This Wedding Pro Wednesday I am delighted to introduce you to Tara Melvin, the founder of Perfect Planning Events. Perfect Planning Events is a boutique event planning company in the Washington, D.C. Metro area that specializes in creating not just events, but unique individual experiences for all of their clients. Their services are tailored specifically for each client’s event. Perfect Planning Events offers a full comprehensive event planning and design service based on the character, personal style, and desired outcome for their clients. They savor the challenge of making each experience unique and different from the last. And absolutely love what they do!
I’ve known Tara for many years, and have a deep respect for the business and following she has built. She is a true industry professional, and an amazing woman! So, if you’re considering a professional wedding planner or design service for your wedding, or are curious what the career of a professional wedding planner is like, don’t miss Tara’s answers to my questions below!
Have you always been a wedding professional? If not, what was your previous career?
I have been in the wedding industry for approximately 13 years. My other professional background includes almost 20 years as an Account Manager and National Account Manager for Fortune 500 companies. So definitely involved with people and building customer experiences my entire career.
What inspired you to create your company?
I have always been a person that loved to entertain and enjoy the company of others. From the time I was almost 10 years old, I was the kid on the block that held community social gatherings with kids in the neighborhood at my parent’s home without their permission, lol. This trend continued into college life and early adult life, hosting events in my apartment to celebrate my birthday, friend’s birthday, holidays, etc. – any reason I could find to host a celebration. Approximately 13 years ago, I hosted a New Year’s party at my home, and an un-invited guest asked me to plan a party for them. I immediately replied that I was going to charge them, and with that response a light bulb immediately went off and I dived into researching how to establish my business.
What was your biggest obstacle and failure in going from idea to business?
The biggest obstacle in the early stages of developing my company is the not knowing, and not having someone there to assist me through the process within my own industry. I had a friend that was a business owner that helped me with the paperwork to establish my business, however, no one to help me to navigate through the event industry. Because I am a determined person, I was diligent on learning and getting out there to network. My mentor program is the main reason it was created because I do not want anyone to experience what I had to encounter.
What do you love most about your job?
The relationships that I develop with my clients is very rewarding. The relationship does not end on the night of their event – it continues to develop into a family relationship. Secondly, my mentor program has fulfilled an empty place of success for me. Each night that I walk away from my class with the mentees, I am overjoyed and humbled.
What is your best advice for brides related to your area of expertise?
Whew! I can’t just stop at one piece of advice. I highly recommend that couples come to a realistic mutually agreed upon budget that they both should follow. Have open communication throughout the planning process. Take at least one full weekend off of wedding planning and not discussing the wedding. And remember, the true reason they are getting married.
What is your best advice for newlyweds?
My advice would be to continue to have open communication with each other. Remember to “love” each other daily – a simple statement, but a hard task to implement daily. And because of the world that we live in and we live such a high-paced life, to schedule date night at least twice a month without any distractions (focus on each other).
Photo Credits: Procopio Photography
