Central Massachusetts Wedding Resource
Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1541243
60 We Do! • Winter 2025 • www.wedoweddingsma.com Y VONNE CAOLE-SOUSA, OWNER OF CHARL- TON-BASED UNIQUE MELODY EVENTS, blends formal training from Johnson & Wales University with years of luxury hotel experience. For the past decade, she has brought love stories to life, specializing in multicultural ceremo- nies, and now shares her wedding wisdom with We Do! How do you define the role of a wedding planner? Wedding planners fill so many different roles. In the pre-plan- ning phases, we help couples discover exactly what they want to do for their wedding day. Of course, there's full-service planning and designing with plan- ners who source vendors that fit the couple's budget, style, and per- sonalities. With consulting services, a wedding planner can help a couple discover what might be the best fit for them, whether that be a style of venue, type of catering, or creating an overall budget that really leans into their priorities. Then there's event management. In this case, a planner can come in after a couple has planned their wedding day and be the person to answer all the last-minute questions. The couple can ac- tually sit back and enjoy everything that they planned. Couples can even have a planner who acts as an on-site manager that is strictly for them, and can also make informed decisions, especially when it comes to weather or a vendor showing up late. Is a wedding planner within reach for couples on a budget? It is always worth it to reach out to a wedding planner and start a conversation. There are many planners who will consult for an hourly rate. A simple call can answer any questions you have and help direct you. The goal is to get your day started on the right foot. Every planner is different in terms of services and packages. Of- ten, their websites are a great resource to see if they offer à la carte services. Also, make sure to review their past weddings. You'll always end up saving something with a planner, whether it be time, a chunk of money, or a headache. Wedding Planning Insights with Yvonne Caole-Sousa BY SLOANE M. PERRON, We Do! Weddings contributor Yvonne Caole-Sousa, owner of Unique Melody Events. P H OTO : M A D I S O N VA N W Y L E N