I must admit that I don’t always do a great job of keeping my opinions to myself. When I’m designing, my enthusiasm for the job and my many years of experience make me want to contribute to every single aspect of the wedding.
Unfortunately, I often end up infringing on the planner’s responsibilities. I’ve been thinking about the delicate balance between planners and designers a lot lately; yesterday, I addressed the difficulties of being a designer and working with a planner.
Today, I’ll like to address the five occasions when designers should keep quiet and let planners take the lead:
1. A planner must keep the event’s finances under control. If a client insists on talking finances directly with you or the vendor, make sure you communicate to the planner everything that was discussed as soon as impossible.
2. Never, and I mean never, disagree with a planner’s advice in front of a client. Instead, address the issue with the planner privately after the client has left. It’s important for you and the planner to present a united front when meeting with the client. Clients should always feel that their planner and designer are working together. (Unfortunately, I’m guilty of this one. My apologies, planners!)
3. You, as the designer, have NOT been hired to handle seating, food, wine, music or any other logistics. If a client ever asks you to help with these arrangements, refrain from getting involved and quickly refer the client to the planner.
4. How much interaction you have with clients is at the discretion of the planner. As a vendor, you should be very respectful of the planner. Don’t call clients directly without the planner’s knowledge; it will create confusion and make it more difficult for the planner to do his or her job.
5. Last but certainly not least: On the day of the event, the planner is boss. It’s his or her show. You must understand as a designer that you’re only one part of a much larger picture. Be supportive, especially if the planner loses his or her cool. (You don’t have to condone bad behavior, but you should be an understanding presence.) Ultimately, it’s up to the planner to make the day a success.
Now, a few questions for all you planners: How can designers and other vendors best assist you to help ensure a triumphant event? What vendor issues have you had in the past when planning events? What is it that you bring to your clients that is unique and that your vendors cannot provide?
PREVIOUS
George Bernard Shaw once said: “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’” That quote embodies how Preston Bailey approaches every event.
Jessica Giordano, CMP, ABC
April 5, 2011
Preston,
I commented in regards to yesterday’s blog and today I must say kudos to you for admitting your learning experiences in regards to Planners. It takes a big person to admit where there may have been issues in the past. I think, for me personally, in regards to having the most help to pull off a triumphant event, one that EVERYONE can be proud of, is COMMUNICATION! I think it is all of our responsibility to keep everyone in the loop of any conversations with the Brides, or parents. That ensures no one is caught off guard and that everyone is in the loop at all times. As long as we all cover our bases, everything will be executed flawlessly. I think it is also VERY important for me to produce and put out the best timelines possible so there is no question as to where everyone needs to be and when. The most important thing to me that vendors can do to help me out is live up to their promise to the bride. I am not hired to babysit, I am hired to coordinate and there is a big difference. My job is made so much easier when I can trust everyone of my vendors and they can trust 100% in me.
I think the biggest issue is something I addressed yesterday. Everyone needs to check their ego at the door, planners included. We may be “running the show” day of but we are not there to be a dictator. Everyone communicating together and producing the best event for the bride is the most important thing. Also, the undercutting needs to stop. It is not my place as a planner, to undercut anything my vendors say to the bride directly without addressing it with that vendor first, nor is it the job of any vendor to undercut the planner. Knowing your job and your role in the wedding will help to alleviate this.
Planners are unique, the good ones know how to get the best for the brides, anticipate needs well before issues arise and know how to keep the event together with a million moving parts. It can be one of the most valuable services retained for their day. I know that I work hard in the industry to stay on top of trends and I am always seeking continuing education to make sure that I am a value to them. In this industry, in the economy we are in, unfortunately that is becoming more unique.
JENNIFER BORGH
April 6, 2011
ANOTHER fantastic article! And thanks for taking responsibility for needing to work on certain aspects! Soooo important that we work together as a team! And never a battle in front of clients. It just makes the client feel uncomfortable and un-trusting of the team that is suppose to be working on their big day.
YOUR NAME
April 6, 2011
Preston! I love this. Thank you for making it so clear for clients and anyone reading this post about the importance of everyone working together. Love you for that!
Kathy
Brooke Lauber-Cobb
April 6, 2011
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY?Thank you so much for these words of wisdome. I NEVER try to proclam to be a designer and appreciate what designer’s do. In one email you summed up 17 years of concerns I’ve had in this business. Wonderful post!!!!
lindsey
April 6, 2011
lack of communication is the biggest problem we’ve had.
Doyin
April 6, 2011
Another nice post! As a planner, my problem with vendors has been communication. Some of them find it hard to return calls because they believe they should be talking to the client instead.
Occasions 2 Remember
April 7, 2011
The best thing a Designer and Planner can do is to work together. Not that the two will always agree. If there are any disagreements, it should be resolved without the Client getting involved. A Designer is a great assest to a Planner!
Maria Kirk
April 8, 2011
Great Article! I am a planner and I work with designers. I have had trouble in the past with clients talking about finances with a vendor, signing a contract and not telling me! This is a bad move as the client then runs the risk of going over budget and not being able to afford to pay the balances. If they tell me then that’s fine as I can factor the costs into the spreadsheet.
I am always open to suggestions from the designers, however, I do not like it if they are confrontational during a client meeting as it is very unprofessional… Wait until the client leaves and then talk to me like an adult!!!
That’s my view! x