Certified Timeline Genius
Marion Borbon
What attracted you to become a wedding planner and what is your favorite part of the planning process?
I fell in love with creating events that brought families together when I worked at The Breakers in Recreation while in high school and college. The passion I have for this industry is realized once each wedding day is over, I feel so rewarded that I took part in such an important day in two families' lives. What motivates me is the joy that comes from seeing a client's vision come to life. I am passionate about creating events that exceed expectations and leave a lasting impression on guests.
What advice would you give someone considering to become a wedding planner?
"Becoming a wedding planner is a fulfilling yet challenging career choice. Here are some pieces of advice for those considering this path: Develop Strong Organizational Skills: Wedding planning involves managing numerous details simultaneously. From vendor coordination to timeline management, having strong organizational skills is crucial. Build a Solid Network: Establish relationships with reliable vendors, venues, and other professionals in the industry. A strong network will help you provide better services to your clients. Enhance Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in wedding planning. You’ll need to listen to your clients’ wishes, negotiate with vendors, and manage a team. Clear and concise communication helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page. Stay Calm Under Pressure: Weddings can be stressful, and unexpected issues are bound to arise. Maintaining a calm and composed demeanor will help you handle any situation with grace and reassure your clients. Embrace Creativity and Flexibility: Each wedding is unique, and clients will have different visions and preferences. Being creative and flexible allows you to adapt to various styles and trends, ensuring each event is personalized and special. Gain Experience and Education: Consider gaining experience through internships, working with established planners, or taking courses in event planning. Real-world experience and formal education will provide you with valuable knowledge and skills. Pay Attention to Details: Weddings are all about the details. Whether it’s the flower arrangements, the seating chart, or the timing of events, paying attention to the small things can make a big difference in the overall success of the event. Understand Your Clients’ Vision: Take the time to get to know your clients and understand their vision for their big day. This understanding will help you create a wedding that truly reflects their personalities and desires. Stay Updated with Industry Trends: The wedding industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, styles, and technologies to offer your clients fresh and innovative ideas. Be Prepared for Long Hours: Wedding planning often requires working long and irregular hours, especially as the wedding date approaches. Be prepared for the time commitment and ensure you have the stamina to see each event through to the end."
What are your favorite online resources and softwares for wedding planners?
"Here are some of my favorite online resources and software for wedding planners: Aisle Planner: A comprehensive wedding planning platform that offers tools for project management, budget tracking, guest list management, and design inspiration. It's great for keeping everything organized in one place. HoneyBook: A client management software that helps with proposals, contracts, invoicing, and communication. It streamlines the booking and client management process, making it easier to stay on top of client interactions. Pinterest: A fantastic source of inspiration for wedding themes, decor, and trends. It allows you to create boards for different aspects of the wedding and share ideas with clients. Canva: A user-friendly design tool for creating mood boards, invitations, and other wedding-related graphics. It offers a wide range of templates and design elements to choose from. AllSeated: A powerful tool for creating floor plans and seating charts. It allows you to visualize the layout of the venue and plan the seating arrangements in detail. Instagram: A great platform for showcasing your work, finding inspiration, and connecting with other industry professionals. It can also be a valuable marketing tool to attract new clients. Google Drive: Essential for storing and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It's particularly useful for collaborating with clients and vendors on shared documents. These resources and tools can help streamline your wedding planning process, enhance your creativity, and improve communication with clients and vendors. By leveraging these technologies, you can provide a more efficient and professional service to your clients."