Tips for A Practical, Smooth and Economical Wedding 6

By Ed Dychauco
Pots and Pans

(Part 6)

NOW that you have practically read all about what you need to know and do for your wedding, let me ask you this question again... Do you still need a wedding coordinator? If your answer is still yes, then go for it but just make sure you are getting your money's worth!

Then, what should you be looking at when you get the services of a coordinator? Professional coordinators should be your friend & your confidante. They should be there to help you, assist you and run errands for you (if needed).

Tips:

1.) Look for a decent, reputable, trustworthy, dependable, respectable & of good standing coordinator.

2.) Shop around for comparisons.

3.) Don't be persuaded by "sweet talks". Ask as many questions as you can (although some would charge you for an appointment or just by merely asking. So be upfront, ask if talking to them entails money!).

4.) Make sure they have a shop where you can have the meeting (unless you want it somewhere else or it is a home-based business).

5.) Check out couples they have coordinated & ask the couples for feedbacks (especially for negative ones so it can be corrected!).

6.) Ask the couple if they would recommend the coordinators they hired (some probably won't either because they were not satisfied or they charge too much.).

7.) When we say coordinators, they are just PLAIN coordinators. And they MUST be plain coordinators! Meaning, if they do flower arrangements and other stuffs, then, one way or the other they might not be able to deliver their goods satisfactorily because they also have to attend to other details other than coordinating (you don't want your coordinator to disappear in the church because he/she is at the reception area checking the flower, do you?).

8.) Flowers, cakes, music, video, photos, etc. should be done by others other than the coordinator to ensure proper flow of activity & avoid mishaps.

9.) Coordinator should definitely NOT be wandering and roaming around during the events thereby attracting unnecessary attention, especially when videos & photos are taken (they are not part of the entourage, are they?).

10.) The coordinator(s) should be absolutely & properly dressed for the occasion.

11.) Having "walkie-talkie" or cell phones would be an advantage rather than screaming, making gestures or worst, walking & travelling often (thereby catching unnecessary attention again!).

12.) Have a contract ready. Ask for the COMPLETE list of what is included in the package (a lot of "so-called" coordinators would DEMAND for extra payments after the event which is definitely a NO-NO!).

13.) Make sure that whatever is written in the contract be followed (and fee deducted if not carried out!).

14.) Check out other suppliers yourself (some coordinators tend to add or charge more for the services from the suppliers without your knowing it!).

15.) Be wary if the coordinators REFUSE to divulge their suppliers (something must be going on in here!). Besides, you HAVE the right to know who is "servicing" you on your special day!

16.) If some decorations are requested, other than that of the florist and you are charged by the coordinator, make sure you get the items back and in good condition! (you PAID for it, didn't you?).

17.) If your coordinator have his/her own suppliers, ask them to accompany you so you can talk to them personally so your questions can be answered directly. Besides, you can also cancel and change suppliers if there is a need (if your coordinator refuse, you should be ALARMED!).

18.) It is your right to REFUSE or CANCEL any services or suppliers if you don't feel comfortable about it. Follow your instinct!

19.) It is imperative that you SHOP around and COMPARE before signing any contract, either with a coordinator or supplier.

20.) Was there a repeat or referral for the coordinator you have chosen? (Some would name-drop well-known personalities to enhance their portfolios! But would these well-known people refer this coordinator to you if you ask them?).

21.) Make sure you have a very good relationship with the coordinator. You want to have good memories of your wedding day, right?

22.) A proficient, qualified, well-trained & expert coordinator should go an extra mile in helping you out instead of CHARGING you for those extra minor services!

23.) Having a licensed & certified coordinator would be your best choice.

24.) For "on the day" coordinating, fee is between P2,000 - P5,000 (remember, you just need somebody to look after some MINOR details since majority of the things to done already).

25.) "Full" coordination entails everything and EVERYTHING means things you need to do (like planning, ordering, etc.) and would cost from P10,000 and up. Personally, I feel that paying P20,000 and above is just a bit too much (basing CdeO charges).

26.) Payment is done after signing of contract and that is about 50 percent while the rest is paid after the reception (so you can deduct some amount or do some changes if there is a need).

By the way in Manila and other major cities in the Philippines, the couples are NOT OBLIGATED to include meals for ALL the suppliers before or during the celebration. Why? Because first and foremost, you are PAYING for their services and that should have been included in their charges! Remember, if you have 20 suppliers and you are paying P300 per head for the food, that is P6,000 already! Weren't you trying to cut down on your guest list in the first place so you can save? But if you are feeling generous, you can buy some packed food for them. Just a thought for you to think about!

Again, a peso saved is a peso earned! To sum it up, take time to enjoy in the preparation of your "once-in-a-lifetime" affair and take the experience from it. Who knows? You might end up being a "supplier" in the near future! Good luck to all the couples!

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2008/05/08/life/tips.for.a.practical.smooth.and.economical.wedding.html