As an Edmonton Photographer, I had the pleasure of getting to know a talented Edmonton wedding planner that specializes in unique themes. Meet Jeanine Stumpe from Posh and Polished Events. Jeanine is a talented Edmonton wedding planner. One of her specialties is careful attention to detail with more offbeat or unique themes that will help with getting offbeat photos. I have had the honour of interviewing her about her background in planning a wedding in Edmonton, Alberta.
About Posh and Polished Events
How did you get started in wedding planning, and what drew you to this profession?
I have a passion for decorating and interior design. When it came to my children’s birthdays, I went all out and my friends suggested I turn it into a career. After many years, I finally took their advice and started my own Event Planning business called Posh and Polished Events. Bringing ideas to life is something I truly enjoy.
What services do you offer as an Edmonton wedding planner, and what is your process for working with clients?
At Posh and Polished Events, I have different packages available as your Edmonton wedding planner.
Package 1) Full Wedding Planning: This is a comprehensive package that covers everything from beginning to end. It includes contracts, booking vendors, choosing the venue, designing and executing the wedding. Additionally, I can help you look for the perfect dress and arrange fittings. Please note that this package is usually booked anywhere from 1 to 3 years in advance.
Package 2) Partial Wedding Planning: This package is perfect for those who want to be more involved in the planning process. If you enjoy planning but get stuck on certain aspects, I can help! This package includes vendor recommendations, venue suggestions, and assistance with bringing your vision to life. This package is typically booked anywhere from 6 months to 1 year in advance.
Package 3) Day of Coordination: On your special day, I will be there to ensure that everything runs smoothly. I’m here to fix any issues that may arise so you can enjoy your wedding day stress-free! Additionally, I offer a design and style package for couples who want to add a “WOW” factor to their wedding. This includes decorating the ceremony and reception areas and creating a unique style. Setting up and taking down the decor is also included.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest wedding trends and vendor options in Edmonton, Alberta, and what resources do you rely on?
I am an active Instagram user, and I have a great network of vendors and venues who follow me. As a result, I have discovered many fantastic venue spots in Edmonton, Alberta, and its surrounding areas. Moreover, I receive useful recommendations from my colleagues & fellow Edmonton wedding planners in the industry, which is incredibly helpful. Having friends in the wedding industry is simply amazing. I also stay up-to-date by reading blogs and following wedding industry experts on YouTube. Lastly, Wedding Wire is an outstanding resource that I always rely on.
What advice would you give to couples who are just starting the wedding planning process?
Consider getting a journal or planner to help you stay organized and on budget. There are great options available that even offer an inspiration board feature to add to your planner. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, so it’s helpful to have some guidance. Even if you plan to handle most of the planning on your own, consulting with an Edmonton wedding planner can significantly reduce stress and provide valuable advice. Don’t hesitate to speak with a wedding planner, even if you don’t plan to hire one. You’ll likely receive some helpful tips and insights.
How do you manage timelines and budgets for your clients, and what tools do you use to keep everything organized?
I provide customized timelines to my clients based on their individual needs. Since every wedding is unique, I ensure that the timeline is tailored accordingly. Additionally, I have a custom budget template that I use to keep track of all expenses such as decor, linens, rental items, etc. I prioritize the most important elements based on my clients’ preferences and allocate the budget accordingly. For instance, if my clients prefer entertainment over florals, I would spend less on florals and more on the entertainment section. My goal is to help my clients stay on budget while still fulfilling their wedding dreams.
Can you share some tips for couples who are planning a wedding in a remote or rural area of Alberta?
I absolutely love being surrounded by nature! It offers unlimited possibilities for decoration and seating arrangements for larger weddings. Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple and let the beauty of the outdoors serve as the decor. However, it’s always important to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. Additionally, there are tap trucks available that can come to you for your bar needs. Lastly, don’t forget to provide clear signage so your guests know how to find you. Let your creativity shine!
How do you ensure that your clients’ wedding visions are reflected in the outcome, and what is your approach to handling differences in opinions or ideas?
I love meeting my clients in person — let’s meet over coffee! We discuss what ideas you may have and you can show me inspiration for your ideal wedding. I can take their inspiration and create mood boards and mock set-ups to show what their vision could look like in reality.
It’s important to avoid copying someone else’s work, so it’s best to come up with original ideas to showcase what they enjoy. Being able to create custom styles that suit their preferences is a valuable skill for planners. We are passionate about this! If the clients are not satisfied with the initial mock-ups or mood boards, we always have additional options available. We take both of their opinions into consideration and strive to present ideas that incorporate their preferences, resulting in a final product that they will adore!
How do you handle unexpected situations or emergencies that may arise on the wedding day, and what kind of support do you offer your clients?
I have a ‘cheat sheet’, I guess you could call it, with questions I ask my potential clients during our second meeting. I make sure to get this info from them before the big day. Who is the go-to on your day when you are not available? If it’s a big enough emergency then I would pull them aside to discuss options or the problem at hand. Minor things can be dealt with by myself or the staff. I make a note to discuss unruly guests, and drunken guests, and always have a contingency plan for vendor no-shows etc.
What sets you apart from other wedding planners in Edmonton, Alberta, and what do you think are the key qualities that make a great wedding planner?
What makes me stand out is my knack for creating extraordinary wedding themes. Whether it’s Harry Potter, gothic, winter wonderland, jungle, or any other theme you can imagine, I can make it happen! I pay meticulous attention to every detail to ensure that everything is taken care of. I thrive under pressure and find joy in making people happy. You can trust that I will not disappoint you! My style is always original and unique. In my opinion, a great wedding planner should possess a positive attitude, excellent listening skills, and boundless creativity. No one wants a bossy or grumpy planner! Attention to detail is also crucial, as is the ability to multitask. As a wedding planner, you may be juggling multiple weddings at once, so it’s important to keep everything organized and running smoothly.
If unique wedding themes are what you are looking for, please reach out to Jeanine Stumpe from Posh and Polished Events.
For relevant wedding-related blog articles, you can click on the link here.
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