I’m so excited to feature Jaemi, owner, lead designer and amazing wedding planner of Exhale! Events & Design. We met last month and she has a lot of insight into the business and common questions brides often ask. I was totally excited to sit down with her and pick her brain.
Meet Jaemi.
1. How did you get into this business?
My mother is a seamstress. She creates wedding gowns. My aunt is a florist and cake designer. I grew up around it. Although I tried different jobs, nothing compares to the wedding industry. I love weddings. I ventured in cake design, but I feel most creative and passionate about planning and design.
2. What is the ideal bridal relationship?
I love when a bride comes in with an idea. Pictures, colors, all of it. a good designer will take the brides vision and run with it. Tell a story. Make it something the bride could have never imagined.
3. How can a bride find a designer/planner that they can trust their vision with?
Put the designer to the test. Tell them what you want and what type of ideas you have. Ask the designer to give you a vision or idea based on what you told them. The designers job is to create your vision. Do you feel comfortable with what they are telling you? If not, find someone you do feel like gets your idea.
4. What should a bride bring to help you understand her vision?
Pictures, color palettes, any inspiration that you find. This is key! Also, determine whether or not you want a designer or a planner?
5. Designer or a planner? What is the difference?
A planner is going to be less expensive. Essentially planners are connecting the vendors and wedding day time line. If you have all the details and just need someone to help you carry it out on the wedding day, then a planner may be right for you.
A designer takes your ideas and makes the vision come to life.
6. What is the number 1 misconception brides have about their wedding?
The expense of the flowers. They are expensive! Get an idea of how much different flowers cost. Have the florist give you alternative examples that fit in your budget.
7. How do you prevent a bride from becoming overwhelmed by all the choices/decisions?
Take it one step at a time. Make decisions based on what moves you, what you have an emotional response to. When the bride makes a decision I listen and repeat it to them.
8. What are the 3 main things to look for when choosing a wedding vendor?
- You have to be comfortable with the person.
- Make sure they understand your vision.
- Make sure you like their style. Look at their past work. Does it fit with you?
Thank you so much Jaime for your help and advice! This helped me so much! For more information on Exhale! Events & Design click here.
