Shelli Alred of Alred Wedding Consultants

Coffee Talk with Shelli Alred of Alred Wedding Consultants

WC: What motivated you to start this business?

SA: I would humbly say, I have an eye for style! I think my prior work experience leading up to Alred Wedding Consultants prepared me for making events beautiful. With background in the hospitality industry, a fashion degree, and a passion for weddings, starting a consulting business was the natural progression!

WC: What are some of your favorite aspects about planning weddings?

SA: I love the "discovery" process a couple goes through as they begin their planning. All of those decisions take time and a lot of communication. During that time, I really get to know my clients. My events really seem to come together when I gain an understanding of a couples' personalities, their relationship, and the message they want to convey the day of their wedding. My work is truly a labor of love... I love the personal investment I make with each couple. That investment motivates me to work in their best interests and to not stop until their day is perfect.

WC: It seems that the modern bride is much more apt to hire a consultant than the bride of 4 to 5 years ago. Why do you think that's the case?

SA: The bottom line is that people are busy. Women are just as focused on their careers as men. They need someone to act as their advocate in wedding planning when their schedules don't allow. Alred Wedding Consultants specializes in weddings exclusively. We have exposure to up and coming trends and access to vendors and resources the average bride does not. For that bride who is detail conscious, budget conscious, or time conscious, our services prove invaluable time after time.

WC: What are some of the challenges that face a modern bride planning a wedding on her own?

SA: Managing a budget, no matter how large or small, can be very difficult for brides. For most, planning a wedding is uncharted territory and it is difficult to know how much things should cost. That's why we believe our budget tracking program is so crucial for our clients. We carefully compare the price points of each vendor we visit and weigh the pros and cons of what the bride receives for her money. We are willing to negotiate on behalf of our clients and advise them how best to spend their wedding dollars.

WC: Do you think brides have any common misconceptions about wedding coordinators? How do you get past them?

SA: Wedding consultants are a "must" for today's brides. Many brides assume a consultant is a luxury only big budget brides can afford. Alred Wedding Consultants have worked hard to formulate packages for brides that will accommodate ANY budget. We also provide "day of" coordination for that bride who has done all the legwork and just wants someone to take over the "day of" so she can enjoy her wedding.

WC: Do you currently plan events outside of St. Louis?

SA: I love working in St. Louis and have made a point to concentrate my efforts in this area. I have found lots of fantastic vendors all over the area, but those in the metro area offer the most competitive pricing and extensive services. I have resources and contacts throughout the country and would be happy to refer brides to a wedding consultant anywhere.

WC: Based on your years of experience consulting, what advice would you give to a planning St. Louis bride?

SA: If I had to give one piece of advice for a planning bride it would be do as much research on the Internet as possible. With the vast majority of vendors offering wonderful web sites, you can look at their work, their prices, and their services. It has proven to be a wonderful tool.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.