Marie Duncan of Ree-Dun Imagination

Coffee Talk with Marie Duncan of Ree-Dun Imagination

WC: What motivated you to start your own business?

MD: The love for the wedding industry. I love to see people happy and fulfilled on their special day. Just to see a bride walk into her space and see her "dreams come true" — that may have only been on paper — is awesome.

WC: Can you explain to brides what you do as event designers, and how it is different from being strictly a wedding consultant, florist, linen provider, etc.?

MD: As an Event Designer, we design your event from beginning to end, which can include some consulting, linen, flowers and other services. We create real moments to cherish. Since we have hands on for all of your décor, we can provide more. All of the dreams, expectations and planning that you may have had for many years, we capture it in a day's image so that you and your guests can enjoy what you were imagining. From balloons to flowers, we design it and create it — bringing it to life!

WC: Event designers have become an integral part of wedding planning. Why do you think that is?

MD: Brides are realizing that as a beautiful bride she has to be in the right setting. You can't put on an expensive beautiful gown and go to a blank hall/venue. The venue has to be adorned with decorations designed to enhance your attire. Planning your wedding should include an event designer/decorator.

WC: What are some of the challenges that face a modern bride planning a wedding without an event designer?

MD: Some of the challenges are timing, resourses, connections and just the overall inexperience. Busy brides today do not have the time to capture the moment that they want to see throughout their day. As a Event Designer, we can. We create that image for you to see and bring it to life on your day.

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

MD: Yes, I do. Many of the modern brides feel they can design their own events. Many brides feel that certain decorations do not belong at a wedding — such as balloons. Event designers can you give a WOW factor that you may not have access to, whether it's balloons or flowers. Our displays generally WOW the brides after they see what our decorations can do.

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

MD: Absolutely!

WC: Based on your years of experience designing events and weddings, what advice would you give to a planning bride?

MD: First, enjoy your engagement as well as your planning for your wedding. You only get one time to plan your perfect wedding. There is no room for error. (Well, you learn to laugh at some, which makes the day memorable.) Secondly, leave it up to a professional who has the experience to carry out all of your expectations on your day. This would also leave you time to enjoy the moment hassle-free. Last but not least, do your homework in terms of décor and what to expect. Many times you think you can do it for less. But remember, the professionals have connections to vendors that can provide us with the WOW! and HUGE IMPACT! to show at your event.

Read other interviews at the Club Cafe.