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 and Rachelle

Looking for great wedding shows to find some of the best vendors in Portland, Oregon in one place? Well here are two that are sure to entertain…

Bravo Wedding Affair
The 7th Annual Wedding Affair - Sunday, November 15th, 2009 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel, Portland Downtown 319 SW Pine Portland, Oregon
Experience extraordinary wedding vignettes each featuring its own unique style and personality overflowing with exciting trends and fresh ideas from over 60 wedding services. This is a show like no other.
From the centerpieces to the wedding cake, invitations to the photography, music to the catering, every detail has been carefully thought out and meticulously taken care of - all to help simplify the task of planning your own wedding.
The Bravo! Wedding Affair is designed to be an intimate setting where brides and grooms can experience wedding services first-hand and meet personally with caterers, photographers, stationers, dress designers and other wedding experts to get their advice.
Not your typical bridal show- It’s an affair not to be missed.
Tickets are $25 for bride and guest. $10 for additional guests.

Come see us in Colonel Lindbergh Foyer!

Perfect Wedding Guide Show
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2009
Place: Heathman Hotel
Time: 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Price: $5.00
Location: 1001 SW Broadway Portland, OR 97705
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Don’t miss this exciting event.

Speak with local vendors about your wedding and enter for a chance to win any of these fabulous Giveaways.

-A wedding gown from Ania Collection valued $1800.00
-Jewelry for Wedding Party Dee Dee Anderson Silpada Jewelry
-One facial for pre wedding day compliments Spa Above
-One hour massage for Bride and Groom compliments of Spa Above couples massage
-Two hair Styles by top hair designers in Portland / Vancouver area
-Tea for two Bride and mom compliments of The Heathman

We’ll be there to greet you!

We look forward to seeing you all at these fabulous events!

Cheers,

Mandi & Rachelle

About a month ago, Rachelle and I went to Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum to meet with Kelly Reed. It was my first time there, so I had no idea what to expect. Rachelle and I were instantly enamored by the surroundings and possibilities of weddings and events in their venue. Whether you’d planning a wedding or event or just looking for something to do for the day, Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a must see! There is truly something for all ages! Kelly took us on a full tour through all the museums and IMAX theater. We had such a great time and couldn’t help but ask Kelly to share, just a small fraction of what she did with us, with you.

Champagne: What is the inspiration behind Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum?

EASM: The inspiration behind Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum was the of Captain Michael King Smith.  Dreams of flight have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike for centuries. Captain Michael King Smith had a fascination with flight that began in childhood and continued throughout his short life. Captain Smith’s fierce dedication and passion for flying led to his dream of an aviation museum unlike any other – a living museum that celebrates aviation’s rich history, honors the patriotic service of our veterans and offers enlightening educational programs in aviation.

Champagne: What size events can you accommodate?

EASM: We have two museums that are each 120,000 sq feet.  Both can accommodate 1500 people seated and 3000 standing or an intimate setting of 25 or less or anything in between.  In addition to the museums we have meetings rooms for smaller engagements.  With your rental of the museum you also get tables, chairs, linens (black, white or ivory) for up to 350 people along with limited A/V equipment and our expert staff to assist and ensure your event runs smoothly.

Champagne: What sets your venue apart from the rest?

EASM: Definitely what sets us apart is the opportunity to be amongst 150 antique and re-built aircraft and artifacts including WWII Planes, trainers, and most important the only plane made out of wood in existence that is bigger than a 747. Non-aircraft lovers will be lured into the awe of workmanship and displays creating an ambiance .  Having your event under the enormous tail of the Spruce Goose or be in the Space Museum amongst the race for space, each puts your guests in an inspiring and fascinating atmosphere. 

Champagne: We heard Spruce Goose has a wine label. Do you have tasting rooms?

EASM: We have two beautiful tasting rooms located in each of the glass and steel structured museums.  Our award winning wines under the label of “Spruce Goose” are made by well-know winemaker, Laurent Montalieu. He’s been in the business for quite a while and is a pro at it.

Champagne : They are continuously making the museum bigger and better, are there any fun additions in the works?

EASM: The Evergreen Family of Companies is in the process of building an indoor water park.  The model of what the entire campus is located in our Aviation Museum.  It will be truly amazing!

Champagne: Rachelle and I had a chance to check out the model while we were there and it’s going to be spectacular! We can’t wait to come try it out! What is something you think people should know when picking their wedding/event venue at Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum?

EASM: Both museums are beautiful and unique in their own individual way.  When an event is underway and you are surrounded by such great history your guests will have a great time relaxing, participating, and enjoying themselves.  With our in-house caterer and our own line up of wines everything is taken care of, just come in and enjoy!  We’re professionals at events and want your experience here to be distinctive and memorable

Thank you, Kelly for taking the time to show us around and fill us in! We left amazed and excited about the possibilities for clients having events at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum!

What’s Happening at Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum?

Cheers,
Mandi & Rachelle