Kirstie Warren of Simply Wed

Coffee Talk with Kirstie Warren of Simply Wed

WC: What motivated you to start your wedding consulting business?

KW: Shortly after completing my degree in Fashion Merchandising I became engaged and embarked on the journey that would soon transform my life: I began to plan my own wedding. In 2001 the wedding that would define my career took place. Each vendor was hand-chosen by me and was a personal connection. I designed my own decor. I made each and every invitation, program, and favor. And I endured much stress. While (almost) everything was perfect, I could not help but think how wonderful it would have been to have a wedding coordinator there, holding my hand and giving me more time to enjoy my own wedding! These thoughts soon became the seeds that formed Simply Wed.

I had not been happy with my corporate fashion job and decided to take a leap of faith and quit just two weeks prior to my wedding. When I returned I turned to event management as my new career as well as operating Simply Wed on the side, which ultimately helped in molding my own business. From 2002-2003 I acted as the Director of Events at a contemporary art museum, producing everything from corporate seminars and private social events, to art fairs, exhibition openings and galas. From there I ventured out on my own and took on other event management contracts, such as an Event Manager position with Cinema Seattle for the 2004 Seattle International Film Festival. There I produced over 25 events in just over a month.

Keeping up with the various styles of events ensures that I maintain one of the most talented and reliable groups of vendors around, which includes vendors that may not be "wedding vendors". However, my own company remains completely devoted to one style of event only, bringing brides and grooms the attention and devotion that they deserve on their wedding day.

WC: What are some of your favorite aspects about planning weddings?

KW: I love the personal aspect behind weddings. For most people, this is the most important day of their lives and I get to be a part of it! I love getting to help transform dreams into reality for brides and grooms. It is also such a creative outlet for me to be able to design an entire concept for a wedding. I love helping to design the decor and theme, bringing all of the details together into a cohesive experience for the guests.

WC: It seems that the modern bride is much more apt to hire a consultant than the bride of 4-5 years ago. Why do you think that's the case?

KW: I think that more people are realizing that hiring a wedding coordinator can save them time, money, and sanity! Brides today are busy professionals that just don't have the time to execute every detail of their wedding, but they want to have a say in what the wedding looks like. By working with a coordinator they can have the best of both worlds.

WC: What are some of the challenges that face a modern bride planning a wedding on her own?

KW: I think the biggest challenge is wading through the information available to them. These days the Internet has completely changed the way you can plan a wedding. While all of the information is right at your fingertips, it becomes harder to differentiate between quality vendors and not-so-quality vendors. Finding reliable websites that screen their businesses, such as Wedding-Club, is so important.

WC: Do you think brides have any common misconceptions about wedding coordinators? How do you get past them?

KW: The biggest misconception is that hiring a coordinator is an extra luxury that most people can't afford. But there has yet to be a wedding where I haven't saved the bride and groom more money than my fee actually costs! I also hear that coordinators sometimes make things more complicated on the wedding day. I am all about simplifying the wedding process to make it manageable and positive for everyone involved. I also maintain a calm and composed stance throughout the wedding ensuring that those around me are that way as well. Nobody needs a drama queen for a wedding coordinator!

WC: Based on your years of experience, what advice would you give to a planning Seattle bride?

KW: Don't be afraid to ask for help! It's always fun to bounce ideas off other people. Most coordinators offer a complimentary consultation to talk about your wedding so you can get an idea if it's something you'd like to invest in for your wedding - and you can usually score some great tips in the process. Also, remember to always have your "plan B" for outdoor weddings, as you never know with the weather around here! Finally, be creative. Don't be limited by what a wedding is "supposed" to be like and let your own personalities shine through.

WC: Do you currently plan events outside of Seattle?

KW: Of course! I love to do Northwest destination weddings - there are so many different options such as rainforest, island, coastal and mountain locations that are great for weddings. I will literally go as far as a bride wants to take me...!

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.