Plan a Perfect Wedding with Modern Mint Events

Wedding planning has always been near and dear to my heart, as it used to be my career. So finding the right Wedding Planner to recommend to you was absolutely crucial. Wedding planning is hard work and you need the right individual to handle all the intricate details in order to have a perfect day. It always amazes me at how much work is involved aside from selecting your vendors and creating a wedding day timeline. With so many details needing attention it is so incredibly easy for someone to miss an important detail which could honestly cause many issues.  I spent a lot of time looking through vendor after vendor. I knew of Modern Mint Events but just by name. So I spent time reviewing her work and just had a gut feeling about her… I trust my instincts and know I am introducing you to someone that will truly provide exceptional service and ensure your day is flawless.

I arranged to meet Sahar at her office for the interview and loved her space! Heritage buildings always offer so much character and beauty, and her office adds to it with decor perfectly complimenting her brand – black and gold modern luxury. Allow me to introduce you to your wedding planner…

RB: Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself, where you’re from?

MME: My name is Sahar Sarband and I was born in Iran. I am technically Persian but I also consider myself a Canadian as I have been here a long time. I originally moved to Victoria, BC with my family when I was 11 years old and then moved to Vancouver a couple of years after that.

RB: Did you attend school or receive training for wedding and event planning?

MME: I went to school for business and got my Bachelor of Business from BCIT. I then decided I wanted to do event planning. A little bit into it, I took a couple of courses through BCIT for event planning, however, didn’t complete the entire program as it was clear that experience was more important for me.

RB: Tell me about your business name, how did you come up with it?

MME: It was so random. I wanted it to be Mint Events. It sounded short, catchy and fresh – a fresh twist on what is already out there. But there are “Mint Events” all over; Toronto, Dubai – basically all the major cities have one. This kind of ruined it for us, but as I was very stuck on the idea of “Mint” and didn’t want to move too far away from it so we decided to add “Modern” to the name. The full name, however, now that I think back was a ridiculous idea. It was Modern Mint Event Coordinators Inc, but I just go by Modern Mint Events now.

RB: What drew you to wedding planning?

MME: Completely random but I fell into the right place. Through BCIT, I had a close friend who I worked with on all the projects, Daniela. Towards the end of graduation of the first 2 years, there were 4 of us who started the “thought” of doing events.  One of us brought up the idea of doing corporate events as she had connections with the medical industry. It sounded exciting so the 4 of us thought about starting a company. Unfortunately, 2 realized it was going to be difficult, time consuming and financially restrictive for the first while and decided to part. Therefore, it ended up being Daniela and I. We started off in corporate events as we had connections with a few local politicians and businesses. Through these events, we did more fundraisers. Initially, we didn’t want to do any weddings, as we had heard so many horror stories about bridezillas and mother of the brides. One day, we ended up doing one random wedding, then another and another. It felt right, was exciting and allowed for creativity.

Last year, Daniela had a baby and made the decision to focus on her family. That being said, she has officially retired from planning, but once in a while she comes out of retirement and lets me know. So as of right now, I am the principle planner but I have a team who assists me on event days.

RB: Do you continue to do corporate events now, or strictly weddings?

MME:  It’s about 95% weddings. Once in a while I will plan a grand opening, a fundraiser, or a party. I have also done proposal planning as well.

RB: How long have you been planning weddings?

MME: Officially since 2010, so eight years. Unofficially though, I have been planning for a bit longer than that because we were planning casually to start.

RB: What do you love the most about planning weddings?

MME: I feel very fulfilled going through the entire process – which is odd as you typically hear that about philanthropist work. I give the couple more than they came in expecting. It’s so easy to get caught up in the whole thing and sort of lose your mind. You hear all these horror stories about wedding planning and I try to take that away completely so that they enjoy it. You can see this in the couple’s eyes and that to me is my favorite.

RB: What do you think your biggest strength as an event planner is?

MME: I really invest myself in every wedding. Each wedding is treated as if my own. I think that is what my biggest strength would be.

I fall in love with all my couples and my goal is to make their lives easier. I never restrict my responsibilities and will go above and beyond – whatever it may be. Planning is such a fluid term, so if I can help in any way, I will. My ultimate goal is for it go well and for them to enjoy the process.

RB: Why should a couple work with a wedding planner?

MME: Where do I start…?

There is such a fine line between enjoying the planning process and completely losing your mind. It is not like it is in the movies where the process comes very naturally; you walk into a flower shop and you simply hire the florist.

Budget planning is such a huge task alone, as well as, knowing at what points to hire which vendors.

You are spending so much money on this 1 day – what is the point if you are not enjoying the process or the day itself?

