Caroline Gilbert ~ Wedding and Event Planning Division
FTD Floral
Planning your wedding can be stressful, so having a solid support system of friends and family is key. Also, make sure you stay organized, and book the caterer, venue, and florist well in advance, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. And just remember, all the hard work will pay off and lead to that magical moment when you get to say “I do.”
FTD Floral
Planning your wedding can be stressful, so having a solid support system of friends and family is key. Also, make sure you stay organized, and book the caterer, venue, and florist well in advance, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. And just remember, all the hard work will pay off and lead to that magical moment when you get to say “I do.”
California
Heather Spear ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Summit Soiree Event Planning & Design
Stay true to your original vision and what’s most important to you. With all the information on blogs, Pinterest, websites, etc. it’s easy to get information overload and get side tracked. Before you know it you may plan a wedding you might not recognize on your wedding day. Pick your top 5 most important elements/aspects of your wedding and stick to them!
Summit Soiree Event Planning & Design
Stay true to your original vision and what’s most important to you. With all the information on blogs, Pinterest, websites, etc. it’s easy to get information overload and get side tracked. Before you know it you may plan a wedding you might not recognize on your wedding day. Pick your top 5 most important elements/aspects of your wedding and stick to them!
California
Amy June ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Amy June Weddings and Events
Always hire, at the very least, a wedding coordinator to take over in the final month of planning and keep you relaxed. You are the point of contact on the wedding day if you do not have one, and every vendor will ask you questions all day preventing you from relaxing and enjoying yourself.
Amy June Weddings and Events
Always hire, at the very least, a wedding coordinator to take over in the final month of planning and keep you relaxed. You are the point of contact on the wedding day if you do not have one, and every vendor will ask you questions all day preventing you from relaxing and enjoying yourself.
California
Leila Oberdorfer ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Brilliant Event Design
Congratulations on your engagement! When beginning to plan your wedding I recommend having a fun brain storming session, maybe with a bottle of your favorite bubbles, and talk about the type and style of wedding you would like to have. For example, black tie affair or relaxed, laid back and entertaining. Think about what would make the perfect backdrop for your wedding as this will help with selecting the venue. List all the things that are important and that you would like to have at your wedding and then prioritize the list so you know where to focus your budget. It’s a good idea to define your budget and guest count before looking for venues as these two factors will have a big bearing.
Brilliant Event Design
Congratulations on your engagement! When beginning to plan your wedding I recommend having a fun brain storming session, maybe with a bottle of your favorite bubbles, and talk about the type and style of wedding you would like to have. For example, black tie affair or relaxed, laid back and entertaining. Think about what would make the perfect backdrop for your wedding as this will help with selecting the venue. List all the things that are important and that you would like to have at your wedding and then prioritize the list so you know where to focus your budget. It’s a good idea to define your budget and guest count before looking for venues as these two factors will have a big bearing.
Florida
Staci Porter Reid ~ Wedding and Event Planner
SPR Events
I always remind the couples I work with that at the end of their wedding day, they’ll be married (if they remember to get the marriage license!), no matter what happens. So hire a planner, stay in touch with that planner and let them know what your vision is for your day and then let them work their magic. You have to trust their expertise and advice throughout the planning process and know that they will execute your day exactly as you’ve discussed. Your job on your wedding day should be to relax and enjoy your special day! It’s okay to let go of the control and trust the professionals you’ve hired to execute your day!
SPR Events
I always remind the couples I work with that at the end of their wedding day, they’ll be married (if they remember to get the marriage license!), no matter what happens. So hire a planner, stay in touch with that planner and let them know what your vision is for your day and then let them work their magic. You have to trust their expertise and advice throughout the planning process and know that they will execute your day exactly as you’ve discussed. Your job on your wedding day should be to relax and enjoy your special day! It’s okay to let go of the control and trust the professionals you’ve hired to execute your day!
Colorado
Cheryl Lynn Foster-Gerton ~ Wedding and Event Planner
An Essential Event
My best piece of advice for couples who are planning their wedding is to always remember why you are getting married. If you focus on your love for one another and your basic desire to celebrate that love with your family and friends, then it is much easier to keep perspective on all of those potentially stressful details.
An Essential Event
My best piece of advice for couples who are planning their wedding is to always remember why you are getting married. If you focus on your love for one another and your basic desire to celebrate that love with your family and friends, then it is much easier to keep perspective on all of those potentially stressful details.
Washington
Wendi Hroncich ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Ethereal Events
My most important piece of wedding planning advice is:
Set priorities with you partner prior to planning and stick to them. Whether your top priority is to have the biggest and best party, or to stay on budget, make your list before and continually check in on your priority list. A great way to do this is to rank what is most important to you to the least. Is the location or music the most important to the best party? Is the food or photography top priority? Knowing where you place the most value will really help you identify where to save and where to splurge!
Ethereal Events
My most important piece of wedding planning advice is:
Set priorities with you partner prior to planning and stick to them. Whether your top priority is to have the biggest and best party, or to stay on budget, make your list before and continually check in on your priority list. A great way to do this is to rank what is most important to you to the least. Is the location or music the most important to the best party? Is the food or photography top priority? Knowing where you place the most value will really help you identify where to save and where to splurge!
California
Trina Schmidt ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Trina Schmidt Weddings
Hiring professionals to plan & service your day will help the entire journey go much smoother for you. It may be less expensive to have a friend or relative help you, but unless they are true professionals and have done several weddings, you probably won´t be entirely happy with the end result. Plus, you want your friend or relative to look back on your wedding day and remember how much fun it was, not how much work it was. Also, before you start searching for that perfect venue, know your guest count and your budget range. Most couples don’t have an idea of how much things cost, so that’s where hiring a professional wedding planner can help. We will not only save you time from driving around in search of that dream venue, but we will negotiate costs and can help you determine a budget that best suits your design style & guest count.
