With wedding season among us, many brides for 2010 have done most of their planning, but may be trying to decide whether hiring a month of coordinator would be worth it. Being wedding planners, we, of course would say, “YES! Don’t hesitate! Hire a professional wedding coordinator to ensure your wedding plans are taken care of the day of so you, your friends and family can relax and enjoy!” Make sure to find the right personality match to work with you on your wedding day! Here’s an article that we posted a few months ago about the different types of coordinators that’ll be a part of your wedding day to help you decide if hiring a Month of [Day of] coordinator is right for you! Enjoy and if you have any questions- please don’t hesitate to ask!

With the title “coordinator” used so often in the wedding and event industry, it’s no surprise that the duties of these different people can get a bit confusing. We were talking about this recently with other vendors, and it is clear that people have a lot of questions about the different types of coordinators that might work with them on their wedding day. We’ll unravel these different terms for you!

Catering Coordinator: This person works for your catering company or as a manager at a venue that offers catering.
Your catering coordinator will make sure:
      o your menu selections have been made
      o plans for your bar and beverages has been arranged
      o receive and maintain your payments for the catering
Many catering companies offer rental items such as dinnerware, linens, and glassware. Your catering coordinator may assist you in selecting those items. On the day of your wedding, the catering coordinator manages the timeline for food preparation and food service. The catering coordinator will also oversee the serving staff.

Venue Coordinator: This person is employed by the venue, and knows the inner-workings of the space. Your venue coordinator will most often do a walk-through with you and point out typical layouts for your floor plan.
Your venue coordinator will know answers to questions, such as:
      o “what time can our vendors start setting up?”
      o “Where are the power outlets in the building?”
      o “How many chairs and tables do you have, and do you provide linens?”
      o “Am I allowed to use candles?”
      o “Where can vendors park for loading and unloading?”
      o “When is our final payment due?”
Some venue coordinators are on-site during your wedding day for part of all of the day. Make sure you ask them what their role with be on the day of.

Church Coordinator: If you are marrying in a church, you might have a church coordinator.
Your church coordinator will:
      o schedule your rehearsal time
      o advise you on etiquette of that specific church as well as its rules
      o run your rehearsal (for example, tell you how you should line up/walk into the church)
      o refer cantors or musicians through the parish
      o your church coordinator will be there on your wedding day to guide you down the aisle

Wedding Coordinator: A wedding coordinator/consultant/planner is one and the same.  A wedding coordinator differs from the afore mentioned coordinators because he/she is hired directly by the bride/groom/family which means their first and foremost job description is to provide to you the services that you need to make your wedding planning experience enjoyable. He/she can not only answer questions about your venue, rentals, catering, and church customs, but can also aid you with subjects such as design, budgeting, vendor selection, timelines, and etiquette. A perk is that most wedding coordinators receive discounts with vendors that get passed on to the client as a savings, rather than marking them up and costing the client more money. This comes from the experience that a professional wedding coordinator has, as well as the extensive research and networking that he/she maintains on a regular basis to continue to learn about the vendors that are available to their clients.
Most wedding coordinators offer day-of coordination in their list of services. When hiring a Day-of Coordinator they manage the details of your wedding day for you.
This includes, but not limited to:
      o preparing a timeline and ceremony processional/recessional sheet
      o organizing day of information details
      o communicating details between all vendors making sure they are on the same page
      o running the rehearsal or assist officiant and church coordinator
      o set up and clean up
      o trouble-shooting any and all situations throughout the day
Many day-of coordinators offer packages that include meetings to prepare for the wedding day and more.

If you have a coordinator at your venue, church or catering company that uses the title wedding planner/ wedding coordinator/ wedding consultant please inquire about all of the different things that they plan to do for you on your wedding day, as well as throughout your planning timeframe, so you are not left disappointed on your wedding day. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. Every company is different, so some coordinators may vary from the above description.

Happy planning!

Cheers,
Mandi, Rachelle and the Champagne team

Local event:
Eco-friendly wedding event! Portland:
Monday, June 28
6:00- 8:00 pm
New Beginning Salon Spa
503-645-2950
http://www.nbsalonspa.com

Woo hoo… we made it 30 days! It was such a blast sharing these vendors with you!!

