EXPRESS
SHANNON FEHR
Wedded Bliss
On the fence about hiring a wedding planner? Here’s what you need to know.
PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN WATSON
Thanks to Google, Pinterest and all things DIY, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re up for the task of taking on nearly any craft, project or
event. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider calling in the experts. While some couples prefer to map out their wedding day solo – or,
at least with each other – there are several reasons why you should consider hiring a pro to plan your perfect day. We asked wedding planner
Shannon Fehr of Bliss Events to explain why you should give experienced professionals like her a try.
WHAT ARE THREE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER?
It can save you money. I work with a lot of the same vendors for all my
weddings, so they give me discounts because I bring them so much business
and I pass those discounts on to my couples. I also know where to cut costs.
For instance, it’s a lot cheaper to get a two-tier cake and one sheet cake
for 100 people as opposed to a four-tier cake. That is just one of the many
examples of how a wedding planner can recommend ways to save money
but still get brides and grooms what they want.
When things go awry – and they will – a good
wedding planner will jump in and take care of it. I
had a wedding where the cake completely fell 40
minutes before the wedding was to start, so I ran
to Wal-Mart – which was the only place available
in Scottsburg at 5:30 p.m. on a Saturday – and
got every cupcake they had and two small round
cakes. I stacked the cakes and decorated with
what little did not hit the floor of the other cake
and all was well. Later in the evening, I heard the
guests talking about how delicious the cupcakes
were. They had no clue they came from Wal-Mart.
A wedding planner can save brides and grooms a
ton of time and stress. I know where to find things,
so couples do not have to do hours of research. I
know exactly who to call for a vintage ice cream
truck or animals for a petting zoo or safari theme
wedding. I know who has the best prices on things.
I know where to get $7 tablecloths as opposed to
the exact same tablecloth that retails for $16 at
most places.
A couple will often spend hours playing phone
tag with vendors. Sometimes it takes four to five phone calls just to set up
one tasting or to find out the venue does not have their date. A lot of people
work during the day when the vendors are working, too, so it is hard to plan
because when you get off work at 5 p.m., guess what? So do the vendors.
Wedding planning is all I do so I am available during the day to make and
receive calls.
WHAT DO YOU TELL BRIDES AND GROOMS WHO WORRY ABOUT THE
ADDED EXPENSE OF HIRING A WEDDING PLANNER?
Wedding planners can save them more money in the long run and make
up for the expense and then some. It is like a car or house insurance: A
planner is good to have in case of emergencies on the day of the wedding
when anything could happen. This is a safeguard for all the hard-earned
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money they spend on the wedding. For busy people, I tell them, “Time is
money.” Brides and grooms will spend so much time planning the wedding
if they do it on their own. Would you rather be working and making money
or planning a wedding and not making money?
IF A COUPLE WANTS TO HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER, WHAT IS THE
BEST WAY TO FIND THE PERSON RIGHT FOR THEM?
Meet with the wedding planner in person and
see if you like their energy and personality. You
are going to be spending a lot of time with them,
so you need to make sure you like them and are
on the same page.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE COUPLES ON
THE BIG DAY BEFORE THEIR WEDDING
STARTS?
I know it breaks tradition to see each other on
the wedding day until the wedding starts or the
reveal (first look), but I say forget that tradition.
This day is so busy and does not stop until it is
over. Couples get swept away all day by friends
and family, so they hardly get to be together
just the two of them. I tell them to meet early
for breakfast or fishing (or something you love)
and reflect on the months leading up to this day.
And, exchange a gift or a note. You will cherish
either for many, many years.
I also tell them to not stress if everything does
not go as planned. Focus on what really matters
and that is the moment you share your vows and promise to always love
one another through sickness and health, good times and bad. No one will
remember in 30 years that your cake fell or your deejay was 45 minutes
late – and if they do, it will be a heck of a story!
SHANNON FEHR
Bliss Events
502.939.6820
blisseventsandco.com
@blissfuleventsandco on Facebook