In any wedding I am involved in, my main concern is that the couple have the wedding they hoped for. After being in the business for over a decade, I have come to learn that the wedding vendors the couple select, play a paramount role in making the day run smoothly. As a photographer, I have one role, but working with other vendors who are passionate and experienced just makes the day so much better for everyone. Now and then I want to feature on my blog, other wedding vendors who I have worked with and who I think are amazing at what they do. Melissa Samborski of one fine day event planning & design is one of these great vendors I have worked with for many years and Melissa is amazing at what she does. You can tell she really cares about her clients and puts their needs first, which is what makes Melissa one of the best in the business. I sent Melissa a series of questions that I thought would help couples get a deeper appreciation for what a wedding planner does, as well as how they can make a a great day go to a fantastic stress free day. Hope you enjoy the Q & A and I am sure Melissa would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
Cliff
Q & A with Melissa Samborski of one fine day event planning & design
Q Tell me a little about yourself and what services you offer?
A I have been planning weddings for over 10 years and I love every minute of it. My services are customized, I don’t charge a percentage of the budget (which is total wrong to do) but rather a flat fee based on the scope of work that I will do for each couple. Every couple is different so I tailor my services accordingly.
Q What is your philosophy in terms of planning a wedding?
A Keep it simple and it will be beautiful.
Q What type of clients do you work for and the average wedding budget?
A I tend to do a lot of unconventional weddings, couples that don’t live in Canada and the vast majority are multicultural. Average budget we work with is$100K -$130K range but that’s not to say that we don’t work with couples with smaller budgets. We also do a number each year that are in the $350-$500k range.
Q What is the one mistake you see couples make all the time?
A Signing a vendor contract before asking the planner what they signed for.
Q What is the perfect wedding to plan for you? Is it when the couple give you a generally idea of what they are looking for such as a theme or is it when the couple give you a more specific idea of what they are looking for each step of the way?
A Couples that have a general idea of what they want –because they tend to be more open to suggestions. Some couples come with a very specific mind set/budget but its not always possible to make the two work.
Q What are your 3 favorite venue to work with at and why?
A Graydon Hall - amazing food/service, (everything from the ceremony-reception can take place outside). Fermenting Cellar - a blank canvas that you can transform in anyway and Canoe - love the food/service and great view of the city skyline
Q Who would be your absolute dream wedding to plan for?
A would love to do Chad Kroeger of Nickelback
Q Does any wedding stand out in your mind as being one of your favourite to plan
A. Favorite couple - Charu and Brian - their wedding is featured in the current issue of wedluxe…the most down to earth, unselfish, fun and giving couple I have ever met –the entire wedding was build/designed with their guests in mind from the time they arrive to the time they departed.
Q What is your biggest challenges when planning a wedding?
A Couples who cannot make up their mind.
Q Give me your 5 favourite vendors to work with?
A
Q I find that after a wedding some brides really want to become wedding planners since they had so much fun working on their wedding. What would you say to them to convince them that planning their own wedding and planning a strangers is a whole differnt thing?
A Planning your wedding is very very different then planning for other couples. You may not always like the colors/flowers/design that a couple has selected but you still have to design the wedding within the perimeters they provide. As a planner you are not planning one wedding at a time, you are planning multiple weddings at a time. Brides tend to get stressed while planning 1 wedding, imagine planning 10+ weddings at the same time. Time management and organizational skills are the most important. As planner you sacrifice your nights/weekend for work. Its very difficult to balance a career, family etc…when work schedules are not the same.
Q I am sure all planners are not created equal. What should a couple look for when they are hunting for a wedding planner.
A.
- Look for a planner that you ‘click’ with. A couple will spend months working with this person so they have to like them.
- Look for a planner that has a proven track record and experience —the planners with experience will charge more for their services but there is a valid reason for that.
- A planner that has an extensive experience in the field will be able to save you thousands in the long run. Look for a planner that charges a flat rate for their services, not a percentage of the budget! Hours of work not your budget should be the deciding factor for a service fee.
Contact info
Melissa Samborski416.522.0503
www.eventsbyonefineday.com
i hope you guys have a great honeymoon, and we’ll see you when you get back. 
Perfect combo if you ask me. There will be more soon to come, enjoy! PS. Don’t forget to check out this awesome 
