A behind-the-scenes look of what your wedding planner actually does before the big day.
When people think of a “wedding planner”, they usually think of the 2001 JLo classic by the same name. While we wish being swept off our feet by Matthew McConaughey was in the job description, it’s actually far more exciting than that! Sometimes couples think they don’t need a professional because they’ve been planning their wedding since they were 12 years old, but it’s a little more complicated than you may think. Imagine hosting a party at your home for 150 people while simultaneously trying to enjoy it. Probably not a very relaxing party, right? Well, your wedding would be the same way, just not at your home, which leads to even more challenges. That’s where we come in! Your extra set of hands and your wedding experts. Here’s a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what we do for your big day!
Help design your perfect day:
Photo by: Em Taylor Photo
Your wedding day is just that: YOUR day! A wedding planner is an expert in this arena and can work side by side with you through every design detail, down to the napkin fold, so your wedding day is everything you’ve dreamed of. There are so many small details that can make a difference (and make things easier for staff) that sometimes couples won’t think of. For example, when having a plated dinner, it’s best to indicate guests’ meal selection on place cards so the wait staff knows what to place in front of them without having to ask. Let’s be honest, guests may not remember if they picked the chicken or fish four months ago when you received the RSVP.
Source Vendors:
Photo by: Palms and Pines Photography
Planners have a rolodex of vendors and creatives including florists, djs, photographers, etc that match your style and budget! In addition, we will handle some of the less than glamorous details such as additional restroom rental or if your caterer needs a whole kitchen build out or a serving station. My team and I work hard during the year to form incredible relationships with vendors so that we can refer only the best of the best to our clients.
Preparation:
Photo by: Rafal Bojar
No matter how big or small your guest count, a wedding takes a village! A wedding planner is the key person to make sure everyone is on the same page. Part of that involves reviewing all vendor contracts to ensure every detail is accounted for and all guidelines are being followed. For example, some venues in California won’t allow an amazing sparkler grand exit because of fire safety or venues require a particular kind of insurance. As a planner, I navigate through all these rules so the only thing on your plate is saying, “I do”.
Create a timeline:
Photo by: Rachel McCauley Photography
One of the biggest tasks of a wedding planner is building the timeline for the day to ensure everything runs smoothly. We reach out to every company and/or person involved and create an efficient schedule for everyone to follow. Making sure everyone is on the same page is key to making the day flow super smooth.
Be your confidant:
Photo by: Kelsea Holder
Let’s be honest: sometimes planning a wedding can be stressful. Your planner is the perfect person to lean on for advice to help get through the tough questions because we’ve most likely experienced it many times before.
Run the Wedding Rehearsal:
Photo by: Rachel McCauley Photography
The ceremony is the big moment of the day so it’s best for your wedding party, officiant and others to know what’s expected of them. Part of my job includes working out what order to walk down the aisle, where to stand, how to hold the bouquet, etc during the rehearsal so your ceremony is nothing but seamless magic!
Day-of-Details:
Photo by: Kelsea Holder
The plan has been perfected, now it’s time to execute! The only thing you should be doing on your wedding day is getting ready and enjoying the moments as they happen. My goal is for my clients to be fully present in their wedding day and not worrying when the flowers are getting placed on the tables. My team and I arrive ahead of guests to put together all of the details you’ve discussed, like styling the welcome table, and meeting the vendors at the venue. I always say to my clients, we are the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave.
Keep everything on time:
Photo by: Palms and Pines Photography
Throughout the day, your wedding planner is the go-to director to make sure everything happens at the right time! This is especially important for photos and special moments, like the first dance. We don’t even want you to know we are there, but ensure everything is flowing so organically, so you can fully soak in every moment of the day because it flies by so fast!
Troubleshoot:
Photo by: Palms and Pines Photography
My goal as your wedding planner is to make your special day as stress free as possible! However, life can be unpredictable and things happen: insert myself and my team! If something goes awry (like if the food truck you ordered suddenly breaks down) we will help find a solution to keep the wedding running.
Pack up the night:
Photo by: Palms and Pines Photography
At the end of an awesome party, we put all your gifts and cards in a safe place, pack up your heirloom champagne flutes, and make sure that top tier of your wedding cake is saved. We ensure all vendors have been paid for and the venue is completely cleared out for cleaning. All in a day’s work!
Being a wedding planner is a lot of work and contrary to popular belief, it’s a lot more than just placing a few decor pieces and getting people down the aisle on time. You’re hosting one of the biggest parties you’ll probably ever throw in your lifetime and you want to enjoy every second, not stress out about it. Allocating money in your budget for a wedding planner will be one of things you’ll be most grateful for. My job as a wedding planner requires a lot of work but my passion and why I have this business far outweighs that. I love working with my clients and dreaming with them and walking through this special season of life. It’s an honor that I don’t take lightly.
