Wedding Planners - what do you do during the reception?

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Permalink Reply by Ellen Chatillon on November 18, 2009 at 8:20pm

I work on Maui and most of the events that I do are held at private estates. Since I'm the one ultimately responsible I'm usually the last one to leave. (It makes me grateful for the 10:00 PM statewide curfew for outdoor events!)

During the reception I do what I would call "quality control". I'm the only one that knows the ins and outs of every component, from the site to the bride's quirks to the acceptable volume level of the music, and I would be very uncomfortable if I weren't there.

That being said, mine is an owner operated business but if/when the time comes that I get too busy to handle everything myself I will have no problem delegating. But it will be delegated from the beginning. (I book up to 2 years in advance.)

Permalink Reply by karolina warren on November 19, 2009 at 9:42pm

I noticed that as well. I've done 6 weddings, and I realize I stand there sometimes during dinner time, unless bride/groom have paid for my dinner. I decided I should leave once the last thing on the timeline is done. So for example if the bouquet toss and garter toss are done, I usually leave after that, unless they want me to clean up centerpieces and such. So it just depends.

Permalink Reply by Melissa Miville on November 20, 2009 at 7:24am

I always request a dinner since it's normally a long day. But there are times where I am just standing around! I planned a wedding at a groom's parent's home (they had 100s of acres) and with that one I was constantly on the go. But at actual venues they normally have staff keeping things moving. Anyway, thanks for the input!