Tanya Porter of Weddings, Etc.

Coffee Talk with Tanya Porter of Weddings, Etc.

WC: What motivated you to start this business?

TP: I started as a site coordinator for my church. As I began to do more weddings, I started keeping track of the things I would do diffently such as following up with vendors to be sure all the flowers are delivered. The longer I did this, the more I started reading and attending seminars to learn more. When I finally made the move to doing weddings professionally, I was able to fine tune my notes into the WEDDING PLANNING GUIDE, A Bride's Workbbok, which I give to a bride to follow as we plan her wedding.

WC: What are some of your favorite aspects about planning weddings?

TP: I love getting to know the couples and their families. It's always a thrill when a bride walks down the aisle to the man of her dreams to begin a new life.

WC: It seems that the modern bride is much more apt to hire a consultant than the bride of 4-5 years ago. Why do you think that's the case?

TP: I think young women are so busy with their careers that they just don't have the time to plan on their own. A coordinator can save them a substantial amount of time in assisting with finding vendors, doing a lot of the legwork, and being the "go to" person.

WC: What are some of the challenges that face a modern bride planning a wedding on her own?

TP: I'd have to say the budget. Most brides have never planned an event, let alone a wedding of this size and the amount of money can be really an eye opener for her. The details are what bogs a bride down. She needs to keep grounded and this can be an exhaustive job. Trying to juggle a job or school, moving into a new home and trying to plan a wedding can put even the most organized person over the edge!

WC: Do you think brides have any common misconceptions about wedding coordinators? How do you get past them?

TP: I think the remark I hear the most is that the couple doesn't want to lose control. They've seen the movies and think this is what a coordinator is. I explain to them exactly what I do and how I can assist them and reassure them that they have full control over any decisions that are made. This seems to put them at ease.

WC: Do you currently plan events outside of Colorado?

TP: I'm totally open to traveling outside the state. I'd love to start with a bride, plan her destination wedding and be there to make her day special. This is important for a bride, because she needs to feel comfortable and confident with her coordinator. Working with a bride from the beginning allows this to happen. She can trust me to make sure her ideas and plans are put into place and that all details are handled so she doesn't need to worry about them... she just has to arrive and enjoy her wedding day.

WC: Based on your years of experience consulting, what advice would you give to a planning bride?

TP: One, know that you are going to see the best and the worst in people. Everyone from your family to your attendants. Two, remember you are dealing with the human factor. This means that things can and do happen. Keep in mind the most important fact is that you are getting married... everything else is just icing on the cake. Third, don't get bogged down in details. You don't have to do it all yourself. Also, know when it's time to stop and smell the roses!

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.