Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be this unspoken expectation that success in the wedding industry means ‘luxury’. I’ve been in this industry for 18 years and have made some amazing connections with vendors that service all markets.
Personally, I have felt so much pressure (mostly internal) to reach for success in the luxury market. The travel, the budgets, the people…it all seems so cool! And it probably is!
As I’ve spent the last few weeks out of the office for fun and remote work, I’ve really taken some time to think through this idea…and look internally to find my definition of success.
Just like in real estate, there are agents who work with luxury homes, those that work in the middle range, and those that sell/represent budget properties.
Agents can experience the same success in all 3 markets even though they look really different. I’ve never really thought anything different of that profession.
What I’ve come to recognize is that success isn’t about the biggest budgets or the most feature-able clients. It’s really about joy and satisfaction. For some vendors that is working with exclusive clients with larger budgets. For others, it’s about helping people stretch their dollar and get crafty. For me, it’s about partnering with couples who want to create an experience that is a reflection of who they are in the world. It’s about love, connection, beauty, celebration, and joy.
You see, I’m like the realtor that’s working with the family looking for their forever home. The one that gives you allllthefeels and that you see your future in. For me, that’s success.
If you’re a wedding vendor, is this something you have also struggled with? How do you define success for YOU?
Cover photo: @kelseaholderphoto - Happy (almost) Anniversary to two of my favorite clients ever. I love you Mayberry’s!
There are MANY reasons to hire a professional wedding planner!
Here are 3 that many don’t think about but are invaluable to the process -
1. Professional planners have a vast network of vendors in all styles and price points. Trust their recommendations. Not only does their expertise save you time, in the end, it will get you a better value for your dollar.
2. Just like buying a house, you can probably figure it out on your own by watching videos, reading articles, etc. but why spend the time doing that when you can hire a professional to guide you through the likely once in a life time experience? You’ll enjoy the process so much more!
3. Navigating family dynamics can be rough. With so many people (parents, siblings, bridal party) emotionally invested in the day, it can be challenging. Hiring a planner creates a neutral partner whose only investment is in giving you (and your loved ones) the best day of your life!
What other factors did you consider in making your decision about hiring a planner?
Cover photo: @ashleycarlascio
#weddingplanner #seatingchart
So often couples focus on the financial cost of vendors they are considering. I would invite you to focus on the total value. Not just the cost of their product or service, but the value they can add through their presence.
After almost 2 decades in this industry, we have worked with all kinds of personalities in all kinds of environments. You can literally feel the magic when your vendor team is connected and in sync, not just with each other, but with you! The energy is palpable. 😍
As professionals, your vendors (should) always deliver, but, if you take things a step further and consider how you will feel interacting with these people on one of the most important days of your life, that is a value that can’t be monetized.
You spend so much time thinking about the guests that you want there (or don’t want there)… I would consider it equally important to pick vendors who you will be excited to see. Vendors that make you feel heard, supported, and safe.
It’s not to say that your wedding won’t be fantastic if you focus more on generic criteria. But how amazing would it be to feel like everyone at your wedding is a friend. 👯♀️
This is my BTS video of @katekennedyweddings and her usual wedding day shenanigans.
Cover photo: @katekennedyweddings
#weddingplanner #weddingpro
Top 3 tips for planning a wedding or event ⬇️⬇️⬇️
1. Decide on your guest list and budget.
Don’t just talk about it, put pen to paper. Often, the numbers shift once you start really putting the work in.
2. Identify your top 2-3 priorities.
Planning large scale events require many choices and if you start the process with your top must haves, then it helps you make decisions along the way.
3. Consider your team.
Just like any industry, professionals make the process easier and often a more positive experience. From planners, to caterers, and even DJ’s/Bands, your money, and time, go further when you trust the people with expertise.
While hiring a planner used to be considered a luxury, I look at it like a realtor’s role in the house buying process. These are milestone events. Sure, you can read articles, watch videos, and probably purchase a house on your own, but would you really want to risk your time and financial investment?
