After the engagement, the next stop is usually the wedding planner who will be instrumental in helping with all the logistics leading up to the big day. Our Ultimate Wedding Experience planner is Ida Gardner, Owner & Designer of Ida Gardner Events — the go-to wedding planner in Southern California. Ida describes her style as being like the little black dress…understated, elegant and always appropriate. Her mission is to plan a wedding that reflects the couple. “Each couple has a unique story to tell and memories to cherish. I ask about their hobbies and passions, and make that part of the celebration” says Ida. “At the evening’s end, I want guests to thank the couple, not me, for a beautiful party. Then I know I have done it right.”
Even if you choose not have the expertise of a wedding planner by your side on your wedding day, you can still have a successful and fun celebration following Ida’s top three tips:
1) The most important thing I tell my clients is to pull a sampling of food, gown, flower and favor ideas that you love from magazines, books and websites and create your own trend.
2) Definitely have a timeline and communicate all the details with your DJ or MC. Have a final meeting 3 weeks before the event with all your vendors and go through the timeline.
3) Regarding the overall wedding, don’t forget the main reason why you are doing this. Look at the big picture, and take some time to remember that after the wedding, your marriage begins. Plan with confidence and enjoy it.
Some of the top wedding trends for 2011 include bright colors. Ida is seeing a lot of fuchsia and purple. Wedding dress designs will focus on femininity, delicate pastel colors and asymmetrically draped gowns. Food wise, lots of brides are asking for hors d’oeuvres that mix small bites with miniature drinks, also a lot of her clients are offering a late snack. Grilled cheese wedges served with tiny mugs of tomato soup is one of her favorites.
The one trend that Ida loves, is seeing the grooms being much more involved in the wedding planning process, which helps ensure that the big day is a reflection of both people involved in the wedding.
