Weddings are an exciting time—but they can also be a time of highly-charged emotions, family drama, and clashing personalities.

Almost as important as the planning—is keeping the peace, not only with vendors (link) but with demanding mother-in-laws, bratty bridesmaids, show-stealing sisters and boozy brother-in-laws. Emotions seem to escalate around a wedding. Drinking fuels the fire, and people get stressed and anxious. I work to eliminate the stresses so their sparks don’t ignite a powder keg –and so all of this heightened emotion doesn’t affect the bride and groom.

My job is to be the buffer, the problem-solver, and the peace keeper—ensuring the bride and groom have the day they’ve dreamed of, instead of a dealing with drama.

I’ve seen it all—from mothers-in-law who’ve insisted on wearing white dresses, to uncles who need to have their drinking monitored, to cousins who’ve thrown tantrums about not being included enough.

Every situation has a peaceful solution—and a dramatic one. I aim for peace. Here’s an example:

Situation: Recently, an Aunt got upset about where she was seated. She wanted to be switched, and was ready to confront the bride and groom (who had intentionally seated her there).

Solution: I stepped in and smoothed the situation over by saying, “I’m so sorry, it looks like we had a seating issue. Please know the bride and groom would have never done this to insult you. I hope you accept my apology.” She said it was okay, and proceeded to enjoy herself. Sometimes people just want to be heard—and many times, I can be that ear.

I value my role as peacekeeper, advice giver, and drama-stopper, because sometimes the bride and groom need more than just a planner, they need someone to keep the harmony among all the personalities involved.

In my career, I’ve found that negative emotions are best managed with love, concern, and attention. I have no problem apologizing, and “taking the hit” to keep things harmonious. Sometimes, I even play the role of “bouncer” for the bride and groom.

If you need a wedding planner/peace keeper for your upcoming nuptials, please get in touch.

Until next time…