This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on February 25th, 2015 with Mikie Russo Star of Mikie Saves the Date on FYI. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.

Mikie Russo Biography

Michael Russo Events is a full-service event planning company with branches in New York, California and Florida. When it comes to orchestrating dazzling special events, Michael Russo’s passion and expertise is simply unmatched. From sophisticated weddings and elegant corporate affairs to custom home decorating — whatever the project, Michael’s creative talent and attention to detail will leave you inspired. His unsurpassed attentiveness and artistic vision will turn all of your dreams into a wonderful reality. In addition to planning the weddings of high-profile clients including Kevin Jonas and Joey Fatone, as well as decorating the homes of Kathy Griffin and Shaquille O’Neal, Mikie lends his talent to non-celebrity couples who need help planning their weddings as the host of his own series, “Mikie Saves the Date,” airing on the FYI Network. He was also selected as a Luxe List Wedding Planner for The Knot, joining the rarefied ranks of an elite group of the finest wedding planners in the country.

For more information about Michael Russo, please visit www.MichaelRussoEvents.com

Q1: Now you got involved with weddings by helping family and friends?

Answer

Mikie Russo: This was a great way to get my feet wet, I didn’t charge them at first just in case of a mishap. They couldn’t complain.

Q2: You have been designing flower since you were 14?

Answer

Mikie Russo: I’ve always had a passion for flowers and that was intro to the wedding market no pun intended.

Q3: How did the @FYI show #Mikiesavesthedate come about? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: My production company and I went to FYI with our show idea #mikiesavesthedate its a wedding show that SUPPORTS couples.

Q4: Can you explain what you do in #Mikiesavesthedate ?

Answer

Mikie Russo: I fly in to identify whats tripping up the couples and get them back on track – sometimes it’s not so easy.

 Q5: How does a bride get picked to be on the show #Mikiesavesthedate ? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: Couples send in a submission video explaining what and why they would like my help saving their wedding date.

Q6: What is a typical day like on the set? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: No day was the same – planning REAL weddings and on TV for that matter things changed by the second – LOTS of emotions.

Q7: When day & time does #MikieSaveTheDate air? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: #mikiesavesthedate airs on Sundays 12pm ET on @FYI

Q8: What is your favorite part about #MikieSavesTheDate ? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: Giving couples experiences & priceless advice along the way. Also, truly changing/enriching their personal relationships.

Q9: What will happen in this Sunday’s episode?

Answer

Mikie Russo: Without giving too much away my groom Sean writes and tries to sing his wedding vows.. It’s a must watch and listen 🙂

Q10: What are some of the top trends in floral this year?

Answer

Mikie Russo: lots of natural greenery succulents and shades of pink flowers from a light pink to a dark burgundy.

Q11: What are some of the top wedding trends this year?  

Answer

Mikie Russo: Rustic/shabby chic with hints of glamour – tons of organic props like barn doors as bars & ladders/planks for dessert.

Q12: How do you handle your social media on a daily or weekly basis?

Answer

Mikie Russo: I’m on social media DAILY.. yikes its a bit overwhelming to keep up with posting buts its becoming the new normal.

Q13: Was it difficult planning your own wedding last year? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: YES! Normally my clients tell me what they want & I run with it in my case I had NO clue what I wanted I had no direction.

Q14: What was your favorite part about your wedding? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: Being on the other side/feeling the emotions of what it was like to be the 1 getting married. It made me a better planner.

Watch Mikie’s wedding on Sunday, March 8th at 12:00pm ET  on FYI. See some celebrities like Kevin Jonas and Sherrie Shepherd at the wedding.

Q15: How did you work from planning wedding for friends to planning celebrity events? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: Happened to plan my friend Joey Fatone’s wedding who also happened to be a celebrity.. That’s the moment it all switched.

Q16: What advice do you have for wedding pros wanting to host their own show? 

Answer

Mikie Russo: A ton of hard work however create something you can be proud of something our wedding community would want to support.

Q17: What would you like everyone to take from this #WeddingMarket Chat?

Answer

Mikie Russo: Following your passions which will lead you to priceless moments in life but you must take the time to enjoy it.

#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:

@AGeventpainter What’s the biggest difference between East Coast & West Coast weddings?

Mikie Russo: West coast is by far more relaxed in terms of time where as east coast wants everything done yesterday.

@CaseyFPhoto What is the most common thing that trips up a couple? Budget?

Mikie Russo: Decor!!! Everyone thinks flowers and decor are less then it actually costs.

@PrettyEntertain  What’s your strategy for educating couples on the reality of floral/decor costs?

Mikie Russo: By showing them in person what flowers cost and ways of maximizing their budget. By being honest and showing them what will fit in their budget.

@TaylorWed How far in advance are you meeting with them? a few months before their wedding or like a month out?

Mikie Russo: I meet the couple about a month out. Lots to do and not too much time to do it..
@FrillsBridal How do you set couples expectations (i.e bring them back to reality) in terms of budget?

Mikie Russo: When they find out the cost of items its not that hard. but I do offer other suggestions that are less…

@AGeventpainter  As a planner, did you gather bits& pieces of what you wanted for your own wedding for years, or just start fresh?

Mikie Russo: Totally started fresh like I do with all my clients

@SweetestEvents_ When you are working with a couple, how many days per week, do you set to planning and communicating?

Mikie Russo: Seven days shooting then then a month of planning.

@Birdie_List Have you ever had the feeling that the situation was totally hopeless? How do you deal with that then?
Mikie Russo: Thankfully NO!! most situations can be cleared up with open covo.

‏@BridalBalance What do couples find most stressful about planning a wedding?

Mikie Russo: Guest list, budget and SEATING!!!

@SweetestEvents_  How do you handle a bride that cannot narrow down her theme/colors, ect…?

Mikie Russo: Happens a ton I keep showing them stuff until I get a smile!!!

@SweetestEvents_ Do you have a favorite Social Media Platform?

Mikie Russo: LOVE @twitter of course and #Instagram

@SweetestEvents_ What advice do you have for setting yourself apart from other planners?

Mikie Russo: Ask as if your the only planner out there and do it your way!

@AGEventPainter Are there any celebrities that you planned for which really stood out as being fun to work with?

Mikie Russo: YES! @kevinjonas @SherriEShepherd @realjoeyfatone