Your Wedding Planner
We all know what a wedding planner is but, ever wondered just what on earth a wedding planner does? … Or – what will she or he do for me that I can’t accomplish on my own? … Are they expensive and why should I hire one? … Well, let’s chat about that and see if we can steer you in the right direction …
Typically in the U.S. a wedding planner, also known as a wedding coordinator, assists brides in all aspects of planning their weddings. They will provide you with advice and assistance with acquiring your wedding attire, invitations, decorations, music, food and any other aspects of the wedding. Once the ceremony and the reception are over, you’re on you own…
In the case of a Destination Wedding in France or Italy, Chateau and Villa Weddings or CVW wedding planners will provide you with many personalized and incomparable services. They will become your eyes, nose, ears and taste of France or Italy until you arrive on the wedding day. They will seek out the perfect venue for your reception, whether it’s a castle in France or an exquisite villa in Italy, a private cruise on the banks of the river Seine or a stunning wedding at the palaces of the Côte D’Azur on the Riviera. They will plan and organize your religious or civil ceremony. They will book all accommodations for you and your guests, carefully planning all transportation to and from the airport. Your guests have come to your wedding in France or Italy to celebrate your love for one another but they also have come to be entertained by the local culture. Your wedding planner will provide your guests and family with expert planning of all activities while you get ready for the big day.
Here are just a few tidbits of how a wedding planner at Chateau and Villa Weddings can assist you:
Site Inspections: After carefully reviewing all the pictures and press releases with your wedding planner, you’ve finally picked out the perfect accommodations but a little voice in you says that before you commit to that beautiful chateau in France or that exquisite villa in Italy, you really need to see it first hand. Not to worry, your personal wedding planner will assist you in visiting each of these locations ahead of time.
Religious, Civil or Symbolic Ceremony: Civil and religious ceremonies, in particular Catholic ceremonies in France and Italy require quite a bit of paperwork and translation, as well as frequent meetings with your Consulate and/or Church. All steps of this process are taken under the close supervision of your on-site wedding coordinator who will also provide you with an English speaking priest or minister. For symbolic weddings which are less complicated, they will guide you in finding the perfect ceremony.
Flowers: An essential part of any wedding checklist is for elegant, beautiful and romantic flowers. Chateau and Villa Weddings boasts first class florists who will make customized, handmade bouquets and arrangements for the wedding party, the chapel and the reception venues.
Stylists: Your wedding day cannot be complete without the proper accessories, make-up, and the perfect hairstyle for your walk down the aisle. France and Italy are well known for their exquisite fashion and style; here you will be pampered by pros allowing you time to relax. You can also treat your attendants to these services – including the youngsters. These stylists come armed with all the necessary tools and tips to make you look your best.
Photographer: A professional photographer will be available for your personal use during the ceremony and throughout your wedding day to capture those special moments of you and your guests. Your wedding planner will sit down with you and a top-rated photographer to discuss any specific shots you may want taken.
Wedding Cakes: Chateau and Villa Weddings have researched the best caterers, bakers and pastry chefs in France and Italy. They know who makes the best sponge cake in Paris and whose butter cream frosting is to die for. They also know who makes the best traditional French wedding cake or “croquembouches” an intricate pyramid of hundreds of individual macaroons, meringues or cream puffs.
Menus: In conjunction with each of their top catering professionals, a unique menu can be designed as a keep-sake for your guests. It can be customized with elegant calligraphy or match your wedding invitations to complement your magnificent reception.
Music: Solo violinists, quartets, symphonies, DJ’s … Music is an essential part of your wedding ceremony and reception. Choose from a variety of themes and talents, and their professional musicians. Caroline Berthe of CVW is herself an accomplished classical flutist and grew up in a musical family; she will be able to give you tips on how to strike a happy balance between fun and romance that meets your budget and entertains your guests.
Wedding Favors: To make your guests feel welcome and have something to remember your special day, what could be better than customized wedding favors? Your coordinator will work with you to develop personalized gift baskets for your guests containing perhaps a map of the area indicating ancient sites or tips on local activities and étiquette, a bottle of regional wine and a sample of the areas regional specialties. These can be delivered to your guests’ hotel rooms or distributed at various times during the ceremony.
Chauffeurs: A private chauffeur to and from any of your wedding and honeymoon events, is a perfect opportunity for you to relax and enjoy one another’s company, worry free.
Vintage Cars: Vintage cars have added an elegant ambiance to many weddings in France and Italy. Used during official ceremonies, vintage cars can transport you and your fiancé in style through the gates of a magnificent castle, drive you down to the beach or whisk you off to your Paris honeymoon. Vintage cars may be rented from private collectors or rental agencies throughout Europe. A personal wedding planner will assist you in finding the perfect car.
Cooking Classes: I don’t know about you, but I can’t boil an egg…! Let your private instructor guide you through local dishes and table étiquette so that you can better understand what goes into catering your reception, not to mention how to cook for your new hubby once you’re back home! That alone is a plus…
Dance Classes: Whether you dance frequently or have never danced before, enjoy a little relaxation and entertainment with a professional dance instructor who can empower you and your fiancé with the confidence, experience and knowledge you need to enjoy the romance of your first dance as a married couple!
Balloon Rides: Balloon rides are perfect after tying the knot; soar over the landscape and terrain of Tuscany’s hills, get a bird’s eye view of the various beautiful chateaus of the Loire Valley, or glide over the Italian lakes.
Fireworks: Amid a pyramid of Champagne glasses, you and your new husband raise your glasses just before the traditional cutting of the cake. Sparklers light up your wedding cake and are perfectly coordinated with the start of a dazzling firework. Imagine what a spectacle this would be at your wedding, your guests are sure to remember it!
Guest Activities: Often include full day Excursions with a personal guide, or perhaps a customized event at a resort or hotel. Horseback Riding, Private Guides, Skiing, Spa Treatments, Wine Tasting, Shopping Trips and many more.
We hope that you have learned more about “You’re Wedding Planner”, for further information please do not hesitate to contact us via this site and we will answer all your questions. Also please see our upcoming article on” The Financial Benefits of a Destination Wedding in France or Italy”.
References:www.theknot.com,www.wikipedia.com, www.topweddingsites.com
