We recently recorded a conversation Kristi had with a prospective groom and wanted to share the insights that we had into the heart of a wedding planner.
Q: What is your history with wedding planning?
A: I have always been the "behind the scenes" girl for friends, family, church events, even things that I was invited to but not formally a part of. I have a hard time seeing people who need help or organization and not stepping in. In college, I was a bridesmaid in five weddings in one summer, I learned very quickly what to bring, what kind of support a bride and groom need, and how to clean up after an event efficiently (and without ruining an expensive gown)
Q: What made you want to get into this business?
A: Honestly it was a total accident! A few years ago, I was asked to help with my brother's wedding, making favors and bouquets, taking photos, you name it. After telling the story to my hairstylist, she asked me to help with her wedding and from there the referrals just kept coming until What Matters Most was born.
Q: What is your favorite part about the whole process?
A: My kids tease me that my two favorite things are making things pretty and bossing people around. So I guess my favorite part of the process is being the information hub on the big day. Everyone in the bridal party and families know to come to me instead of the bride and groom so everything looks seamless to them. There is too much money, planning, and energy involved with a wedding to let little stuff stress you out.
Q: How do you deal with bridezillas?
A: This is going to sound like a total cop-out but it's true. I don't have any bridezillas. In my experience, bridezillas happen when people get bogged down in the details, especially ones that come from outside voices like parents and bridesmaids. When wedding parties make the decision to hire a planner or a coordinator, the burden of those details shifts from the bride and groom, to the planner and they are free to breathe and enjoy the process rather than be the manager of their own wedding. If mom has a wacky idea, I can "coach them out of it" so you don't have to get feisty with your bridal party. Need to keep someone away from a mic, I'll be the bad guy, not the bridal party.
Q: What is your favorite wedding moment?
A: When I was in college I was a bridesmaid for a wedding where the bride couldn't zip up the back of her gown. The zipper just would not budge. So I ran across the street to a flower shop and bought some tulle and ribbon and flowers and we made an overlay to the back of the dress that made it look like a very natural v-shaped cut in the back which got tons of compliments throughout the night. I think that was the moment I was hooked on weddings.
Q: I notice that you are not on The Knot or Wedding Wire why not?
A: GREAT question! The short answer is, they are expensive to join and maintain membership on those platforms. I would much rather keep my prices reasonable so that more bridal parties have access to my services than spend a ton of money on advertising. We are kept as busy as we want to be just from the referrals we receive and the response to social media requests and we consider that the highest compliment!