Blog Launch!

Today kicks off the start of My Girl Friday's Blog!

We want to encourage brides to make this blog interactive - don't hesitate to leave comments or questions in the comment section of the posts. We will refer to our team of experts to get the most current advice - so ask away!

Since it's Monday - It's Meet the people Mondays. We will start this Monday by introducing everyone to the owner of My Girl Friday, Sara Brown.

Your name (and title/position): Sara Brown, Owner
Business Name: My Girl Friday
Location: Lincoln, NE
Service or Product Offered: Wedding Planning/Consultation/Coordination
How long in business: 9 months

How did you get started in the wedding industry? Did you always plan on someday helping brides achieve their "dream" wedding?: I graduated from UNL with a degree in Psychology – but wasn’t too interested in getting a 9 to 5 desk job. I had an idea to start an errand running/concierge company in Lincoln – and that would include helping brides out on their wedding weekends. A close friend of mine worked for a local wedding magazine – and I realized there weren’t any wedding planners in town, but lots of brides planning weddings. I knew I possessed the skills and experience it took to be a valuable wedding planner (I planned my first party when I was 10 years old!), so after careful consideration and a whole lot of reading – I began studying to become a wedding planner and business owner.
I have always dreamed of counseling people, and making their lives better. That’s why a degree in Psychology made the most sense. However, I am pleased to be counseling people on one of the biggest and best days of their lives!

What personality traits do you possess that allow you to effectively interact with brides on their wedding day?: I have a type A personality – no doubt. There aren’t any details that go unnoticed (which sometimes drives others around me bonkers) – and I am the queen of list making. I have always been a perfectionist, and I have a knack for hospitality. I also believe if you’re going to invest yourself into something you need to #1 Do it Right #2 Commit yourself 110% #3 or Go Home. Most brides only dream of one wedding, so I won’t be offered any second chances.

How are brides and their weddings different than when you first started in this industry?: Since I have just started out, I can only hypothesize what the future will hold. I believe the notion of "bigger is better" is becoming a thing of the past. Gone will be the days where people had a 500 guest affair. Smaller, simpler, and more intimate weddings are becoming more common. Quality over quantity.

Are there any changes for your business in the near future you would like to share? I would love to incorporate more design into wedding planning. It is too easy to have a "cookie cutter" wedding, especially when resources are limited. I think every bride and groom deserves to have a wedding that reflects them as an individual and as a couple.

From your experience in working with brides and grooms, is there any piece of advice you would like to offer? Make a list of your priorities. Certain elements of a wedding are necessary – but I would suggest allocating more of your funds to what is really important to you. Just because your budget spreadsheet says you should spend $500 on entertainment, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to that. If you have always dreamed of having a live band (that costs well over $500) and want everyone to be dancing and raving about the musicians by the end of night – cut back on another section of your budget.

Another piece of advice – Remember to be a gracious host. While it may be true that a wedding day is really about the bride and groom – don’t forget about all the people that it took to make you who you are today – and who want to celebrate in your happiness. You’re inviting people to YOUR party, make sure they feel welcomed.

Please provide a quick description of the services or products you offer to brides: We offer Complete Wedding Planning/Coordination and Day of Coordination. If you have the time and desire to plan your own wedding – call on us to orchestrate things for the big day. If you are too busy to worry about the invitations complimenting the style of your wedding, and have no idea who to call for the best photos, call on us to plan AND orchestrate your big day. For a complete description of our services and the packages we offer, visit our website.

If you have additional questions for Sara Brown, feel free to contact her at:
My Girl Friday
www.my-girl-friday.net
402.486.3793