Audrey
Jones, Event Coordinator, prides herself on her organizational skills as well
as her ability to immediately see the big picture of a client’s vision for
their wedding. A former lawyer and current author, she ensures that every client’s day
contains the creative elements and organization necessary for any successful
event. Audrey has a B.A. from Trinity University and J.D. from Stetson
University College of Law,
and is a member of the Florida Bar.
What
is your favorite part of being an event coordinator?
The
organization! I love scheduling, organizing and planning everything down to the
last minute; it’s so exciting to watch everything come together on the day of.
Is
there one common piece of advice you give to all couples?
Don’t
lose sight of what you’re really doing: getting married. The ceremony is the most
important part of your wedding day; everything else is amazingly fun and a
once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it pales in comparison to the commitment you
are making to each other.
What
was the most unexpected circumstance you encountered while planning a wedding?
It
wasn’t when I was planning a wedding, but at my wedding: a guest showed up with
a dog in her purse to our reception. It was unexpected, but absolutely fine –
the hotel brought the dog food and water and it barely made a peep. In fact,
the pooch is in our large family photo from that night, which makes the picture
more unique.
What
do you wish more couples would do while planning their weddings?
Think
seriously about what they and guests will remember and dedicate time and
energy to those things. As upsetting as it may be, things like menus or a
brilliant cake topper are fun, but rarely what you recall from the day. Focus instead
on a great band or photographer to make your day truly memorable.
What
is the one thing you love that couples include in their wedding?
Without
a doubt it’s personalized favors. I love favors that are monogrammed, and not
only because I LOVE all monogrammed things. Cookies, chocolates or notepads
with the couples names and initials are always something guests love.
What
is the biggest budget blunder you see most brides commit?
Not
giving themselves 24 or 48 hours to think over some decisions that may put them
over budget or spend money needlessly. For example, a lot of money can be saved
by traveling to a hair stylist or makeup artist instead of having them travel
to you. This money can be reallocated into décor or food with little
inconvenience to the bride and bridal party getting ready on the day of the
wedding.
What
is the most essential tool you use to plan a wedding?
The
checklist; it’s the best tool for keeping everyone on track and making sure everything
gets done. Because it ties in with the budget – meaning that I complete it at
the same time as I update a couple’s budget – it’s the starting point for all
planning for me.
Do
you have any pre- or post-wedding rituals?
Honestly,
I sit around a lot before I work a wedding because I know I won’t be sitting or
relaxing for awhile.
What
aspect of a wedding could you do without?
I
would be seriously upset if one of our couples smashed cake in each other’s
faces. Fortunately, that hasn’t yet happened.
What
is the single most important piece/item of event design for any wedding?
Many
times for me it’s linens and chairs. Those two elements can really enhance
florals and make other design elements, like draping and lighting, less
necessary.
What
were the easiest and hardest design themes you’ve had to develop?
Right
now I’m pondering how to incorporate robots into a wedding. I think it’s going
to be a ton of fun!
What
is the most difficult part of event design?
Knowing
when to stop. Event design is amazing and really allows a couple’s personality
to shine, but it’s important to avoid overkill.
Is
there anything else you would like to add?
I
love working with HJ; I never imagined I’d have such a great group of women to
spend so much time with while working such a fun job.
Also,
here are two photos of my dog, who is incredible and the best dog in the world. I'm lobbying for him to become HJ's mascot.
