Massachusetts Wedding Planner: EFD Creative

Edna Dratch-Parker is the owner of EFD Creative, a wedding design and event planning company based out of Massachusetts. EFD Creative can help you with all aspects of your wedding including Complete Event Planning, Theme Design and Consulting, Custom Invitation Designs, Vendor Selection and Coordination and Web Site Design and Development. Check out some information and images from Edna below . . . KM

Number of Years in Business: EFD Creative officially launched in February 2009. I’ve been planning events throughout my career—from my years as a fashion designer to more than 20 years as a graphic designer and marketer.

Preferred Locations: What I love about location is what it says about my clients. I recently did a wedding for a couple who is always outdoors - hiking, biking and just enjoying nature. Their wedding took place in the mountains in Vermont, which suited them perfectly, and inspired me in so many ways to combine the location with their personalities to create the touches and atmosphere that spoke to who they are as a couple. For me, the key aspect about location is how it serves as a backdrop to the main event — the wedding! — and its potential to showcase my clients.

Pricing Information: Because every event is unique, all pricing is determined per project. EFD Creative is available to meet for an initial free consultation.

What makes me stand out in what I do? I think what helps me stand out is my formal training as an artist and graphic designer. It is through the lens of a designer and years helping clients create the look and feel of their businesses that I approach my work as an event planner. More and more weddings are being branded in the same way, which I think is due to the growing popularity of design shows that highlight celebrity weddings, brides-to-be and other lifestyle events. People want to make a statement, and this is where I can make the most impact.

For me, it is important to understand who my clients are and what they want for their special day. From there I work to build an event that meets my clients’ hopes and dreams for their wedding day and brings artistry and an attention to detail that shines through from the first invitation to the final thank you card. Every client wants to make their “stamp” on the world as a new couple, and my goal is to help bring their vision to life. It’s such an exciting process, and the best reward is the thrill of the day when it all comes together!

What's the favorite part of my work? My favorite part of the job is the people. This is what event planning is about! I love working with the bride and watching her gain confidence in the process and the couple’s excitement when they see their vision become a reality! Weddings by their nature are a joyous occasion and I simply love being a part of this day. I also really enjoy the camaraderie of working with all the other vendors in the process. Everyone contributes their expertise to some aspect of the event – from the table linens to the flowers and photography. It is a grand mosaic that has to come together perfectly, and I love being the one to help guide every piece of the puzzle into place.

What do I like to do in my spare time? When I’m not running around for my business, I try to get outdoors to exercise and enjoy the fresh air! My husband has a motorcycle, so in the summer we love to take long rides, especially on Cape Cod. I also cherish my friendships and always try to squeeze in time to catch up with friends over shopping or dinner.

What charity am I supporting and why: There are three charities I support that are very important to me personally: the American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Like many families, cancer has touched mine and I try to do what I can to support research efforts that will help find a cure. My husband developed diabetes as a juvenile, and since I met him I’ve learned so much about this disease and the great work that JDRF is doing. As for the ASPCA, I’ve had cats for nearly my entire adult life and think it’s important to support the ASPCA so that cats, dogs and other animals can find happy, loving homes.

Having golf carts is a great form of short distance transportation as they are typically quite affordable and easily accessible.

The flowers at this wedding were done by Lilac Floral in Massachusetts.

This beautiful cake was made by Delicious Desserts. Notice the recurring seashell theme throughout the next couple of pictures.

The silver seashell place card holders are adorable, I love the simplicity.

These Invitations were made by Edna herself and I think they came out beautifully . . . and the seashell makes another appearance.

A ballet wrap can be a beautiful addition your bouquet and a jeweled embellishment can really complete the design.

All Above Images by Kristin Spencer.

EFD Creative
Phone: 781.856.1981
Website: www.efdcreative-events.com
Email: info@efdcreative-events.com
myKPW State and Budget: MA $25k-$50k and $50k-$80K

Massachusetts wedding planner EFD Creative is a member of my Kate Parker Wedding, your new online wedding resource guide launching in January 2010 geared toward directing brides to quality vendors based on their price range and state.

Planner Series, Enhancing the Guest Experience - Amy Piper for Signature Events

Amy Piper from Signature Events shares with brides some really great ways to enhance the guest experience at weddings. Check out just some of Amy's ideas!

