Interview with Fabulous Event Planner Tiffany Penn

Hey Fab Brides!

 I told you I would be giving you expert advice. I recently met with Tiffany Penn to ask her a few questions about wedding planning. 

Tiffany is a graduate of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Growing up Tiffany always had a love for fashion and was interested in a creative career where she could be paid for doing something she loved. 

After graduating from UMES in 2004, Tiffany began her career at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC as the assistant to the Catering Director. While an assistant Tiffany learned as much as she could from her experience and was quickly promoted to Catering Manager where she planned meetings and events for up to 500 guests. 

In the beginning of her career Tiffany only wanted to plan a wedding, but has realized that she also likes the corporate side of the events industry. Tiffany now works with Tuscana West Restaurant as the Marketing and Private Events Manager. Tiffany has also started her own company called TNP Marketing Group. A company that specializes creative concepts, event planning, marketing strategies, and consulting. 

Take a look at what Tiffany has to say about weddings.

1. What advice do you give brides before the big day?

Don't be stressed, just get help!  Planning a wedding, especially if you plan it without an event planner, is like taking on a second full time job.  Ask for help from a family member, your finacee or someone that will embrace your vision and run full force with it, but please do not stress out.  Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life.  You should look back on the entire planning process and think it was a piece of cake.

2. How far in advance do you suggest a bride obtain a wedding planner?

Six months to a year.  Before you select your venue, you should select a event planner.  Just my option but sometimes they are able to work their magic and are able to get you more bang for your buck. Planners usually have relationships with venues and they have your best interest in mind. They know best!

3. Do you have any fabulous tips for brides planning their weddings without the help of a planner?

Do not forget about the details! Its always in the smallest detail that will add pizzazz to your wedding day.  Like a welcome bag filled with goodies or even a welcome note for guest that checking into your host hotel. Also consider favors that are heart felt from you.  Even the invitations will set the mood for your wedding.  If you are creative and love arts and crafts, these tasks will be easy for you. If you're not the DIY bride, ask for help from your friends. 

4. We all know certain things are out of our control, but what are some ways to avoid wedding day disaster?

HAVE EVERYTHING IN WRITING!  Send an e-mail once you get off the phone with a vendor just to recap the conversation.  Remember, if it is not in writing, you did not ask for it.  The weather you can not help but everything else you can.

5. What is your favorite part about planning a wedding?

The ceremony is by far is my favorite part of a wedding.  The look of the bride who is usually nervous but trying to cope and then the groom who stands so proud, shoulders back and chest to the sky as he accepts her to be his wife.  There has not been a wedding ceremony that I have not cried at.

6. What advice would you give to an aspiring wedding or event planner?

Mastering your craft takes time.  You will not know all that you should know after your first event.  It takes time.  Find a great mentor, someone that is very knowledgeable and follow them.  Take notes of their creativity and problem solving skills. Also, NETWORKING is KEY, it is not about what you know but WHO you know.

If you would like to contact Tiffany, email her at Tiffany.Penn@gmail.com

Thanks Tiffany for being a part of Fabulous Black Bride!