The Importance of Traveling as a Wedding Coordinator

Hello, everyone! It’s been a while since I last blogged, but it’s been an incredibly busy year filled with unforgettable experiences. Traveling has opened up a world of opportunities to meet new people, explore different cultures, and discover the unique beauty that each location offers. 

Earlier this year, I had the incredible opportunity to travel from Colorado Springs to Downtown Phoenix, specifically to a venue in the vibrant warehouse district. This experience was a revelation for me. I’ve always been passionate about selling picturesque wedding locations, but working in an urban environment shifted my perspective. I had to focus on selling the experience of having a wedding downtown, with all its unique offerings: bustling city life, eclectic venues, and the charm of urban landscapes. 

While there were numerous benefits to this new setting—like the energetic atmosphere and diverse backdrop—there were also distinct challenges and objections I had to navigate. Urban venues often come with considerations like parking, noise levels, and logistical constraints that are less of a concern in more traditional, scenic settings. Adapting to these factors not only enhanced my problem-solving skills but also deepened my understanding of what couples look for in their wedding venues. 

After six months, I returned to Colorado and have had the pleasure of working at several new locations around Colorado Springs and Denver. Each venue presents its own set of unique characteristics and challenges, allowing me to continuously grow and adapt in my role. It’s thrilling to dive into new experiences, and I’m constantly inspired by the creativity and vision of the couples I work with. 

In addition to my work travels, I’ve also taken the time to explore recreationally. These trips have provided valuable experiences that help me connect with people on a personal level, learn how to adapt to different environments, and pick up new skills along the way. Whether it’s a hiking trip in New Zealand or a beach getaway in Spain, these moments of relaxation allow me to recharge and bring fresh energy back to my work. Connecting with friends during these adventures has been equally important; those relationships ground me and remind me of the joy that comes with both work and play.

Now, I’m gearing up for a new location in the mountains, and I can hardly contain my excitement! The prospect of exploring this beautiful setting while coordinating a wedding is a dream come true. Each mountain venue promises a different experience, from breathtaking views to unique challenges, and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it all.

Traveling as a wedding coordinator has proven to be more than just a job; it’s a journey filled with personal growth and discovery. It enriches my professional life and provides me with stories and insights that I can share with couples. So, whether I’m navigating a chic urban wedding or a serene mountain celebration, the lessons learned from each travel experience continue to shape the way I approach my work. 

Here’s to more adventures ahead! Stay tuned for more updates as I dive into the next chapter of my journey!

Surviving Wedding Coordinator Burnout During the Fall Rush

The fall season is undoubtedly one of the most popular times for weddings. As a wedding coordinator, this means that you're in the midst of a whirlwind of events and non-stop planning. The constant hustle can take its toll, but there are ways to navigate this busy season and avoid burnout. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your game while still cherishing your well-being:

1. Cherish Your Days Off:

In the midst of back-to-back weddings and endless to-do lists, it's crucial to make the most of your days off. While it's tempting to catch up on chores and responsibilities, remember to focus on yourself. Spend quality time with friends and loved ones, indulge in activities you enjoy, or even try something new. Whether it's sleeping in, hiking, starting a new hobby, or binge-watching your favorite shows, ensure that your time off is rejuvenating and fun.

2. Effective Communication with Your Team:

Your colleagues are your greatest allies during the busy season. Stay connected with your team and maintain open communication. Share your challenges, successes, and even your frustrations. You're not alone in this, and discussing your experiences can help you see things from a different perspective. It's like having a support group within your workplace. You can vent, strategize, and find solutions together. Plus, discussing the workload and expectations can help eliminate miscommunications with clients and reduce frustrations.

3. Remember, It's Just a Wedding:

Yes, you're orchestrating a significant day in someone's life, and it's easy to feel immense pressure. But here's a reminder: it's just a wedding. Mistakes happen, and that's okay. If you miss something or make an error, don't panic. Acknowledge the mistake, apologize to the client, and take swift action to rectify it. What's important is how you handle the situation. Your clients will appreciate your transparency and efforts to make things right.

Furthermore, managing expectations is key. Let your clients know about your busy season and advise them to plan well in advance, finishing most of the arrangements at least a month before the peak period. This ensures that last-minute details won't be as stressful, and you can deliver exceptional service even during the fall rush.

In conclusion, surviving the busy season as a wedding coordinator is possible with the right strategies in place. Cherish your days off, communicate effectively with your team, and remember that, while important, it's just a wedding. By following these tips, you'll not only navigate the fall rush successfully but also keep burnout at bay. Your hard work and dedication are what make dream weddings come true, so remember to take care of yourself along the way.

Tales from the Wedding Trenches: Unforgettable Moments in the World of Weddings

Weddings are a blend of love, joy, and sometimes, a dash of unpredictability. As a wedding coordinator who has seen it all, I've had my fair share of crazy and unforgettable moments. Let me take you on a rollercoaster ride through some of the wildest wedding stories I've encountered.

The Mysterious Disappearing Guest

It was just my third shift as a server at the wedding venue in Colorado Springs when I encountered a wedding guest who vanished into thin air. The night was in full swing, with guests celebrating the newlyweds. This guest, perhaps a bit too enthusiastic about the festivities, got handed the keys to her boyfriend's truck and was told he'd meet her there later. The twist? She didn't even know the couple! She wandered off into the night, far beyond the parking lot's boundaries, and then, she disappeared.

For an hour, the event captain and I scoured the area, growing increasingly worried. We called the police and filed a missing persons report. Finally, hours after the wedding had ended, the police found her, walking along the side of the road. It was a night of high drama and relief.

The Gravity-Defying Bride

Picture this: a firefighter wedding in full swing, where everyone was having a blast. The highlight of the evening? The bride and groom perched on chairs, lifted high above the dance floor by their fellow firefighters. The music pumped, the excitement soared, and then, a screeching halt.

