As a wedding planner, I feel I have a duty to remind my clients of what is really important.
Not the venue, not the colour scheme, not the guest lists, not the favors. Not even the weather, or the perfection of the day.
The only important thing is them, and the reason they are there, i.e. their love for each other.
It might seem corny, or even counter-productive for my business, but at the end of that day I know that no mishap, angry relative, jealous frenemy will take away what they truly have.
This is why I always try to be as faithful as possible to a couple’s style, budget and desires. They might come in with grand ideas, but if they cannot afford them or if I feel they will be uncomfortable in them I will always try to talk them out of it, providing the most suitable alternative. I found that more often than not, a couple with disproportionate expectations has been pushed into those by many over-eager relatives and friends.
Thus, my first advice to any couple is: stay true to yourself and your love, do not let anybody tell you what is THE right thing to do. Not even your wedding planner. I have sadly witnessed simple informal brides being forced into getting four to six bridesmaids in matching gowns and bouquets, because they did not want to let anybody down. I have seen eager best friends pressuring a bride the week before her wedding, demanding she would choose which girlfriend should walk the aisle first. And, every time I can, I put myself in the line of this friendly fire and make sure my client is focused on the ultimate goal… celebrating her love. For that is what matters the most.
Destination wedding planner based in Modena, Italy, until 2016.