Most people don’t think about the logistics that go into each vendor. You aren’t just picking the florist and the flowers. You need to plan all the details that happen behind the scenes; measurements, making sure decor can hang where you need it to, deliveries, who is going to come when, where are they to set up, what elevator are the vendors to use. These are the details that need to be thought of which can cause someone to lose their mind if they do not have the experience or are not expecting to have to figure this out. You need someone that is able to take care of all of this.

 

RB: What are some important questions couples should ask to ensure they’re booking the right wedding planner?

MME: I think it’s important that you like the planner as you will be dealing with them a lot. So, not only like their work but also like them as a person. You should learn about how much and what kind of experience they have. How many weddings have they planned in the past? Have they worked at the venue that you are hoping for? And make sure you read their reviews.

I am always pleasantly surprised when couples come very prepared with detailed questions on the process, but even moreso when the groom is just as involved – maybe more than the bride!

RB: How far in advance should a couple starts planning their wedding?

MME: I would like at least 1 year. But it depends on the event, the scale and what they are looking for. You want a minimum of 6 months but no more than 1 year and a half.

In the summer, the major hotels get booked up really quickly so if you want a specific date, it is best to book more than 1 year ahead.

RB: At what point should a wedding planner be considered?

MME: I would like to be hired right at the beginning. Many have come to me after they have booked their venue, but doing your budget planning with your wedding planner should be the first step. I find that they book their venue first and realize later on that they spent way more than they can afford of their budget on the venue alone which doesn’t leave us with much for all the other details. This is why there is always a struggle at the end and you start to nickel and dime. It shouldn’t be that way. You should know exactly how your budget breaks down and that is the kind of details that I can easily help with.

RB: What are the most important things for Brides and Grooms to consider when planning their wedding? (budget, guest list, etc.)

MME: The most important is the vision that the couple agrees on. THEN the budget is the most important. But at the beginning I try to get the priorities straight. What are the top three; the food, the party itself, the ceremony? When you think of your wedding day, what is the first thing to come to mind? Once the priorities are straight, you have a better idea of what needs to be done first.

I used to think there was a one formula, but every couple is very different. Most couples have a rough idea of what kind of wedding idea they want which helps have a clearer image of what needs to be done and in what priority.

RB: What services and packages do you offer?

MME: I break it down into 3 distinct packages.

Full Wedding Planning: This starts the day I meet the couple until the end of their wedding day. This includes all aspects from budget planning, design, vendor and venue hunting, etiquette, tasks list and schedules, regular meetings, and rehearsal and day-of coordination. This package starts at $8,000 to approximately $10,000 depending on the size and complexity of the wedding.

Partial Planning: This is good for couples who have sort of started planning. They have a few of their vendors hired and have an idea of what they are doing. I take over depending on where they want me to and price it accordingly.

Day-of: This isn’t really day-of as I meet with the couple a month before and go through all the details which takes about 2 hours. I let them know what still needs to be completed and check-in to ensure the tasks get completed. I tie up loose ends and run their rehearsal and day-of. This package starts at $2,500 to $3,000.

RB: What areas do you service? Do you offer destination wedding services?

MME: I will go as far as I am needed. I have done events all over BC, but this is where it tends to end. I have done a couple of events in the U.S. but rarely does this happen understandably so, because I feel you would want someone who is familiar with that region.

So I tend to stay within BC but I would like to say yes! I do destination weddings but nobody has hired me to go to Hawaii yet! I get requests to go to Alberta a lot though – which I am not sure why.

RB: What separates you from other wedding planners in Vancouver?

MME: I think the fact that I really invest myself into my couple’s weddings and treat them as my own is what separates me. I would also like to think that I am creative as design in Vancouver tends to be a limited resource. I think creativity, thinking outside the box instead of just checking things off the list, and really making it true to the couple’s personality are other things that set me apart. I always want to make sure that their photos are something they feel they will never see somewhere else.

RB: What is included when a couple chooses to work with you? (Take me through your process from start to end)

MME: Before I talk about the wedding, I really try to get to know my couple and get a sense of their relationship. It really helps with the whole process, not just the wedding, to know how to deal with them. Sometimes there can be a lot of “therapist” work so it’s good to know how to maneuver through their relationship as I am such a big part of the period of time until the wedding day. I also get to know their priorities as well as their final number that they are comfortable spending as I do not want to put any pressure on them or max them out. Then I take a couple weeks to break down their budget.

From the first meeting, I have a very clear idea of which vendors are best suited for them. Once we have that budget, it clarifies what options we have and narrows down the vendors list. We start with choosing the venue and then proceed with all the other required vendors.

I do a schedule of exactly is going to happen every month so they know right off the bat. They receive this schedule along with the contract to hire me. This schedule also helps them budget plan. I try not to book everything at the same time as I know they have mortgage payments and other responsibilities.

