Wedding planning advice from Boston area professionals
Who we talked to
Heather Minicucci, owner
Simply Inviting Weddings
Braintree, Mass.
781-910-7232
simplyinvitingweddings.com
Marge Kunian, owner
A Prima Creations
Boston
617-557-0000
aprimacreations.com
Tara President, owner
Event Expressions
105 Claybourne St.
Boston
617-282-7744
eventexpressions.net
What's the advantage of hiring a wedding planner for your big day?
Minicucci: "Hiring a wedding planner saves a lot of time. Many vendors also pass my discounts to customers."
Kunian: "The bride won't have to bother with any details except what she wants to be involved in."
President: "It won't be stressful for the couple."
How do you charge for your services and what's the cost?
Minicucci: "My month-of coordination package is $1,800, my wedding mentor package is $2,200 and my full-service event production package is $3,000. I also offer an a la carte service for $65 per hour."
Kunian: "Normally, the bride gives us a budget we work with, and we charge a fee based on their budget."
President: "For a $15,000 wedding, I usually charge $3,500. Anything more than $20,000 is usually a percentage."
Are you a member of any major bridal or wedding/special event trade associations?
Minicucci: "Yes. I belong to the Association of Bridal Consultants and the International Special Events Society."
Kunian: "I probably am, but I don't pay attention to them anymore."
President: "I'm a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants."
How far in advance before the wedding should a couple book your services?
Minicucci: "I would say most couples book my services a year to 15 months in advance."
Kunian: "I did a wedding in a month, and it was just spectacular. My services aren't a problem, it's availability."
President: "I would like them to call me within two months."
What makes your service stand out from what other wedding planners offer?
Minicucci: "I think that I really get to know the couple and incorporate personal touches into their celebration."
Kunian: "The experience we have, the elegant taste we have and the respect among vendors."
President: "I go over the top with it, but I stay within the budget and please all my brides. I'm also a Justice of the Peace."
How do you handle difficult brides or family members?
Minicucci: "I'm fortunate all of my clients have been great to work with."
Kunian: "It's never been a problem. I guess that's just part of the experience."
President: "I really love difficult brides because it's a challenge for me to get better at what I do. I deal with it and make sure the brides are pleased."




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