11.19.2010

Personal Assistant, AKA Superhero of the day

After all the planning is done and everything is set, you get to relax. Right?

Not so much. AT least for me!

The big day came and went, everything turning out pretty much how we had dreamed which was great! However, even on my big day I had to make sure certain details were taken care of. There was so much to juggle! We had a guest list of close to 350 and a little over 200 of those were in attendance. There were two separate receptions, one simply with cake and snacks, another for 150 with a full dinner buffet and dancing. My mom and my cousin ended up exhausted after taking it upon themselves to make sure everything was put in place, pieced together, and organized.

Looking back, having a personal assistant or planner was something that we wish we would have invested in. It wasn't something that was even considered since we were on a rather limited budget. However, it ended up being a much bigger list of responsibilities than we had imagined. We didn't have anyone who's sole responsibility was to set things up and make sure everything was in place throughout the day.

I know there are many brides who have not even considered what a personal assistant or planner could do for them. I've found that many people think that their MOH and attendants will take care of most anything you could need, but this is not reality for most weddings. If you're wondering what an assistant's responsibilities could include, I've found a list (from a personal attendants website, *link found at bottom) that names some great things that may be otherwise overlooked and would be an attendants responsibility:

Meeting with you to discuss and learn details of your day
Preparation of rehearsal & wedding itineraries
Follow up with vendors/confirm times & details
Attendance & Direction at the rehearsal
Helping with the seating chart
Attending appointments with the Bride
Holding necessary wedding day items for the Bride
Providing direction and guidance to ushers for seating of guests
Taking care of the entire wedding party and immediate family members so that everyone has peace of mind about where they are to be
Making certain that all finishing touches are complete per bride's specific instruction; place cards, wedding favors, ceremony programs, lighting of candles, disposable cameras, etc...
Cutting cake (if necessary)
Help couple clean up after cake cutting
Gather items post service & reception such as candles, wedding license, gifts, cake knife & toasting glasses
Distribute final payments & tip to vendors on behalf of couple
Giving directions and passing out itineraries and maps to guests
Carrying bride's personal belongings: purse, make-up, mints, etc...
Assisting in gathering the wedding party and family members for pictures as needed
Keeping track of and organizing wedding gifts and envelopes
Providing goodies for your wedding night
Check-in, bring your luggage, and preparing your suite on your wedding night
Arrange transportation at the end of your reception to take you to your wedding night destination
Keeping an emergency kit on hand at ALL times (hairspray, safety pins, needle & thread, nail polish, etc)

There are many different options for finding and hiring an attendant. Many reception venues offer these services practically free of charge when you purchase the wedding package with them. They have someone who serves to make sure everything is in order and runs smoothly. But even still, it is a good idea to have someone who knows you as the bride and groom personally to check up on everything and provide you with anything you may need throughout the day. You may have a friend or relative who loves to organize and has an eye for details. This is someone who would probably be happier than you may think to be asked to be an organizer for your day!

If you cannot think of anyone who fits this role and your venue does not offer this service, there are many sites offering personal attendants with a price tag ranging from $500-2500+. Here is a link to one such site with a mid range price: Wedding Day Angels

I hope that this post helps future brides consider the absolute asset an assistant can be for their wedding day! Next time I'll be posting links to the best prices that I have found on common party and wedding decoration products! :) Invaluable!!!!

Until then,

Laura Brittania

Link for attendant responsibilities list

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