Regis, can I use a lifeline? I’m debating whether or not I should “phone a friend”. OK, maybe not a friend but a professional, someone who knows more about this wedding stuff than I as a bride do.
Now I’m not saying that I want to have someone completely style my wedding (although have you seen the latest Inspiration-to-Reality photo shoot from Style Me Pretty?).
{photos by Millie Holloman Photography via Style Me Pretty}
But I saw this post on Grey Likes Weddings and it totally hit home for me:
“I’m hoping I’m not alone… but I’m starting to feel really fed up! I can’t seem to make a decision, I think because I want it all to be so perfect… and scared I could get it soooo wrong! I can’t make a decision.
With so many wonderful wedding resources, magazines, and blogs out there, finding wedding inspiration has never been easier. Making decisions, on the other hand, has never been more difficult. Every day, we’re lured into a state of absolute indecision by another real wedding, inspiration board or fabulous vendor feature. How is one to decide when there’s just too much good stuff out there???”
Amen, sistah. I just have so many ideas I’m nervous our wedding will look like a hot mess of all of them and not one cohesive idea.
So then Summer suggests to hire an expert. My first thought was “HA! Where on earth can we fit that into the budget?”. But then again, what if we find someone who offers a design consultation? Would the money we spend on a consultant be worth saving my own (and Mr.’s) sanity in trying to make all of the decisions and the frustration of it not turning out like we had hoped? I definitely have a favorite list of designers, so it can’t hurt to just ask, right?
Does anyone out there feel the same? Or has anyone worked with a designer just to do a consultation? How did it work for you?
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Yup, saw this…and absolutely loved it. Millie Holloman is always impressive
.-= Fri @ Wedding Nouveau’s most recent blog post: Wedding Inspiration Board | Sun Kissed Marrakesh =-.
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Oh wow!! How i just love that lettercase. I would love one of those in my studio… hm…. i think i’ll start antiquing!
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You are on to something that most brides are not aware of- the hourly consultation. As a planner I understand that a full service wedding planner or event designer isn’t in everyone’s budget. But a few horus of prefessional advice can really make a difference.
You really used the right word- cohesive. No matter your style, being cohesive is what seperates the beautiful events from the rest of the pack. It isn’t the individual elements that are unique but how you bring them all together from the save the date, though the wedding and reception until the last thank you note is sent.
Most designers start off with a free consutlation so I am sure you can find someone to work within your budget and that fits your style. Good luck!
It sounds like for you, it could be well worth it to sit down with an hourly consultant. For me, our wedding budget is very small (as in, less than $1000), so that was not an option for me. But… when I got my dress (http://thefuturewife.blogspot.com/2009/11/my-wedding-gown.html) and saw it, it has a vintage vibe to it, and all the brighter colors I’d been looking at just didn’t look right next to it. Everything else is coming together now, with that overall vision to provide the cohesiveness:
My handmade invites: http://thefuturewife.blogspot.com/2009/12/handmade-invitations.html
You will probably come to that same point of vision, but a consultant could probably help you get there faster before you start spending money on things.
Another thing that might really help you is this wonderful blog from 2000 Dollar Budget Wedding’s blog:
http://2000dollarwedding.com/2008/07/from-conception-to-reception.html
I just got to that same point for my wedding (being a junkie to this site with tons of good ideas) and I have contacted a coordinator to do hourly consulting for us. I can’t say how everything will turn out yet but I already feel less stressed, more confident that I won’t make “wrong decisions” and clear-headed about what I want. Having that alone has made it worth it to find a balance between DIY and professional services. I have found planners very willing to provide only the guidance or services you need on an hourly basis. Good luck.
Skip the consultant.
Better plan. Plan the wedding that signifys your relationship.. you (the couple) as people. You do not like one thing, you are not a model in a magazine and your wedding is not a photo shoot.
Who cares if your theme is UT football, india, orange, christmas, book mega party.
In the end, make the choices that feel authentic to who you are (as a person), who your fiance is (as a person) and who you both are (as a couple) and the rest will come together in beautiful harmony.
That was the best advice I ever got while planning my wedding (11 days away) and I think every bride needs to hear it once.