When I'm out and about meeting new people and they ask me what I do there's one question that is sure to come up.
"Isn't being a Maui wedding planner stressful?" I usually shrug it off with a "not really" or some other inane comment, realizing that the other person doesn't really want an answer that makes sense.
As with many seemingly simple questions, unless you have some back ground, the real answer won't make sense.
It most definitely can be stressful.
I've seen coordinators surrounded by unhappy vendors and uneasy clients.
Now, that can be Stressful.
But it's a situation that can and certainly should be avoided.
It's a pretty good indicator of the level of professionalism of the planner.
In my mind there are two simple but vital things that can be done to reduce or eliminate everybody's stress level.
The first involves the vendors and their staff.
If the coordinator, as the leader of the team is tense, so will everybody else be.
My number one rule in this area is to make it as difficult as possible for other people to make mistakes.
When I book a service, I have notes on how it was booked, with whom and when.
I reconfirm at least a month before the wedding, again the week before and then the day before.
Each vendor knows what I expect because I tell them that up front.
I don't believe in guessing games.
The second involves the client.
Right from the beginning you need to develop a relationship of trust and respect.
And it's all simple stuff.
I listen to the client and ask questions to make sure that I am understanding what the client wants.
I also (and this is a bit sarcastic) go the extra mile and answer my phone and return emails and voice mails in a timely manner.
I want my clients to expect the best.
Once that expectation is there, that's what the client will perceive.
If the client has had trouble getting answers or responses, the natural thing is to begin to doubt that your destination wedding planner is taking care of the details as they should be taken care of.
That's got to give anybody an uneasy feeling when they're planning their wedding long distance.
There is no reason in the world that should happen.
So, to conclude...
If you aren't a good wedding planner, yes, it's stressful.
If you know and love your job and are constantly aware that your performance can create a dream come true or a disaster on the Day, you prepare.
And, knowing that you have done everything humanly possible to create a seamless event, the wedding planner can project the true confidence which will encourage and help everybody to give their very best.
The final answer is that, no, it should not be stressful.