Wedding planners are some of the hardest working people in the industry. Not only do they have to physically be everywhere on the big day, they bring their wisdom, creativity, and heart to all they do. Recently worked with May and she is a true example of this in action. Here’s May Chin’s story:
How long have you been doing this and how did you become a Wedding Coordinator?
[May] This actually started years ago from being a bridesmaid numerous times. Not quite “27 Dresses” but enough times. Always being the “assertive & organized” one, I took the lead in making sure things got done. Over the years friends and family called upon me to help coordinate various events from anniversary parties, kid’s graduation parties, sweet sixteen parties to their kid’s weddings. Five years ago, I decided I could turn this talent into a business.
Tell me about yourself.
[May] After 27 years working for a Fortune 500 company, I took my organization skills to create, Chin Up, Events Coordinated by May. I hold a Bachelor Degree in Accounting and held various accounting related positions, the last being Strategic Program Manager. Organization and strong follow through are my biggest strengths. As a Strategic Program Manager, I followed a project from start to finish. I insured all goals and deadlines were met. I put together and continually refined the cost benefits analysis. I created various spreadsheet analyses and provided regular PowerPoint updates to officers of the company. Coordinating a wedding is not much different – just a lot more fun. I was born and raised in Chicago.
Tell me about your business.
[May] The business started as Wedding Coordinator but has branched out to various community productions. Stage managing is not much different than coordinating a wedding. Lining up and getting a bridal party down a church aisle is no different than lining up performers on and off a stage. Writing a timeline of required events at a wedding ceremony & reception is not that much different than writing a script for an emcee to follow at a community event. Timing and execution is important in any event. Hiring and working with a good coordinator insures plans are executed timely and properly.
How did Chin Up Events Coordinated by May begin?
[May] Working on the motto “Alleviate the Stress and Enjoy the Day”, I began marketing the concept of letting a professional wedding / event coordinator ensure plans are followed, details are attended to so the hosts can meet and greet their guests and enjoy the wedding /event that they worked so hard in planning.
What type of events make up most of your business?
[May] My business currently is equal parts weddings and community productions.
Who do you work with exactly?
[May] On weddings, I’ve been hired mostly by the bride & groom. With various family dynamics, it is sometimes best to bring in an impartial outsider to insure the planned activities happen in a timely manner. On community productions, I usually work directly with the show director or event chair. It takes good organization skills to execute a director’s vision or an event chair’s ideal event.
What really sets you apart from other Wedding Coordinator?
[May] Although I’m not limited to the Chinese / Asian Community, being born in the United States of immigrant parents, I hold the unique ability to bridge the East and West cultures. Maybe not regularly practiced, there are customs & traditions still followed in most Asian cultures. It’s good to keep some of these customs & traditions alive. For instance: The Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony. In this day and age, girls / women are no longer matched up and given away to the groom’s family. The Tea Ceremony is a beautiful way for the bride & groom to show respect to both of their parents and thank them for raising them into adulthood. It’s also a way for each family to receive the couple into each of their families creating a new blended family.
Are your services and products affordable for Wedding couples to buy and learn from?
[May] Aside from my services, there are no other services or products to buy.
Who do you work best with?
[May] The person in charge, whoever is responsible for the funds. Whether it’s the parents of the bride, or the Event Chair, the person paying the bills is usually paying vendors by the hour. Having a coordinator ensures things start and end on time, therefore minimizing any overtime or additional charges.
What is expected of your clients?
[May] I expect my clients to trust me that I will execute the planned activities in accordance to their wishes.
Who is NOT going to benefit from working with you?
[May] The person who does not want to let go of the details and enjoy the event. If someone is going to follow me every step of the way, then there is no reason to hire me.
What’s the first step when people are interested in your service?
[May] Drop me an email or leave me a voicemail and let me know the proposed date and the details of the event. I will then either set up a phone interview or if required, set up a meeting to discuss the details. The more details you have, the less billable time required.