With a seemingly never-ending list of decisions to be made and details to ponder, planning a wedding can be quite an overwhelming task for even the most organized couples. Luckily, professional event planners are here to help! Not only are they extremely detail-oriented, organized, and level-headed when the pressure rises, but they know how to make your Pinterest wedding dreams a reality! Hiring a wedding planner is one of the best investments you can make for your big day, and to tell you more about why, we spoke with Nora Sheils, owner and founder of Bridal Bliss. Nora and her talented team have been the masterminds behind some of the most stunning weddings we’ve filmed in Portland, Oregon. Nora shared with us her advice on choosing a coordinator, how she stays inspired, and so much more. Plus, did you know a wedding coordinator can actually help you save money? Read on to find out how.
How did you get into the industry?
I have loved weddings since I was young. My mom did alterations out of our home and I would gawk at brides and their beautiful gowns! Events have been a passion of mine from the early years and I worked in all different aspects of the industry. When I was finishing up college at Gonzaga University, I submitted my business plan to a competition and won! It supplied me with start-up funds right out of college and that is how Bridal Bliss was born in 2002. It has been quite a ride!
What makes a great wedding coordinator?
A good coordinator (in our book) is organized, detail-oriented, responsive, creative, connected and calm under pressure. These are traits that a couple should see from minute one of a meeting. As a newly engaged couple, your potential coordinator should make you feel at ease. You should know that he or she is going to make your big day, as well as the planning process, seamless.
Coordination by Nora with Bridal Bliss | Film by Moving Pictures
Why do you think having a coordinator is so important for a wedding?
Working with a planner helps to remove the stress involved with never-ending wedding details, and allows a couple (and their families) to enjoy the planning process and most importantly the big day itself. We welcome any opportunity to make a party fun for everyone involved! Another huge benefit — our couples get the inside scoop. As event professionals, we often know the ins and outs of a venue (not to mention which options are the perfect size for your group), have great relationships with all vendors, can work with any florist to help design a specific look, and often (here’s the big kicker!) help to save you money. Yep, you read that right, hiring a planner can actually help save you money. We know the right questions to ask, the areas to spend versus save and are a respected firm, which means that wedding professionals take extra special care of our clients!
What is your favorite part about being a wedding coordinator?
My favorite part of the job is forming relationships with clients and being there day-of to see it all happen. Some of my dearest friends have been past clients! It is so fulfilling to bring an event to fruition, and seeing a truly happy couple brings me so much joy.
Coordination by Nora with Bridal Bliss | Film by Moving Pictures
How do you stay inspired in your field?
I find inspiration everywhere! From wedding blogs to social media, to design magazines to a hike in Washington Park or a brunch at Cafe Nell. My eyes are always open for new, unique color combinations and design elements! I also look to our team for inspiration. We have an amazing and talented group of coordinators. Each of them has their own style and approach to weddings. It’s really a great thing when we can all get together and brainstorm original ideas for a wedding. Outside of our team, it’s a cliché but I am a sucker for Pinterest and Instagram. Seeing what others are doing around the country and in other parts of the world is so inspiring. Lastly, taking a break when things are hectic, walking outside and breathing in the fresh air is my best problem solver.
What are your recommendations for choosing a wedding planner?
A good rule of thumb when deciding between several coordinators is to visualize your wedding day. Which team could you confidently say you could see both sending you down the aisle as much as you could see them leading the vendors, bustling the gown, or tying a ring bearer’s shoe — because they will likely be doing all (plus many more!) those things all in that one day.
Coordination by Nora with Bridal Bliss | Film by Moving Pictures
Who’s your ideal client?
After working with such diverse clients over the years, I have found it hard to have an ideal client. Beyond personalities that click, one element I always love is a couple that thinks outside the box. When clients bring up unique ideas at our initial consultation and we really hit it off from the get go, I know it is going to be a fun wedding and planning process.
Related: Do You Need a Wedding Planner?
After working in the wedding industry for over nine years, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to make a wedding day successful, but even we aren’t experts on every aspect of weddings! As part of a special guest series, we’re speaking with local vendors who work in the industry — from coordinators and cake designers to photographers and venues — to help you make the best decisions when it comes to planning and choosing vendors for your day. Look out for another Q&A coming soon!
