why a consultant?

An event planner or consultant helps to alleviate the stress the day of the event, and will make the entire planning experience easier!  So Chic wants to create your event so you can relax and feel like a guest – rather than worry about every detail.  We’re there to be an extra set of hands!

For even more perspective on why a planner or consultant is a good idea….read the article below by Kristen Castillo from “Chicago Style Weddings” – November/December 2008.  This says it better than we ever could!

Coordinating Considerations – Top 10 Reasons to hire a coordinator

Even if you’ve been planning your wedding since you were a kid, chances are you’re overwhelmed with all the stuff that needs to get done.  From finding vendors to choosing a rehearsal dinner locale to figuring out who to invite, there’s a ton of activities on your to-do list.  Wouldn’t it be nice-and a big relief-to have a little, or make that, a lot of help?

Hiring a planner has its advantages.  Wedding coordinators are the perfect solution to your problem of too much to do in too little time.  Whether you think of them as planners, coordinators, or consultants, these wedding professionals know a thing or two about organizing amazing events.

Consultants aren’t just for the rich and famous.  Their services run the gamut from day-of planning help to full on coordination packages.  There’s a plan of action for every bride and everything wedding.  IF you think you don’t need a consultant’s help, think again.

{1}.  Referrals
Working with a consultant means you get hooked up with the best people and the best plans.  Face it, coordinators are connected.  They know what to do and who to call.  They can negotiate great deals because the vendors want to work with them again and again on other weddings.  They’ll be sure to find vendors who match your style, your personality, and, yes, your budget too.

{2}.  Experience
Most likely you’ve never planned a wedding before.  Maybe you’ve organized a party or two, but are you really ready to plan a full-scale wedding on your own?  Enlist the help of a professional who plans weddings and other large events all the time.

{3}.  Efficiency
Most weddings take at least 200 hours to plan.  Don’t you want to make the most of those hours?  Why waste time trying to figure out what to do when a planner can help you get your game plan on track?

Your coordinator will do so much for you like reviewing your contracts, calming your nerves and helping you make decisions about food, flowers and more.  Another bonus?  You won’t be as stressed out as you would be if you had to plan your event on your own?

{4}.  Ready for Anything
Tissues?  Check.  Backup plan?  Check.  Your coordinator thinks of everything and that’s a major plus when you’re stressed out, confused or just plain scared of what to do next in the planning process.  Rely on a professional who has the patience and the experience to guide you through your wedding journey.

{5}.  Stay on Budget
Whether you’re spending $20,000 or $50,000 on your wedding, you don’t want to waste money.  A seasoned planner will connect you with vendor discounts and tell you what items are wastes of money and which ones are solid investments.

Work with a consultant and you’ll be sure to spend your cash in the best ways.  She’ll ask you to prioritize your wedding day wish list to maximize your money in all the ways that matter to you.   If flowers are your focus, your weddings blooms will be the best your budget can buy.  If your guy has a sweet tooth, you’ll plan a dessert station to savor.

{6}.  Impartial Opinions
Weddings are emotional times and that means you’re bound to argue with your maid of honor, feel the pressure from your mom and worry about which cake your groom really wants.  But when you work with a planner, you get objective opinions.

Consultants are not clouded by preconceived notions and judgments.  They cut through the tension and help you figure out what needs to be done and they can help smooth the path with your family and friends.

Don’t worry about your consultant stealing your glory.  They know this is your day, not theirs, so they’re conscious to work with you as you plan your wedding.

{7}.  It’s All in the Details
Your wedding planning requires you to be organized and focused.  A consultant can help you pay attention to all the big day details, big and small.  They know your budget, your tastes and they know what it takes to pull of the event of your life.

{8}.  Creativity Counts
You may have a color, theme or a place in mind for your wedding, but you also may be struggling to pull these elements together.  That’s where a consultant comes in.  They’re creative people who can transform your idea into a beautiful reality.  Consultants are on the cutting edge of wedding trends and they can steer you in the right direction to make your day magical.

{9}.  Prioritize
You may be focused on your menu, while your groom is thinking about the honeymoon.  With so many aspects to plan, it’s not always easy to stay on track.  A consultant can help you prioritize what matters most to you and your guy on your special day.

{10}.  Smooth Sailing
Wedding stress is pretty much inevitable.  When you are so much about making your event a success, you’re bound to get caught up in the action.  One way to reduce stress is to work with a consultant, even if it’s just for a month-of-the-wedding package.  You need to minimize your stress so you can be fresh and focused for your wedding.

You may think you can’t afford to hire a coordinator, but that’s not necessarily the case.  Planning packages range from the small and simple day-of package, to the moderate month-of package, to the all-inclusive package.  Whether you spend a few hundred dollars or a few thousand dollars, a coordinator’s services and experience are so valuable; you can’t afford to not hire one.