Thank you to everyone who followed along, the vendors that made it possible and all of the vendors we know and love!! We can’t wait to share with you the things we have in the works over the next few months! Check back tomorrow to enter in our “Week of Love” contest!

If you missed any of the “30 days of vendors” posts, make sure to check them out!

Day 30 of 30: Urban Studio
Day 29 of 30: Brandon Perron Photography
Day 28 of 30: Passionflower Floral Design
Day 27 of 30: Bakery Bar
Day 26 of 30: Solstice Video
Day 25 of 30: AJ’s Hair design & Makeup
Day 24 of 30: Honeysuckle Photography
Day 23 of 30: West Coast Event Productions
Day 22 of 30: Gorge-ous Weddings
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We’d love to meet you! We offer free no obligation consultations so you’re able to see if you’re in need of a wedding coordinator and if we’re the right match! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) us now to set up an appointment!

There are many styles of venues and I feel as though Urban Studio is in a category of their own. The walls move, the furniture moves, it’s able to be modified to create whatever you envision! Get to know Via, Urban Studio and a little about Pearl Catering here…

Champagne: What size of groups can Urban Studio accommodate?

Via: We can accommodate 200 people for a seated event, and up to 300 people for a stand-up/cocktail style reception.

Champagne: What do you think is unique about the space at Urban Studio?

Via: What’s unique about Urban Studio is that there is no other space like this in Portland. Located in the heart of the Pearl District, with soaring windows, a roll-up door, and boasting a modern yet industrial chic style. It’s a blank canvas that can be transformed into an elaborate, elegant wedding - or a simple, very sophisticated and urban wedding. Overlooking the main floor is our Bridal Loft used by the bridal party to get ready at, by photographers to catch some priceless birds’ eye view shots, and by the bride & groom to escape to share a moment together.

Jos Photographers

Champagne: Tell us more about Pearl Catering and how it’s related to Urban Studio—is it the exclusive caterer there?

Via: Pearl Catering is our exclusive caterer. Formally known as Be Zinful Catering, Pearl Catering has been creating mouth-watering dishes in Portland since 2001. We use only local ingredients and work with local farmers to bring the freshest taste to each bite. Executive Chef Kevin Kennedy has 20+ years in the culinary world, and brings a very creative touch to everything he does. Not matter what type of event it is, Pearl Catering aims to exceed your expectations!

Champagne: What is one of your most favorite things about Portland, or favorite things to do here?

Via: How do I narrow it down? The people. People watching. Exploring this town on foot. Portlanders and their unique style - anything goes! Food carts. Live music. First Thursday. Last Thursday. Riding bikes. Farmer’s markets. The Pearl District. Street performers. Beer festivals. Window shopping on Mississippi, meandering around NW 23rd. Happy hours. Sitting outside on a patio in the summer. And the list goes on….

Champagne: So since you’re not married—we have to ask! What would YOUR dream wedding look like?

Via: Oh this will be fun to answer. Should I pretend like I’ve never thought about this before? haha! My dream wedding would be incredibly beautiful, in the most simple way. Sayulita, Mexico. On the beach. Intimate. 40 of our closest family members and friends. Barefoot. My bridesmaids would wear whatever dresses they want to wear. Short ceremony. Long lasting party. Unlimited photos. Live music. Incredible food, tapas style. Embarrassing speeches. A week long celebration spent in the sun, on the beach with all of my favorite people. It’s about him and I - being where we love to be and who we love to be with.

Jos Photographers

Champagne: Anything else you think people should know about Urban Studio?

Via: The rental fee is waived at Urban Studio when a food/beverage minimum is met! Contact me for more information [503.860.0526, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)]. Also, while Pearl Catering is the exclusive caterer at Urban Studio, we also do off-site catering at other venues - for any type of event, whether it’s a private party for 50 or a corporate event for 500.

