Hoosier Wedding Guide 2020 | Page 15

Rockett remembers how stressed she was on her own wedding day, with no planner. “I wanted to rip my head off,” she said. Much of the bride’s stress comes from “everyone coming to her to ask questions.” That’s what the planner is for. “They need to trust that we will grasp the bride’s own (not anyone else’s) vision,” she said, adding that sometimes she becomes a “therapist.” She makes it clear from the outset that the bride is “my supervisor,” and her, the bride’s, word is the one that counts, even if someone else might be paying the bill. Rockett’s bachelor of science degree is in event management, and one thing she learned abut planning parties is how to keep the price manageable. “Catering and alcohol are usually going to be the most expensive parts,” she said and advises keeping the number of guests reasonable. One hundred to 120 is a good number and allows the bride and groom quality time with each guest. She gets scared sometimes; for many brides, this is their biggest day. “It’s my reputation (out there for all to see), too,” she said. Plus, every wedding is different from the last. “I love the unknown,” she said, adding that the best part, aside from that, is the relationships that arise between her and her clients. wg A Historic, Downtown Events Venue ENGAGEMENT & BRIDAL PARTIES WEDDINGS & RECEPTIONS Did you know? The per person average couples spend on guests at their weddings has risen considerably since 2009, as more and more couples seek to provide unique guest experiences. According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, which surveyed nearly 13,000 U.S.-based brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, per-guest spending increased from $194 in 2009 to $268 in 2017. Some of that increase can be traced to couples wanting to provide memorable experiences, including customized entertainment, for their guests. Among the couples surveyed, 69 percent paid for photo booths for their guests, while 24 percent provided sparklers. Twenty-two percent of couples included selfie stations or video booths in the festivities, while 19 percent provided games for guests during their receptions. Mid -1800s Venue Small & Large Events One-of-a-Kind Spaces Unique Atmosphere Caterer of Choice Request a free quote FountainSquareBloomington.com 812.332.0053 101 W. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington, IN HT-778118-1 Indiana-Wedding.com 15