The Day of a Wedding Liaison

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(Free-Press-Release.com) June 9, 2009 -- When Carolyn Burke reports to work, she doesn't travel light. Armed with an emergency kit with items from scissors to hair spray; she is prepared for every possible situation the event could bring. Burke calls herself a Wedding Liaison and the owner of Carolyn Burke - Wedding Liaison. She thrives in the rush of excitement - and sometimes panic - of her clients' wedding days.

"I love every moment of what I do," she said. "It's like putting together a puzzle and getting all the pieces to fit together." The excitement comes from building an event from the ground up. Many clients come in with no clue where they want to have their event, so Burke holds a face-to-face meeting and picks what elements of the event are important and that is where you spend the most money. She coordinates wedding ceremonies of many faiths, religious and non-religious backgrounds.

"Budget and chemistry are the two main things I look for when choosing wedding vendors," Burke said. Some couples have their heart set on certain things that just don't quite fit, she said. As the planner, she won't say no, but she may try to steer them in another direction. If the couple insists, she'll go with their idea. "Ultimately, it's their event, I just give advice" she said.

Burke enjoys the challenge of carrying out her clients' unique requests. For example, one of her current couples is planning a hunting theme, complete with camouflage wedding favors and a cake topper of a bride and groom fishing. Seeing the plans come to fruition - and seeing people enjoy the results - is extremely rewarding, she said. "It makes me happy that I have created exactly what they wanted their day to be," she said.

A client's wedding day is not all fun and pats on the back, however. Burke often spends more time putting out fires than collecting compliments. "I haul boxes, I pin the corsages, I answer tons of questions," she said. "If I do not know the answer, it is my responsibility to find it."

She pulls together a timeline on the event to ensure that everyone is on the same page, but even the best laid plans can go awry. At any given moment, she could find herself putting up decorations or doing last minute alterations on a bridesmaid's dress with items from her emergency kit.

"You really have to be a jack of all trades," she said. "You have to be prepared for everything." Those who are the most successful at wedding planning will be able to think on their feet and get along well with people, Burke said. "It's a lot of back and forth with vendors and clients," she said. "It takes a lot of time and effort, and you have to be creative."

In the wedding industry, much business is obtained by word of mouth, so a event planner must always be on duty and professional, Burke said. A well-executed event could bring new business. Networking and attending bridal shows is also crucial, as it helps build important connections.

As time-consuming as planning and coordin

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