Jos Photographers

Champagne: Thank you, Via, for sharing more about Urban Studio! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Urban Studio’s website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 29 of 30: Brandon Perron Photography
Day 28 of 30: Passionflower Floral Design
Day 27 of 30: Bakery Bar
Day 26 of 30: Solstice Video
Day 25 of 30: AJ’s Hair design & Makeup
Day 24 of 30: Honeysuckle Photography
Day 23 of 30: West Coast Event Productions
Day 22 of 30: Gorge-ous Weddings
Day 21 of 30: The Wedding Cottage
Day 20 of 30: The Photo Lounge
Day 19 of 30: Fioribella Floral Design
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day of 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Next week we’ll be featuring the “week of love” and will be giving away a photo session by Paul Rich Studio to the best love story! Stay tuned for more details to be announced Sunday!

Thank you for stopping by our blog! We’d love to meet you! We offer free no obligation consultations so you’re able to see if you’re in need of a wedding coordinator and if we’re the right match! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) us now to set up an appointment!

I can’t believe we are already on Day 19! Today we’re featuring an up and coming florist: FioriBella. Rachelle and I met Regina of FioriBella Floral Design last year while preparing for the Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show. [Don’t miss the upcoming Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Show on March 20th, 2010 at The Heathman; Win diamond earrings, a wedding dress and more!]  We came up with the idea to feature four seasonal table scapes through out The Heathman and Regina jumped in to do the floral arrangements. I have to say, they turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was a rather last minute project…we gave her the details about the rental items we had picked out, which we rented from West Coast Event Productions, and the overall colors and themes of the tables and she ran with it! Regina is sweet, easy to talk to, creative and will listen to what you want…. Get to know her better here and make sure to visit her website to see more!

Champagne: How did you decide you wanted to be a florist?

Regina: Flowers have always been a passion of mine.  I’ve always thought that flowers bring so much joy and happiness to a home or event.  It all started as a hobby 8 years ago, and it gradually developed into a business.

Champagne: What are 3 things you love about being a florist?

Regina:
First, I love working with people, especially brides.  It’s so rewarding helping them to prepare for that special day of their lives. Working with brides is very personal and being a part of their happiness and joy is amazing.

Second, as a florist, I love seeing people’s faces when you deliver flowers to a wedding or arrangements for an event. Seeing that moment when the impact of the flowers hits them is magical for me. Flowers bring such joy to people. 

The third thing I love about being a florist is that actually working with the flowers makes me happy. I can’t explain it, it just happens. Working with flowers brings joy to my heart. I love it!

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Regina:  For me the ideal client is the one that really knows what she/he wants and is able to describe it. My ideal client would also love to splurge on flowers and would understand how important they are to an event. Flowers can help set the tone of an event, enhance the mood or venue, bring out emotions from people, they can just play such a powerful part.

Champagne: What do you like to do in your spare time? 

Regina: In my spare time I like to be with my family.  During the summer we spend a lot of time out on the river on our boat. I love to be on or near the water.

Champagne: How would you describe your floral style?

Regina: I would say that my design style is elegant, natural and tailored.  I love hand tied bouquets.  They are very simple and elegant. 

Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Regina: Working with a studio floral designer, such as Fioribella, allows them to focus exclusively on your needs. I find that I have tremendous flexibility, whether it’s with making flower choices, container choices, or incorporating other décor or accents. Whether your budget is large or small, I believe you can still allow the flowers to be a stunning accent to your wedding.

Champagne: Thank you, Regina, for telling us more about FioriBella Floral Design! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out FioriBella’s website!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 18 of 30: Shields Films
Day 17 of 30: Yasmin Khajavi Photography
Day 16 of 30: Vista Hills & Red Ridge
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranch
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Only 5 days left to take advantage of our current promotion!! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.

Just a few weeks ago, Rachelle and I went to visit Kat with Powers Oregon to visit two of their gorgeous venues out in Dayton, Oregon. We had so much fun getting to know Kat better and seeing what Red Ridge Farms and Vista Hills Vineyard have to offer. I must say, they are absolutely beautiful! Both have breathtaking views, in and outdoor venues and have a modern country feel… though you may fall in love with just one or the other…

Vista Hills Winery

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Kat: Vista Hills offers exceptional wine and spectacular views of the valley that cannot be rivaled. Being there feels like a much needed escape with the serene surroundings and upscale design of the property.  Our ideal client is someone who enjoys and appreciates the time, effort and skill it takes to produce a quality wine but also knows how to relax, kick back and host an unforgettable party! 

Champagne: Do you have weddings year round? 

