Wedding Planner - Entire Process vs. Day Of

Initially, I had a wedding planner.

Her prices were reasonable and she is a very nice woman.

PROBLEM: I feel like she was not listening to what I wanted and we were NOT a match. Yes, she offered her services for free, however, if we are not clicking or you are not helpful, we need to salvage the relationship that we do have and move on.

Now, here I am questioning whether or not I even want to deal with a planner at all. I do not want to put anything on anyone to be responsible for the day of so now I am wondering if I get a Day of Coordinator.

DECISIONS...DECISIONS...DECISIONS...

I think a person for the day of to be there for me would really help out but for the rest of the process, I feel like this is my baby and I want to control ALL of it and don't want anyone in the way.

Am I crazy???

Negotiations...

So, ANYTIME someone hears the word "wedding," prices triple and quadruple.

With that being said, they know that if you love what they have to offer then you are going to go for it.

Do you just go with the flow or do you try to negotiate? I feel like anything is possible. Yes they are going to take advantage of those that are willing to pay full price but there are ways that you can negotiate.

So, are you bold?

Do you go in and try to negotiate yourself?

Do you do it as a couple?

Hmmmm...I just know my ass needs to negotiate...PERIOD!

Need to See More Venues

Now that I have started to get back into the swing of things, I need to keep it going.

Yes I saw 3 venues and I liked them all but it doesnt stop there. I need to break out the notebook and get on it! There are so many places out there that I need to check out but FIRST I need to make appointments.

Lets go Team Kanieka!!!

Checking Out Venues

This past Saturday, I scheduled some appointments to go look at venues. It was weird because this would be the first time in a very long time. I must say that I am pleased with the outcome. I only had 1 appointment initially but I decided I needed to make more than 1 appointment.

(1) Castle Green
http://castlegreen.com/

Really liked this place. We would have use of the whole 1st floor as well as outside. The lady that I met with was really cool and down to earth. Took a tour and was impressed by what I saw. For those of you that watch, My Fair Wedding w/ David Tutera, the venue will be on the season finale.

(2) Calamigos Equestrian
http://www.calamigosequestrian.com/weddings/

When I first got to this place I was a little lost but I finally figured it out. There were horse competitions going on today so it was a little akward but where the wedding and reception would take place is further up from there. I liked the lady that I met with here as well. I really like the Equestrian Room with the ceremony outside in front of the waterfall...really really nice.

(3) Pasadena Museum of California Art
http://losangeles.weddings.com/Local/losangeles-Pasadena-Museum-of-California-Art/VendorDetail.aspx/CAR-212144

BEAUTIFUL!!!
This venue is AMAZING! You are on the rooftop and the views are just beautiful! They were setting up for a wedding so I was able to see how it would look. With our guest count, we can do the ceremony inside or outside...our choice. I liked the lady here as well.

Overall, today was a good day. I am happy to say that I am pleased with the way things have started up for me.

Asking My Bridesmaids...AGAIN!

So I wanted to do something special when I asked my girls to be Bridesmaids in my wedding. Not being patient and trying to figure it out, I asked each of them anyway without doing anything special.

I wish I would have done it differently.

Now that my wedding has been pushed back, I think I want to ask them again. I want to do it in a special way. I guess I need to start thinking about how I want to do it and actually go through with it this time around.

I want it to be something that they remember. I don't want them to think well, she just asked me out of the blue. I am not saying that they will but at the same time, I want it to be something that holds a special place in their heart.

Perhaps a special designed card or something...

I dont know...I have time...

Feels So Far Away

Just when I felt our big day was getting closer, now it feels so far away.

Part of it I'm sure is because we don't have a date set yet. When will it start to feel like it is going to happen again?

I guess its a little discouraging to feel like this. I do hope that I shake this feeling because it is NOT fun at all!

June 1, 2010 - BACK TO WEDDING PLANNING!

Well well well...it didnt seem like this day would ever come...

It is time to OFFICIALLY get back into wedding planning...I am soooooooooooooooo excited! I must say that I am a little worried about this whole venue situation again only because it was soooooooooooooooooo hard the last time.

Will we like anything that is out there?

Will we have a difficult time picking a venue like we did before?

Will I feel like I have lost my mind?

Will I break down?

There are so many questions that I have going through my head right now.

Overall, I am ready to get this show on the road again so I can marry the love of my life.

LETS GO TEAM KANIEKA!!!

And the research begins again...