Meet Raina ~ Wedding and Event Planner Extraordinaire.
I met Raina a couple years ago when I was planning events. She is the most genuine and friendly person you might ever meet. Her mom was an event designer in New York so Raina grew up in the business of helping couples and other clients make their weddings and events special. She definitely knows her stuff.
I could continue to tell you all about her but I’ve asked her some questions that will seriously tell you everything you need to know. Then, at the end of the post, you’ll find another link where you can find out even more about her!
What are some of your favorite ways to enhance an event on a budget?
Over the years, I have curated a rather extensive list of preferred vendors. I work very hard at maintaining excellent relationships with those vendors. Once I have a sense of what my client would like to do versus what they can afford, I source from my vendor list the most cost effective way to get them the most for their money. Whether it is offering a signature drink to a beautiful wedding cake at a great price. Wedding and event planners work in bulk with vendors so we can get pricing that the regular person off the street never could.
Do you only plan weddings?
Certainly not! I have been in the event planning business for 20 years and in that time I have planned trade shows, countless weddings, family reunions, non-profit events, fundraisers, corporate parties and training sessions…if you can dream it up my team and I can plan it!
What is the largest event you have ever planned or assisted with planning?
The largest event I ever planned would have to be a feature event for wedding and event planners on The Intrepid Aircraft Carrier. When the State of New York opened it as a museum, they hired me to showcase it as a destination venue. Our theme was “Goodies From Home” and it was sponsored by a regional trade magazine. We had somewhere in the ballpark of 1,000 attendees.
How do you take your coffee?
With clients! Call me and we will go for a cup.
I like to mix it up between tea at home and coffee with clients. I tend to order a cold brew with coconut milk, but even then, I’ve been known to mix it up seasonally.
Have you ever had to deal with a difficult client?
There are no difficult clients. Once you they see how my team and I can help them “Say Yes to Less Stress”, they become easy to work with. Removing stress from any situation can really change the entire demeanor of a meeting, problem, or person.
What past trends are you ready to see over and what would you like to see become more popular?
A past trend that I am ready to see over would have to be those cutesy favors that wind up in the garbage. Truth be told, if it’s not food or alcohol, your guests really don’t want it, but everyone will feel pressured to take something home. If the couple does not have an attachment to something specific, then I recommend just eliminating the added expense of a favor. No one will miss it. A nicer option to consider is a donation to a charity, but the charity should be personal to the couple. No need to give out anything other than a note saying that a donation has been made.
A trend that I am loving is the bold brides. Color is definitely making a comeback, versus all-white weddings. We are seeing floral combined with props as well as hanging centerpieces and more elaborate lighting to create a unique space. Few brides want a “too perfectly organized” look. They tend to prefer a more eclectic feel which we love because this can really work for any type of budget by simply using a mix of containers and props, featuring two or three different centerpiece designs.
What do you do to relax?
I love to read. I can go through several books in a week. I also really enjoy traveling. Road trips are my favorite because the journey is all part of the destination. I have a passion for baking, which is odd, given that I am really not a fan of sweets. My closest friends are the ones who benefit most from my baked goods and thankfully never mind being guinea pigs for my many new recipes that I create in my kitchen.
What are some advantages to hiring a wedding planner?
There are so many excellent reasons to hire a planner, but a few important ones would be…
-We will make sure that no detail is overlooked. Chances are, you’ve never planned an event of this magnitude. So. Many. Details. We have done this quite number of times which makes us masters of wrangling the details that you might otherwise overlook. Plus, planners can also help you make the most of your budget and allocate it properly.
-We have worked with most of the venues and vendors in town. Full-time event planners are constantly networking and researching vendors, suppliers and venues to build our network and to stay ahead of trends almost daily. If we have a client who is looking for a drone photographer, finding one does not take weeks of research and sending emails that appear to go into the ether. It’s one phone call.
-You won’t be wasting your time. Your wedding planner has the time to chase down obscure details and stay in constant contact with vendors for day-to-day questions so you don’t have to.
-We will troubleshoot. If anything goes awry during the ceremony or reception, and something always does, you won’t even know about it because will already have handled it. We worry so you don’t have to.
What’s your favorite thing about being a planner?
My favorite thing would have to be that initial meeting with a client, seeing how they feel utterly overwhelmed by the daunting task ahead of them and slowly, through the course of our meeting, watching as the stress leaves their body. You can actually see them relax before your eyes knowing they have a professional who can step in and create a seamless event guaranteed to make everyone in attendance smile.
What’s your biggest inspiration?
It may seem cheesy, but I just love to help people. Making them happy and reducing their levels of stress really makes it all worth it for me. Planning an event truly is a full time job. Trying to do that on top of their already packed schedules essentially ensures that they will not be able to enjoy the planning process or even the event itself. By handing the reigns over to us, they can “Say Yes to Less Stress.”
[ctt template=”8″ link=”ibAPx” via=”no” ]Say Yes to Less Stress![/ctt]
What are the most important skills that an event planner needs to possess?
An event planner above all needs to always be prepared for any outcome or situation. I always like to tell my clients that there are no problems, only solutions and that is because I already have a plan B, plan C, plan D and plan E on hand. I am ready for anything! An event planner should be highly organized and intuitive while always remaining cool under pressure and most importantly, I never ever let my sunny disposition dim.
Here’s another little tidbit you should know about Raina.
She’s also a wedding officiant!
Check her out in THIS post.
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest