Her Job? Making Sure Everyone Else Has Good Time

2-26-10

By LAURA COX

There was “The Wedding Planner,” the movie.
In Otsego County, there’s “The Wedding Planner,” the person.
“It’s like a movie set, the client just has to do is their part on stage, and I take care of all the behind the scenes action,” said Kerri Insinga-Green of Sidney, whose latest extravaganza is noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at The Otesaga.  Hometown Oneonta is the event’s media sponsor.
“I’ve always done event planning for the organizations I am a part of and I’ve always enjoyed it and thought it was something I could do,” said the proprietor of Celebration Creations Wedding & Event Planning.
Insinga-Green started her business in April 2006 and last year alone hosted three bridal expos, planned nine weddings, multiple graduation and birthday parties, and coordinated the Otsego County Chamber’s Business Expo.
It’s a gift, she believes, and she has it.
You can go it alone, but an event planner knows the trends and tricks of planning a wedding, party or expo and can provide a list of contacts that have proven to be dependable.
 “I know who is good and who is not and who is true to their word. I feel I’ve come to know the best in the industry,” she said.
This knowledge she, in turn, passes on to her clients, who no longer have to worry about whether their flowers will arrive on time looking fresh, or if the DJ will play appropriate music.
“I go above and beyond and put in more time on my part than my clients probably know about or pay for, but I really enjoy seeing the finished product,” she said.
One of the best parts of her job, Insinga-Green said, is being able to help someone and take the stress of a big day away from them.
She gets an adrenaline rush and finds it very rewarding when she can help people make their dreams come to fruition, adding that there is no cookie cutter wedding.
Amongst the largest struggles of her job are mothers and mothers-in-law who are not on the same page as the bride as far as how things should go, and last minute changes.
 “It makes me happy to know what they no longer have to know because I am there,” Insinga-Green said about the last minute problems or changes that inevitably occur when planning an event the size of a wedding.
“I should keep a book,” she said with a laugh.
The Otesaga promises over 40 vendors, as local businesses are trying to market Cooperstown as a wedding destination. Vendors, including photographers, DJs, bands, calligraphers, cake decorators, florists, jewelers and realtors will be set up in the main foyer and ballroom.
There will be 35 door prizes given away, after the 3 p.m. bridal show put on by Rainbows End Weddings and More. Brides will be given a free mimosa and a flower.  She is hoping to hit a total of more than 100 brides.
When she is not planning events or consulting with businesses, Insinga-Green works full time at WCDO radio station in Sidney as sales manager and spends time with her husband Blake Green, 22 month old daughter Grace, nine year old Rachael, and her 13 year old stepdaughter Kelsey.
Without the support and understanding of her coworkers at the radio station and family, Insinga-Green said she would not be able to do what she does – work two full-time jobs.