Advice for meeting w/the wedding planner..

That is exactly what she needs! She needs your boinder to see how far you are. She needs your inspiration boards to get ideas of the types of things you like. She will appreciate that you have been so proactive already.

It's only bridezilla-ish if you walk in, plop it down and say this is exactly what I, no deviation, no negotiation and what do you mean I can't have an 8 layer cake covered in real flowers that goes to the ceiling for $300?

But her job is to make your dreams come true! She can't do that without knowing what those dreams are...

You never fail to crack me up Meghan! I am actually getting our cake and the grooms cake for $300-ish, but it's definitely not 8 tiers high and we all know I don't expect it. Okay, I REALLY only have Mon-Thurs this week left to do some hardcore planning, because Orientation for school is Fri (YIKES!), and will be comsuming all my WW/planning time. I just don't want to hurt her feelings about anything, BUT this isin't her day, it's OURS, so I gotta get myself ready to say "No I really don't like that idea".. instead of "Yeah, that sounds neat, let's look into that." :/

*BUMP

I would bring everything you have. You may not need to show her all of it, but it certainly will be nice to have their in case she asks about it.

Just learn to say NO, I don't like that! I know that is hard, but it actually feels good and in powering. Ha ha!

My wedding plnner always asked "What about this? Do you like this? Have you considered this?" It was never not talking about my tastes! She flat out told me she has done some crazy weddings that she could never ever consider for her own nuptials- but it's all about what the couple wants!

Good luck to you! Let us know how it goes!

I'm so nervous! She's great tho. I wrote her a email explaining why we had to move the date back (in fear she'd be annoyed), but she wrote back and asked me to call her that when I had time that day b/c I sounded way too stressed. When I called she was so sweet and reassuring.

The more information you take to your planner, the better. We love pictures, ideas, magazine cutouts, etc... It helps us to truly understand what you want on your big day. Having an opinion does not make you a Bridezilla. It makes you a smart and prepared bride, and that is every planners dream client.

Thats what my cake lady today me today. "You seem so fun and easy to work with. Thank you for being so detailed and helping me understand exactly what you wanted by your drawing. I can't wait to meet you in person!" I promised her I am not a birdezilla, I just want to be on the SAME page and keep it simple, since I am 5 hours away from the town were getting married in. So far, so good. I am hard at work on my inspiration boards and getting them done so I can organize our binder.

I agree with Joan. I actually ask my brides to bring me pics, sketches, and whatever else they can find that shows me what they want. You would not believe the time I have spent with brides actually helping them with their DIY projects lol.

And just bc you have an opinion and know what you want doesn't make a bridezilla. What would make you a bridezilla is if you had Cristal taste on a Natty Light budget (which I run into a lot) and you yell and scream at me because I can't make your dreams a reality without the cheddar, or if I try my darndest to give you what you want without anything to go on and you have a total meltdown because what I've been able to come up with (based on the very small amount of info you have given me) is not what you wanted. That's a bridezilla.

I wish ALL the brides I work with were as prepared as you say you are.

This is THE binder, haha. I am working on printing and cutting out my inspiration boards right now and making them all onto a few sheets of papers. I have my list of questions.. and stuff. I really don't need her for anything except the day of decorating everything and stuff.. getting the permit for the beach, getting everything lined up, etc.. I'm really not using much of her decor either.

Kristina - Do I eventually need to give her a list of the cake girl, the DJ (if we go with one thats not on her list), our photographer, .. etc.

What you mentioned in the topic is perfect, bring your binder and fabric...etc...etc.

If you already have vendors picked out then she will probably need a list of them so she can contact them and coordinate

Okay, I'll work on that tomorrow. (The list) I'm just real nervous about cutting down entirely on the wedding planning for school, but at least I've got a good idea of everything we want pretty much and have found it already. I had one month straight now of nothing but planning/looking for stuff everyday basically. :/ Thats kind of embarassing. hahahaha

Potters is right. Bring EVERYTHING to this first meeting. It doesn't matter what it is. Most all coordinators (reputable ones anyway) will require you to either attach copies of your signed contracts with vendors (as well as receipts showing you where you've paid the vendors) to their contract when you sign it, or they will ask for you to give them the copies of the contracts and receipts as you get them. Most all coordinators require you to have all of your vendors paid off and copies of "paid in full" receipts submitted to them no later than 3 weeks prior to your wedding day. This is to ensure everything is paid in full well in advance (just in case any vendors wanna get shady); it's also to ensure that we can do our confirmation calls 2 weeks before your date and adress any issues well before the big day.

I hope this helps you.

Yes it does! Thank you girl!

Yeah the photographer requires the balance paid 30 days prior to wedding, the wedding planner does, and the cake lady. We have an idea of the catering we want, but I havent even begun to discuss in detail with the lady. Nor have I discussed the DJ (Were not sure if we can even have one and if we can, if we can even afford it) I'm still waiting on the lady with the beach house for rent we want to call back.. cos that's where were planning to do the reception.