Finding the right Wedding Planner

Find the right planner for your wedding. Photo by Alante PhotographyHiring a coordinator is no longer a luxury…but essential for couples planning any type of wedding celebration. While you relish in the moment with each other, your friends and family… your wedding planner is there to handle every detail ensuring you’re day goes wonderfully smooth.  A coordinator can help you negotiate contracts, offer you exclusive discounts and invaluable advice, and help you build that perfect team of vendors that match your style, needs and budget.  Not only do you want a wedding planner who understands your vision and is able to make it a reality, but also one who adapts well with various personality types and can diffuse stressful circumstances that might arise.

So how do you find your dream planner?

Personal referrals are often invaluable.  If a friend or co-worker was recently married, ask them who they used and what they thought about their experience.  Were they happy with their overall experience? Did the coordinator offer sound advice and guidance? Did their rates match their level of services provided? 

Many venues and wedding professionals have a list of preferred vendors. They want to effectively provide their best product or service so they’re going to recommend those planners that are the most flexible and professional to partner with.

Use your local wedding resource guide, wedding shows and bridal magazines to gather your list of potential planners to interview.  Whether you found the planner through a friend, a preferred list, or a magazine, always interview them.  Most coordinators offer a complimentary consultation so you can get to know them, their style, their level of experience and how they can help you. Your coordinator can often act as your confidant, designer, liaison, organizer, scheduler, and so much more so make sure there is a good connection between you. 

Lastly, remember wedding planning can be FUN!  You’re only going to do this once so choose someone that will inspire a fun experience for you!

Finding the Right Wedding Planner was written by guest blogger Jenny Harding – Owner/Coordinator with New Chapter Weddings

Meet Weddings in Woodinville's founding wedding planners

Voted in the top 3 for wedding shows by Seattle Bride Magazine since it’s inception 3 years ago, Weddings in Woodinville was created and founding by core three wedding planners; Melody Davis of MG Davis Events, Jacky Grotle of Event Success and Jennifer Taylor of Taylor’d Events by Jennifer, along with Emily Pollock from Novelty Hill-Januik Winery, Linda Conklin from Columbia Winery, Marion Clifton from BanquetEvent.com-The Number ONE Resource for Planning an Event or Wedding in the Puget Sound Area and Stuart, Jeremy and Ani Butler from Butler Seattle-Valet, Transportation & Tour Specialists. 

Learn more about our board member wedding planners:

Jacky Grotle, Event Success
206.849.9770

www.nweventsuccess.com
jacky@nweventsuccess.com

Jacky Grotle is renowned for creating and orchestrating unforgettable occasions with unparalleled personal style. With more than 15 years of industry experience, she is professionally acclaimed and highly recommended by the Northwest's most prestigious businesses, leading families and stylish brides. Versatile, honest and impeccably organized, Jacky offers a complete list of event services, from detailed budget management to innovative lighting and decor conceptualization. She also performs magic when dramatically transforming private homes and gardens or vacation and destination properties into elegant settings and guest experiences for your event. You can count on Jacky to handle every aspect of your wedding planning and assure your occasion is an Event Success. 

Meet Jacky at DeLille Cellars during the 2013 Weddings in Woodinville Tour!

Melody Davis, MG Davis Events

206.459.7692

mgdavisevents.com
melody@mgdavisevents.com

MG Davis Events is dedicated to professional event and wedding planning in the Seattle area with a philosophy based on perfecting the occasion and a passion for being of service. For over 20 years Melody Davis has seen her hands-on approach to weddings, birthdays, and corporate events engage and excite clients and guests alike. Melody brings a sense of calm and focus to planning and executing events, leaving you to enjoy yourself with peace of mind while someone else focuses on your guests having a great experience.   

Meet Melody at JM Cellars during the during the 2013 Weddings in Woodinville Tour!