When planning an outdoor wedding there are a few things that a bride can do to ensure that her guests not only feel welcome, but also well taken care of when they arrive for the wedding!

Be sure to place a Welcome Bag, Basket or in this case, a Welcome BUCKET in each guests hotel room! One of my weddings this past summer featured a fishing theme. We incorporated the fishing theme into the invitation (We’re hooked on each other…Cast your reply….) and carried it through to the Welcome Bucket. Each bucket included a brochure promoting businesses and things to do in the local area, a welcome letter from the bride and groom, bottles of water, a bag of gummy fish and worms (tied with raffia and a bobber, of course!), a carton of gold fish crackers, apples, granola bars, mints and a souvenir magnet attached to the bucket. In addition we tied a bandana to each bucket handle and added a “fishing pole” (a twig from a tree branch) complete with the guests name written on a hand cut paper fish! Guests can’t help but feel wanted and welcome when they arrive in their hotel room!

Providing transportation for your guests is also a nice gesture, especially for out-of-town guests who are not familiar with the area. I love to add a little local favor by using a trolley service, especially for summer weddings. Guests love to ride in the open air trolley (they do have sides they can put down for inclement weather) and the trolley always makes for a good photo opp! Be sure to create a schedule for each hotel location and add it to the Welcome Bag so your guests will know when to be ready! Most guests appreciate the ride and it makes for a more enjoyable wedding when they do not have to worry about drinking and driving besides!

Having an outdoor wedding? Here’s another way to make your guests feel comfortable... Consider splurging on a luxury restroom trailer instead of porta potties! I know it seems like a strange thing to talk about, but believe me your guests will definitely be talking about these restroom trailers! The Presidential Series supplied by Dave's Septic Service in New Hampshire comes complete with flush toilets, air conditioning (or heat), faux marble walls with stained wood trim, skylights and even an attendant! In a recent conversation with a father of the bride, he told me that among other things, the luxury restroom trailer at his daughter’s wedding received rave reviews from his guests! I have even had guests take photos in the restroom (I kid you not!) and I have heard guests exclaim, on more than one occasion, “this bathroom is nicer than my bathroom at home”!

So, go ahead…Pamper your guests! You’ll be glad you did!

2009 Vendor Advice and Trends - Lindsey Maurath from Fresh LiME Events

Lindsey from Fresh LiME Events shares with brides some helpful tips when considering and choosing a wedding planner. Check out her website: Fresh LiME Events

Top 7 things to consider when hiring a Wedding Planner:

1. Hiring a wedding planner near to you or your location is important. For domestic weddings, hire a planner that is relatively near to the area where you’re going to marry. But if you and your fiancé opt for a destination wedding, hire a planner that is close to where you live.

2. When you interview wedding planners, one of the most important things you should ask yourself is “Do we click?” You’ll be working with your wedding planner for months and months, so you should be able to see yourself spending lots of time with him or her. Plus you want to totally trust your planner. If you don’t have a connection, you likely won’t be able to give up some control and trust that your planner will do a good job.

3. Event Planners are really different. No planner is alike. Some planners are strictly that – they can coordinate all of the details and logistics, but might not be able to think beyond that. An event planner and designer, though, will be able to provide all of the event management aspects, but also be able to help design the overall look and feel to your wedding. When looking at what different planner charge, be sure to look at what they’re really offering.

4. Always ask who will be on location the day of your wedding. At some companies you might originally meet with the owner or lead planner of the company, but come wedding day, you might be seeing an associate planner. You certainly don’t want to be caught off guard, so be sure to ask at the very first meeting who will be there. If it’s not the person you’re meeting with, ask for a separate meeting with that person before you sign any contract. Be sure to include your wedding-day coordinator on all meetings moving forward as well.

5. Couples believe that they can plan their own wedding, but what most newly engaged couples don’t realize, though, is that planning a wedding really becomes a full-time job. Realistically, do you really have the time to plan your wedding and worry about all the details? If you answer the question honestly and decide you don’t have the time to devote to planning, hire a planner.

