Event Planners in Syracuse

A consultant's job is to help a couple determine, execute, and direct all of the many tasks that are required to successfully host a wedding. The consultant takes on the roles of facilitator, mediator, money manager, planner, organizer, creative resource person, and advocate of the bride and groom in their relationships with wedding service providers. The wedding consultant is responsible for seeing that every detail is taken care of and that the process runs smoothly and flawlessly. It is the consultant's role to reduce the inevitable stress and glitches that are a natural part of every celebration.

In this modern age, Syracuse wedding consultants are trained to work within a variety of budgets. This means that even if you have a tight budget, you can afford a consultant who will be able to help you stick to the budget. Usually, wedding consultants are hired on a start-to-finish basis (which can get expensive), but wedding consultants can facilitate wedding planning in other capacities.

There are many different ways a consultant can help. You can schedule a consultation where the consultant provides a wedding guide and a list of preferred vendors to check out. You can also hire a wedding consultant to oversee things on the evening before and actual day of the wedding. Or, you can contract a wedding consultant to work with you on a freelance basis (to help find a location, advise on catering firms, florists, etc.), in which case they're paid by the hour.

If you choose to do one of these methods, you will definitely spend less than normal services. Most consultants charge by the hour and some charge a flat fee depending on what you need them for. If you have a preference, you should find a consultant that charges the way you prefer. If you don't have a preference you can just call around to a couple consultants and see how much they would charge for what you want done.

If you do decide to use a wedding consultant keep these points in mind:

• Be very clear with your consultant about what you wish done and what areas of the event you wish to control and/or implement on your own. A written, legal agreement will serve both you and the consultant well.

• Be clear as to what it is you are paying for. Discuss and decide on the number of hours you expect your consultant to provide and for what tasks he or she will be responsible. The more details of the relationship you discuss and agree upon up front, the better.

• The consultant needs to work with all the principals, so as soon as it's feasible, introduce the consultant you hire to your fiancé.

Here is a rough list of what needs to be done and when. Of course, every couple in Syracuse is going to have a different amount of time between the engagement and the marriage, so you'll have to work out a schedule of your own based on these guidelines.

12 months +

• Announce your engagement

• Decide on a budget

• Pick a wedding date

• Find a wedding consultant (if desired)

9-11 months

• Get a folder or binder for organizing info and receipts

• Start looking at reception sites (book one as soon as possible)

• Interview caterers and pick one

• Start looking for an officiant

• Decide on how many guests you want

• Choose your attendants/groomsmen early so that you can delegate tasks

• Find a ceremony site

• Choose a theme for your wedding/reception (colors, style, etc.)

• Start looking for a wedding gown

• Finalize the guest list with full names, addresses, etc.

• Start looking for a band/DJ and book them as soon as possible

• Look into any rentals you need for your reception site

• Decide on an officiant and meet with them

• Interview photographers (and videographer)

• Make a final decision on your gown

6-8 months

• Reserve your photographer (and videographer)

• Choose a florist and tell them what you have in mind for your flowers

• Give your bridesmaids/groomsmen lists of tasks

• Decide on where you are going to register and pick what you want

• Find dresses for your bridesmaids

• Send out "Save the Date" cards or contact out-of-town guests

• Select a baker and choose your wedding cake style

• Get your bridesmaids' measurements, or have them order their dresses themselves

• Find ceremony musicians (if desired)

• Order your wedding gown

• Start planning the rehearsal dinner

• Figure out what style and wording you want for your invitations

• Finalize menu and service details with your caterer

• Order your invitations (make sure you get extra, just in case!)