Professional planners know the ins and outs of what events take, what vendors provide, and are experts in relationships and time management. They make the process more enjoyable and deliver a more polished end product. And just like a realtor, they become a trusted partner in the process.
#weddingplanner #protip
Often, people say to me, “I could never do what you do!” Whether it be because of the level of organization or detail, the emotions of the people invested in the day, the budgets, etc., to some, our job seems ‘overwhelming’.
The reality is it’s REALLY FREAKING FUN! And for me, this feels like a calling. I get to use my skills and talents to help make one of a lifetime events happen. How freakin cool is that. It is such an honor!
Yes, it is exhausting, often emotional, and we’re always dehydrated and likely hungry. Most of the time we haven’t gone to the bathroom in 8-10 hours. Yes, there are hard moments, and there are people that take a bit more energy than others…but it has never made me question if this is where I should be.
If you are getting married, you should look for vendors who LOVE what they do. After all, we are at a party…for our job! 🎉
Vendors - what do you think?!?
#weddingplanner #weddingindustry
PRO TIP: Occasionally we have clients who just want to get the engagement shoot done and out-of-the-way for the save the dates.
Our recommendation is that you spend a little time deciding on the Photographer that you want to shoot your wedding day and schedule an e-sesh with them.
Not only will you get a taste of how you look through their lens… But you’ll start creating a connection that will absolutely make a difference on your wedding day! You spend the most time with your photographer on your wedding day…make sure you like them!
#weddingplanner #weddingadvice
PRO TIP: Occasionally we have clients who just want to get the engagement shoot done and out-of-the-way for the save the dates.
Our recommendation is that you spend a little time deciding on the Photographer that you want to shoot your wedding day and schedule an e-sesh with them.
Not only will you get a taste of how you look through their lens… But you’ll start creating a connection that will absolutely make a difference on your wedding day! You spend the most time with your photographer on your wedding day…make sure you like them!
#weddingplanner #weddingadvice
Getting into the Christmas Spirit at the annual Avenue of Lights in Orland, CA. Such a sweet, small town tradition with my 3 favorite people! ❤️🎄✨
#smalltownchristmas #tistheseason #happyholidays #avenueoflights #christmaslights
Check out these moments of sweetness captured at yesterday's wedding by @musejuiceweddings!!!
CONGRATS again to Christine and Matt!!! xoxo
#Repost @musejuiceweddings
・・・
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Freitas! It was such a beautiful day and a wonderful celebration!
Follow facebook.com/MuseJuiceMedia to watch Matt and Christine's wedding highlight film as soon as it's released!
Venue: @whiteranchevents
Wedding Coordinator: @cesweddingsandevents
#tourdefreitas #weddingvideo #rusticwedding #weddinginspiration #sacramentowedding #weddingvideographer #chicowedding #whiteranchevents #cesweddingsandevents
While we were up in the canyon...@alisha_cesevents and her team were at a beautiful backyard wedding in #chico!!! Check out this video of the father/daughter dance!!!
#Repost @alisha_cesevents
・・・
This bride and her dad rocked their #fatherdaughterdance!
#ericandkellie #cesweddingsandevents #weddingcoordinator #chicoweddings #chicoweddingdj #trecreative #kinderschico
#whoopwhoop Jessica Smith!!!! It's CUPCAKE time!!!! Email us at [email protected] to claim your prize from #deninescupcakes!
#winner #cesweddingsandevents #weddingcoordinator #weddingplanner #chicoca #chico #reddingca #redding
Hava Nagila Part 2! I could watch this all day!!!! #naomiandjon #cesweddings #chicoweddings #jewishwedding #celebration #reception
Jul 19, 2013 8:19am
Here's another treat from Sarah and Lucas' beautiful backyard wedding! Enjoy!
Be sure to **LIKE** Chico Event Specialists for more great tips and ideas!!!