6. Ask for references. I obviously advocate for hiring a planner you click with, but don’t forget to ask for references. Planners should happily give you a few references to contact. I wouldn’t invest in something so important to me with fleshing it out, so how can I expect you to do the same. We always give out contact information from past-brides, but also from vendors we’ve worked with.

7. Wedding coordinators at venues are great, but they typically won’t take on the tasks that an independent coordinator would. Plus venue coordinators ultimately answer to the venue’s management. By hiring a separate wedding coordinator, you can ensure that he or she will always have your best interest at heart.

Vendor Series Interview, Kate Martin for Beautiful Days

It's always refreshing to chat with someone who works in event planning because there are always new tips to share and fun stories to be told. And it's always a pleasure chatting with Kate Martin from Beautiful Days, not only for her experience and passion for planning weddings, but she also has a great sense of humor! Check out what we have to chat about!


Kate Martin



Some examples of her work:



image by Geneve Hoffman Photography




image by Geneve Hoffman Photography




image by Geneve Hoffman Photography




image by Geneve Hoffman Photography




image by Emilie Inc.




image by Emilie Inc.



Q: What is your favorite part of the wedding process?

A: Creating the look and feel of the celebration. I love it when a beautiful plan is put together that reflects my clients personality and the vibe they want for the day whether it's rustic-chic, modern-cool, or a midsummer's night dream.


Q: What do you love most about your job in the wedding industry?

A: When all the planning and design work comes together, the setting is created for a gorgeous celebration and the bride exclaims, "I love it! This is the day I imagined!" And I will admit, I do get teary every time one of my brides walks down the aisle!


Q: What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

A: That a planner is an indulgence. One of the best things a couple can do is to have a planner be part of their team to ensure their wedding day and the events around it are executed without a hitch - especially for the couples who are planning destination weddings. Having someone be their advocate, eyes, ears, confidant, and advisor is a worthy investment.


Q: How did you get into the wedding industry?

A: The jobs and experiences I have been passionate about in my life all add up to the perfect background for my work in weddings and celebrations; interior design in San Francisco, high-end restaurant work and garden design on Nantucket, photography on the hills of Telluride, CO and in my travels, my love of fun music and gathering friends and family around the table for good cheer. There was a string of family and friend weddings that I became involved in whether it was helping to select vendors, doing the flowers, helping with event design...Finally after a few parties, it clicked that wedding planning and event and floral design was exactly what I should be doing.


Q: Tell me one wedding vendor other than in your industry you highly recommend? Why?

A: Wow a tough one to answer! There are so many talented musicians, caterers, photographers, florists, and bakers it's impossible to pick just one let alone a few. I love working with Susan and Gretta of Cacao Chocolates in Kittery - they are true chocolate artisans and the first people I call when we're looking for special sweets....Swan's Way Catering of Camden is fantastic -Stacey Glassman and her crew are creative, fun, totally professional, and her food is fantastic....Sperry Tents are so special and make a party glow and Banks and his crew always go above and beyond the call of duty...and Geneve Hoffman is a true professional - wonderful to work with and captures beautiful moments with her photography....and of course any live band that can keep a party swinging all night long!


Q: Tell me one wedding vendor in your industry you highly recommend? Why?

A: For flowers, Flora Fauna - I love her creativity, playfulness and chic style and for planning & design Kate Parker Weddings for their energy and commitment to excellence.


Q: Favorite wedding story- funny or serious.

A: There have been a few- enough that I think I should start a book. Hmm...there was the night of the broken down trolleys that stranded about 100 guests including the bride and groom for almost an hour...the last minute switch of a party of 225 from a tent to a reception hall due to a fast approaching hurricane (better safe than sorry!)...I think the most touching story was when a father of the bride called me a few nights before the wedding to go over his toast with me. He was so emotional and wanted to make sure he created the perfect tribute to his only daughter who he absolutely adored! It was flawless and there was not a dry eye in the tent.


Q: What other part of the industry would you not want to work in? Why?

A: Transportation; trying to move 200 guests at once is a big pain in the butt!


Q: What differentiates you from the rest of your industry peers?

A: I think my background in interior and garden design is a real asset. My space planning skills, eye for color, project management, planting of unique flowers in the spring for use in floral creations in the summer and fall and my search for inspiration beyond typical wedding formulas all aid in creating celebrations that keep guests smiling all night long.