Hey ladies and gents! I’m thrilled for today’s post! We got to ask Mr. David Tutera, one of my absolute favorite “wedding celebrities”, a few questions. He has teamed up with WE TV and I know I couldn’t be more excited (what’s better than wedding shows and a wedding planning “grand master”?!).
Here, the first three questions are more for brides and grooms, while the second three are you all of you wedding pros out there. Enjoy!
1. We’ve seen you tackle some pretty tacky wedding situations on My Fair Wedding. What advice can you give to couples in the wedding planning stage to help them avoid falling into a tacky trap?
Much of the tacky décor I have seen on the show stems from a common mistake people make…They fill their receptions with too many poor-quality items because they are cheaper, instead of using fewer pieces of tasteful, quality décor. My advice to anyone starting to fall into this trap is that less, really is more. So instead of a tacky napkin silk flower napkin embellishment, you can do a stunning napkin fold for free and add a little bit more budget to your centerpieces.
The other common mistake I see is when brides take a theme too literally and it ends up looking like a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Themes are a great way to incorporate personality into your day, but my advice is to use only subtle touches of the themed elements. The rest of the décor can be pulled together by using the colors that work with your theme but still maintain an upscale look.
2. What decor elements would you recommend for a couple wanting a luxe look for less?
There are so many great tricks for achieving a luxe look for less. One of my favorite luxuries at a wedding is having custom printed menu cards at each seat, but this same feel can be achieved by having only one card printed per table and placing it in a frame that will compliment your décor. Another luxe touch at a wedding is custom chairbacks, but the same look is attainable by weaving inexpensive ribbon back and forth through the spokes of a ballroom chair in a beautiful pattern. Of course, for adding romance to a room, the power of votives and flower petals is tremendous!
3. What is the single most important thing for a couple to remember when it comes to planning a wedding (aside for remembering the reasons they are getting hitched in the first place)?
The one thing I would like to remind all couples is that a wedding is about the union of two people. It is the union of their families, personalities, hobbies, heritages and traditions…
I say this as a tip for brides who may get a little selfish in the planning, and also as a great tip for ensuring a personalized wedding. The entire day will automatically be more special for the couple and the guests if everything from the menu and ceremony to décor and entertainment is based around both the bride and the groom.
4. A lot of wedding pros want exposure (and might I say even one day become a “celebrity” vendor) both to establish themselves as a legitimate vendor and to help get business. What advice would you have for wedding professionals looking to grow both their business and reputation?
The best advice I can give a wedding professional looking to grow their business is to network! Meet and stay in touch with other professionals in your industry, and if possible join up with organized networking groups geared specifically for event planning.
5. What are some good reputation management tips you have for fellow and aspiring wedding professionals?
My advice for growing your reputation is to be good to your vendors, it is just as important as being good to your clients. It’s a very small industry and it is important to maintain a good standing with every vendor who contributes to your success.
6. While working with weddings is generally fabulous, we all know it has its downfalls. What are some of the tougher parts of the industry for you to handle (aside from “celebrity status” issues you might face, which most of us don’t have 
, and how do you deal with them?
While some people might consider the actual installations of huge events to be the toughest part, I actually think of them as a very exciting challenge. Much problem solving is needed to combat unforeseen obstacles and I think without resourcefulness, creativity and dedication that could be a difficult part. Through truly listening to a bride’s vision and by offering meticulous, full-service planning and decor, my brides know that there is no reason to worry about their big day.
Thank you, David! Also, a little plug for WE TV – they have created a funny little customizable video you should check out … especially if you know a Bridezilla!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I love watching your program My Fair Wedding. Congratulations on your new weeding line. How about a line of dresses for the mother of the groom or bride. I’m a 57 year old mother of the groom five foot two and small frame, yet not over weight. I would like for one special day in my son’s life to have a little glam. Most dresses look like satin sacks. It would be fun to show how great mom can look too!
Dear David,
I watch your show My Fair Wedding/David Tutera every Sunday on WE TV I live in Chicago, Il. I cry, I laugh, and you just put a smile on my face. I watched your show last sunday it was a girl who wanted a wedding but, really wasn’t financially able to and she was going to have her wedding reception in her backyard with a car that couldn’t be moved. also, she bought her dress at a garage sale that was 2 sizes too small tears were just coming down my face. The wedding you gave her was absolutely incredible. I cried watching it and laughed and smiled at the reception. David you are awesome and the one thing I love the most about you is you treat everyone equal no more or no less than the next person. God Bless you. May your show continue success and congrats on your new wedding line.
Love Marisela