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 |  Featured Business Profile: Persilla Zervos  A Wedding Plan by PersillaPlanning a Big Fat Greek Wedding? So you're engaged. Congratulations! Yiasas! Now, once the euphoria subsides, begins the real work. The goal is to plan a wedding that will be one of the happiest events of a couple's lifetime together. No simple task, and one that has definitely tried many a family relationship. "What, your mother-in-law's name is not Harry?" Planning a wedding has become a business, and one that is not for the faint of heart. Enter the professional wedding planner, Persilla Zervos, Toledo, OH. Persilla has been planning weddings for over 20 years and started "A Wedding Plan by Persilla" three years ago. Persilla loves her job, because she "creates a day where dreams come true". Persilla emphasizes that the single most important factor in planning a wedding is bringing the families together. She says that her initial meeting with the couple is most successful if both sides are present. It's easy then for her to talk about budget, the second most important decision. "Once the couple decides the budget, things just fall into place." The number of guests, the cost of the dinner, flowers to name but a few of the primary considerations. "Working with a wedding planner always reduces costs. Here's an example. You need to order flowers, usually 10% of the budget, if you select flowers that are in season and have multiple blooms to a stem, you can really save." The other major expense, normally 50% of the budget is the caterer and the hall. This is one area where Persilla says a planner has "the edge." A planner develops an on-going relationship with several catering facilities, clout that a couple does not normally have, the caterer really nurturers the relationship with the planner in order to assure repeat business referrals. In addition, when negotiating contracts, the planner can really review the fine print and assure that the facility is giving the couple the maximum service for their investment. The process begins with a free one-hour consultation, where Persilla outlines what it will take to have a "perfect wedding". She provides the bride and groom and their families with an overview of what they can expect when planning an event of this magnitude and importance. There is little that should be left to chance and her introduction clearly outlines every detail from the obvious, license, location and date, to contracts, limo's and music. Mother of the Bride, Evey Simon, of Grosse Pointe Park, MI a recent client of Persilla's, elatedly shared, "It was the smartest planning that I did as mother of the bride, to hire Persilla to do the directing of activities for the last few days before the wedding. It allowed me to concentrate on being hostess and ensuring that all had a good time." Simon advised that Persilla was exactly what she needed; she tests microphones, escorts the Bride and Groom down the aisle, and even discusses details with the priest prior to the event to assure that the church is comfortable with the details and that all is in proper taste. Persilla states " I get them to the alter and then the priest takes over." Once hired Persilla clearly outlines what will be expected to create the wedding of your dreams. Simon continues, "She worked backwards, from the end to assure that everything would move from start to finish flawlessly." Persilla provides a five page-planning guide to her clients and leaves no area uncovered. Evey said that it became a household joke to some extent to make sure that the activity was on the "list" before taking a step. Simon expounds, "The rehearsal dinner is where Persilla excelled. She really kept things moving and under control. "Everyone left knowing what was expected and had even learned how to dance the 'Kalamatiano'. I left relaxed and looking forward to a great day." Persilla does specialize in Orthodox weddings; however, she has planned Indian, Jewish and even a wedding on the Island of Crete. "The latest rage are destination weddings, but you really need to explain the details to the family for this type of an event to work. The couple is not always aware of different traditions used by the local guests and could be in for some surprises." She consults through out the United States and has worked in Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan. She handles about 20 weddings a year, "I am selective, to do it right you have to plan and that takes time." Persilla comes equipped with her Wedding Kit that includes, masking tape, duct tape and needles pre-threaded with white, the color of the bridesmaid gown, and black. Her worst experience was when a groom somehow found a pant seam unraveling at the alter. She stepped in and saved the day. Her favorite tip, "Never post a Wedding Announcement in the news until after the wedding. A thief is just waiting for an opportunity." Persilla is the originally from Detroit, Michigan is the daughter of John and Georgia Karousos, original owners of the Acropolis Market and Bakery on the Westside of Detroit. She lives in Toledo with her husband Chris and daughter and Wedding Assistant, Jacqueline. For more information, A Wedding Plan by Persilla, can be reached pzervos@aol.com and or by calling 419-450-6098. |  |