Plan Design Coordinate Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 72.
Wedding Planning, Wedding Design and Wedding Coordination are very creative activities. These concepts work together and are presented here in a suggested sequence. Having the pieces of the puzzle, it is easier… Read More.
2 Successful Parties. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 71.
Throwing a party is a creative yet simple activity:
Invite people you like…
Provide food and music you like…
Combine and mix gently.
I think the reward for a host is knowing… Read more.
Anniversary Celebration. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 70
“Though just one day, a wedding establishes an ideal to strive for in everyday living.”
I wrote that, I like saying it. It is indeed something my wife Sheila and I strive for… Read more.
Covid Wedding Triumph! Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 69
Since March 2020 there have been a number of successful weddings and events I have personally presided over. At each event attendees were mindful to create a safe environment.
Simply, common sense prevailed and everyone had a good time and no one got sick. See the following posts of successful weddings and events… Read more.
Events, Creativity, Problem Solving. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 68
There’s an old saying by Greek Philosopher Plato that “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Though he said it in Greek I think the concept is easy to understand.
Here is another quote with similar meaning… Read More.
Etiquette & Natural Interaction. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 67.
At a family gathering conventional etiquette would include shaking hands, an embrace, a kiss on the cheek. However, current health protocol as reported forbids such… Read More.
Experience & Understanding. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 66
Most couples I meet with have not planned a large event before. Getting married is a new experience.
In working with a couple, it’s part of my responsibility to find out their level of understanding. Building on that, I can guide them through, to achieving a successful celebration.
In this discussion, I relay a story of a groom who, due to lack of experience, was somewhat detached and just not tracking with planning his wedding.
This was a problem for his bride, who was very certain of what she wanted and didn’t understand how her fiancee just wasn’t getting it… Read More.
More About Wedding Coordination, Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 65
On “the day of” it is the wedding coordinator who would be responsible not only for the wedding ceremony going smoothly but for every… Read more.
Wedding Coordinators, What Do They Do? Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 64.
Once planning and design are complete it is now in the hands of the wedding coordinator to successfully execute the event. This episode illustrates the “boots on the ground” actions taken… Read more.
Level of Service. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 63
Most event professionals are artists, and find it artistically rewarding to collaborate with their clients on a happy occasion.
The conversation in this episode however verged on a separate subject I call “the disagreeable individual”.
Now let me be clear. Helping someone who has a vision for their event is a lot of fun. If they are demanding and specific that’s just fine. That’s not a disagreeable individual…
Lighting. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 62.
In designing your event, you are the artist. With the help of event professionals many art forms contribute… Read more.
Guided to Success. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 61
It is true an event is guided to success. In able hands, it may seem that an event just happens with no effort at all.
This is the sign of… Read more.
Certainty In Your Decisions. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 60.
A very good friend of mine recommends not to make decisions while you’re upset. That’s good advice. The current situation is upsetting as of May 5th 2020. No doubt about that. Emotions are running high in the media; it seems…Read more.
Extending the Party. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 59.
A high level of service can be simply defined as, the event professional taking responsibility for the needs of the client. It is an important part of the coordinator’s job to know… Read more.
Party at the Shakespeare Club. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 58.
The centerpiece can be regarded as the focal point for the table contributing to the decor of the entire room. The master of ceremonies conducting the festivities of the evening is also a focal point and … Read more.
Checklist for Rescheduling a Wedding. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 57.
When planning a wedding, each item purchased, each service secured is carefully chosen. Invitations have already been sent and guests are confirmed. Then, you find out that due to some factor beyond your control, you need to reschedule your wedding.
Recently, there are many couples in the middle of this nightmare. Thankfully this doesn’t… Read more.
Persist. Keep Calm And Carry On. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 56.
This discussion started with a bit of a rant about a project to solve a problem I had had with my email. I had no idea that email could be so technical. This journey revealed many areas that I had not taken responsibility for.
Just when I thought I had it all figured out then some other aspect of the problem made it self known to me. Thank goodness for… Read more.
Memorial Presentation. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 55.
Before the printed word, knowledge was passed down through the ages by the telling of stories.
