Planning a wedding is simple, said no one, ever.

The typical bride-to-be believes the day she ties the knot is the most important day of her life. It’s not easy making sure that special day is perfect, and it’s definitely not a task to take on alone. That’s where professionals like Raelene Dorame come in.

Dorame is a local event planner for the Journal Center Courtyard Marriot. Although she was born in Tularosa, NM, Albuquerque became her home over 30 years ago. Her passion has always been hospitality, and planning events in the community is a skill she continues to develop.

For every special occasion, there is a checklist. From guest lists, to catering, to décor and much more, coordinators like Dorame have it covered.

Photo by Shardayyy Photography – Unsplash

She has dedicated 21 years to preparing brides and grooms for their big moment and says that she has done over 500 weddings!

A wedding planner should keep in mind that a bride can go anywhere for help. She chooses one person to trust throughout this process and that responsibility must not be taken lightly. “It’s important to make sure I have that one on one connection with her,” Dorame said.

In an age of Pinterest and online tutorials, you need someone you can trust to help plan your big day. Dorame would recommend avoiding social media as a planning tool saying that it has a tendency to drive brides and grooms crazy. Apps like Pinterest have taken event planning to a whole new level.

“I wish that website would crash,” Dorame said regarding the popular platform.

An endless stream of ideas, most of which are unattainable, overwhelm people as they try to “DIY” their ideal function.

Planning a birthday party is one thing, but placing a pivotal experience, such as a marriage ceremony, into the virtual hands of an online catalog is not recommended. A successful wedding planner is patient and trustworthy, doubling as a reliable reference for fresh ideas.

And here’s a tip for brides: if the day of your wedding is going to be perfect, the road leading up to it will be rough.

“You’re put in very awkward situations sometimes,” Dorame said. “I’ve had brides completely fall apart.” Family members will start to argue and build tension. This puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on the bride and groom. She considers herself a mediator or counselor at times.

Photo by Andre Hunter – Unsplash

Dorame has a lot of tasks to juggle, but the most important is to keep the bride calm. “The more they’re relaxed, the more you’re relaxed,” she said. A coordinator must be a good listener. Constant communication will promote mutual understanding between the bride and planner.

Planning a wedding is hard and even unenjoyable at times, but the outcome is always unforgettable. Two people in love start their lives together, and Dorame gets to be a part of that time and time again. Her favorite part of the job is watching her brides walk down the aisle. They’re beautiful and so happy, she explained. All of the little decisions they’ve made leading up to that moment lose their significance. They chose the right person to marry, and that’s all that matters in the end. “I truly enjoy what I do,” Dorame said. “It’s a blessing to have been a part of so many people’s happiness.”