Trina Schmidt Weddings
Hiring professionals to plan & service your day will help the entire journey go much smoother for you. It may be less expensive to have a friend or relative help you, but unless they are true professionals and have done several weddings, you probably won´t be entirely happy with the end result. Plus, you want your friend or relative to look back on your wedding day and remember how much fun it was, not how much work it was. Also, before you start searching for that perfect venue, know your guest count and your budget range. Most couples don’t have an idea of how much things cost, so that’s where hiring a professional wedding planner can help. We will not only save you time from driving around in search of that dream venue, but we will negotiate costs and can help you determine a budget that best suits your design style & guest count.
Florida
Lisa Presnell ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Coastal Engagements
Remember what the day is all about. You are marrying the LOVE of your life! There will be mishaps but if you stay focused on what the day is really about and don’t sweat the small stuff, your day will be the perfect day. If the cake has the wrong flowers or the ceremony is running late, it’s okay! You are still getting married! Relax and embrace every moment. Even the mishaps will make for great memories. Another piece of advice is that not everything you read or hear is from a TRUE professional. Leave it to the experts to guide you. Your BFF that helped plan her sister’s cousin’s wedding in her backyard……NOT a professional. A lot of people like to think they are experts and refer to themselves as “Wedding Planners” because it’s easy to do that. It doesn’t legally require special training to say you are one. However, I can assure you it does take passion and years of experience and patience to become a wedding expert. So trust me when I tell you that it’s okay that you have no idea where to begin. There are plenty of amazing and talented wedding pros that can provide the guidance you need.”Happy Planning!
Coastal Engagements
Remember what the day is all about. You are marrying the LOVE of your life! There will be mishaps but if you stay focused on what the day is really about and don’t sweat the small stuff, your day will be the perfect day. If the cake has the wrong flowers or the ceremony is running late, it’s okay! You are still getting married! Relax and embrace every moment. Even the mishaps will make for great memories. Another piece of advice is that not everything you read or hear is from a TRUE professional. Leave it to the experts to guide you. Your BFF that helped plan her sister’s cousin’s wedding in her backyard……NOT a professional. A lot of people like to think they are experts and refer to themselves as “Wedding Planners” because it’s easy to do that. It doesn’t legally require special training to say you are one. However, I can assure you it does take passion and years of experience and patience to become a wedding expert. So trust me when I tell you that it’s okay that you have no idea where to begin. There are plenty of amazing and talented wedding pros that can provide the guidance you need.”Happy Planning!
California
Heather Freedman & Thea Golden ~ Wedding Planners
Delmar Events
I always encourage my brides and groom’s to have a first look (a private moment between photographer, bride, and groom when the bride and groom first see each other in full bridal attire before the ceremony commences) for a few reasons: One, this will allow for potentially all immediate family photos, bridal party, and bride and groom photos to take place prior to the ceremony leaving cocktail hour open to take large extended family portraits or additional photos if desired, as well as allowing some private time for the bride and groom to regroup and connect before their grand entrance for the reception, Two: this will eliminate a lot of the “pre-processional” jitters since you will have already seen your future spouse and had to time to not only let emotions flow, but also have had time to retouch the bride’s make up and reattach any potential loose false eyelashes, and lastly: (going along with the previous point) if the bride and groom are expecting to be emotional during the ceremony, having a first look will potentially help reduce the amount of “crying face” photos in all of the wedding ceremony photos leaving more room for ceremony photos with smiles, subtle tears, and picture-perfect faces. 🙂
Delmar Events
I always encourage my brides and groom’s to have a first look (a private moment between photographer, bride, and groom when the bride and groom first see each other in full bridal attire before the ceremony commences) for a few reasons: One, this will allow for potentially all immediate family photos, bridal party, and bride and groom photos to take place prior to the ceremony leaving cocktail hour open to take large extended family portraits or additional photos if desired, as well as allowing some private time for the bride and groom to regroup and connect before their grand entrance for the reception, Two: this will eliminate a lot of the “pre-processional” jitters since you will have already seen your future spouse and had to time to not only let emotions flow, but also have had time to retouch the bride’s make up and reattach any potential loose false eyelashes, and lastly: (going along with the previous point) if the bride and groom are expecting to be emotional during the ceremony, having a first look will potentially help reduce the amount of “crying face” photos in all of the wedding ceremony photos leaving more room for ceremony photos with smiles, subtle tears, and picture-perfect faces. 🙂
Alabama
Cossie Crosswhite ~ Wedding Planner
1 Elegant Event
Choose a season and wedding venue before you pick your date and you will never be disappointed that you could not have the wedding dreamed because your date was booked! Happy Planning!
1 Elegant Event
Choose a season and wedding venue before you pick your date and you will never be disappointed that you could not have the wedding dreamed because your date was booked! Happy Planning!
Paris, France
Arizona
Care Schmidt ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Sterling Wedding and Events
Instead of arranging your ceremony seating in long narrow rows, consider amphitheater style seating. This arrangement will allow all your guests to get a perfect view of your ceremony.
Sterling Wedding and Events
Instead of arranging your ceremony seating in long narrow rows, consider amphitheater style seating. This arrangement will allow all your guests to get a perfect view of your ceremony.
Arizona
Tasha Miller ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Meant 2Be Events
It would definitely be wise to hire event professionals from start to finish! Starting with a planner will help guide you through your exciting wedding planning process.
Meant 2Be Events
It would definitely be wise to hire event professionals from start to finish! Starting with a planner will help guide you through your exciting wedding planning process.
California
Patty Speirs ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Every Last Detail
Beware of “Friendors” Although it may seem like a great idea to enlist your friends or family members to serve as your DJ or photographer, or (egad!) your caterer, it’s always best to hire seasoned wedding professionals to fill these roles. From experience to expectations, a person who performs this service for a living is going to save you the most worry and maybe even money when things with your buddy don’t work out.