Jennifer Taylor, Taylor’d Events by Jennifer

425.444.7264

taylordeventsbyjen.com
jennifertaylor@taylordeventsbyjen.com

At Taylor’d Events by Jennifer they know creating an event or wedding should be something you enjoy doing. With the average wedding taking from 200 to 450 hours to organize, getting the right advice and assistance is key.  Taylo’rd Events by Jennifer has been helping couples enjoy the process of planning their wedding since 2005.  From vendor referrals to logistics on the wedding day, let the Taylor’d Events team help!  After all, you should focus on the moments and the joy of your engagement and wedding, not be overwhelmed by the planning and the details!
 Some personal details, I graduated from Woodinville High School, my family has been in the Woodinville area going on 90 years, so I know Woodinville.  My favorite places are Maui, and Ocean Shores (destination weddings!).  I love Frango Mint Chocolates (Seattle Frangos, not Chicago Frangos), Salted Carmel Mochas, a good glass of red wine and a great steak. 

Meet Jennifer at Novelty Hill-Januik Winery during the 2013 Weddings in Woodinville Tour!

Welcome our 2013 guest wedding planners

Weddings in Woodinville invites guest planners to join our core three wedding planners, Melody Davis of MG Davis Events, Jacky Grotle of Event Success and Jennifer Taylor of Taylor’d Events by Jennifer, each year to help bring you the original chauffeured wedding wine tour that is Weddings in Woodinville.  This year we are pleased to bring you four celebrated planners.  Weddings in Woodinville is pleased to introduce you to Lisa Chambers of Chambers and Company at Columbia Winery, Kelli Bielema of Shindig Events at Matthews Estate, Jenny Harding of New Chapter Weddings at Willows Lodge and Chesney Schmidt of All The Flutter at Woodhouse Wine Estates. 

Meet our 2013 Weddings in Woodinville Guest Planners:

Lisa Chambers, Chambers and Company
Featured at Columbia Winery
206.852.8132

www.chambers-co.com
lisa@chambers-co.com

CHAMBERS and COMPANY is dedicated to designing and delivering stylish, innovative, signature events. For over 15 years, we have successfully planned events from intimate dinners for the most discerning guests to galas for thousands. Regardless of scope and size, our core belief is that the small, personal touches create the most unforgettable weddings. As the ultimate celebration of a couple, no two should be the same. We help find cost effective, original ways to ensure your wedding experience is everything you envision, combining traditional elements with creative twists that reflect your style and personality. Attention to detail and meticulous planning are essential elements for success, but the vision of the client is at the heart of our signature experience. Our guidance will introduce you to the array of resources and talent of the area's best vendors to help create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your guests.

For a list of Lisa’s vendors please visit weddingsinwoodinville.com/columbia-winery/

Kelli Bielema, Shindig Events
206.669.0939

www.shindigevents.org
kelli@shindigevents.org

Shindig Events was founded in 2011 based on the principle that parties need not follow any formula. With over 15 years experience in entertainment and event production in Los Angeles, owner and principal designer Kelli Bielema brings unique talent and unconventional ideas to your own shindig. This past year, Shindig Events launched Cinefresco, a backyard movie pop-up party element unlike anything in Seattle. An avid supporter of Washington United for Marriage, Kelli produced BeGLiTched in 2012, a wedding showcase for the LGBT community. Continuing to develop innovative, fresh party ideas, you can count on Kelli and her team to create a very special event for your very special day.

For a list of Kelli’s vendors please visit weddingsinwoodinville.com/matthews-estate/

Jenny Harding, New Chapter Weddings
206.853.2142

www.newchapterweddings.com
jenny@newchapterweddings.com

Owner and wedding coordinator Jenny Harding, founded New Chapter Weddings in 2004.  She is described as a down-to-earth “people planner” and truly connects with her clients to best design an event where they can merely show up, celebrate and enjoy. Her positive, stress-free approach to life combines with a reflective and “outside the box” planning style to create a fun, flawless, and memorable occasion for each couple. 
Jenny is the creator and producer of the One Love Wedding Showcase, the first ever LGBT focused wedding show in the Seattle area featuring over 60 gay-owned and gay-friendly wedding vendors.  Jenny is dedicated to helping ALL couples celebrate their LOVE.

