This is a great article from NaskMe
Keep Calm,
Ask a Wedding Planner
April 18, 2018 | Darcy Williamson
Is it because it’s a high-wire act with no net for two first-time trapeze artists in front of 150-200 of their closest friends? Or maybe it’s because the level of stress and anxiety gets turned up to a Spinal Tap “11” when one talks “deadlines” with brides and grooms? Whatever it may be, one thing I know is: wedding planners make the best project managers.
After all, weddings are where scope, schedule and budget get paired with expectations, mothers-of-the bride and a satellite network of service providers. Through all this, wedding planners smile, take it in stride, exude calm and turn weddings into memories that last a lifetime.
I’ve carefully studied productivity and technology for years and have previous experience leading teams of project managers operating in changing environments. So I have a strong appreciation of what it takes for busy people to get things done.
And wedding planners have it, including:
Great listening skills. Every interaction with the couple is their chance to listen for what will truly make a wedding day magical. They hear what’s truly important and what’s a nice-to-have.
They’re calm under pressure. Every wedding planner has a story of what almost went wrong – and how they course-corrected to make things right. That’s preparation and contingency planning, hallmarks of great project management.
Clear communications. Set communication schedules keep brides and grooms on track, with their expectations managed and questions anticipated and answered. Reliable communication is often just as important as what’s getting communicated. This includes smart use of technology, checklists and status updates.
Enthusiasm that motivates. Aside from the tasting, who’s excited about picking invitations and photography packages? Wedding planners are, and their infectious enthusiasm helps keep the process running smoothly and on schedule.
Diversity of experience. Wedding planners have to communicate with hotels, catering, florists, transportation, musicians, photographers, printers and places of worship. Not to mention brides, grooms and their families. They talk the talk – and walk the walk.
Eyes on the prize. They know what matters most is the ultimate wedding day experience. That’s why they handle all the details, make smart recommendations that look genius (from my own wedding, that would be the martini bar) and make sure things go smoothly.
Still not convinced? Plan a large wedding on your own without a seasoned wedding planner, technology or checklists. Your first martini’s on me.
