Inspired by the Big Wedding Planning Podcast

With all the love in my heart, here are some honest truths about wedding planning (including tips for working with other vendors as well!) If you’ve ever wanted to be inside of a wedding vendors’ mind, this blog is for you.

One

Come prepared for a wedding meeting.

Meeting with a prospective vendor? Be sure to look at their website, and social pages, to get a feel for their style, services, etc. Try to get a feel for who they are as a person, as that will only make the connection stronger. If you’re meeting with a planner, remember that wedding planners are not always wedding decorators. Be sure to understand their scope of expertise before asking if they’ll set up tables for you. I get this one a lot ;)

Two

You don’t need to let the vendors in on your entire decision-making process.

Vendors just need final decisions. If you email them with every small change during planning, it can muddle and confuse things - AND, you’re likely to change your mind over the course of a year. The best thing to do is ask, “when will we need final count, final decisions, etc.?”

(Speaking moreso to the brides that don’t hire a wedding planner, as your planner will communicate with vendors FOR you on these details )

Three

The relationship between the planner and couple is a special bond.

Be sure to keep your family and friends in the loop with this person and the roles they have played and will play on the wedding day. – they’re there to help and will be able to do a better job if they’re trusted and appreciated.

Four

There are hiccups throughout the wedding day that you won’t even see. Don’t look for them!

We’re there to be quick on our feet and resolve issues before you even notice. But if you’re scanning the roads for a yellow car, you'll be sure to find one! Same goes on your wedding day.

Five

We aren’t judging your budget.

Your budget is yours alone, and it’s what you feel comfortable with. We do our absolute best to help align your expectations with your budget and guest list based on industry standards.

Six

We are always planning dozens of events at once.
We become masters of juggling all those the precious details at once, so please be patient with us if we ask the same question twice or blank on a bridesmaid’s name. Promise – we still love you.

Seven

Something will inevitably go wrong.
Even the most well-executed event will have a hiccup – life isn’t perfect, and weddings aren’t either. Now it’s likely something small, and of course we’re there to help mitigate, but on the wedding day, it’s up to you to breathe in and accept whatever happens. Sometimes the best stories come from the hiccups, am I right?

Bonus tip! Don’t forget to thank your amazing vendors.

(Now, I’m blessed to have downright amazing & kind clients who express their gratitude!) - but overall, don’t forget to show appreciation to each and every human putting in time, energy and love into your day. Leave ‘em a good, ole fashioned review if it’s deserved, and remember they put their heart and soul into your memories.

So, lovely bride - take a deep breathe, and get ready to start life with your favorite person.