Stories of a life well lived, can have… Read more.
Weddings & The Academy Awards. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 54.
Allow me to quickly apologize for the sound quality of this particular recording. Indeed, no awards are merited for sound engineering or sound editing of this episode.
I considered not publishing this recording at all however, the information in this discussion is valuable to engaged couples as well as… Read More.
Weddings. An Unregulated Industry. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 53
I am not one for lots of laws and regulations in areas where common sense should prevail.
In creating this podcast, it has been my intention to present an organized body of information about wedding and event planning. The truth is… Read More.
Revisiting Your Plans and Budget. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 52
Wedding planning is a very creative activity and new to most couples. You have ideas. You will get ideas. Your priorities will change.
Your budget will develop as you gather information and learn about the services you will be hiring.
Then, you may suddenly… Read More.
Support The Bride! Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 51.
A lot of wisdom gets kicked around in these talks with Tobey. We are not trying to be learned or clever. It’s just that weddings are a proving ground, a test of one’s metal, a rite of passage that follows… Read more.
Design & Logistics. Event Designer Part 5. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 50
In this series, Event Designer, Parts 1 through 5, Tobey and I discuss how an event can be shaped and influenced by thoughtful attention to design. Read more.
Pink Wedding. Event Designer Part 4. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 49.
Color and flowers are standard elements often used in wedding design. In talking with Tobey, I learned that flowers are ordered months in advance and that time of year and holidays influence price and… Read more.
Viewpoints & Opinions. Event Designer Part 3. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 48.
In this episode, Tobey relates a story of helping a mother and daughter come to an agreement on the design of invitations. Mother and Daughter each having strong opinions; what could go wrong? Read more.
Elements. Event Designer Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 47
Imagine the possibilities of a blank canvas. Put in it one dab of color and you have changed that blank field. Imagine a still pond. Dip your toe in the water and the effects ripple out.
Such is the power of design. Read more.
Event Designer Part 1. Wedding and Event Podcast episode #46
The original conversation on this topic lasted over an hour and in many ways is a continuation of the Wedding Definitions series episodes 43, 44 and 45. In this episode, Tobey offers a great definition for an Event Designer and illustrates this creative activity with stories… Read more.
Wedding Designer & Wedding Producer. Definitions Part 3. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 45
Education is the key to making good decisions.
It’s especially hard to think of everything when one is new at an activity. Indeed, sometimes one can’t help but get an uneasy feeling that they are forgetting something or that something hasn’t been fully thought out.
However, with education and… Read more.
Wedding Coordinator. Definitions Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 44.
The more I look at what a wedding coordinator is responsible for, the bigger the job seems.
I think there are 3 parts of a full-service wedding coordinator which include… Read more.
Wedding Director. Definitions Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 43.
Question: What’s the difference between a Wedding Planner and a Wedding Designer? Or a Wedding Director and Wedding Producer? How about a Wedding Coordinator and Day of Wedding Coordinator?
I think a couple new to planning their wedding would benefit from knowing these terms and how they relate to the services they will be hiring. Read more.
Hierarchy of Event Responsibility. Part 3. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 42.
When you are in charge of an event, and see a situation develop, that might affect the outcome, you can’t turn your back it.
The handling needed may be immediate and “far above one’s pay grade” and so to be at peace with one’s self one does whatever necessary to guide the event to success. Read more.
Hierarchy of Event Responsibility. Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 41.
To provide a high level of service I am sure there is some kind of ratio of service staff hired to the number of guests attending. An example of this is hiring additional staff to provide wine service during dinner.
In this Episode, Tobey recounts a wedding reception having an unexpected change in the foodservice affecting the bride and groom’s dinner. Like a house of cards coming down this effected… Read more.
Hierarchy of Event Responsibility. Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 40.
What if there is no wedding coordinator? Who’s in charge?
When I first started performing for weddings back in the 90s I really didn’t understand how an event was organized. After meeting with the client I thought I had my facts straight and the event would go smoothly. I really couldn’t put my finger on why some events went better than others… Read more.
What is the message of your event? Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 39.
Tobey and I discuss finding out what is important to the client, and how this ultimately reveals the client’s vision and helps to craft the overall message of the event.
The event professional is there to listen and serve the interests of their client. Finding out what these interests are is often artfully done and can occur quite unexpectedly. Read more.
What is the message of your event? Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 38.
In episodes 36 and 37 Tobey and I discuss “Party With A Purpose”; these center on the occasion.
As you know thousands of dollars can be spent on an event, and people can have a good time and that might be all there is to it. However, if an event is a communication, then, what is the message?
I had gotten a referral of a retirement party needing music. The gentleman planning the event, an executive of his company, wanted to acknowledge a retiring employee.
In working out the flow of the event, I asked him if there would be toasts or words spoken?
This was something, he later admitted, he hadn’t thought of. Read more.
Party With A Purpose. Part 2. Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 37.
This episode is a continuation of our discussion of 2 parties Tobey had attended as a guest.
What are the factors that make an event a success?
Will the level of enjoyment be monitored by how much money is spent? Read more.
Party With A Purpose. Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 36.
Whether a dinner party, dance party, birthday party, retirement party, or a fundraiser that forwards a good cause, an event is a communication.
A well-planned event provides an aesthetic distraction-free environment where guests interact. And stated or not, the event imparts a message.
In this episode, Tobey discusses 2 parties she enjoyed attending as a guest. Each had a unique purpose. Though different, these parties shared similar qualities that made them successful events. Read more.
Upward from Clueless. Wedding and Event Podcast Episode 35
While working with a particular bride on her grand entrance, I was picking up that there was some reluctance on part of the groom making it difficult for her plan. So I decided to give him a call.
In our discussion about his wedding itinerary the groom suddenly, in a moment of cognition asks, “Wait! Do you mean I have to walk into the room?”
This was a fundamental realization that he had to have, which, shed some light to the difficulty the bride was experiencing. Read more.
Do I need A Wedding Coordinator? Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 34.
Planning a wedding is a lot of fun. Being newly engaged is an exciting time for a couple. Jumping right into wedding planning, without a plan, is a natural occurrence. Hey! We’re engaged! Let’s go shopping!
As the important date approaches one’s awareness becomes heightened and details suddenly jump out demanding attention. It may be at this point when the couple, already heavily invested in their wedding, might start to think “Do I Need A Wedding Coordinator?” Read more.
Do I Need A Wedding Coordinator? Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 33.
This is a question that I am often asked by couples. The terms Wedding planning. Wedding designing. Wedding Coordination are sometimes used interchangeably as representing the same subject. Indeed they are separate subjects. In this discussion, I commented to Tobey that this question is a hard one to answer. And she said,
“Sure it is! There are so many different circumstances that would create a need or a desire for a couple to have a wedding coordinator… Read more.
Avoiding Misadventures. Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 32.
In part one, Tobey and I discussed my preparation for a wedding on the coming weekend. I had an itinerary that I had worked out with the couple, but now it was time to contact and confer with the location, food service, and other vendors who I would be working with. To my knowledge at the time, there was no wedding coordinator… Read more.
Avoiding Misadventures. Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 31.
On the day of a wedding, many parts come together. And though the couple and I think we have a perfectly written itinerary sketch, there yet remains execution of the event. How this event will go is dependent on the coming together and coordination of the parts. Read more.
Learning From The Royal Wedding. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 30.
We can all learn something from observing other weddings. Simply, find what you like and incorporate that into your own celebration. In this short episode, Tobey and I discuss parts of the royal wedding that we really liked. Read more.
Weddings. A Collective Art Form. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 29
A motion picture is a composition of many art forms; for example, literature, cinematography, acting, costume and set design; each Art form contributes to telling the story. And much like a motion picture, a wedding incorporates many art forms and is certainly an example of “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Read more.
Protocol. Part 2 Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 28
When greeting someone for the first time, one could say that the protocol would be to shake hands. This is an accepted response and invites further communication. The natural progression of getting to know one another has begun. Read more.
Protocol. Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 27.
There are certain traditions and observances that give guidance to how young women are formally introduced into society.
