The Complete Project Paper

The Complete Project Paper

Project management is useful in organizing, coordinating, and assessing complex projects. Planning a wedding is an example of such a project. The next sections will demonstrate project management techniques when planning a wedding including the preparation of the initial proposal, identifying the technical requirements, managing human capital, implementing the project plan, controlling the project resources, and terminating the project.

Week 2- Project Proposal

Complex events requiring coordination with various parties can be stressful without proper planning. Project management is a concept project managers employ to execute such projects effectively while working within the constraints of time, cost, and performance. An over-run in any area of constraint results in a trade-off of one or both of the other constraints. To demonstrate some of the tools available to project managers to successfully complete a project, the following paragraphs will detail the actions of a fictitious wedding planning company, C&F², as it assists a newly engaged couple plan the wedding of their dreams.

Statement of Need

Boy meets girl, girl meets boy; they fall in love; and the bride wants "their" fairytale wedding. Unfortunately, a first-time bride is blinded by the mere fact that she is getting married and is therefore unable to see every detail that is incorporated into her big day to make it a success. At C&F², our job is to provide our clients with artistic perspective analysis in determining what kind of wedding they want; and specify timelines, deadlines, and goals to be completed in an efficient and timely manner. Our clients benefit from our services which include, but are not limited to: providing reassurance that their weddings are on schedule, within budget, and meet the desired level of quality performance. Our priority is making sure our clients feel at ease knowing that professionals are handling their dreams.

Project Stakeholders

Meeting with our clients face-to-face is the most important step. At the initial meeting, we try to understand the vision they are trying to achieve. As they describe themselves, their interests, and color concepts, C&F² creates and presents custom design options that meet the criterion of the client and determines the estimated budget. The main focus clients are the bride and groom. They are categorized as the "project customers" but we also have to consider which set of parents or grandparents, or sponsors who will be financing this event. Whoever finances the wedding establishes the chain of command in decision making. Finding out the bride's and groom's cultures also plays a role on deciding this matter. Next, we can determine the additional stakeholders who will affect or be affected by the details of the wedding.

The Wedding Party. Choosing the wedding party is important because one cannot have every friend or family member be part of the special day and making the final-cut decision is tough. Some considerations may include: who is paying for the attire and any accessories? Money financed by individuals can be applied to another part of the wedding which requires more detailing.

The Venue and Vendors. The reception is where the celebration begins. Vendors such as the caterer, the florist, the event decorator, the tux shop, the dress store, etc., provide services on day of the wedding. The venue and vendors' services account for more than 50% of your wedding budget.

The Photographer/Videographer. Capturing the memories is one thing that cannot be passed on. We recommend spending money on this part of wedding. Ideally, it only happens once in a lifetime.

The Deejay/Entertainers. No celebration is complete without someone keeping the wedding party and guests entertained. Music is also important in setting the mode.

Officiator of Wedding Ceremony. No matter what religion practiced, having someone officiate it is important. There are fees to consider whether the wedding is held at a church not. Most of our clients have someone in mind that they grew up with or is part of the congregation where they attend church service. We encourage our clients to reserve him or her as soon as possible.

Hotel reservations. This small significant detail is usually overlooked. Destination weddings or out-of-town guests' flying in for a wedding requires reserving rooms in advance. This shows guests that their well-being was considered and that their presence was genuinely wanted at the wedding.

Guests. Guests determine the size of venue needed and how much of the