Juliet Douglas knows what it takes to rise up into the ranks of a successful wedding and event planner in the Las Vegas metro market.

“I had to work hard to prove that I’m not a bride-turned-planner, who doesn’t know what she’s doing, “ says Juliet.

In a world where many brides, in love with planning their own weddings, quickly leap into the role of wedding planner, Juliet took the slow and steady approach that guaranteed she would have the experience and knowledge needed to professionally serve both local and destination brides before launching Green Orchid Events.

Not only did Juliet intern with Vegas’ Christy McCoy, founder of CLM Weddings and Jason Kenneth, of Jason Kenneth Designs, but she also gained valuable experience working in restaurants and events at the Wynn hotel, where she successfully completed a banquet training program. Additionally, Juliet has wedding chapel experience, as well as experience as a singer and entertainer. That’s right, a singer and entertainer!

All of this, coupled with her Bachelor’s in Hospitality and Certificate from The International School of Hospitality at UNLV, led to Juliet opening Green Orchid Events, in 2007. Juliet’s wonderful reputation locally, along with her consistent and informational blog, which is read by destination  brides from coast to coast, account for her business’ growth during a time many planners have dubbed “economically challenging” for wedding industry professionals.

In fact, Juliet’s business, Green Orchid Events,  has grown so much that she now employs an associate planner and several interns, who provide her with both additional womanpower and a way to give back to and educate others just getting their feet wet in the industry; just as her mentors, Christie and Jason did for her.

Who’s the boss?

Through her hard work and professionalism, Juliet fights the not-so silent battle of a professional wedding planner turning the tide of sentiment many DIY brides and industry insiders hold. Many people still believe planners are bossy people that take over the brides’ day.

“Brides who want to be hands on and do all their own planning, think that hiring [a planner] is unnecessary,” says Juliet.

“They can hire a florist, photographer, pick out their escort cards and make room blocks. It’s not rocket science. However, there is still a level of experience that is required to be able to execute their wedding day flawlessly.”

Rather than viewing her job as that of wedding day boss; Juliet describes her job as “making it easy to bring a bride’s vision to life.”

Who’s responsible for what?

Part of bringing a bride’s vision to life is truly being an advocate for the bride and groom.

“An independent wedding planner represents the bride and groom and works on their behalf,” explains Juliet. “An on-site coordinator is responsible for the venue and staff and food and beverage, if they provide the catering.”

Juliet is quick to point out that one person cannot be both an on-site coordinator and a wedding planner.

Confused?

On-site coordinators often take on the role of wedding planners and this only adds to the confusing boundaries between the roles. When Juliet worked on-site at a country club, she witnessed many confused brides make requests of the on-site coordinators–requests that really fell into the realm of an independent wedding planner.

This confusion results, in part, from those in the industry who use the terms planner and on-site coordinator interchangeably. Confusion is compounded when on-site coordinators agree to take on more and more tasks for the bride.

“I think that when sites start to educate brides about their role, instead of silently taking on additional tasks that are not part of their job, we will see a huge change,” proposes Juliet.

Evolution in the Industry

When I first met Juliet, she explained to me how such a change is just what occurred in Southern California over the last ten years. On-site coordinators, at many upscale venues, voiced concern over taking on both the responsibility of executing a wedding in a way that best positioned their venue for success and honestly met the bride’s needs, while also supporting her wishes and vision. The result—many California venues now require a professional planner for any wedding taking place on their property.

Though successful, this model has been slow to spread in Vegas and other areas of the country, leaving brides, on-site coordinators and planners in the position of renegotiating who does what and when.

Getting personal with shy brides

Taking on that role of bringing a bride’s vision to life becomes even more important for a bride who is shy about speaking up, asking questions, or expressing her needs and wants. Juliet, who claims she can, at times, be shy herself in her personal life, understands how to communicate with a shy bride and is outspoken on this topic, professionally.

“I once worked with a shy bride who told me in a consultation that she wanted to hire a wedding planner because she wanted to make sure that somebody was there to execute her vision and that she wasn’t up-sold on a bunch of unnecessary products,” says Juliet.

“I think she felt protected with me on her side.”

Dreaming up a great idea

With so many great weddings in the works, including a Mad Men-themed wedding she recently executed, Juliet dreams of a client who asks her to execute a Chinese wedding, pulling out all the stops, including firecrackers, lion dancers, Chinese drums and a Peking Duck action station. Also on her mind for this event is an elaborate tea ceremony, where the bride wears beautiful Qi Pao.

“Another idea I’d love to execute,” adds Juliet, “a wedding with many entertainment elements. It’s my way of going back to my roots as an entertainer. I’d like to feel like I’m producing  a show or concert, but for a bride and groom. “

“It’s all about finding the right client!” Juliet concludes with confidence.

Local and destination brides, who are interested in learning more about Juliet, can check out her website.

Juliet’s blog is full of the latest, greatest ideas, concepts and trends, in Vegas and beyond.

Juliet is also an avid Twitter user. Follow her!