I keep them on task with things they need to handle that I cannot do for them.

On the day of, I am involved with everything that requires my attention. I like to check-in with the bride when she starts hair and makeup. I am usually one of the first at the venue, depending on what I need to do but am there when the setup is happening as I want to make sure it is exactly what they asked for.

I stay until the very end when decor is being taken down, so sometimes it can be about 14-17 hour days. The idea of leaving when dinner starts horrifies me, as I would be more stressed not being there. I want to make sure my couple knows where to go and when and I gather their personal belongings for them. I want to make sure they don’t have to do anything – they come enjoy their party and then leave for their honeymoon!

RB: Do you have a preferred vendor list that you recommend to your clients?

MME: I definitely have my favorites – everybody does. But it’s not restrictive where I recommend one florist and one decorator. I definitely have a list and I am always looking to add more. I always encourage new vendors to reach out to me so that I can add them to my list because every vendor is suitable for one couple. I like to give options, about 3-4 in each category so I need a big list as it has to fit their budget, style and personality.

I tend to recommend only those that I have worked with or that I have gotten to know and trust them. If there is someone that I have not worked with, I make it very clear that I have not worked with this vendor but I think it may be a good fit. I also include ones that I have worked with. Ultimately, it is the couple’s call – whoever they want we will meet with. But again, I am very blunt about my level of experience with each vendor as I do not anyone to make any major mistakes or be the reason a major mistake was made.

RB: How do you ensure that the wedding design is unique and reflects the couple’s personality and tastes?

MME: It’s hard to push someone to do something they haven’t seen, especially in Vancouver. I find Vancouver to be a very traditional and conservative market. Brides are tough to convince to go outside of the norm and what they have seen. They might be willing to go bigger but it’s very hard to go beyond that. Most of the couples that come to me already know they are here because they have seen that my work is a little bit different. I always hope that is what they are here, because they want something a little bit different and most think they do when they start off. My sketching is terrible, but I try to push new ideas as much as I can. I try to create visuals and get them excited about making things unique. Right off the bat at the first meeting, I always try to make it an exciting thing to try something new. I get them to start a Pinterest board because I want to get an idea of what they like. I like to take what they like but offer them a more unique version with elements that are unexpected.

You want your guests to arrive not know what to expect or be completely surprised. It doesn’t have to be overly lavish, but just completely unexpected. So I get them excited about this idea and they tend to have a more open mind.

It works and the results are more unique weddings.

RB: Where do you get your inspiration from?

MME: I try to not look too much at Pinterest because I don’t want my ideas to be something that I have already seen. Believe it or not, I really just try to start to think about things that haven’t been done in a certain space. If I have seen it, it’s not a new idea. I look around the room and try to think “how I could change the room but somehow emphasize it’s beauty at the same time”? I am familiar with what has been done so avoiding that but also thinking of what’s going to keep the design not “busy” but cohesive with different elements.

RB: What are some design ideas you are dying to try? (If you want to share)

MME: I would like to work with darker colours and contrast. I love to see different colours mashed together but completely segmented. This is not something I get to do too often as couples don’t like to use too many colours. Dark and moody is what I would like to do!

RB: How do you handle disagreements within the family that impact wedding decisions?

MME:  People always tell me that I am kind of like their “therapist” during the whole process. Most of the time, people just want to be heard. Most disagreements I find tend to happen when someone doesn’t feel like their voice is being heard. I try to listen and once it’s out it tends to no longer be a problem or there is a middle ground we can reach. Sometimes, if it’s because they are not sure which way to lean, I offer my personal opinion and that tends to tip the scale.

RB: What are some mistakes you often see that couples make with planning their wedding?

MME: Really, doing anything before figuring out their budget. Also hiring friends to do things; it’s not always a mistake, but most often it is. Not splurging on things that are important and wasting money on things that aren’t. Not prioritizing and letting the planning get ahead of you. And lastly, doing too many things at once.

RB: On the day of the wedding, do you work individually or have a team?

MME: Depending on the size of the event, I usually have 1-2 with me on the day. But overall, I have about 5 part-time team members.

RB: Do you carry a wedding “emergency” kit? If so, what are your staples?

MME: Yes, it’s very sexy. It’s a fanny pack that lies very beautifully on my hip the whole day and it has scissors and a lighter that sticks out of it. I also have a suitcase that I keep with me for bigger items. Anything you can think of, I probably have some form of it.

RB: Of all the items to consider when planning a wedding, are there certain ones that you feel are worth spending a bit more on? (I.e. photography)

MME:  Photography is definitely something I would say to splurge on.