For a list of Jenny’s vendors please visit weddingsinwoodinville.com/willows-lodge/

Chesney Schmidt, All The Flutter
206.491.3098

www.alltheflutter.com
info@alltheflutter.com

After studying Interior Design at The Art Institute of Seattle, I decided to put my passion for design to work and that’s when All the Flutter was born. My favorite aspect of events is helping clients who are artistic and appreciate design to bring their vision to life – whether your planning your wedding or just want an excuse to throw a fabulous event each design element (lighting, floral, paper goods, props, etc.) is so important to me. As I like to say, “it’s all in the details”. I especially love working with clients who have fun with art/design and are creative, but may not have the time, ability, or overall vision to create the beautiful details that can be created for their event.

For a list of Chesney’s vendors please visit weddingsinwoodinville.com/woodhouse-wine-estates/

How much do you cost? It’s a question that’s frequently asked, but tricky to answer.

“How much do you cost?” 

It’s a question that’s frequently asked, but tricky to answer.

With bottom lines on the mind, brides are eager to request on-the-spot quotes for our planning services. Unfortunately, pricing out your unique event is not that cut and dry. Brides – here are a few pointers to keep in mind when “shopping around.”

First, bridal shows like Weddings in Woodinville are not the ideal setting for a quick quote. Instead, these events are created to immerse you in the wedding world and introduce you to excellent vendor sources for products and services. While some vendors – like transportation providers or makeup artists – can give you a direct quote upon meeting, when investing in a wedding planner, capture the contact info of your favorites and follow up with them after the show. It’s this post-show one-on-one time that enables your planner to grow a deeper understanding of your wedding and form a more accurate, personalized quote.

As the foundation for your quote, planners request your day, date, time, guest & wedding party number, ceremony & reception location and your ideal, total budget. Here in the Northwest, Saturdays in June through August are considered prime dates in high demand. Friday and Sunday weddings may incur lower rates, but discounts vary by consultant or may be dependent on other factors. Your ceremony & reception’s location are also hugely significant to the quoting process. For example, a destination wedding on Maui or Washington’s San Juan Islands would require higher vendor and consultant travel costs than a winery wedding in Woodinville. The venue itself may even present challenging working conditions – think: a remote cliff-side ceremony vs. a resort ballroom reception.

Lead time is another element to consider.  Ideally, consultants welcome 10 - 12 months for proper planning. For a wedding with production beginning 3 - 4 months prior, additional man power is often necessary and may drive costs up.  That being said, if the wedding is fully planned and a bride chooses a Week-of Wedding Coordinator to implement and execute plans, consultants will sometimes reduce costs if your chosen date is still available.  

Money bride bouquet by It's Doable.... Crafts, food and life

How Much Do You Cost? was written by our guest blogger, Jacky Grotle of Event Success.  

At Event Success, we offer a range for both Full Planning and Week-of Wedding Coordination pricing, though we still rely on one-on-one time with our brides to determine their unique, precise needs and costs in the process of realizing their dream wedding. 

Venue Themes for Weddings in Woodinville 2012

The third consecutive year of Weddings In Woodinville is being held on Sunday, January 29 2012.  This unique wedding wine tour is designed to give couples, their families, bridal party and friends a preview of what a fully-decorated venue could look like for their own special wedding day and meet with industry professionals that can help them put it all together in a personal, interactive, engaging atmosphere.  Our vendors do not simply stand behind a table displaying their talents, they are particpating in the party and celebrating with you while you interact within the environemnt they have collaborated with their wedding planner to bring to you. 

Our three founding wedding planner board members, Jacky Grotle of Event Success, Melody Davis of MG Davis Events & Jennifer Taylor of Taylor'd Events with Jennifer, along with our three guest planners, Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Events, BreeAnn Gale of Pink Blossom Events and Janel Schlit of Occasions, LLC are proud to bring you the following feasts of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch with their following venue themes.  

