Some brides visualize exactly what kind of wedding they want, to the very last detail. They know the style of dress they'll wear, what the invitations will look like, the kind of flowers, and the wedding cake, sometimes even before they've met their groom. Other brides prefer to look at hundreds of wedding samples and choices for every single part of their wedding. Most brides fall somewhere in between but everyone ultimately needs help planning.

Fortunately, no matter what kind of bride you are, there's no question, a wedding coordinator can help streamline the process and make sure your wedding is everything you dreamed it would be. Couples with large wedding budgets aren't the only ones who can benefit from the help and knowledge of a coordinator. Someone who is familiar with the local vendors can share insightful information with you, saving hours and hours of research. There are huge time savings when a coordinator takes on the administrative tasks such as coordinating schedules, booking meetings with vendors, and confirming all the elements and timetables of the day. Then of course, she will closely follow along the entire day to ensure perfect staging of your dream wedding.

If you secure the services of a local wedding coordinator, wonderful things begin to happen. All the larger hotels have on site event coordinators who can assist you with details within the hotel. An independent consultant will advise and arrange every aspect of your event from a creative and experienced perspective. Just as important, on the wedding day the consultant will oversee everything for you. "I like to talk with the bride about the entire wedding day to get a feel for the couple before I make any vendor referrals. That way I am able to tailor the vendors to suit the needs, preferences and budget," says local professional Mackinac wedding coordinator Carole Erbel of For the Love of Mackinac! Once decisions are made, knowing how to reach and work with the vendors avoids potential last minute confusion.

Your coordinator will handle all these important details for you. With an expert such as Carole Erbel on hand to deal with the details or unexpected problems, the bride and groom can relax and simply be guests at their own wedding. It also takes the burden off mothers or other family members who might find themselves doing something they hadn't planned on. "On the day of the wedding I make sure that everyone is in their place and everything is where it needs to be. I have everyone's contact information with me so if I need to, I can make a quick call with a question or to confirm, so the bride and her family won't have to deal with any issues or concerns," exclaims Carole.

Bridal consultants are available to give as much or as little support as needed. They can also add a special touch to any wedding, since they have the experience and know the industry well enough to make really worthwhile suggestions. From experience, they have gleaned a million ideas ready to combine with your desires to design your perfect wedding. Still, a bride need not worry about turning over control to someone else. With any coordinating service you always have the final word.

David C. McKnight of Emerald City Designs states, "We have planned many personalized destination weddings and other types of large events. Our specialty is providing all the details, large and small, that bring your wedding visions to life. We provide customized floral arrangements that captures your style and personality from bridal bouquets to centerpieces that will enhance any atmosphere. Our stationary service offers invitations, announcements and programs to match the entire wedding design. Rental services are available from tables, chairs and china to linens and elegant furnishings." Floral, planning, rentals and stationary are offered with excellent service and attention to detail from Emerald City Designs.

When the wedding days arrives, your consultant will be on hand fully prepared with vendor contracts, detailed time line, schedule notes, horse and carriage details and all vendors on cell phone speed dial; everything is handled. Its absolutely the best wedding gift you can give yourself!

Be sure to attend the 2013 Mackinac Island Bridal Show held at Mission Point Resort October 5th. Over 40 local vendors will be on hand, goodie bags filled with coupons and free gifts are handed out and thousands of dollars in door prizes are given away. Call for info at 248-291-8877.