Who better to ask about throwing a great wedding than people who plan and execute high-end weddings and special events for a living? Jung Lee and Josh Brooks share some of their expert tips.
Q: Where should a bride look for inspiration for ideas?
Josh and Jung: Great weddings reflect the uniqueness of a bride and groom. They have soul. That's why you need to look within. Ask yourself — what are you passionate about? What defines you as individuals and as a couple? Favorite things to do? If you were to build your dream home, what would it feel like?
Look around you to see what inspires you — design inspiration can come from restaurants, bars, hotel lobbies, fashion, etc. Musical ideas can come from your local music scene. What do you love to cook at home? Are you known for anything? Catering ideas should come from your favorite restaurants and dishes you love to make.
Q: What are some event planning challenges that are unique to New York City?
Josh and Jung: In New York, event space is always at a premium. We often have to reuse or "turn over" space during the evening. For example, the ceremony space may become the dinner or dancing space. It requires additional logistical and design planning. Also, there is not much outdoor space, which would be wonderful to have.
Transportation is always a bit crazy. When you pull in front of a busy hotel on a Saturday late afternoon, there can be hundreds of people, town cars, mini-buses converging at the entrance. What seems straightforward actually requires very forceful and careful management.
Q: What are 3-5 tips for getting the most out of a wedding event planner?
Josh and Jung: Ask for a detailed planning schedule — an overview of what will happen and how everything will progress from start to finish.
Show respect and appreciation for your planner as a professional. This will inspire them to do their best work. At the same time, make them earn your trust through the process. This will keep them on their toes.
Challenge your planner to do their best work. Set high expectations for them by being a discerning client.
Q: What should you bring to your first meeting with an event planner?
Josh and Jung: A good event planner should guide you through the process and tell you what to bring. Every planner has his or her own approach. At our first meeting, we like to start getting to know our client and take a step back to start developing an overall vision for the wedding. We always say that we need to know three things: Vision, Guest Count and Budget, before jumping into the venue search. The specifics come with time.
Q: Where could a bride or party hostess cut corners to save money?
Josh and Jung: A fantastic DJ is better and less expensive than a band.
Cut the wedding favors — they don't make or break a wedding.
Use your cake as dessert to reduce the catering charge.
Reduce your guest list if possible.
Q: Is there something they should never cut corners on? Please describe.
Josh and Jung: Always hire strong vendors but scale down the scope of their work. They will do right by you. The low-cost provider will cost you more in the long-term.
Music and Service — Music is the engine of a wedding. A bad band can kill a great wedding.
Poor service means that people won't be enjoying themselves — when people can't get food and drinks, they are not having fun.
Q: What are some unique (often overlooked) ideas for event locations?
Josh and Jung: I love the venue that surprises everyone. It becomes a new experience for everyone and tends to be a lot less cookie cutter. Some interesting options include photo studios, old warehouses, retail stores, museums or cultural locations, and large restaurants, or you can look into renting a home for the weekend.