Amidst the cheering and laughter, the bride tumbled from her lofty perch—seven feet in the air! Gasps filled the room, and the DJ blurted over the microphone, "Is she okay?" The bride, despite twisting her ankle, was determined to keep the party alive. In an incredible show of resilience (and perhaps a bit of liquid courage), she rallied, exclaiming, "Let's keep this party going!"

With the help of another server, the bride was safely escorted to a bridal suite. There, the most sober paramedic in the room expertly popped her ankle back into place. My trusty first aid kit, always in my car (a life-saving tip for all), came to the rescue. The party roared on for another hour before the bride and groom finally headed to the ER.

The Officiant's Wilderness Adventure

Some weddings unfold without a single hiccup, leaving you with a sense of eerie calm. I was serving as the event captain for a fun-loving couple who had planned a flawless ceremony, complete with perfectly timed photos and seemingly seamless proceedings. It was so smooth that I even found myself remarking to a new captain-in-training about how unusually flawless the event was.

As the festivities wrapped up, the couple had arranged for a shuttle to transport their guests back to the hotel. With the assumption that everyone had departed, my staff and I began the meticulous process of flipping the event space, reconfiguring it for the next celebration. It had been a busy night, and we had been cleaning, moving tables, and resetting the room for two hours.

However, just as we were preparing to lock up and call it a night, I noticed something unusual outside our front doors. There, in the darkness, were legs sticking out from a nearby bush. Intrigued and concerned, I rushed to the scene, fearing the worst.

To our surprise, we discovered a stranger, sound asleep among the shrubbery. The mystery deepened when we realized that this stranger was none other than the couple's officiant.

As it turned out, the officiant, a young man, had imbibed a bit too much and, in his intoxicated state, boarded the shuttle with the other guests. However, he quickly realized he needed to use the restroom, and when he returned to the venue, he found himself abandoned as the shuttle departed.

Confused and unsure of what to do, he decided to wait at our front doors. Unfortunately, drowsiness got the best of him, and he fell asleep in his vigil.

We offered him a water bottle to help sober him up, but then things took an unexpected turn. He expressed a desire to use the restroom in the woods nearby, which we found rather peculiar. In response, we offered to arrange a ride to his hotel to ensure his safety.

However, the officiant had different plans and chose to walk away into the night, leaving us flabbergasted. Concerned for his well-being, I had to call the police again, this time to file a missing persons report.

As I was in the midst of discussing the situation with the deputy on duty, to our surprise and relief, the officiant returned, knocking on our door. He was finally ready to accept the ride we had offered him an hour earlier.

Our bartenders kindly drove him back to his hotel, ensuring his safe return. It was an evening filled with unexpected twists and turns, leaving us with a story that would be talked about for years to come.

In the world of weddings, it's often said that anything can happen, and these stories certainly prove that point. From missing guests to gravity-defying brides and officiants lost in the night, each tale offers a glimpse into the unpredictable and vibrant world of wedding coordination. Amid the chaos and surprises, one thing remains constant: the enduring power of love and celebration.

From Server to Wedding Coordinator: My Journey in the World of Weddings

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be orchestrating dream weddings and turning love stories into unforgettable celebrations, I might not have believed you. Yet, here I am, sharing my journey from being a server at a wedding venue in beautiful Colorado Springs to becoming a wedding coordinator extraordinaire.

The Early Days

My journey began as a humble server at a picturesque wedding venue nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs. I started from the ground up, ensuring that guests had the most wonderful experience on their special day. Those early days taught me the importance of attention to detail, impeccable service, and the magical world of weddings.

The Rise to Event Captain

As time passed, I was entrusted with more responsibilities, and I became an Event Captain. This role was pivotal in my journey as I transitioned into handling the day-of coordination. It was my duty to connect with couples, liaise with vendors, delegate tasks to our amazing staff, and ensure that every event ran seamlessly according to the timeline. Making each night unforgettable became my mission, and I learned the art of prioritizing the couple's needs above all else.

Stepping into Operations

In November 2021, I took on the role of Operations Manager. This position required me to oversee all aspects of the venue's operations, from scheduling to ordering supplies. I focused on streamlining processes to ensure that every event ran like clockwork. The behind-the-scenes work was essential, and it further deepened my understanding of the wedding industry.

The Leap into Planning

April 2022 marked a turning point in my career as I transitioned to working directly with couples. This phase allowed me to dive headfirst into the planning side of weddings. I became the go-to person for couples, meticulously going over every detail of their special day, right down to the napkin fold. My role expanded to invoicing vendors and coordinating with staff to ensure the couple's vision came to life seamlessly on their big day.

The Love for Sales

After three months in this client-facing role, I was given the opportunity to handle sales. This was where my passion truly blossomed. Meeting with potential clients, hearing their unique love stories, and discussing their dream weddings ignited a fire within me. I relished showcasing the incredible talent of my dedicated team, the same team I had grown alongside. The chance to connect with couples and make their dreams a reality at our venue became my favorite part of the job.

In this role, I wasn't just selling a venue; I was selling an experience, a promise of a magical day filled with love and joy.

The Journey Continues

My journey in the wedding industry has been nothing short of amazing. From serving tables to orchestrating weddings, managing operations, and becoming a trusted planner and salesperson, I've evolved in ways I never could have imagined. I owe my growth to the incredible couples I've had the pleasure of working with and the dedicated team that supports me.

Today, as a wedding coordinator in Colorado Springs, I continue to connect with love stories, make dreams come true, and add a touch of magic to every celebration. I look forward to meeting more wonderful couples, hearing their unique stories, and helping them create their own unforgettable moments. Here's to many more love-filled celebrations ahead!