5 Question Interview Series - Simply Perfect Weddings
Happy Thursday everyone (only one day left to Friday!) I'd like you all to meet Sumer Schmitt! Sumer is the fantastic owner of Simply Perfect Weddings, her wedding planning business. I will have the wonderful opportunity to work with Sumer on an upcoming wedding and I'm thrilled to share her talent with you. So read thru our interview below and don't forget to visit her WEBSITE and BLOG (chock full of awesome tips and information).
How did you get into wedding planning? Throughout college I would plan events for my university and local businesses. I never realized at the time that I could make a career out of event planning, so I went on to pursue my degree in business management and finance. After a few years in the finance field, I just knew it wasn’t for me. I’ve always had a passion for events, and after beginning the planning of my own wedding in the fall of 2007, I became quite disappointed with the level of customer service I received from various vendors (rest assured though, I ended up hiring some fabulous vendors in the end). It was at that time that I realized I wanted to do my part to change the wedding planning process, and alas, Simply Perfect Weddings was born, and we’ve been going strong ever since!
What keeps you motivated/where do you get your inspiration? My # 1 source of motivation is my amazing clients that I get to work with on a daily basis. I love seeing events come to life after working out all of the intricate details for the last year! There is absolutely nothing better than at the end of the night, when I see that my clients and their families have huge smiles on their faces! What else could be more rewarding than helping two people in love plan the biggest day of their lives?!
Which wedding planners have influenced your business? One of my biggest role models in the industry has been Lara Casey, owner of Bliss Event Group and Editor-in-Chief of Southern Weddings Magazine. Not only is she a fabulous event designer, but she is one of the most hardworking, genuine, and inspiring individuals I’ve come across in this industry. Other fab wedding professionals that have influenced my business are Rebecca Grinnals, owner of Engaging Concepts, Marcy Blum, Colin Cowie, and of course Preston Bailey.
What advice would you give to a budding planner? Do your homework before opening up shop! It is essential to understand the building blocks of running a business, in addition to creating beautiful events. Your hard work will pay off in the end if you take the time to do it right the first time. Lastly… “Always be a first rate version of yourself, never a second rate version ofsomeone else” – Judy Garland. Good luck and don’t forget to DREAM BIG!
What advice would you give to a couple looking to hire a wedding planner? I encourage you not to make a decision based solely on price. A professional wedding planner (and I don’t use the term “professional” lightly) is not going to be the cheapest in town. It’s important to remember that more often than not, you get what you pay for. Take a close look at what services they are offering to you in their proposal or service description. Do you feel like you are getting value for your dollar, or just an individual who will show up on the day of your wedding for $350 and send your bridal party down the aisle? I encourage you to shop around, ask for references of previous clients, and most of all don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want to be able to trust your wedding planner. After all, you’ll be spending the most time with your wedding planner than any other vendor you hire for your wedding day. That all important “connection” with your wedding planner is crucial to a seamless wedding planning process.