Planning a wedding can be a daunting and overwhelming task.  As engagement season is just around the corner, what better time than now to spotlight our expert wedding planner Ted Daniels.

1. So, where did you grow up and what inspired you to get into planning weddings and other events?
I grew up in Mentor, Ohio, about 25 miles east of Cleveland.  After graduation from The Culinary Institute of America, I worked in kitchens and found that I was really interested in planning events.  I started with the corporate side of planning but was also able to do weddings and social events for a catering company in Cleveland.  I truly loved creating events like weddings and social events—they are each very different from corporate events.

2. How long have you now been in the business? With the Westin Copley?
I have been planning events for 23 years. In the Boston area, I have been at The Westin Copley for about a month.  Prior to The Westin Copley, I was at the Westin in Waltham for 2.5 years, part of the opening team at the Westin Waterfront for 1.5 years, and also at the Boston Park Plaza for 7 years.

3. Are you able to work effectively with any budget, and is there a typical size of event that you prefer to tackle?
We can work with almost any budget and there really is not a size of event that I prefer over another.  Each wedding is specialized to the bride and groom.

4. Tell me how The Westin Copley Place offers a complete wedding experience ?
Well, not only is our wedding package complete with reception and dinner options, but the hotel is located in the heart of Back Bay.  Being in the heart of Back Bay allows for easy access to Boston in general, but also to some magnificent photography locations such as Copley Square and the Boston Public Library.

Within the hotel we offer a florist, a spa for hair and make up, and two outstanding restaurants, Turner Fisheries and The Palm, which are ideal for rehearsal dinners.  We also work with bands and DJs and can arrange for ceremony music if a ceremony is required at the hotel.

5. What is the typical process for having a wedding at The Westin Copley Place?
The bride and groom or their parents typically call to start the process.  We talk about what they are looking for, check dates, have a site visit, review our wedding package, talk about personalizing the package to each couples needs, discuss flowers, linen, music and overall, we try to paint a picture of the look, sound and feel of their special day.

6. What are your top 3 tips for couples who are looking to stay organized while planning their wedding?

• Call venues and speak with someone directly as opposed to just exchanging emails.   Email is not the best way to begin looking for a venue.
• Take it one vendor at a time.  This will help you feel less overwhelmed and allow you the time and attention to make good decisions.
• Don’t sweat the little things!

7. What are the top 2 questions that couples should ask when booking a wedding?

• Will the planner be working the night of the wedding?
• Is the wedding package/menu changeable?

8. Is there a wedding must-have?
I think it is great to tie in something that took place in the engagement into the wedding reception.   For example, you could serve the cocktail that you were drinking when you were proposed to, or you could incorporate what you were eating when the proposal occurred into the menu or hors d’oeuvre.  But overall, you should serve food that you truly enjoy eating.

9. What was the most memorable wedding that you planned?
All of them have been memorable to me.

10. Least memorable?
I attended a wedding once where the bar never re-opened after the first hour.  The guests were not happy.

11. Any other final tips or suggestions?
Yes:

• Make sure to take lots of pictures before the wedding ceremony begins.
• Before blessings or toast, get everyone on the dance floor for a few songs to get the party started.
• Cocktail hour is the first impression, so give it a “wow” factor and extend the usual hour an additional 15 or 20 minutes.
• End the night on a high note while most of your guests are still at the reception instead of when most have left for the evening.
• I think it is best only to introduce the bride and groom.
• If your ceremony is not in a church/temple, will the room accommodate doing it in the “round?”

12. After spending all day planning events for your clients, how do you approach planning your own events?
I have found over the years that because I plan events for a living, that people expect a “wow” when coming over to my house, so I like to keep it very low key and serve comfort foods.

For more wedding planning information contact Ted directly at 617-424-7582 or Ted.Daniels@Westin.com

October 15th, 2009