Q: How would you help a couple that wants to plan a truly unique wedding, but doesn’t have a theme in mind at the start?

A wedding should be a reflection of the couple. I try to find out what they like first, their passions or what they enjoy doing as a couple and we incorporate that into their theme. I also recommend looking through magazines and websites to help give the couple ideas to define their tastes.

Q: For couples planning a destination wedding at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, how do you help them navigate all the details without being on-sight until the week of the wedding?

Usually the couple will visit us sometime during the process and that’s when we assist them in getting everything planned with not only the resort but all the other vendors as well. Pictures and diagrams help tremendously during the planning stages, and since many couples have visited the property prior to going through the details they have a good reference point. And, depending on their location, we can manage everything else via telephone and email, which helps if they are in a different time zone.

Q: “Green” weddings are increasingly popular among couples who want the experience to make a big impact on guests, not the environment. What are some easy ways couples can reduce their wedding’s environmental footprint?

Creating a “green” wedding is fairly easy to accomplish once you have your vendors on your page. A few things we recommend at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort include:

• Using organically and locally grown foods in your menus
• Be conscious about recycling during the wedding, including all bottles, cans, paper goods, etc.
• Find a florist that has sustainable, locally grown flowers that do not use toxic pesticides in the growing process (Spiraled Stem is a local florist we recommend)
• Use linens that are made of natural dyes and cotton (Wildflower Linens is a local company we recommend)
• Have your invitations and menu cards printed on recycled paper (and add a note to them encouraging guests to recycle once they are finished with them)

Q: Wedding favors are a great “thank you” and help guests remember a fabulous event long after the rice is thrown. What are some favors you love, and why?

I prefer a favor that is practical and useful. And I find many couples are looking for originality when it comes to their wedding favors. One of my personal favorites is to give everyone a lottery ticket with the theme “Lucky in Love.” How awesome would it be if a guest won $10,000 at your wedding? Another great idea is homemade jams and jelly especially if they can come from someone in your family. This is something that guests will use and truly is personal. Whatever the favor may be it should represent the theme of the wedding and should remind the guest of the couple.

Q: How do you help busy brides from getting in-over-their-heads with planning details so they can approach the wedding with joy, rather than stress?

Wedding coordinators are a god send! We actually require one for our couples since it is such a necessary when planning such a special occasion. A wedding coordinator elevates the pressure of the details from the couple and offers them knowledgeable guidance for their big day. When I meet with a new couple, I get as much accomplished as possible so we don’t need to have multiple follow up meetings. Being prompt and efficient with everyone’s time helps distress a wedding plan. Also, I find email works best for busy brides, this way they can email at night and receive answers the next morning instead of playing phone tag for a couple of days.

For more information on Weddings at the Waterfront, click here.