For Los Angeles based event planner William P. Miller, weddings offer an opportunity to reinvent himself each and every time. His company, W.P. Miller Special Events (WPM) specializes in total event management and productions for clients all over the world. Add on his company Elcenia’s Theme for customized invitations and greeting cards and you’ve just met a man who can do it all.

But Miller wasn’t always planning events and catering to the diverse and at times demanding requests from clients. Born and raised in Chicago, Miller worked for United Airlines as a project manager. He began doing weddings on the side and when he lost his job after 9-11, decided to transition his skills into event planning full time. One event led to another and as word of mouth spread, his client list grew. Today, Miller is the go-to man for events that are uniquely designed with clients that include celebrities Jennifer Lewis, Niecy Nash, Mira Sorvino and Sheryl Lee Ralph to name a few.

With weddings accounting for about 50% of his business, Miller has a lot of experience helping couples get ready for their walk down the aisle. In addition, he has a lot of great advice for couples who are thinking about using a planner. His tips and words of wisdom shared with Cuisine Noir are invaluable to couples getting married soon or who are thinking about making this next big move in their relationship.

Do Your Homework First

Before starting the process of selecting a wedding planner, Miller advises couples, especially brides, to do the following:

1. Know what is important to both of you. Are there some details about the wedding that can’t be comprised?
2. Have a vision for the wedding. It will make the process go a lot smoother once you start working with a planner.
3. Know what you want your planner to do. It can be from everything to just overseeing the wedding on the day off. Whatever it is, you should have a good idea prior to starting your selection process.

Take Your Time and Choose Wisely

Selecting a wedding planning should be just as exciting as planning the wedding itself. After all, this person will be your “best friend” during the months leading up to the big day so it is important to choose wisely. According to Miller, here are a few things to look for before signing that contract:

1. Resources and creativity. A lot of planners are a one-stop shop and therefore their relationships with other companies can save you time and most importantly money. Once you reveal your vision, he/she should have the network to make it happen with ease.
2. Past and current clients. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and also a portfolio of weddings that have been planned in the past. You want to see their work and if possible attend an event or wedding that may take place prior to your day so that you can see him/her in action.
3. A proven track record. Again based on previous experience, the planner should be able to get the job done as discussed and this includes being able to handle any unexpected situations that may arise seamlessly.

Keep in mind that not every wedding planner is for everybody. It is important to work with a planner who you truly connect with and also whose opinion you value so that you will be open to suggestions and recommendations. In addition, you want a planner who will be honest with you and provide feedback with your best interest in mind.

Also, think carefully before you decide to use a family member who plans weddings as a hobby or a way to help you out. Unless the relative is a professional and you both agree to treat the agreement like any other client, family as well as friends for that matter should be among the guests enjoying the day with you not working for you.

Whether you decide to use a planner or not, Miller has noted 10 very important tips to that can help guide you through making important decisions, eliminate stress, cut costs, create unforgettable memories and make the entire process enjoyable from beginning to end.

1. Begin planning at least 6-8 months in advance. This is very important for weddings with over 100 guests.
2. Brides should be not let the bridemaids or anyone else get in their ear. It is your day, plan it exactly how YOU want it.
3. Come up with a budget that you are comfortable with. Couples should not be broke after the wedding.
4. Couples should look at who they know that can be a resource for services needed such as a photographer, deejay, etc.
5. When it comes to selecting a venue, think outside the box. It is easier to work with space that you can build up. This is where your vision and creativity can really shine. In addition, the decoration and lighting can really transform a room.
6. Small things make a difference. Try to think of ways to keep you guests entertained and easily informed. For example, if the wedding and reception take place at two venues, be sure to provide directions to make it easy for guests to go from one venue to another.
7. When it comes to selecting the food, you want to be considerate of your guests but again since it is your day, go with your favorites. Also, menu cards add an extra nice touch. Guests love to see what is being served and also it helps those with any food allergies know what they can and can not eat.
8. If you are planning your wedding in another country, be sure to research the culture and laws. Each country has its own requirements for classifying a wedding as legal.
9. If you don’t have a member of the clergy (pastor, Rabbi, priest, etc) to perform the wedding ceremony, begin looking into other options months in advance. Each state has it own laws and exceptions. For example, California law permits anyone to apply for permission to become a Deputy Commissioner of Marriages. This grants authority to officiate at the wedding of family or friends on that one day only.
10. This is probably the most important tip of them all; brides should be sure to break-in any new shoes. The wedding day is not the time to get acquainted with how they will feel for the next 10 or more hours. Also, grooms should make sure any custom suits are fitted weeks in advance to make sure any last minute adjustments can be made in time.

Getting married should be a once in a lifetime experience that is full of wonderful memories that all will remember. Take your time and enjoy the process and most importantly your special day.

For more information about William P. Miller and his company, visit www.wpmillerspecialevents.com. For his company Elcenia’s Theme, visit www.elceniastheme.com.

Be sure to check out The Wedding Experience with etiquette expert Tina Hayes.

Additional resources include:

American Wedding Association

Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants

Brides Noir

Get Married

Perfect Wedding Guide