Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Perrin.
Heather, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My love for event logistics began in college when I worked for the Admissions Office, helping to host events for prospective students. We welcomed hundreds of students to campus each month, and I fell in love with making sure all of the details of the day came together to provide an amazing experience for them. I was passionate about my college experience and it was the best job to be able to share that with prospective students! As I grew, I started spending those event days following my boss around, helping her and watching her anticipate needs before they arose. It was so fun for me to spend time with her, thinking through all of the tiniest details to make these huge events run smoothly and then making it happen on the day-of. I found myself thinking, “when I graduate, I want to do her job!” I didn’t know how that would happen, but the opportunity came! I spent three years in that very Admissions Office, planning and managing events for thousands of students to experience the best school in the land!
It was in the seven years I spent working in the Admissions Office at my alma mater that I grew the skills that would eventually translate into my love for weddings. When I knew it was time for a change, I started coordinating logistics for some dear friends’ weddings and found that this was the perfect fit. The defining moment came during the reception of a dear friend. All of our friends were on the dance floor, enjoying the party, and I was in the back room emptying boxes and prepping for a breakdown. At that moment, I thought, “This is exactly where I want to be right now!” And I haven’t looked back since. I launched my business in 2016 and concentrated my efforts on serving brides and their families by taking care of the details so they can actually enjoy the day.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No new venture is easy, but anything of value rarely is. The jump from full -time corporate work to running my own business was, and often still is, terrifying. When my income became tied to my ability to attract clients rather than my clocking in and out, I was scared I wouldn’t be able to make it. However, I quickly learned that if I seek to serve my clients to the best of my ability, the rest will take care of itself. It is of course absolutely necessary to understand your costs so you know how to set your prices, and to recognize that not everyone is going to want to hire you! That is more than OK. Do the work to understand your price point, and then give over and above to each and every client that puts their faith in you.
The best thing I have done in these early years of business is to form relationships with others in my industry. The wedding world is deeply referral-based, so I needed to get to know other vendors who could refer me to potential clients. Their trust and recommendation meant more than any advertising I could ever do, so I spent time serving and getting to know my community, and that has been invaluable. Every industry is different, but I think there is no boundary on the value of real human relationships. I hope to be a resource to new business owners just as so many have been for me!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Heather Perrin Weddings – what should we know?
Shortly after launching my business, I realized my passion was in logistics. I am a naturally detail-oriented person and think in terms of timelines. I do offer planning services at times, but what makes my heart flutter is thinking through and anticipating the finer elements of the day that make it a smooth experience for all involved. So I chose to concentrate my efforts on the part of the wedding prep that I get most excited about, and that is why I specialize in wedding management.
The brides I work with want to take the time to plan their wedding, finding the vendors and making the style choices, but they need help making sure all of the details they have planned come to fruition in just the right way. So I spend time with them before the wedding, getting to know their plans deeply so they can transfer the details to me and get to relax. I help think through all of the logistical elements and make sure no balls have been dropped, and then I coordinate with all of the wedding pros they have hired to make sure everyone is on the same page. On the wedding weekend, I am there from beginning to end, anticipating those needs and solving problems before the bride even knows they exist.
I see my role as serving three groups of people: the bride, the vendors, and the guests. I always want to make sure my clients and their families enjoy the day. That they aren’t worried about a thing, and the most important memories are treasured and savored. I also serve my peers by making sure they have everything they need to do their best work! They are experts in their field, and I want to make it as easy as possible for them to shine. And finally, I want to help the bride think about the day and how we can serve her guests. They are beloved family and friends, so how can we make sure they are cared for.
You have spent time planning one of the most important days of your life, but will you get to enjoy it if you are also trying to run the show? Even the best actors can’t star in the play and cue the lights. I love to take the plans you’ve put your heart into and make them a reality – answering questions and anticipating details so you can celebrate with the ones you love.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
I met some incredible women working in higher education. I am incredibly grateful for their influence on me, the faith they put in me, and the times they told me I could do great things. These women modeled what it means to be a strong, kind, passionate leader, and to serve and work with excellence. Thinking about the way they invested their time and energy into me makes me a little weepy. I am so thankful to have worked under and alongside these passionate and selfless women.
The greatest gift they gave me was an understanding of servant leadership in the workplace and in all of life. There is no job that is beneath me, no task that I am too important to complete. As leaders, we do whatever it takes to elevate others, to give them the opportunity to flourish, and to serve without self-importance. My job is to build others up, not to elevate myself, and serving as a wedding coordinator is a unique opportunity to do that week in and week out! I wouldn’t be where I am today without the influence and investment of these women.
Pricing:
- Wedding Management starts at $1,200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.heatherperrin.com
- Email: heather@heatherperrin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherperrinweddings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherperrinweddings
Image Credit:
Ashah Photography, Holly Von Lanken Photography
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