night.

7. Keep an open mind and plan for contingencies

Sometimes change is key to making a stand out event successful. If there’s something that you’ve been considering but haven’t had the chance to try, take the plunge and go with it! Just make sure that everyone knows about your plans in advance so that they’re not left out in the cold when it comes to surprises.

No matter how well you plan, there will always be slight changes that need to be made along the way. That’s why having a contingency plan in place is so important. Have a list of potential changes that you may need to make (like last-minute cancellations), and have someone on hand who can make those changes quickly and smoothly.

8. Involve your guests or staff

If the occasion warrants it, send out a survey ahead of time asking your participants what they’d like to see while they’re there. They will have invested time into it and will be delighted or surprised when they see how you’ve incorporated their suggestions.

Why not have your staff create signs and table decorations that reflect the event theme? This will give your employees an opportunity to be creative and have some fun while helping you create a memorable party.

9. Consider promotions at your event

Don’t let your participants leave empty-handed at the end of the night. Give them a swag bag full of awesome stuff that they can take home and enjoy. Everyone loves getting freebies, and if you can find items that match your theme, they’ll appreciate it even more! A swag bag is a great way to thank your participants for joining your event and to make a lasting impression. You can fill it with anything you like, such as snacks, drinks, stickers, pens, magnets, flyer, or vouchers. Just make sure they are relevant to your theme and your audience. For example, if your theme is tropical, you can give them a pineapple-shaped keychain, coconut water, and a pair of sunglasses. Or if your theme is retro, you can give them a cassette tape, a Rubik’s cube, and a Polaroid photo. The possibilities are endless! A swag bag is a fun and easy way to spice up your event and to show your participants some love.

Promoting your event is also very important. Of course, most of us would use EDM, social and even SMS, which is great for digital but what about traditional media? Depending on your business/organisation, a flyer may be an excellent and cost-effective way to promote your event alongside print material you can give to guests in your good bag for when they leave.

10. Get Creative!

It’s ok to be creative when it comes to party planning! A little bit of imagination can go a long way in making your event stand out from the rest. Whether it’s a themed cocktail hour or a more general menu, be sure that everything offered is unique and interesting to your guests.

When planning your stand out event, use accents (such as floral arrangements) that correspond with the theme of your event. This will help to set the tone and make your party stand out from others.

These are just a handful of suggestions that will make your event management a bit easier and breathe new life into your future gatherings. By planning carefully and keeping the fun factor in mind, you’re guaranteed to have a night that everyone will remember.

Ultimately, the goal of any stand out event is to have fun for both guests and staff alike!