KEY POINTS:
Gayle Garmaz
Wedding planner
Age: "mature relic"
Working hours: between 40 and 80 hours
Self employed
Income: Initial two-hour consultation, $300. Wedding planning fee starts from $4500
Qualifications needed: life skills, maturity to deal with couples and suppliers, understanding of laws (fair trading act, consumer rights, liabilities), being able to negotiate and budget. Universities offer event management courses
Career prospects: Start as a wedding planner's assistant then become a consultant. Can move into corporate events and fundraising
Describe your job
We start with a vision of what they want the day to look and feel like, and then we work backwards, putting together all the elements that will make that day come together.
We help with writing the speeches, the seating plans, the ceremony concept, what music they want, who's going to drive. We are there first thing in the morning and we are the last people out of there on the night.
Why did you choose the job?
I was a registered nurse, then moved into health management. I wanted something I could be passionate about, that used my strengths and involved service to other people, with the happy elements of life. And I wanted to nurture my creative side.
What changes/trends have you seen?
We opened in 2003. Typically the wedding season runs October to April but now there are more winter weddings. We're seeing smaller weddings but but more quality. And we have seen a big movement back to church weddings. The feeling is about sharing the day with family and friends; whereas before it was all about 'my dress' and the party.
What is the secret to having a wedding go to plan?
The big picture, details and communication. Knowing the reality of what suppliers can deliver. Never assume anything. Double check everything. You name it, it can go wrong. Cars break down, the heel on the shoe breaks, flowers don't get delivered, the cake that Aunty Betty made isn't cooked properly We have little rules with our cakes: no guys, no flies, and no fridges. On the day it's about being very relaxed, very attentive.
Is it all about young lovebirds or do you get all ages?
All ages. The average group that we see are late 20s to early 30s. But we see a lot of second-time marriages and renewal of wedding vows. The oldest couple, the bride was in her 70s and the groom was quite a bit younger. They had the church, the gown and everything. She boogied the night away, she was amazing.
Why is the job important?
The most important part is that we have the skills and resources to work with a couple and a plan that makes sure their wedding goes smoothly. On their wedding day they can focus on the commitment they make to each other and sharing that with their family and friends.
Weddings often equal stress?
When couples start planning their wedding, they can become overwhelmed with everything that has to be done. The other stress we see is within the family dynamics - overcontrolling mothers, split families. This one doesn't talk to that one, so how do we seat people? The other big stress is the financial pressure. Weddings are not cheap.
What are the smallest and the largest weddings you've planned?
From two people to 800 people. Sometimes we end up hiring witnesses, we have even hired a flower girl and a page boy. We don't do too many big weddings.
Can you tell if a marriage is going to last?
We do get a gut feeling at times because we work closely with the couple. We experience the communication skills, how they negotiate and compromise through the decision making. We get to see who the boss is. We talk about what happens after the marriage. Have they planned their life together or is it all about the wedding day?
What do you think makes a happy marriage?
Love, respect, patience, individuality and a wicked sense of humour
What are your strengths?
I have an absolute passion for what I do. I can break down the big picture into pieces and deal with the details and communications. I don't put any boundaries on my time, I want to get it right. Observation and listening skills.
Do you enjoy being a wedding guest?
I love weddings but I do struggle because I see things that most people never do, and I have this desire to tuck in behind the scenes and do little bits and pieces. All my friends and family have been warned, they know I do it.
Do you cry at weddings?
All the time. I'm a true romantic.
Advice for would-be wedding planners?
It's a fabulous business but they have to do their homework. You have to be prepared for the long hours - weekends throughout summer and evening appointments during the week.
