I love my job as a wedding planner. I am always honored to share such a momentous day with my clients. The goal at each of our weddings is to make sure everything goes according to plan and that my couples have the best day possible. For me, one of the best parts of the day is at the end of the reception when I hug the bride and groom goodbye and they say “thank you!”. That is the best feeling in the world. One that I didn’t think could be topped until yesterday. I received the nicest email from my former bride Stephanie who married Walter Memorial Day weekend.

Lakendra,
Hello! I was watching a ‘Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?’ today and thought of you! I just thought back about our wedding day and really wanted to thank you again for everything you did. I almost miss the planning though. I can see why you got into Wedding planning! There’s soo many ways to be soo creative! I am soo glad we decided to go with Affairs With Elegance. Our day went so well and it wouldn’t have without you.

For a quick update we bought a house in Lutherville-Timonium in July and now we have a Cavachon puppy! (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixed with Bichon Frise). Walter got into nursing school and I am still working as a physical therapist. I visited your website and it looks great! I saw our picture at the top and smiled! I also enjoy visiting your blog every once in awhile. It looks like you are doing such a great job! Whenever anyone asks for referrals, I highly recommend a wedding coordinator and always give them your name! Thanks again for everything!

Stephanie

I was so surprised to receive this email because the couple sent a wonderful thank you card and gift certificate once they returned from their honeymoon. So to get another “thank you” 8 months after their wedding really made my day and put the biggest smile on my face.

I have to reiterate the fact that I LOVE MY JOB!

Staying with the “thank you” theme of the last few posts, I want couples to know that sometimes vendors like to thank you for allowing them to be a part of your wedding. This is especially true this time of year when we tend to send out holiday cards or gifts.

Make sure you provide your wedding vendors with your most recent address. The address you had at the time you signed your contract with them (6-12 months prior to the wedding) may not be the address you have at the time of or right after your wedding. I can think of a couple of vendors that would definitely need to know your new address. Your photographer and videographer! You’ll still have contact with them after your wedding since their work isn’t complete yet.

So let us know that you’ve moved and update us with your new address. I love nothing more than hearing my couples have purchased their first home together!

{photo: Fine Stationery}

With the Thanksgiving holiday just last week, most people were thinking about what they were thankful for. Brides/couples should be thankful too. Most couples typically think about thank you cards for guest who’ve attended and/or purchased a gift for their wedding but there are other thank you’s to consider. Engagement gifts, bridal shower gifts, bachelorette party, wedding party participants, parents who’ve contributed to their big day, etc.

Party & Shower Gifts: I’m sure you all know that it’s customary to thank people who have purchased a gift for you. Thank you cards should be sent out in a timely manner so that others know that you appreciated their gift.

The Wedding Party: Couples should thank their friends/family for standing up for them on their big day. Remember, these people have purchased expensive dresses and accessories, rented tuxedos, thrown showers/parties, etc. While you may be tempted to buy the same gift for everyone, try to choose a gift that reflects the recipient’s personality or hobbies. It is customary to give out wedding party gifts at your bridesmaid luncheon or rehearsal dinner.

Your Parents: Who wouldn’t want to thank the people who have been supportive of your relationship, who are contributing financially or have just been great parents who’ve made you the person that you are today? Why not give them a thoughtful card on your wedding day. They probably won’t be expecting it which will make it even more appreciated. There are tons of cards for mothers of the bride and fathers of the bride.

Lastly, don’t forget about your wedding vendors. While we all know that they received payment for the services they performed, some vendors go above and beyond your expectations or throw in a little extra. Why not send them a quick note after your wedding (and honeymoon) to let them know they exceeded your expectations. I receive them from time to time and it is such a great feeling to read what my clients thought about me and my team.