MEET MICHELLE BUCKLEY OF MINT JULEP SOCIAL EVENTS
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Say hello to Michelle Buckley…Michelle is the owner of Mint Julep Social Events…she’s an AMAZING planner and a true sweetheart. Michelle’s events are always ‘picture perfect’ and she always goes the ‘extra mile’ for her clients. I’m excited to have her stop by the cafe today and I’m equally excited to have her be apart of TBC’s Crème de la Crème. Michelle shares a little ‘Wedding Planning 411’ with us and one of her gorgeous Mint Julep Social Events….let’s check out what Michelle has to say and isn’t she just the cutest! |
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| TBC: What determines if a bride needs a full-service planner or a day-of-planner?
MB: There are several factors that play into the decision of full-service versus day-of planner. Brides should consider their families when making this decision. If they know that their mother and/or mother-in-law will become much more involved than they would like, a full-service planner can help mediate and add the professional voice that the bride is seeking. If the bride has time (both on a day-to-day basis as well as six months or more until the wedding) she can absolutely plan the wedding herself and bring in a ‘day-of-planner’ towards the end to wrap up the loose ends. If the bride is leaning towards this option, I still strongly suggest that she hires her ‘day-of’ coordinator from the start so she can ensure that the planner will be ready to take over when the time comes. |
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| TBC: What are the key questions brides should ask the planner during her search?
MB: As a bride, you should always ask your potential coordinator to walk you through the wedding day. See what their role will be, whether or not they will have assistants, and what the general flow of the day is.You should definitely ask how they got started in the business and what, if any, training they have had. It is important to get a sense of how passionate and involved they are in the industry as that passion will definitely translate over into their planning style. MB: A planner should always ask a bride to explain their vision for the day. How do they see guests remembering the event? Ask them to be as specific as possible. You should walk away from the meeting knowing what the most important elements of the wedding are to the bride and from that you can assess whether or not you are a good fit. |
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| TBC: What are some ways that a bride can personalize her wedding details?
MB: I always encourage bridesto draw on their cultural heritage or upbringing in some way to personalize their wedding. I have had brides incorporate Irish blessings and Italian Pizzelle cookies into their receptions. Couples from different states often choose favors from their respective hometowns (buckeye chocolates, for instance) to honor their past or simply focus on a motif which really ties the event together. |
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| TBC: What is the best way for a bride to find her planner?
MB: It is great to start by asking friends who have used a planner what their experience was like, and if pleasant, for that planner’s information. Wedding blogs are also great because you usually get to see a complete wedding from the planner’s portfolio. Most coordinators will offer you a complimentary consultation before booking, so definitely take it! TBC: What are the wedding trends for 2009? MB: There is a huge trend towards lounge-style receptions where dancing is not the main focus. Couples still plan on the first dance, but multi-course dinners paired with hip music and entertainment (dance performers, cigar rollers, photo booths) take the spotlight. Jazzy lounge acts are replacing cover bands and cocktail mingling is the goal. |
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| TBC: In your opinion…what details make a ‘magazine worthy’ wedding?
MB: Most people do not stop to think about it, but favors and gifts for guests really do make a difference in whether or not a wedding is ‘magazine worthy.’ It is the one place where you can make a huge impact with something tiny, and budget is really not what counts; it is creativity. It is the place where you can share your culture, personality, hobby, or wedding theme with guests. It shows you care about their presence even if you did not get a chance to have a lengthy conversation with them, they walk away from the wedding with the feeling that they were thought of. |
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| Thanks Michelle for stopping by today….your events are STUNNING and we look forward to your next visit…guys make sure you check out Michelle’s blog site to see more of her gorgeous weddings and events! |