A Dream Wedding by Sharon Cole is a San Diego-based wedding planning company.  Cole received three awards by the San Diego Association of Bridal Consultants for its 2009 Red Carpet Aisle Awards Banquet: Mentor of the Year, Good Will Ambassador, and Consultant of the Year. SDNR’s Cristina Bertocci got an inside look at what it takes to be a wedding planner in San Diego.

Cristina Bertocci: What is the most common problem that occurs when putting a wedding
together?

Sharon Cole: Eighty percent of my clients will tell that staying on budget is the most common problem when planning their wedding.  Since most weddings are now paid between the bride, groom and both of the couples families, I suggest vendors and short cuts that will still give the overall look and feel that the wedding couple is trying to achieve.

CB: What ways do you suggest couples avoid this problem?

SC: Prioritize! Don’t try to do it all. Pick the three most important aspects of the ceremony and reception and make sure they are perfect. Most couples choose photography, décor and food/beverage as their top three, but what if the groom really loves the sound of a live band? Do you scale back on the flowers to accommodate that, or do you make sure the ceremony and reception are at the same venue so that you can take out the transportation budget and move it to entertainment?

CB: Is there any important wedding element that is often overlooked that you
think couples should be made more aware of?

SC: Sadly to say, I think the ceremony is often the second thought. Everyone wants to enjoy the party, but I think a little more personal input into the ceremony goes a long way.  Take the time to write your own vows or include a reading that is special to you both. I know it’s hard for some couples to be the center of attention, but your guests are after all family and friends so you’re in good company!

CB: How far in advance do you recommend couples plan a May or June wedding?
A November/ December wedding?

SC: Since San Diego is a destination city for most couples getting married here, I would give yourselves plenty of time to get the venue you have your heart set on! Most venues book a year out. And September and October are the busiest two months of the year due to our amazing weather.

CB: What months are the least expensive for weddings in Southern California?  What
months are the most expensive?

SC: January through April is where the weather factor must be taken into consideration.  If you are planning an outdoor ceremony, then having a “Plan B” is a great idea.  May through November is considered prime wedding months. The price may vary slightly for Friday and Sunday ceremonies, but Saturdays remain the same.

Weekends with Holidays, especially Valentine’s Day and Memorial Day, are going to raise your floral budget so chose wisely.

CB: Have couples gotten away from the traditional sit-down dinner for a more
casual buffet-type of reception?

SC: An elegant sit-down dinner is still the most asked for by most clients. International food stations are now replacing the long buffet table that we have seen in the past.

CB: What is popular for photographing or videotaping the ceremony and
reception?

SC: A mix of candids and formals. Brides and grooms are chosing to see each other prior to the ceremony get all the formal shots taken before the guests arrive so they can quickly join in the party after the ceremony.

CB: Can you help plan a wedding at a vacation resort?  What are some of the
most creative destinations and how many days of activities do you generally
plan to entertain guests?

SC: When planning destination weddings, it’s important to think of your guests and include them in as much group activities as possible, but also leave them a little down time to explore on their own.

If it’s a long weekend, plan a welcome party on the night everyone arrives. This is a great way to let everyone get to know one another and it gives a guideline as to when everyone should arrive.

The following day include information about what’s unique to that city. For San Diego we highlight the San Diego Zoo, Sea World and the Wild Animal Park. But do keep aware of traveling to and from. Rent shuttles for your guests if you’re all going as a group.

If it’s in the summer, try a beach outing. Provide games and sunscreen for everyone. Set up a play area for the smaller children with licensed supervision.  It’s a great way to give the parents a rest and let them enjoy the festivities too!

CB: What is your favorite wedding moment/memory, why?

SC: My favorite wedding to date was in Osaka, Japan. I spent nine days with a couple from San Diego who lived and worked in Osaka. They were celebrating their 10 year anniversary, but never had the wedding of their dreams, so they called me. Since you spend so much more in Japan buying wedding attire and all the extras we use over here, my staff and I brought with us all the table linens, menu cards, place cards, favors, toasting glasses and cake serving set. The bride flew over during the planning process to buy her wedding gown, bridesmaids dresses, flower girl dresses and choir robes for the 14 Japanese students in the children’s choir. In total she had 35 friends and family in her wedding party alone! The staff at the hotel were the ceremony and reception took place had no idea how to coordinate a “western” wedding so they followed me around for three days with a videographer to get all the particulars down on film. My happiest memory was seeing the beautiful Japanese ladies dressed in Kimonos dancing. The venue gave us an additional one hour on the wedding day because they were having so much fun watching everyone. (In traditional Japanese receptions, dancing is not included).

                                        

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