Every Last Detail
Beware of “Friendors” Although it may seem like a great idea to enlist your friends or family members to serve as your DJ or photographer, or (egad!) your caterer, it’s always best to hire seasoned wedding professionals to fill these roles. From experience to expectations, a person who performs this service for a living is going to save you the most worry and maybe even money when things with your buddy don’t work out.
Hawaii
Haunani Rossi ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Kauai Aloha Weddings
Planning your “special day” takes time, especially if you want it done right. But every wedding, whether large or small, takes coordination. Having a wedding planner on board is like having your own personal assistant who is there to do all the necessary phone calls, ordering and confirming of details, as well as keeping a time-line as the day unfolds.
Kauai Aloha Weddings
Planning your “special day” takes time, especially if you want it done right. But every wedding, whether large or small, takes coordination. Having a wedding planner on board is like having your own personal assistant who is there to do all the necessary phone calls, ordering and confirming of details, as well as keeping a time-line as the day unfolds.
Florida
Thelma Brathwaite~ Wedding and Event Planner
Invitation to a Wedding
My advice for couples would be to make your wedding ceremony heartfelt. Some of your wedding guests have paid for a ticket to travel. Make it worth their while and make sure they can hear your wedding vows – even in the back. This would be my piece of advice.
Invitation to a Wedding
My advice for couples would be to make your wedding ceremony heartfelt. Some of your wedding guests have paid for a ticket to travel. Make it worth their while and make sure they can hear your wedding vows – even in the back. This would be my piece of advice.
California
Judy Daily ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Events to Impress
My number one piece of advice for couples planning their wedding is: Let your wedding planner take the stress of coordinating your wedding day out of your hands. Once you have shared your vision and expectations of your wedding day with your planner, focus on enjoying this very special time in your life, you cannot have this time back so take it all in and really enjoy it!
Events to Impress
My number one piece of advice for couples planning their wedding is: Let your wedding planner take the stress of coordinating your wedding day out of your hands. Once you have shared your vision and expectations of your wedding day with your planner, focus on enjoying this very special time in your life, you cannot have this time back so take it all in and really enjoy it!
Hawaii
Vickie Jackson ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Love Maui Weddings
Hire an experienced and reputable wedding planner to assist you with all destination wedding details. You might wish to plan a birthday party or shower, but do you really want to plan a destination wedding where you are not familiar with the vendors, the venues, the considerations of local florals and the best d.j. for your style? Trust your wedding planner and value their opinion. Hiring an experienced wedding planner who knows your wedding destination is very important. He or she will be able to provide you with all information needed to help you make the best choices of wedding venues, local vendors who are not only experienced but who has worked with that wedding planner/coordinator and therefore the day flows so much smoother using that wedding team who takes such great care of you on your most important day of your life, as well as recommending the best local florists and reception venues. Save time and money by choosing that planner wisely…worth your weight in gold and saves you a ton of stress!
Love Maui Weddings
Hire an experienced and reputable wedding planner to assist you with all destination wedding details. You might wish to plan a birthday party or shower, but do you really want to plan a destination wedding where you are not familiar with the vendors, the venues, the considerations of local florals and the best d.j. for your style? Trust your wedding planner and value their opinion. Hiring an experienced wedding planner who knows your wedding destination is very important. He or she will be able to provide you with all information needed to help you make the best choices of wedding venues, local vendors who are not only experienced but who has worked with that wedding planner/coordinator and therefore the day flows so much smoother using that wedding team who takes such great care of you on your most important day of your life, as well as recommending the best local florists and reception venues. Save time and money by choosing that planner wisely…worth your weight in gold and saves you a ton of stress!
Oregon
Emee Pumarega ~ Wedding and Event Planner
EJP Events
Authenticity is key. There are so many stylistic choices to make in a wedding day, and it’s easy to get distracted by trends or feel like you have to hew to traditions that may or may not be meaningful to you. Search your heart and make sure your wedding reflects your personality and ethos; that way you will be able to look back on the day with fondness as an example of your favorite things and the best possible expression of yourselves as a couple, that you can carry with you in every day to come. Go “all in”. If you’re not feeling enthusiastic about an element of the wedding, it’s better to omit it than to do it halfheartedly.
EJP Events
Authenticity is key. There are so many stylistic choices to make in a wedding day, and it’s easy to get distracted by trends or feel like you have to hew to traditions that may or may not be meaningful to you. Search your heart and make sure your wedding reflects your personality and ethos; that way you will be able to look back on the day with fondness as an example of your favorite things and the best possible expression of yourselves as a couple, that you can carry with you in every day to come. Go “all in”. If you’re not feeling enthusiastic about an element of the wedding, it’s better to omit it than to do it halfheartedly.
Colorado
JoAnn Moore ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Mountains and Meadows Exceptional Wedding Planning
I recommend that my couples be true to who they are. Don’t get carried away with Pinterest ideas and lots of time consuming projects. Instead concentrate on what is truly their personality, things they identify with and what makes them the happiest! I try to find a signature touch for their event, whether it be a design piece or something that is special and unique to the couple or family. Making a wedding celebration true to the couple is what their guests will remember and celebrate. During the planning process, a bride needs to remember it’s about the celebration and not all the details that may or may not come together perfectly as you envisioned. Remember, there is also a partner who still needs your time, attention and to feel apart of the planning. Don’t leave each other out of this special time. A Chinese custom is to make 1000 cranes together before the wedding date. This teaches the couple to work together, schedule time with each other and count on each other to assist him/her. Good idea right? You’re in this together, from start to end. What becomes of the wedding day itself will be perfect, because you did it together. Take time to celebrate each other during the engagement with that special dinner, walks and candlelight baths. You look back on the planning process with wonderful memories.