But also things that you think you and your guests will remember years from now. No one really remembers what colour the napkins where or what kind of flowers were in the arrangements. But everyone remembers what they ate, how they felt, the music and the dancing. So make sure that the alcohol is flowing, there is good food and good music. Anything beyond that is a bonus. It’s the fun part for me to design, but for event purposes it’s a bonus.

RB: What is your favorite part of a wedding?

MME: I do this thing where I transition between the first dance, the parents dance, a couple’s dance, and then go right into dancing. I do a particular formula that works really well so that it flows and the dancing doesn’t get interrupted by the DJ announcements. It’s great because the music changes while everyone’s already on the dance floor. As the music changes and the dancing starts, the formalities are done and I am done the most difficult parts of the day. This is where I see pure celebration and pure relief in my couple’s eyes and guests are on their feet having a great time dancing! This is my favorite part.

RB: What are your favorite locations for;

Engagement parties

MME: That’s tough as it really depends on the couple and what type of event they want.

If you want dinner and dancing, you are really choosing from all the venues that hold weddings.

But if you want an outdoor lunch, I would say Hycroft is a beautiful place. Really, you can tent anything and make it beautiful so the sky’s the limit.

Most restaurants offer private rooms, but I always recommend this for the rehearsal dinner as you can’t really get up and dance and celebrate.

Ceremonies

MME: I always recommend having the ceremony and reception in the same location unless the couple wants a church wedding. It’s one thing that you don’t realize that adds to your day and it is really rarely worth it.

Receptions

MME: I am a little biased towards to Hotel Vancouver as this is where I got married and I do a lot of weddings there. Right now, I am super excited about Parq that just opened. I feel like it’s already one of my favorites and I haven’t yet worked there. Vancouver Club is also really beautiful, but I don’t get to work there as much as I would like. All the Fairmont Hotels are beautiful.

RB: What trends are you seeing with your current brides and for 2018?

MME: Couples want to get more unique and are more open minded. With the rise of Pinterest, their imaginations are growing. I find couples are tending to want to go bigger and splurge a bit more. Last year there was definitely a more “west coast” feel but my clientele happens to be a lot different.

RB: Do you have any funny stories from past weddings?

MME: I once had a groom that was fixing something on his cuff-links right before the bride was to enter and his whole sleeve ripped off. It was really funny as it still blows my mind how it happened! The wedding came to a halt until I was able to fix his jacket. I’ve had grooms rip their pants bending over and their moms had to sew their pants. So far, I can only think about things ripping and only to grooms! It’s not very funny when it happens to the bride.

RB: What is the most memorable wedding you have planned?

MME: Once in a while there are those really lavish weddings with a huge band and the night tends to be over the top and enjoyable. Last New Year’s Eve wedding was very exciting. There have been a few times where we have flown in bands from around the world, usually for Persian or Italian weddings. We have flown in A-list celebrities that can really sing. I can’t really get into details of these high profile weddings but they’re definitely exciting.

RB: Who are your favorite vendors to work with?

MME: I don’t want to leave anyone out, but like others, I definitely have my favorites. I would be playing a dangerous game if I start naming names so I’ll leave it to you and your readers to check out my work online where I’ve credited the people I’ve worked with.

RB: What is the best thank-you you’ve ever received?

MME: I have been given a lot of gifts, but the best thank-you are the ones given by the couple at the end of the reception after they have had a few drinks and are emotional. The heartfelt thank-you’s are the ones that mean the most, especially ones from the moms as they are usually a bit skeptical at first and have their eye on you during the planning process. They don’t always understand at first why they are paying me to do something they think they can do themselves but then at the end of the wedding day they are so thankful. Moms recommend me all the time… it’s very sweet.

RB: What’s your best piece of advice for a new bride?

MME: Take it one step at a time. Gather your thoughts before you start the process. Seek professional assistance from those that do this on a regular basis, because planning a wedding is a full time job. Splurge on the proper vendors and it will be worth it. Do less things, but do them right. I guess that’s 4 pieces of advice.

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And lastly, let’s get personal with Sahar. Learn the inside scoop on this beautiful women through our video interview where we ask several random personal questions so that you can get to know her better! I was personally shocked (in a funny way!) to learn 1 of the answers she gives to 1 of my questions.

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If you are looking for a Wedding Planner, she is one I recommend who truly goes above and beyond for her clients and ensure that your day is a true reflection of you personality and style. Why not enjoy the planning process and be able to have a worry-free wedding day by hiring a professional!

You can find more information on the services offered by visiting Modern Mint’s website: https://www.modernmintevents.com/

Want to see her work behind the scenes? Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmeinc/

A BIG thank you to Sahar for taking the time to sit down with me and allow me to introduce her to you through my Spotlight Features! Incredibly thankful to be able to recommend an exceptional professional to you.

XO Jessica