The debutante ball or cotillion are announcements of coming of age and a formal introduction of a young woman to society. Indeed the Jewish Bar mitzvah and Bat mitzvah or the Spanish Quinceanera are as well announcements and social presentation with ceremonies and traditional observances each with their own protocol. Read more.
Event Running Late. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 26.
Hosts have a vision for their event. A beautiful itinerary is composed and the stage is set for wonderful things to happen. Events usually go as planned. But things can occur that alter the proposed schedule. I experienced this happening at a recent wedding where I was the DJ/Master of Ceremonies and Pianist. I started seeing the event go off schedule before I had even started. Read more.
Recipe for a Good Wedding. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 25.
Tobey and I started talking about the importance of choosing high-quality ingredients when preparing a traditional meal for a religious observance and then got to talking about making perfect brownies. And quite naturally, the analogy of cooking and planning a wedding arose. Read more.
No Wedding Coordinator. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 24.
A couple has announced their engagement. Everyone is happy for them.
I am sure the mother of the bride of this wedding took great pleasure in helping plan her daughter’s special day. Wedding planning gets you half the way there. After planning, for an event to be successful, there remains execution.
It was agreed upon between the bandleader and the mother of the bride that each bridal party couple would enter to their own music during the Grand Entrance. Ambitions… Read more.
Events Go Well When… Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 23
I got a “thank you” note from a couple whose wedding I had done several months before. I love receiving these and In reading it it was as if I could hear their voices and sense them in the room with me. It really brought me back to their wedding and how well it went.
I started thinking about what it was that made their wedding such a success and I came up with a partial statement “Events go well when…”
I started playing with concepts that might make a complete statement and came up with several… Read more.
Pairing. The Client With The Right Vendor. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 22.
Someone new to planning a wedding or event would not have a clue about how to evaluate the extent and quality of services offered by event professionals. By researching Pinterest a couple designing their wedding can collect references of what they like. This is a good start but there is so much more to it than that… Read more.
I’m All Done with Wedding Planning. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 21.
In a previous discussion, Tobey had briefly described a bride who thought she was all done with planning her wedding but in fact was only half the way there… Read more.
New Information & New Responsibilities. Part 2. Learning from experience. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 20.
It should be obvious that “one doesn’t know” “what one doesn’t know.” The person is just not experienced in the area.
As an example If one is trying to produce an event with no prior experience, they will certainly learn a lot however it could happen that they will encounter things that they don’t know and improvising to fill in the blanks, pour choices could be made… Read More.
Wedding & Event Planning. New Information & New Responsibilities. Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 19
As a good story develops it gets more and more interesting. The participants are captivated by a game that twists and turns as revelation fuels action and drama. I think planning a wedding or special event is just as fun as performing for one… but it is not without surprises. It is indeed an adventure of discovery where new information is obtained or an unforeseen situation develops provoking decision and action… Read more.
Relatability. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 18
Part of an event planner’s job would be knowing their client and paring them with the right vendors.
In this episode, Tobey relates a story about recommending 2 different photographers to a client who had expressed a desire for certain qualities in their photographer. This story illustrates several attributes to consider when choosing someone to work with… Read more.
Factors to Consider When Planning an Event. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 17
In this episode, Tobey and I discuss factors to consider that contribute to the atmosphere of an event. In addition to the location and lighting, this would include having an agreed upon itinerary to guide the natural progression of the event from one activity to the next. We touched on conducting a wine dinner… Read more.
Planning Wedding Ceremony Music and Coordinating a Wedding Ceremony. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 16.
A wedding ceremony can be one of the most beautiful parts of a wedding celebration. In this episode, Tobey and I discuss the factors that might cause a wedding ceremony program to change on the day of the wedding. And how, an experienced wedding coordinator can tighten the reigns and bring the wedding ceremony processionals under control… Read more.
Discovery & Understanding. Your Wedding & the Level of Service you will receive. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 15
During this conversation, I got a call from a bride who I was expecting to hear from. She wanted a price. However, this was before we had had a chance to actually speak. Just the price alone is only a number and really doesn’t reflect the extent or value of service. We had not yet spoken about her ideas and vision for her wedding… Read more.
The Balance Between Design & Function. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 14
During the course of our conversations, Tobey has said many quotable things. One of my favorite Tobey Quotes is:
“There has to be a balance between design and function.”
Now, what’s important to a couple on their wedding day is unique to them. And it is up to the event professional to help the couple achieve their vision… Read more.
Naturally Good at Organization and Delegating Responsibility Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 13
Being a good judge of character.
Choosing the right person to get the job done.
Having the certainty that the person chosen will get the job done.
These are some of the qualities of a good executive. You want to put a good executive in charge of your wedding… Read more.
Prediction & Thinking of Everything. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 12
Familiarity with the location. Knowing one’s job. Years of experience. These are just some of the things that one hires a professional for. However, situations do arise and can make it difficult for even the best of us… Read more.
Communication and Wedding Planning. Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 11
In this episode, Tobey and I continue our discussion about this important topic. Now “communication” here can be defined as is an interchange of ideas between 2 people who are talking to each other. And this should take place between a couple and their wedding coordinator. More fundamentally the couple should also talk with each other about their ideas. But what about receiving questions that are asked of one’s self?… Read more.
Communication and Wedding Planning. Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 10
In this episode, Tobey and I discuss aspects and quality of communication as it relates to wedding planning. This includes not only questions a client should ask an event professional but also the importance of the reverse, the event professional asking the client questions and the discussion that results… Read more.
Wedding Planning And Viewpoint – Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 9
“Is it a white shirt with yellow stripes or is it a yellow shirt with white stripes?” Well, that would depend on the viewpoint of the observer. Much can be said about this subject and certainly, poets and philosophers already have, but let’s narrow it down by framing it in the context of planning a wedding or special event… Read more.
Contributing Factors. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 8
Not everything that contributes to a successful event is a “thing”. Food, lights, gifts, decoration are things. This is quite separate from a “meaningful toast” or a “beautiful poem read”. These are intangible but very valuable contributions to an event.
In this episode, I relate a story about an anniversary party where the celebrants at the beginning of the planning process categorically forbade any announcements or toasts… Read more.
A Place for Everything and Everything In Its Place – Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 7
Usually, a well-planned event goes smoothly. In this (one of our first podcast episodes) Tobey and I discuss real situations and actual events. In some ways, this is a behind the scenes look at how a Wedding Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies work together… Read more.
How to Talk with a Wedding Vendor. Part 3. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 6
So far in this topic, we have discussed some of the services needed in putting together a wedding. These include Location, Flowers, and Music as well as the importance of becoming comfortable talking with prospective vendors.
In this episode, Tobey addresses the subject of food and catering. I love to cook and I love to eat and I would consider that I am passionate about food. However, Tobey introduced aspects of catering I had not considered… Read more.
How to Talk with a Wedding Vendor. Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 5
Couples planning a wedding go online and get information about services for their wedding; lots of information. In this discussion, Tobey covers the importance of the couple making a personal connection with the prospective vendor. We also talked about the vendors’ responsibility to make options and aspects of their service easily understood so that couples can make informed decisions… Read more.
How to Talk with a Wedding Vendor Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 4
Planning a wedding is a new experience for most couples. Getting comfortable talking with vendors and learning about services is all part of successful wedding planning. Communication between client and vendor is a 2-way street… Read more.
Wedding & Event Planning & Guidance Part 2. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 3
I have discovered when helping a couple plan music for their wedding that one great song leads to another. Planning an event is a very creative activity and becomes more and more exciting as ideas come together. An event is a composition of ideas… Read More.
Wedding & Event Planning & Guidance Part 1. Wedding & Event Podcast Episode: 2
Even for a seasoned event professional with many years of experience planning a major event is a big responsibility. It would be very easy to overwhelm someone new to the planning of such an event. But I think everyone can learn and everyone can grow into the role of being the creator of a beautiful and successful event… Read more.
Introduction to Wedding & Event Podcast. Episode 1
Hello. My name is Eric Zimmermann. I am a DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist and Bandleader in Los Angeles. Wedding and event planning is a big undertaking and new for most people. An informed buyer makes good decisions when planning their special event, that’s why education and experience are so important… Read more.