Mountains and Meadows Exceptional Wedding Planning
I recommend that my couples be true to who they are. Don’t get carried away with Pinterest ideas and lots of time consuming projects. Instead concentrate on what is truly their personality, things they identify with and what makes them the happiest! I try to find a signature touch for their event, whether it be a design piece or something that is special and unique to the couple or family. Making a wedding celebration true to the couple is what their guests will remember and celebrate. During the planning process, a bride needs to remember it’s about the celebration and not all the details that may or may not come together perfectly as you envisioned. Remember, there is also a partner who still needs your time, attention and to feel apart of the planning. Don’t leave each other out of this special time. A Chinese custom is to make 1000 cranes together before the wedding date. This teaches the couple to work together, schedule time with each other and count on each other to assist him/her. Good idea right? You’re in this together, from start to end. What becomes of the wedding day itself will be perfect, because you did it together. Take time to celebrate each other during the engagement with that special dinner, walks and candlelight baths. You look back on the planning process with wonderful memories.
Hawaii
Joe Dalessandro ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Marry Me Maui
Since we specialize in destination weddings and cater to couples from around the world, we feel the number one priority is to start planning early, especially if you are looking to book a semi-private or private venue. 8-12 months lead time is not excessive! This is Maui and venues book quickly.
Marry Me Maui
Since we specialize in destination weddings and cater to couples from around the world, we feel the number one priority is to start planning early, especially if you are looking to book a semi-private or private venue. 8-12 months lead time is not excessive! This is Maui and venues book quickly.
Hawaii
Yanicke Washkowitz ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Zenju Weddings and Events of Hawaii
Be realistic with your vision. Please trust your coordinator or the planning process can be challenging. If you find it difficult to trust, release some control, or hiring friends/family to take on a roll as a vendor, then DO NOT hire a coordinator/planner. it will be difficult for the planner to do her/his job. Set realistic goals, keep it simple, TRUST your coordinator, and hire professionals only. If you stick to these simple rules your planning process with your coordinator will be a breeze. Be careful with Pinterest and those sites. You will get ideas that might overwhelm you, therefore your budget and vision can change drastically before you know it. Keep it simple and remember what your special day is about….
Zenju Weddings and Events of Hawaii
Be realistic with your vision. Please trust your coordinator or the planning process can be challenging. If you find it difficult to trust, release some control, or hiring friends/family to take on a roll as a vendor, then DO NOT hire a coordinator/planner. it will be difficult for the planner to do her/his job. Set realistic goals, keep it simple, TRUST your coordinator, and hire professionals only. If you stick to these simple rules your planning process with your coordinator will be a breeze. Be careful with Pinterest and those sites. You will get ideas that might overwhelm you, therefore your budget and vision can change drastically before you know it. Keep it simple and remember what your special day is about….
California
Diana Andonian ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Weddings by Diana
As a long time Santa Barbara wedding planner, my number one tip for planning a wedding would be to plan the day carefully and create a time line to share with all vendors. A couple of planning problems seems to occur quite frequently and should be avoided. Most brides get their hair and make up done and members of the bridal party and family also do the same, often adding their requests at the last minute. The stylists end up doing the bride last and this makes her late. It is extremely important that the bride is ready early and on time. Another problem occurs when the photos take longer than anticipated after the ceremony. The timing of many of the wedding day events can be flexible but the time of the meal is not easily altered. Serving a large quantity of food at the same time is difficult and to keep 100-200 meals on hold due to delays is problematic. Plan your wedding day carefully with all your vendors to avoid these pitfalls.
Weddings by Diana
As a long time Santa Barbara wedding planner, my number one tip for planning a wedding would be to plan the day carefully and create a time line to share with all vendors. A couple of planning problems seems to occur quite frequently and should be avoided. Most brides get their hair and make up done and members of the bridal party and family also do the same, often adding their requests at the last minute. The stylists end up doing the bride last and this makes her late. It is extremely important that the bride is ready early and on time. Another problem occurs when the photos take longer than anticipated after the ceremony. The timing of many of the wedding day events can be flexible but the time of the meal is not easily altered. Serving a large quantity of food at the same time is difficult and to keep 100-200 meals on hold due to delays is problematic. Plan your wedding day carefully with all your vendors to avoid these pitfalls.
Alabama
Teri Bruce ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Teri Lynn Productions
Because I am a destination wedding planner I know how risky it can be for brides to find vendors that best meet their needs! Hiring a wedding planner can take away all the risks and guarantee that your wedding day will be exactly what you dream it to be. I get to know you and your vision for your wedding day. I will work with you from the beginning of your planning process until you say “I Do!” This allows the bride & groom, the families and the guests to enjoy a beautiful and stress free day!! To keep your planning process stress free and enjoyable hire a wedding planner to do all of the work for you! No matter what you want….the perfect venue for your ceremony & reception, catering, entertainment, florist, photographer, videographer, bakery, a traditional planner can match you with the perfect vendors that fit your style & budget! Especially if you are planning a destination wedding! Don’t burden yourself with phone calls & emails that never get answered! Hire a wedding planner to take of all the calls & meetings for you. If you want the happiest experience while planning your beautiful day contact a full service wedding planner and let them tell you exactly how they can help!
Teri Lynn Productions
Because I am a destination wedding planner I know how risky it can be for brides to find vendors that best meet their needs! Hiring a wedding planner can take away all the risks and guarantee that your wedding day will be exactly what you dream it to be. I get to know you and your vision for your wedding day. I will work with you from the beginning of your planning process until you say “I Do!” This allows the bride & groom, the families and the guests to enjoy a beautiful and stress free day!! To keep your planning process stress free and enjoyable hire a wedding planner to do all of the work for you! No matter what you want….the perfect venue for your ceremony & reception, catering, entertainment, florist, photographer, videographer, bakery, a traditional planner can match you with the perfect vendors that fit your style & budget! Especially if you are planning a destination wedding! Don’t burden yourself with phone calls & emails that never get answered! Hire a wedding planner to take of all the calls & meetings for you. If you want the happiest experience while planning your beautiful day contact a full service wedding planner and let them tell you exactly how they can help!