Columbia Winery
Theme Décor/Planner: Erin Lindeman, Lindeman Events

"The Royal Gardens"

Come see for yourself how we transform Columbia Winery’s ballroom into ‘The Royal Gardens.’  This is a great illustration of how to turn a classic elegant room into a chic and personalized wedding reception without having to spend a fortune.  The use of rented trees, dramatic draping and lighting will be the backdrop of this majestic soirée.  Wish a rich selection of champagnes and a dash of black crystal chandeliers, we have given the traditional palette more of a modern sparkle.

We will also be showcasing the latest wedding dress trends along with a host of other talented vendors.   So come delight your senses by savoring the delicious food, fine wines and visual decadence at Columbia Winery.

Matthews Estate
Theme Décor/Planner: BreeAnn Gale, Pink Blossom Events 

"Love Is In The Air"

When designing the theme for Matthews Estate for this year’s event we wanted to utilize both the Tasting Room and Estate House but making sure we kept with the same theme throughout. Succulents with pops of robin’s egg blue and burgundy led the way to a romantic rehearsal dinner in the Tasting Room and an elegant picnic wedding reception up at the Estate House.  As you tour Matthews Estate allow yourself to envision not only your wedding day but also the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner! The inspiration board incorporate both the inspiration for the rehearsal dinner in the Tasting Room and the elegant picnic reception up at the Estate House.

Novelty Hill/Januik Winery
Theme Décor/Planner: Jennifer Taylor, Taylor'd Events by Jennifer

“Chandelier Lounge”

My inspiration for my design was “The Chandelier” at the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas.  I loved all the crystal and glass being used.  I wanted to bring glitter and glamour to the modern feel of Novelty Hill-Januik Winery.  The reason I chose to do a reception style with soft seating is to showcase the little used Reception style, it is a great way to mix and mingle with your guests.

JM Cellars
Theme Décor/Planner: Melody Davis, MG Davis Events

"Contemporary Classic Vines"

The beautiful natural surroundings of JM Cellars, and the unique, romantic gathering places that the winery offers, inspired our creation this year of a wedding that portrays contrasting elements of nature and nurture . . . of comfort and style.  We've blended neutral color hues and textures found in the natural world, with the classic sophistication of porcelain, silver, and crystal.  Hanging over a grand, communal pine table is a custom designed chandelier that artfully joins old world architecture and vines with sparkling glass.  The tablescape beneath displays a mélange of timeworn classics alongside modern elements and romantic flowers. 

Our ceremony will be presented in two locations: Amid the copper doors in the Barrel Room and under the rustic birch arbor on the lower terrace. 

Both indoor and outdoor spaces reflect the importance of friends and family, encouraging conversation and the nurturing of community.   

 DeLille Cellars
Theme Décor/Planner: Jacky Grotle, Event Success

"Vibrant-Elegant-Garden Theme"

V-E-G will be highlighting bright Oranges and Greens as they are the opposite sides of the color wheel and will create the effect and mood we are looking for.

The gold accents will add a touch of elegance and glamour to the garden.  Using Obelisks, herbs, floral and textured linens our garden wedding will fit right in with the sheep on this gorgeous ten acre property.    

Willows Lodge
Theme Décor/Planner: Janel Schlit, Occasions, LLC

“Woodland Glamour”

Our superior design team has created a lush and romantic experience that encompasses the Northwest feel of the lodge with pure glamour!  Between Aria Style and Occasions, LLC what more would you expect?!  To say the least, we love this venue and this theme for our tour for Weddings in Woodinville 2012.  From the sparkle of the crystals to the lighted branches this project has let us dive into uncharted territory.  We love the idea of combining casual elegance to over top glamour to achieve pure rustic elegance!   

We are looking forward to showing off our creativity, partnership and of course passion for weddings!