Here at A Grand Wedding.com, we love wedding planners—and think every new bride should have one. We understand limits, we understand finances—but a wedding planner, or even ‘Day of’ coordinator, can make everything go smoothly, taking care of those 1,000 little questions you so don’t want to deal with, saving your sanity in the long run.
 
Jennifer Taylor, of Taylor’d Events, is not just a wedding planner; she’s a Professor of All Things Bridal. When we heard that she was having Be A Better Bride classes, we couldn’t wait to sit down with her and hear all about it.
 
A Grand Wedding (AGW): First things first, you’re a wedding planner.
Jennifer Taylor, of Taylor’d Events: Yes. I’ve been a planner for several years, putting my high organizational skills to good use [she laughs].
 
AGW: Your rates?
Jennifer: Six hours of coordination cost $750 and that includes consulting, finding the best vendors, planning…essentially everything but ‘day of’ coordination.

AGW: And how did you come up with the idea for the Be A Better Bride classes?
Jennifer: While I love planning weddings, I really love educating brides about the whole wedding experience, what’s out there, what to expect, how to have a successful wedding. I just thought it would be great if there was a curriculum out there that taught ladies how to make the most out of being a bride, budget planning and everything.

Right now it’s just a one day class, we talk about budgets, vendors, common mistakes, tricks for success and more. Next year I’m developing it into a series of classes. The first one will be about planning. The next one, floral and décor, and so on. Part of the classes will involve a meet and greet with local professionals.  
 
AGW: So the classes next year will have ‘speed dating’ for wedding professionals?
Jennifer: Right. All the best vendors will be on site and you can just go from one to another. It’s better than a big wedding show because there won’t be 5,000 photographers. Just the best ones.   

AGW: When does class begin? How much are the classes?
Jennifer: Classes will be held at Lake Washington Technical College. Class dates are July 25th, August 8th, August 15th and August 22nd. For more info, people can check out my web site.  The cost is $100 per couple.

AGW:  We heard about your Wedding Information Desk—essentially the ‘email the expert’—package. Love it!
Jennifer: Thanks; it’s a service that lets brides—who are getting close to the wedding—ask questions but they don’t know who to go to.  The Wedding Information Desk is basically the bride’s help desk.  They can sign up for a month, three months or six month subscription and they can email me with any questions they have about the wedding.  And it’s not just the bride who can email me; it’s also the bridal party and the family.  The Wedding Information Desk ranges from $200 to $1,000 depending on the length of the subscription.  It’s a great engagement gift!

AGW: Are you seeing any new, 2009 trends when working with brides for this upcoming wedding season?
Jennifer: I think a new trend is not being trendy. Using classic looks, pieces and ideas. I’m also seeing everything more personalized. If you’re not the ‘cut the cake’ kind of person, don’t do it. Do what you want to do.