California
Birgit Aviles ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Dreams Come True
My number advice to my clients is,” Be sure to set priorities, what is the most important thing (what will you spend the most of your resources on) that you want at your wedding. What is the second most important thing and so on.” This will determine how we allocate the budget and gives us a better idea, how to assist the client in planning their wedding. Also, when selecting a venue make sure that you fully understand what is included in the price and what will cost you extra. Such as: Parking Fees, Outside (non-preferred) vendor fees, extra time, security, required insurance etc. These extra fees can quickly add up to a significant amount of money. An experienced wedding planner can help you navigate through the contract and make sure you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
Dreams Come True
My number advice to my clients is,” Be sure to set priorities, what is the most important thing (what will you spend the most of your resources on) that you want at your wedding. What is the second most important thing and so on.” This will determine how we allocate the budget and gives us a better idea, how to assist the client in planning their wedding. Also, when selecting a venue make sure that you fully understand what is included in the price and what will cost you extra. Such as: Parking Fees, Outside (non-preferred) vendor fees, extra time, security, required insurance etc. These extra fees can quickly add up to a significant amount of money. An experienced wedding planner can help you navigate through the contract and make sure you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
California
Claudia Santillanes ~Wedding and Event Planner
Enchanted Crown Events
Hire a planner and if you cannot afford it at least hire a Day of Coordinator.
It will make your day extra special and stress free not just for you but your family as well.
Enchanted Crown Events
Hire a planner and if you cannot afford it at least hire a Day of Coordinator.
It will make your day extra special and stress free not just for you but your family as well.
Florida
Patrice Terjak ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Surfside Brides
If you are doing a simple intimate ceremony on the beach, be sure to add things like a champagne toast and first dance at the waters edge into your photo shoot. It makes for wonderful lifetime memories. A Destination Wedding can be stressful.. Take the stress out by choosing a local planner that you trust and are comfortable with. One who returns your emails and calls promptly. There are no rules to a beach wedding! Make it exactly what your dream is.. So with sand under your bare feet, wind lightly blowing your hair and the sun gently kissing your cheek… Walk down that beach knowing.. This is your perfect dream beach wedding and you are about to marry the man/ or woman you love!!!.
Surfside Brides
If you are doing a simple intimate ceremony on the beach, be sure to add things like a champagne toast and first dance at the waters edge into your photo shoot. It makes for wonderful lifetime memories. A Destination Wedding can be stressful.. Take the stress out by choosing a local planner that you trust and are comfortable with. One who returns your emails and calls promptly. There are no rules to a beach wedding! Make it exactly what your dream is.. So with sand under your bare feet, wind lightly blowing your hair and the sun gently kissing your cheek… Walk down that beach knowing.. This is your perfect dream beach wedding and you are about to marry the man/ or woman you love!!!.
Nevada
Tina Weghorst ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Events to Remember
Why do it yourself when you can hire a coordinator to make sure that all the details are covered so you can relax and enjoy your guests.
Events to Remember
Why do it yourself when you can hire a coordinator to make sure that all the details are covered so you can relax and enjoy your guests.
California
Robin Lewis ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Make it Happen!
Clearly, hiring an experienced wedding planner is my first piece of advice to any newly engaged couple. And after that, I always advise my brides to remember why it is that they decided to get married. Planning a wedding is wonderful, but it can also become tedious, detail oriented, time consuming and all encompassing! Remember to live your lives as you did before you began planning a wedding. Take the time to hike, walk the dogs, go to a baseball game or have breakfast at your favorite neighborhood cafe WITHOUT any conversation about the wedding. If you need to vent, call your wedding planner! You don’t want your wedding day to arrive wishing that you had eloped or just wanting it to be over. Oh, and did I say hire a wedding planner?!
Make it Happen!
Clearly, hiring an experienced wedding planner is my first piece of advice to any newly engaged couple. And after that, I always advise my brides to remember why it is that they decided to get married. Planning a wedding is wonderful, but it can also become tedious, detail oriented, time consuming and all encompassing! Remember to live your lives as you did before you began planning a wedding. Take the time to hike, walk the dogs, go to a baseball game or have breakfast at your favorite neighborhood cafe WITHOUT any conversation about the wedding. If you need to vent, call your wedding planner! You don’t want your wedding day to arrive wishing that you had eloped or just wanting it to be over. Oh, and did I say hire a wedding planner?!
Arizona
Ti Barns ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Bello Creations by Ti
Many brides look for whoever is the least expensive or try to have a friend b their day of. You get what you pay for. There are many hidden details and if you don’t know about them it could end up costing you way more that what you would have spent on a planner. Look for someone that you connect with and feel comfortable with. Your planner/coordinator is the most important vendor you will hire and spend the most time with in the process.
Bello Creations by Ti
Many brides look for whoever is the least expensive or try to have a friend b their day of. You get what you pay for. There are many hidden details and if you don’t know about them it could end up costing you way more that what you would have spent on a planner. Look for someone that you connect with and feel comfortable with. Your planner/coordinator is the most important vendor you will hire and spend the most time with in the process.
Michigan
Achea Gist ~ Wedding Planner
KE Event Design
Start early! It’s always best to choose a date as soon as possible because you will be amazed at how many other people are getting married. Venues book up fast.
KE Event Design
Start early! It’s always best to choose a date as soon as possible because you will be amazed at how many other people are getting married. Venues book up fast.
California, Nevada, Colorado
Greg Jenkins ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Bravo Production
Planning a wedding and reception can be challenging and requires a lot of patience, communication, compromise and the ability to work together as a couple to ensure both the bride and groom’s needs are taken into consideration. When a bride takes charge for the wedding and pooh-poohs the grooms input whereas he sits on the sidelines, the groom often worries about whether this is an omen for what is yet to come in the actual marriage. Be sure to include each other in the decision-making and planning process. And don’t stress over the small things (flowers not the right color of white, beef was a little tough, etc.). There are bigger concerns and problems the couple will face in the marriage. It comes with life!
Bravo Production
Planning a wedding and reception can be challenging and requires a lot of patience, communication, compromise and the ability to work together as a couple to ensure both the bride and groom’s needs are taken into consideration. When a bride takes charge for the wedding and pooh-poohs the grooms input whereas he sits on the sidelines, the groom often worries about whether this is an omen for what is yet to come in the actual marriage. Be sure to include each other in the decision-making and planning process. And don’t stress over the small things (flowers not the right color of white, beef was a little tough, etc.). There are bigger concerns and problems the couple will face in the marriage. It comes with life!
Michigan
Nicole Dungey ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Weddings by Nicole
Your Wedding Day is a reflection of the two of you…Stay true to who you are ~ your taste, your desires, your favorite colors, plated or buffet, cake or dessert station, enter with first dance or dancing after dinner, family traditions or start some new! You are sure to look back on this day, hopefully for the rest of your lives…make it the very best, while considering each detail, formality, budget and plan. Don’t forget that “life happens” and to not have such grandiose expectations on your Wedding Day, that if the smallest thing does not come to pass, exactly as you thought it would…”It’s still okay” and you are marrying the person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with.
Weddings by Nicole
Your Wedding Day is a reflection of the two of you…Stay true to who you are ~ your taste, your desires, your favorite colors, plated or buffet, cake or dessert station, enter with first dance or dancing after dinner, family traditions or start some new! You are sure to look back on this day, hopefully for the rest of your lives…make it the very best, while considering each detail, formality, budget and plan. Don’t forget that “life happens” and to not have such grandiose expectations on your Wedding Day, that if the smallest thing does not come to pass, exactly as you thought it would…”It’s still okay” and you are marrying the person you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with.
Florida & Alabama
Joy Turner ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Joyous Weddings
After proposal is presented by the wedding planner and the contract is signed, unless it is something really major, just keep a notebook of any changes you need made to the original contract, Present those changes two months before the wedding to the planner. This is easier than sending 50 e-mails back and forth and something getting overlooked. It takes a lot of stress off of everyone and saves time to make changes this way. Always wanting to give the bride a stress free wedding.
Joyous Weddings
After proposal is presented by the wedding planner and the contract is signed, unless it is something really major, just keep a notebook of any changes you need made to the original contract, Present those changes two months before the wedding to the planner. This is easier than sending 50 e-mails back and forth and something getting overlooked. It takes a lot of stress off of everyone and saves time to make changes this way. Always wanting to give the bride a stress free wedding.
Oregon & Washington
Nora Sheils ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Bridal Bliss
Hire a coordinator! We are there as advocates for the couple making sure pricing, contracts and details are all in line. We pride ourselves on our experience in the industry and extensive vendor relationships, allowing us to produce top rated weddings year after year. One of the most important items we discuss with our brides and grooms in the early stages of planning is budget planning. Before booking a venue or vendors, it is very important to set a budget. This budget will provide couples with a backbone for the entire wedding planning process. Couples can look at spaces and vendors with the understanding of what they can afford, and rest easy throughout planning knowing their budget for the wedding is on track.
Bridal Bliss
Hire a coordinator! We are there as advocates for the couple making sure pricing, contracts and details are all in line. We pride ourselves on our experience in the industry and extensive vendor relationships, allowing us to produce top rated weddings year after year. One of the most important items we discuss with our brides and grooms in the early stages of planning is budget planning. Before booking a venue or vendors, it is very important to set a budget. This budget will provide couples with a backbone for the entire wedding planning process. Couples can look at spaces and vendors with the understanding of what they can afford, and rest easy throughout planning knowing their budget for the wedding is on track.
California
Joellen Pope ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Joellen Pope Weddings
Research what the costs are for hosting a wedding in the area you are considering. This will help you decide on a realistic budget for your wedding.
Joellen Pope Weddings
Research what the costs are for hosting a wedding in the area you are considering. This will help you decide on a realistic budget for your wedding.
California
Wenda Evans ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Always Perpekto!
Before you begin planning your dream wedding establish a realistic budget that will not put you in debt after the wedding.
Always Perpekto!
Before you begin planning your dream wedding establish a realistic budget that will not put you in debt after the wedding.
Hawaii
Leah Noble ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Hawaiian Eye Weddings
My advice to couples getting married is to find a wedding planner who has been in business more than five years and go over their portfolio with a fine tooth comb. When you find one you like, trust your instincts. A wedding coordinator who is prompt when answering your initial inquiry and followup questions will be the same way on your wedding day. Read all the reviews you can find online.
Hawaiian Eye Weddings
My advice to couples getting married is to find a wedding planner who has been in business more than five years and go over their portfolio with a fine tooth comb. When you find one you like, trust your instincts. A wedding coordinator who is prompt when answering your initial inquiry and followup questions will be the same way on your wedding day. Read all the reviews you can find online.
California
Peggy Kelley ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Timeless Celebrations
My tip is all about “dating”…remember your engagement time is a passage from single to married…it is a time of discovery, deepening your intimacy and most of all fun..Go on “Dates” where you DON’T talk about your wedding..have fun..be silly. Especially the Tuesday before your wedding day and your out of town guests start to arrive..create a “Special Date” night, I ask my grooms to be in charge of this date..I love the creative evening our romantic men create. This sets the tone for an amazing wedding week and day. Take the time and enjoy “being engaged”!
Timeless Celebrations
My tip is all about “dating”…remember your engagement time is a passage from single to married…it is a time of discovery, deepening your intimacy and most of all fun..Go on “Dates” where you DON’T talk about your wedding..have fun..be silly. Especially the Tuesday before your wedding day and your out of town guests start to arrive..create a “Special Date” night, I ask my grooms to be in charge of this date..I love the creative evening our romantic men create. This sets the tone for an amazing wedding week and day. Take the time and enjoy “being engaged”!
California
Fearon DeWeese ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Fearon May Events
Plan one night a week to be your wedding planning night. This is the night that you can go over things with your fiancé, make your appointments with vendors and focus on what needs to be done. I always say “Wedding Wednesday” sounds good. If you have one night a week set aside to tackle your wedding to do list it seems easier to accomplish than letting it overwhelm you all week. Hiring a wedding planner will also help keep you on track and give you a to do list for each week.
Fearon May Events
Plan one night a week to be your wedding planning night. This is the night that you can go over things with your fiancé, make your appointments with vendors and focus on what needs to be done. I always say “Wedding Wednesday” sounds good. If you have one night a week set aside to tackle your wedding to do list it seems easier to accomplish than letting it overwhelm you all week. Hiring a wedding planner will also help keep you on track and give you a to do list for each week.
Florida
Christie Sachse ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Yours Truly Weddings
Make sure you book early for your beach wedding as the summer gets booked early. Saturdays are the most popular but we perform them seven days a week. Let us help you make your beach wedding a very special day for you.
Yours Truly Weddings
Make sure you book early for your beach wedding as the summer gets booked early. Saturdays are the most popular but we perform them seven days a week. Let us help you make your beach wedding a very special day for you.
Florida
Linda Guaida ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Forever In Love
The best advice I can give couples planning their wedding is to start with a budget first. When you don’t know what your limit is, the cost can get out of hand very quickly.
Forever In Love
The best advice I can give couples planning their wedding is to start with a budget first. When you don’t know what your limit is, the cost can get out of hand very quickly.
Michigan
Kimberly Moore ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Events & Moore
Be sure to ask your groom what he wants as part of the wedding. Be willing to have that thing be a part of your planning. It’s his day too! Also make sure that you include his mom in some of your planning. She will be less controlling if she sees what you are envisioning for your day.
Events & Moore
Be sure to ask your groom what he wants as part of the wedding. Be willing to have that thing be a part of your planning. It’s his day too! Also make sure that you include his mom in some of your planning. She will be less controlling if she sees what you are envisioning for your day.
Michigan
Ann Wright ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Events To Remember
Hire a Certified Event Planner, you will be able to relax more knowing that all of your desires are in capable hands. People that have received their certification in the area of Wedding or Event planning have put in the ground work with their certifications. They take your event and their business seriously!
Events To Remember
Hire a Certified Event Planner, you will be able to relax more knowing that all of your desires are in capable hands. People that have received their certification in the area of Wedding or Event planning have put in the ground work with their certifications. They take your event and their business seriously!
FLORIDA
Michele Butler ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Michele Butler Events
We always suggest first and foremost that our couples surround themselves with calming and happy influences on their wedding days. Wedding days can be stressful enough. It helps to have the best of the best around you. Our last piece of advice to our couples before their wedding day is to enjoy. To be sure to take mental pictures throughout the day so that they can take it all in. And not to sweat the small stuff. That’s why you’ve hired a wedding planner. Hopefully we see anything that went wrong before you did. And if not, we will handle it right away. That’s why you have us. And to remember the reason you’re here. To marry the person you love. Nothing else should really matter.
Michele Butler Events
We always suggest first and foremost that our couples surround themselves with calming and happy influences on their wedding days. Wedding days can be stressful enough. It helps to have the best of the best around you. Our last piece of advice to our couples before their wedding day is to enjoy. To be sure to take mental pictures throughout the day so that they can take it all in. And not to sweat the small stuff. That’s why you’ve hired a wedding planner. Hopefully we see anything that went wrong before you did. And if not, we will handle it right away. That’s why you have us. And to remember the reason you’re here. To marry the person you love. Nothing else should really matter.
CALIFORNIA
Adrienne Bardos ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Lasting Memories Events
As I have been in some form of the wedding business for 10 plus years now, I have truly seen many changes in the industry. Trends come and go with this industry just as much as fashion. The best advice I have for all bride’s and groom’s is be true to who you both are. Your wedding is a reflection on each of you. Develop your wedding around that. If you aren’t sure what that is, then hire a professional wedding planner to give you ideas. Now, I am not just talking about your style; be it rustic, elegant, vintage, rock n roll, etc. I am talking about the whole event. The music can be a reflection of the two of you. The food needs to fit your personality. The fun extras like games, photo booth, caricature artist, thank you favor, desserts, s’mores bar, popcorn bar…whatever highlights you two together , well make it an amazing part of your celebration! This is YOUR BIG DAY, let each guest walk away knowing exactly who they were there to celebrate!
Lasting Memories Events
As I have been in some form of the wedding business for 10 plus years now, I have truly seen many changes in the industry. Trends come and go with this industry just as much as fashion. The best advice I have for all bride’s and groom’s is be true to who you both are. Your wedding is a reflection on each of you. Develop your wedding around that. If you aren’t sure what that is, then hire a professional wedding planner to give you ideas. Now, I am not just talking about your style; be it rustic, elegant, vintage, rock n roll, etc. I am talking about the whole event. The music can be a reflection of the two of you. The food needs to fit your personality. The fun extras like games, photo booth, caricature artist, thank you favor, desserts, s’mores bar, popcorn bar…whatever highlights you two together , well make it an amazing part of your celebration! This is YOUR BIG DAY, let each guest walk away knowing exactly who they were there to celebrate!
NEVADA
Angelica McDonnell ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Green Orchid Events
Your guests have attended weddings before, but they have never attended YOUR wedding! During your planning process don’t forget to include personal elements that are a true reflection of who you are as a couple. You can incorporate these elements with your menu, music, signature cocktail, décor, activities, etc. Think of where your first date was, what your home looks like, where you shop, where you have traveled, etc. for inspiration on making your wedding a reflection of you! Don’t over think any step along the way and if you aren’t passionate about it or have to think twice about it, then don’t do it!
