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Similarities Between GLBT & Traditional Ceremonies
Examining the similarities in planning either type of event, Non-Traditional or Traditional. Tips for ensuring an event's success.
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Similarities Between GLBT and Traditional Ceremonies
By
Marc Savant, President/CEO, Savvyplanners.com
There is so very little difference between the two. Let's take the ceremony portion first. In attempting to compare and contrast the types of ceremonies, one must come to the realization that a ceremony is a ceremony. There is the location, the clergy (if desired), the music, attendants, attendees, family members, flowers, transportation---all aspects that need coordination and direction.
In our business, the client has all these things to consider. It is a good thing to have a professional in charge of supervising the details. There are so many things to be overseen. The art is to not allow anything be overlooked. On a client's special day, there is no reason that they should have to be distracted by miscellany for any reason.
Based on the listing above, one may find that the similarities are blatantly obvious. Let's move on to the reception. There are so many types and tastes to accommodate. If you have ever attended or participated in a reception, you know that the following observations are true, in most cases. There is always someone that you wish was NEVER asked to give a speech. Always someone that should NEVER have been asked to dance…these seem to be common issues, regardless of whether the gathering is for a traditional or a same-sex ceremonial event.
As to the reception, specifically, there are so many variables. Some folks like the laid-back, informal and family gathering type atmosphere. Some clients prefer as much pomp and circumstance as is available. Fireworks displays, schooners, jet fly-overs, live geese, peacocks, rheas, doves,---champagne towers (eh!), It is our obligation and pleasure to make dreams come true. The reception is no different.
Another common thread between the events is the need for music (be it from a DJ, band, chamber ensemble or orchestra), food, an Emcee, a baker, a florist, videographers, photographers, media (in some cases) and even valet parking attendants. Again, no detail can be left to chance.
In my experience, there is really no major difference in the logistics and planning requirements of either type of ceremony or reception. The betrothed need to have in place a group of experts in logistics, timing, traffic patterns, service standards, direction and supervision---the professional event planner. The second most important but crucial need is for that person or team or staff to be virtually invisible, except when needed. They MUST have anticipatory training so that those things that “could happen" are not only already considered, but also sought out and expected. Further, a “plan B" that can be immediately executed should be in place. For example: a back-up unity candle in the event of a faulty wick, a secondary florist that has already been briefed and prepared to activate immediately in the event that the contracted florist fails to perform. There is never a need to have an “un-fixable" crisis. Additionally, it is far more preferred to have a team that will be there throughout your event. From set-up -to departure. If your planner has done their work, listened carefully to the client's desires, prepared their primary and back up teams and vendors, confirmed and re-confirmed and re-confirmed. By the way, they must RE-CONFIRM AGAIN! This is a pretty reliable method to prevent a bad event. Accountability is requisite.
Our teams are instructed that it is far better to be a bit of a “confirmation-pest" (to assure success), than to be passive and presume that everything is going to be just fine. “ They are professional bakers aren't they?" A client is not going to be interested in eating an invoice instead of a slice of wedding cake. Nothing can be left to chance. As a bride or groom to be, make certain to have a professional at the helm of your event. All you should have to do is show up, relax and prepare for what YOU have to do---enter into the most significant merger of your lives.
This applies, whether you are having a traditional or non-traditional ceremony commemorating the joining of your hearts. One thing that we have learned is that it really doesn't matter which type of event is being planned. Attention to client desires, detail, responsibility, functionality, professionalism and the focus of the day which, in either case, is supposed to be about love.
Nota Bene: FACT - Planners cost more than if you attempt to do it yourselves. This is undeniably true. However, I have had many a client tell me horror stories about how their Aunt Gertie or best friend Lulu have totally dropped the ball or "destroyed my wedding". Talk to as many planners as you can. Feel them out. Find the one who feels "right" to you. You should expect to get an easy to interpretand detailed contract and timeline for review. Take the responsibility of reading it thoroughly. After selecting your planner, they should be available to you to answer any questions you may have. They should be prepared to provide answers to any question posed. Just bear in mind that they have been in the business for years in most cases and are well-equipped to perform the tasks required.
You have only one first wedding. Do all that you can to assure that it will be as perfect and memorable as possible. If you have found a planner in whom you have trust and comfort, there should be no need to call them thirteen times per day(smile). Their goal is your satisfaction and success!
Good Luck and congratulations!!!
Marc
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