Wedding Planner? I don't neeeed a planner! YES YOU DO!

(with Danielle, of Rosewood Weddings)

Wedding planners are always seen as a luxury expense. I feel this, I do. A big wedding is a luxury, period. There is nothing wrong with that at all, by any means. Celebrating love is always a reason to go big, or small or just right. It is also a time to be as stress freeeeeee as possible. This is why I say “yes” to a wedding planner (and photographer who knows their shit!)

From the vendor perspective here is why they are amazing:

-keep everything on schedule

-help everyone play nice

-take care of the little things that pop up

-excellent source of information so I don’t have to bother anyone in the wedding party

-extra support person

-good at herding cats

I know budgets are always the thing on your mind when planning, but I would some $$ aside for someone who is knowledgable in this area. You could ask someone you know who does some event stuff to help out, but if you can hack it I HIGHLY recommend a seasoned pro!

I don’t think it comes as a surprise that I reached out to my best boo Danielle, of Rosewood Weddings, when getting some info on wedding planners. She is one of the best, and just totally real about it all. Wedding planning is serious biz and she takes it as such, but loves weddings down to their bones. Somehow she has this soft and powerful voice that would calm anyone, but also gets shit done. She comes with an 800 star rec from me. Any wedding I have everrrrrr photographed with her running the show, has been beyond smooth and beautifully organize (my fav).

Here is what we chatted about!

-How long have you been planning events (not just weddings)?

After college, I worked a few administrative jobs that involved corporate planning. From there, I worked at a mid-size law firm coordinating corporate events, law conferences and seminars. While I was working at the law firm, I began planning weddings part-time, until I took the leap and began wedding planning full-time as a career. It’s been about 9 years! Whoa, girl.

-What is your fav thing about being a part of the wedding day/planning process

As a full-service wedding planner, I get a deep dive into my clients’ lives; their relationship, their families. It’s typically a brief, but very saturated relationship. That relationship is my favorite thing about my job. Learning about how my clients met, what roles their families play in their planning process + lives, what their passions are, and what’s most important for them come wedding day. 

-What do you offer to your clients re: planning?

Love and support! And funny GIFS. Outside of that, I offer my clients full service wedding planning + design, partial planning and month-of coordination.

-what are things to look for when choosing a planner, what is the most important?

I’m a firm believer that there’s a perfect planner for every couple. The most important thing to look for when shopping for a wedding planner is the ‘fit.’ This person will be in ‘your business,’ and an integral part of the production of your wedding. They might even see your ass when you get into your wedding dress! Make sure that outside of the logistical, contractual, financial questions you ask while interviewing a planner, you make sure you’re attracted to them as a person. 

-do you have a team, why/why not?

Most weddings that I produce require me to contract out an assistant because of the number of guests or venue logistics. With that, I do have an assistant who helps me with setup. An extra set of hands is so helpful because I tend to get pulled in many different directions on the day (especially during setup + navigating vendor coordination). Outside of that, I do not have a team of planners working for me. I’ve grappled with this for while; but ultimately it’s because I want my clients to get exactly what I’m putting out there - which is me. I inadvertently created a brand that’s really rooted in me as a person. So, I want my clients to get everything they’ve signed up for. 

-how do you interact with other vendors?

Happily! I love meeting other wedding professionals. We’re service industry folk who have a unique day-to-day, so I’m always really happy to make new connections.  

-do you limit contact time?

Boundaries aren’t my strength. I don’t limit much. Because I only take on 12-15 weddings a year, I’m able to be very available to my clients. That’s important to me.

-to you what is a wedding day about?

To me, the wedding day is about my clients. It’s about their families. I’m a people-pleaser, and on wedding day - I SHINE. It’s about making everyone happy; and putting out any fires that get in the way of that goal. Every wedding vendor working along with me has the same goal, so the wedding day is about getting through it smoothly + beautifully for our clients.

-I have a VERY unique/specific vision for my day, can you look at this Pinterest board and make it happen???

One hundred percent. I love uniqueness; and I love couples who know what they want! Trusting your wedding vendors to execute your vision is how magic really happens. 

-fav part of the planning process + wedding day

Recently, I surprised my clients with cookies decorated like their puppy, Wilma. Yield Bakehouse created a delicious treat that looked exactly like their beloved pet. I placed these cookies on every place setting at their head table. My favorite part of that wedding day was seeing my client’s reaction to their little surprise. 

Of course moments like sending my brides down the aisle, or creeping on a first looks are powerful + moving. But these days, I find myself drawn to acute moments between siblings, or observing brief encounters between the couple.

I WANT TO GET MARRIED AGAIN - so Danielle can be in my wedding but help me plan it, but not work day of, you get my vibe right? Planners are so incredibly helpful! Instead of saving them for last book those amazing people from day one. You won’t regret it. A good one is worth the $$ you save on time and stresssssss. Also, most likely have connections in the local industry and can help you save some dollars.

Check out this sweeeeeet boss-ass angel with a voice like honey, here.

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