Green Orchid Events
Your guests have attended weddings before, but they have never attended YOUR wedding! During your planning process don’t forget to include personal elements that are a true reflection of who you are as a couple. You can incorporate these elements with your menu, music, signature cocktail, décor, activities, etc. Think of where your first date was, what your home looks like, where you shop, where you have traveled, etc. for inspiration on making your wedding a reflection of you! Don’t over think any step along the way and if you aren’t passionate about it or have to think twice about it, then don’t do it!
CALIFORNIA
Tina Li ~ Wedding and Event Planner
In The Clouds Events
My number one advice for couples planning their wedding is to set a realistic budget and discuss all the details with each other to figure out their wedding priorities. The wedding is the first major decision a couple will face together. Don’t fight over the wedding! It’s just one day! You have to focus on the union, the marriage, the growing old together.
In The Clouds Events
My number one advice for couples planning their wedding is to set a realistic budget and discuss all the details with each other to figure out their wedding priorities. The wedding is the first major decision a couple will face together. Don’t fight over the wedding! It’s just one day! You have to focus on the union, the marriage, the growing old together.
Washington
Jen Babbitt ~ Wedding and Event Planner
Paradox Productions
We have officially entered the age of the smartphone and social media addiction, and God knows all of your wedding guests will come phone in tow ready to snap, snap, snap and post, post, post! They’ll shoot your ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner hour, dance party, every special moment between you and your new spouse, as well as way cute pics of them with each other, and you enjoying your big day. So why not capitalize on all these novice photogs, aka your wedding guests? Thanks to the brand new meaning our generation has given the #hashtag, we can now stick this lovely symbol in front of anything and create a searchable category within Instagram and Twitter. Well finally my dear, this little trick is catching on at weddings! Here’s what you do… Simply take the # symbol, choose a personalized wedding related tag and stick that tag behind the symbol. Warning: No symbols are allowed in the tag itself, so skip the j&j wedding tag, and spell out the words girlfriend! Once you’ve done that, BAM… You now have a candid online wedding gallery!! The trick with weddings is making sure the tag is personalized enough so it doesn’t get lumped into a larger category, forcing you to sift through bazillions of random photos… Annoying! For example, I was married to my lovely husband Justin in 2012… A couple of fun and original hashtags for us might be, #jpartyof2 or #doublejwedding2012. It might not be that easy for you though considering how saturated this media source has become this past year, but it can still be done with styyyle. The best way to be sure you have a tag that’s truly personalized to you is to jump on Instagram really quick, type in your potential tags and see if they’ve already been used. After you two select the perfect hashtag for your big day, make a couple signs so guests know how to tag their pics. Maybe a large chalkboard sign at the entrance of the ceremony that can be transitioned into the reception space, as well as a few cardstock signs for the guest tables or other key tables throughout the reception area. If you’re still early on in the planning stages, you can even include your # on your save the dates, or invitations. It’s funny, once guests know they’re pics are going to be used for such a cool purpose, they almost see it as incentive to take awesome pics! Talk about amazing for you… Your wedding photos just grew from the 6 hours you booked with your professional photographer, to that plus 100’s more snapped by your wedding guests! Yes, I know there are some couples who are really not into the idea of having the professional photographs of their ceremony filled with smartphones raised to the sky, so just hold off on the sign at the ceremony site if that’s you. But let’s be honest, I don’t think any of us leave home without our electronic leash anymore, thus the likelihood of them rearing their smart lil heads at your wedding is inevitable. Now, thanks to the wonderful hashtag and ever addictive social media, they can finally serve an actual purpose at your wedding… Free photos for you!!! #snappostcheers
Paradox Productions
We have officially entered the age of the smartphone and social media addiction, and God knows all of your wedding guests will come phone in tow ready to snap, snap, snap and post, post, post! They’ll shoot your ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner hour, dance party, every special moment between you and your new spouse, as well as way cute pics of them with each other, and you enjoying your big day. So why not capitalize on all these novice photogs, aka your wedding guests? Thanks to the brand new meaning our generation has given the #hashtag, we can now stick this lovely symbol in front of anything and create a searchable category within Instagram and Twitter. Well finally my dear, this little trick is catching on at weddings! Here’s what you do… Simply take the # symbol, choose a personalized wedding related tag and stick that tag behind the symbol. Warning: No symbols are allowed in the tag itself, so skip the j&j wedding tag, and spell out the words girlfriend! Once you’ve done that, BAM… You now have a candid online wedding gallery!! The trick with weddings is making sure the tag is personalized enough so it doesn’t get lumped into a larger category, forcing you to sift through bazillions of random photos… Annoying! For example, I was married to my lovely husband Justin in 2012… A couple of fun and original hashtags for us might be, #jpartyof2 or #doublejwedding2012. It might not be that easy for you though considering how saturated this media source has become this past year, but it can still be done with styyyle. The best way to be sure you have a tag that’s truly personalized to you is to jump on Instagram really quick, type in your potential tags and see if they’ve already been used. After you two select the perfect hashtag for your big day, make a couple signs so guests know how to tag their pics. Maybe a large chalkboard sign at the entrance of the ceremony that can be transitioned into the reception space, as well as a few cardstock signs for the guest tables or other key tables throughout the reception area. If you’re still early on in the planning stages, you can even include your # on your save the dates, or invitations. It’s funny, once guests know they’re pics are going to be used for such a cool purpose, they almost see it as incentive to take awesome pics! Talk about amazing for you… Your wedding photos just grew from the 6 hours you booked with your professional photographer, to that plus 100’s more snapped by your wedding guests! Yes, I know there are some couples who are really not into the idea of having the professional photographs of their ceremony filled with smartphones raised to the sky, so just hold off on the sign at the ceremony site if that’s you. But let’s be honest, I don’t think any of us leave home without our electronic leash anymore, thus the likelihood of them rearing their smart lil heads at your wedding is inevitable. Now, thanks to the wonderful hashtag and ever addictive social media, they can finally serve an actual purpose at your wedding… Free photos for you!!! #snappostcheers
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