Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Fabulous New Venue

I've just discovered a fabulous, exclusive venue for weddings. It is available on a very limited basis during the month of September. Located in the Colorado Rocky Mountins, tucked away in the Gunnison National Forest, is Smith Fork Ranch. www.smithforkranch.com.

For the first time, they are opening up for weddings. They are well know internationally, as one of the finest dude ranches for family vacations.

Offering everything that your wedding guests would enjoy, you can plan a week-end destination wedding, knowing it will leave a lasting memory with everyone. They offer pretty much an inclusive package as far as the lodging for up to 30 guests, ranch activities, and meals. For the rest of what you'll want to make your wedding complete, they leave up to you to arrange.

For more information or to check availability, call 970-921-3454 or contact them through their website.

I can also assist with your planning process as I'm available to travel. Contact me at tanya@weddingsbytanya.com or www.weddingsbytanya.com to see about this as a destination wedding or various other ranches in the Colorado area.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Destination Weddings

I just had to share with you all about an opportunity that has presented itself.

In about five weeks, I'll be one of 20 wedding coordinators, who have been invited to visit the Philippines. This is through an organization that is International so I feel very privelaged to have been chosen to go.

During this time, I will learn about the destination spots there as well as garner information on Asian weddings. I'm currently working on a traditional Indian-Hindu wedding to be held in July.

I've had experience in the past working with a couple where we did a nine course Chinese dinner and tea ceremony for the rehearsal then had the traditional Western wedding the next day.

Asian weddings are beautiful as well as challenging since there are so many facets to them. The colors are fabulous and a photographer's dream!

I'll share more about what I learn in Feb. upon returning from this tour. In the meantime, if you are looking for someone to coordinate an Asian themed wedding, give me a call. I'd love to work with you! www.weddingsbytanya.com tanya@weddingsbytanya.com

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Wedding Coordinators - What to look for

It's come to my attention, that many brides have no idea what they should ask or look for when interviewing potential wedding coordinators.

I'd like to give you some ideas. First, one doesn't have to be "certified" to be a wedding coordinator. While there are many good courses, some choose not to take them, and can still be good coordinators. However, if someone has taken the time and spent the money, to become a wedding/event coordinator, you will know they are serious about their chosen career.

How long have they been coordinating weddings? How many do they do a week? Will the person you talk with be the one doing your wedding? How do they bill out? Do they accept "kick-backs"?

The basic ways a coordinator will bill you, will be:

a. A percentage of the budget - Ask if this is the proposed budget or what it turns out to be. What all is included in the percentage?

b. By the hour.

c. By a flat fee. This is the way I choose to bill because I feel it's important that no client feels like they are being charged every time they call or want to meet with me. Planning a wedding takes as long as it takes. (Personally, I'm on site for the rehearsal and the day of the wedding start to finish. This means I check in with the bride, wherever she's getting ready then proceed to do what I need to do.)

Does the planner have an adequate emergency kit? Will they bring it?

Do they have an assistant? While I don't always use one, if the ceremony and reception are in different locations or if there are over 50 guests, then I will have someone there to help cover as needed.

Most important, is how do you feel about this person? Are they sending out warm, fuzzy vibes? Do they seem to be someone who will listen to what you want or do they appear to be the type to just take over? Remember this is YOUR wedding and your budget. You are in control!

It's also nice, when you can, to take your fiance with you. A good wedding coordinator should make themselves available to the groom as well since he may have questions that he needs answers to as well.

I hope this helps your interviewing process. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or send me an email at tanya@weddingsbytanya.com or check out my website http://www.weddingsbytanya.com/ for additional information.

The more informed you are the easier your interviews will go.