Danielle Pasternak aka DPNAK is a wedding planner whose origins are very similar to mine. We both grew up in Scranton, PA and were dancers our whole lives. As adults we have wholeheartedly dove into the wedding industry in NEPA + Philadelphia. I wanted to do a Q&A with her to pick her brain about advice for brides leading up to and during one of the most important days of their lives.
Q: What specific service of yours do you think brides find most valuable?
A: Definitely my day-of coordination services. Some brides need a bit more help and direction, but everyone benefits from having a day-of coordinator. It allows you to enjoy your day, take in the moments that are happening and nothing makes me happier than hearing my client say they had an amazing day and didn’t have to worry about anything.
Q: What are the top 3 most used items in your 911 bag?
A: It definitely depends on the wedding, but I would have to say the top three items are my two-sided fabric tape, safety pins, and duct tape.
Q. Where should brides splurge and where should they save?
A: I thinking splurging is a personal preference. Before deciding on any budget, I always recommend sitting down with your partner and outlining your priorities. For some, it’s photography. For others, it’s food or the dress or the flowers. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as you know what’s important to you and what’s less important. From there, I recommend investing in professionals – always. Invest in a great professional and you will save 10x over in the long run.
Q. How important are small details and which ones do you think make the most impact on the overall wedding?
A: Details are only as important as they are to you. Your dress may have some pearls from your great-grandmother’s necklace. It’s a very small detail but I imagine it means the world to you and that’s special. I don’t recommend focusing on super-small details unless they are dear to your heart. As far as impactful details, I say think of your guests. I love when couples distribute a wedding program for their ceremony. It allows the guest to become familiar with you, your bridal party and what’s going on. Another great treat is to be mindful of their needs. Do you have a gap between your ceremony and cocktail hour? Add to the program a recommended hangout to go and chill – or maybe a favorite restaurant, coffee shop, park, whatever – give them some ideas, especially if they’re from out of town.
Q. Bridezillas? What’s the most effective way to calm,de-stress a panicked or angry bride?
A: First of all, I don’t work with Bridezillas. Just as my clients expect me to be respectful of them and their needs, I expect them to be respectful of me. That being said, every one has their moments where they “don’t look their best”. Emotions happen and it’s always understandable. My goal is to ALWAYS work towards the solution. Venting is therapeutic but working towards the goal will solve the problem twice as fast.
Q. What are your thoughts on outdoor weddings? Is weather a real deterrent or can the show go on rain or shine?
A: Outdoor weddings are amazing when the weather cooperates. Having a “Plan B” (and maybe C, too) is a MUST. Not only for yourself, but out of respect for your guests. And you have to understand that if the weather does not err in your favor, you must roll with it. Some of my favorite ceremonies were scheduled to be outdoors and had to be moved to the indoor “Plan B” location. We ended up lighting candles and it really became an intimate and special ceremony.
Q: Most valuable piece of advice you have acquired over the years for brides?
A: I think the most valuable piece of advice would be to take moments throughout your planning process and wedding day and take it in. We can all get caught up in what’s coming up next, but too often forget to take in what’s going on at this very moment. Ideally, it may not happen again, and it will go by faster than you can ever imagine, so do your very best to enjoy it. My second bit of advice, purchase a dress you feel comfortable in. By the end of the day, you will want to tear it off if it’s not at least a little bit comfortable.
Thanks for the awesome insight Danielle. For a stress free wedding day find& follow her at
http://www.dpnak.com , facebook.com/ellepnak , @dpnak
