Wedding Consultant
I've had the first few phone consultations with my "wedding planner" - (yes - even a party girl like me needs some help for the big day.) We're gonna have our first Interview for me and my fiance in a few weeks and she's assigned us some homework.

1. Collect as many visuals as possible of what we like/ don't like.
2. Prepare a preliminary guest list.
3. Research and get as much information from preferred vendors as possible.
4. Be prepared to share a wishlist as well as our "reality" check (i.e. budget)

Good news is - we've made major headway on a lot of these assignments. I've even already chosen colors and collected paint chip swatches to disperse sample colors to members of Team Tie the Knot - like Mom!

Before our meeting - I'd also like to glean through my library of wedding/party resources and pull out the ones that are "top priority" or have inspiring brochures. I'll plan to make a visit to Manoa Marketplace for a lunch at The Wedding Cafe.

We've picked out the members of our Bridal party/court and just a few more need to be notified. I'll probably see about taking one to lunch to "pop the question" for her to join my court. The last one needs to be called on the phone as she lives in California.

We've got a preliminary hold already on a pig that's growing up special for us - we just need to let our friend know the exact date and particulars. I am worried though that one pig just won't be enough for our humongous guest list.

There are some other concerns too - which I hope that our "planner" will be able to help us with.

Here's my hotlist for choosing a wedding coordinator:
1. How comfortable are you (and/or the Groom) with the planner? They'll be your spokesperson with vendors, family members, and oftentimes referee between the two of you to help find a compromise. I'm glad that mine is one of my best friends whom I've known for nearly 20 years.
2. What is their resume of credentials? Have they ever done this before - what role did they play in planning other people's parties and weddings - make sure that the planner you pick has the experience you desire - i.e. fullservice start to day of coordination; budgeting; experience with local vendors/the vendors you chose, etc.
3. What kind of meeting schedule/workflow does the coordinator operate on? How many planning meetings? How in your face will they be prior to and up through the wedding day?
4. Will they go with you to meet and negotiate with vendors? do they have template contracts or other worksheets and tools?
5. Ask to see their portfolio. there's proof in the pudding.
6. do you TRUST them?

Easter is on the way and I've got visions of creating an Easter brunch event....complete with easter basket favors for the guests under 10. Spring florals adorn the buffet - Eggs scrambled, eggs benedict, fresh browned hash browns, Steamed white rice, hot cinnamon buns, french toast, fresh fruit compote, bacon, sausage, spam, and steak w/ peppers. An optional over the top touch would be an omelet station with all the fixins. For washing it all down fresh island fruit juices, fruit smoothies, and coffee & tea. At each place setting an easter egg place cards with each guest's name scripted on it.

Key elements:
1. Spring decorations - spring florals, easter eggs, easter grass, etc.
2. Buffet meal - plan your menu ahead of time.
3. Easter baskets & bonnets - easter baskets for the kids, and easter bonnets or posies for the female guests.
4. Family & Friends - good company always makes your special gatherings worthwhile.
5. Your Easter Best - getting dressed in a flowy spring dress and your best duds sets the formality of the occasion.