4-5 months

• Groom should decide on what he and his groomsmen will wear

• Rent what you need for your reception (tables, chairs, etc.) unless they provide it

• Start planning the honeymoon and book as soon as possible

• Book a calligrapher or printer for your invitations

• Reserve a site for your rehearsal dinner

• Book hotel room for your wedding night

• Finalize your decision on a floral scheme and tell the florist

2-3 months

• Choose your accessories and have the bridesmaids coordinate

• Want to try out different beauty ideas (hair dye, tanning, etc)? Do it now

• Find and purchase your wedding rings

• Schedule bridal portraits or engagement pictures (if desired)

• Groom should have his attire ordered or rented

• Make sure bridesmaids and groomsmen have bought their attire

• Make or buy your favors

• Talk to your attendants about a bridal shower and bachelor party

• Buy wedding day lingerie and shoes in time for your first dress fitting

• Get passports, vaccinations, etc. if you are having an international honeymoon

• Pick up your invitations or make sure they have been shipped to you already

• Start taking better care of yourself- exercise, eat right, etc.

• Talk to people who you'd like to do something at your wedding

• Start addressing your invitations

• Confirm delivery date of your gown and schedule your fitting appointments

• Talk to your insurance provider and have your spouse included after the wedding

• Get wedding bands engraved (if not done when purchased)

• Groom should buy all necessary accessories

• Make a guest list for your bridal shower and give it to the host

• Begin your dress fitting appointments

• Decide on wedding day transportation and reserve, if necessary

• Send out your invitations

5-6 weeks

• Order any drinks not included in the catering contract

• Purchase your veil before your final fitting

• Begin working on your vows if you are writing your own

• Update your registry as you receive gifts

• Research local marriage license requirements

• Go to your final gown fitting

• Start using whitening toothpaste and other products

• Finalize your vows

• Write "Thank-you" notes for bridal shower gifts

• Buy a guestbook and matching pen

• Visit with your hairstylist to decide on the best hairdo to go with your veil

3-4 weeks

• Send rehearsal dinner invitations

• Schedule appointments to get your hair and make-up done on your wedding day

• Get marriage license

• Work on a song list for your band/DJ

• Pick out the jewelry and other accessories you don't have yet

• Meet with or call your officiant to finalize details

• Confirm wedding night and honeymoon reservations

• Do the necessary paperwork if your are changing your name

• Pick up your gown and make sure it fits right

• Pick up your veil and/or headpiece

• Get your bridal portrait or other pictures (if desired)

• Work out wedding day timing issues and make sure attendants know the info

• Call guests who haven't RSVP'd yet to get a final headcount

• Confirm headcount with caterer and other vital information

• Determine your receiving line order (if necessary)

• Figure out wedding day assignments for attendants and family members

• Practice walking in your wedding dress

• Call reception site to make sure all vendors will be able to get inside

1-2 weeks

• Put together a seating plan (if you're having one)

• Give the plan to the caterer, or whoever will be in charge of the tables

• Contact your officiant and give them final details about the rehearsal/ wedding

• Confirm delivery time, location, and final arrangement count with florist

• Groom should pick up tux and make sure it fits right

• Shop and pack for the honeymoon

• Confirm all final payment amounts with vendors

• Confirm location, date and time with photographer (and videographer)

• Groom should get a final hair cut (don't wait till last minute!)

• Prepare your toasts and ask close friends and family to work on theirs

• Contact transportation providers with a list of times and locations

• Distribute wedding day directions, schedule, and tasks to wedding party

• Designate someone to meet with and handle the vendors on the wedding day

• Pack an overnight bag for your wedding night

• Put final payments and tips for vendors in envelops to hand out after the wedding

• Confirm location, date and time with band/DJ

• Designate someone to collect the wedding gifts

Day Before

• Get a manicure and pedicure (plus any waxing or final tanning)

• Put wedding gown and all accessories in one place so you don't lose anything

• Confirm all honeymoon travel plans

• Drop off favors, guestbook and pen to reception site

• Rehearse the ceremony with officiant and wedding party

• Have fun and relax at the rehearsal dinner

• Set your alarm clock and get some sleep!

Day Of

• Confirm with people who you asked to give toasts

• Set aside time for a private moment with your new spouse

• Smile, relax, and enjoy the day!