Kat: Yes.  We also host corporate meetings, anniversary and birthday parties and wine tasting events.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate? 

Kat: Vista Hills can accommodate up to 200 in the warmer months and up to about 80 in the cooler months. 

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from other venues?

Kat: The first thing you say when you drive up to Vista Hills is, “Wow”.  It’s nestled in the hillside but when you walk into the Tasting Room and out onto the patio with your glass of wine in hand, there is no other place you’d rather be.  The view is unforgettable, the building is detailed and beautiful and the staff loves it there just as much as you will…That I am sure of! 

Champagne: What would you say plays the largest part in the success of an event? 

Kat: There are so many things!  On the grand scale of things I would say a great coordinator or “go-to” person the day of your wedding though.  I could say your DJ is the most important thing but if no one if working with them to ensure announcements are done at the right time then you have to deal with re-announcing or re-directing your guests.  I could say the set up and flow of traffic is the most important thing but then again, if there is no one there monitoring it looking for flaws or changes then you’re left with the possibility of an uncomfortable guest.  Someone who you can trust whole-heartedly to carry out your vision and make split second decisions for you is the most important thing you can have at your event hands down! 

Champagne: Do you have an in house caterer?

Kat: We currently have partner caterers. Chef Du Jour Catering and Elephants Catering.  Each gives an exclusive $10/off per guest up to $750 off the catering bill!  While we definitely recommend that all of our clients contact our partners first, we allow any licensed caterer on site.

Champagne: When you’re not helping with events, what do you do for fun?

Kat:My husband and I love the movies and go to the theater whenever we can. Also, I work part-time at a great little coffee shop close to our loft in downtown Newberg. 

Champagne: Anything else you’d like for our readers to know?

Kat: Powers Oregon was founded by Ben & Laurel Powers of Powers Photography Studios and each site that we manage was selected from a photographer’s eye.  You can be sure that any property owned or managed by Powers Oregon Company will give you a large variety of photo opportunities for your most special moments to be remembered by. Because we are one of their sister companies, they give our venue clients an exclusive discount for working together! 

For more videos and images of Vista Hills, click here!

Just a few miles down the road, you’ll find Red Ridge Farms. Though many of the answer to the questions above are the same for Red Ridge, you’ll see the differences below:

Champagne: How would you describe your ideal client?

Kat: Our ideal client is someone who loves to entertain and enjoys the history and offerings that wine country is known for.

Champagne: How many guests can your event venue accommodate? 

Kat: Red Ridge can accommodate up to 100 guests.

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from other venues? 

Kat: Red Ridge offers so many beautiful set up options, mingling areas and photo opportunities.  There is a large lavender garden, olive orchard, beautiful woods and rows of vines to enjoy. Red Ridge farm is sure to make a memorable mark upon any guest’s visit.

For more videos and images of Red Ridge Farms, click here!

Champagne: Thank you, Kat for taking the time to tell us about these beautiful venues! We look forward to working with you soon! Make sure to check out Red Ridge and Vista Hills at Powers Oregon!

Check out previous posts from our 30 days of vendors:
Day 15 of 30: Lori Raines Calligraphy
Day 14 of 30: Peekaboo Portland
Day 13 of 30: Vibrant Table Catering & Events
Day 12 of 30: Joel Bock Photography
Day 11 of 30: True Love Sound
Day 10 of 30: Blum Floral Desgin
Day 9 of 30: Becerra Photography
Day 8 of 30: Black Butte Ranchy
Day 7 of 30: Cupcake Jones
Day 6 of 30: Mosca Photo
Day 5 of 30: Vibrant Table Flowers
Day 4 of 30: Premiere Catering
Day 3 of 30: Paul Rich Studio
Day 2 of 30: Bon Moment Inivitations
Day 1 of 30: Bryan Hoybook Photography
See what the 30 days of vendors is all about!

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle

Only 8 days left to take advantage of our current promotion!! Book your wedding or event coordination before January 30th, 2010 and receive 5% off your package!* Dates are booking quickly!

Don’t forget, we offer free consultations so you can learn if hiring a wedding planner would benefit you and if we’re the right match! We’d love to learn more about you, your fiance and your upcoming wedding plans!

*Not valid on previously booked packages. Contract and deposit must be returned by January 30th, 2010.