Hope everyone had a great weekend! Another two days of beautiful Spring weather!
This morning I would like to introduce you to Alicia Weigel of Bliss Events & Weddings! Alicia is a talented wedding planner based in the Fargo/Moorhead area. (If you are newly engagaged, I highly recommend you give her a call! A wedding planner is an awesome asset to your wedding, no matter how large or small.) In order to get to know more about her and Bliss Events, I asked Alicia to answer a few questions for us, so read on and enjoy...
How long have you been a Wedding Planner?
I coordinated my first wedding in May of 2006 after I planned my own wedding for over 500 guests. I always knew I wanted to be a event coordinator though – I have always enjoyed finding a reason to throw a party for friends or family – now I get to do it all the time!
How did you get started?
I planned weddings for free J I wanted to make sure this was something that I did in fact enjoy doing and that I was good at, so I offered my “services” to friends, co-workers, and friends of friends to get hands on experience. Once I had done several events, I decided I was ready to try marketing my skill set. I spoke with local hotel management staff and got some great advice on what their clients were asking for and tailored my services to meet the Fargo/Moorhead area’s need for coordinator services.
I am inspired in life by God, my family and goals I set for myself. In my craft, I am inspired most often by my clients! They come to me so excited and full of energy! They have so many ideas and it’s my job to find that really shiny one, the one they’ve had stored away since they were little that they want to portray on their big day and make it come to life. And then, I go to Hobby Lobby! J I can be found there weekly wandering the aisles, playing with merchandise, creating little centerpieces on the shelves. I love to use unusual items in my place settings too – pulling in things you wouldn’t expect to see adds a little conversation for the guests.
When you're not working on wedding plans, where can we find you?
At the softball fields or at the lake! We are an avid sports family, so we can be found on any of several ball fields throughout the FM area between T-Ball, little league and adult softball.
What's your favorite part about the business?
Never having to do the same thing twice. I love that each couple wants something different and that no two events are ever the same. I also love that the sky is the limit on creativity and I am working on pursuing other aspects of the industry to create even more options for my clients. Look for updates on our website!
Do you implement any green practices in your business?
I offer rental services that allow brides to reuse my items instead of purchasing their own – saves them money and the environment! I’ve also recently started purchasing inventory that is made of more energy efficient items – like LED lighting for head-tables and backdrops, and more.
What are some of the benefits of hiring a Wedding Planner?
Having someone in charge of finding your vendors is a big plus. I get some discounts the average person isn’t going to get because I can offer repeat business and I also know what vendor will fit into a price range, saving time calling people that aren’t going to be an option in some cases. I also hear from my clients that it is such a relief knowing that they don’t have to put a family or friend in charge of their day. The stress can be a lot for one person, and me and my team take that off the couple and give them the freedom to completely enjoy their day.
What’s one thing you wish you would have known when planning your own wedding?
Where to start! I was so confused with what to book and when I needed to have it booked by. Now I have checklists to make it easier for my clients along with budgeting outlines that take the guesswork out of where their money is being spent.
What should couples come prepared with when they meet with you for the first time?
A date is a good thing! I can work with them having nothing else in mind, but I do need to have a date at least tentatively set.
Anything else you'd like to add...
Clients call us from all over, so even if you don’t live in the area, we can still work with you – I have worked with couples who are planning a wedding in Fargo/Moorhead or a surrounding area, but live in other states or are even stationed in another country. This is a particularly tough situation for these clients since they may no longer be familiar with what is available in the area or the newest vendors in town and they don’t want to put this responsibility on a friend or relative. I started this business to help people with all budgets enjoy one of the most special days of their lives and we’ll work very hard for each client, no matter what the situation.
You can reach Alicia at Bliss by phone (701)261-4730 or via email at [email protected]
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