Risa James Events

13/07/2023

Today I want to talk about my other new package offering: Timeline Preparation.

When should you reach out to me for timeline preparation?

Approximately 10-12 weeks before your wedding. By that point you should know the basic details of your wedding and have all your vendors hired.

What will the process be like?

After the contract is signed and the deposit is paid, I’ll send you a questionnaire to fill out. Then we’ll schedule a 90-minute phone call to go over the questionnaire and give me the overall rundown on what you have planned for your wedding.

After our initial call, I will create a draft timeline, which we will further refine. We’ll trade emails to pin down open questions, and I’ll communicate with your vendors to get relevant information from them.

Once the timeline is finalized, you’ll receive a PDF copy of both the full timeline (with all behind-the-scenes info in it) and an abridged version that only has the highlights (ideal for sharing with family and friends). You’ll also receive a set of timelines customized for each vendor.

Is 10 hours enough time to prepare a timeline?

I keep track of all the time I spend on various tasks for my wedding planning and coordination clients. Some couples have more complicated weddings than others, but on average, I spend 10 hours preparing the timeline for my coordination couples. I use a paid timeline software product that streamlines the process for me and creates an easy-to-read finished PDF.

What if we decide after working together that we need your help on our wedding day to run the show for us?

Depending on my availability, you will have the option to upgrade to my wedding management & coordination package at any point along the way. The price you pay for the Timeline Preparation package will be applied to the fee for the upgraded package. You’ll end up paying roughly the same amount that you would have if you had hired me for wedding management & coordination from the beginning.

Got a different question? My DMs are open!

11/07/2023

Last week I announced two new packages I’m offering for couples who don’t have the budget to accommodate a full-service planner or even wedding management & coordination: my timeline consultation and timeline preparation packages. Today, I want to provide more details about timeline consultation.

When should you book a timeline consultation with me? It depends on your overall goals.

If you want to get started on the right foot and book all the rest of your vendors for the appropriate amount of hours, schedule a timeline consultation as soon as you have your date and location settled. These two details matter because I work backwards from sunset in order to make sure we’re making the most of the light. This doesn’t only apply to fall and winter weddings. Even in the summer, I want to make sure your golden hour photos fit into the plan.

If you’re getting close to your wedding and you feel like you don’t have a solid plan in place, the timeline consultation call can also help you. We can talk through what you have planned, and I can provide guidance as to how you should organize it and how much time you should allot to each item.

Can your photographer or DJ prepare a timeline for you?

Yes, but they will focus more heavily on their area of expertise (as well they should). I offer a more holistic view of your wedding, and can provide guidance on everything from guest arrival to hair & makeup to how much buffer time to build into the timeline.

Will you end up with a completed timeline after our call?

No, that’s covered by the Timeline Preparation package. With consultation, you get guidance and can ask questions. But you’ll still have to prepare your own timeline. The consultation option is ideal for DIY couples. You don’t know what you don’t know, because you’ve never done this before. But I can steer you in the right direction, point out potential pitfalls in your plan, and provide suggestions for improvement.

Got a different question? My DMs are open!

23/02/2023

Just got some sneak peeks from Monday’s styled shoot, and I already had a hard time deciding which ones to feature first!

One of my favorite things about styled shoots is having the chance to assemble an Avengers-level ensemble of my favorite wedding pros. Shoot day felt like hanging out with friends, because that’s just what it was!

Thanks to everyone who made this shoot awesome! Go show this team some love and give them a follow for some of the dreamiest content on IG ❤️

Venue/catering/bar:
Photography:
Videography:
Florals:
Lounge & decor rentals:
Linen & tabletop rentals:
Cake & pastries:
Balloon arches:
Design & planning:
Models: .slp

16/12/2021

16/12/2021

In case you're not following me on Instagram - here's the video of me announcing the arrival of my new book! How to Plan a Wedding: A Roadmap to Guide You from Engagement to "I Do" is now available for purchase on Amazon! I'm still waiting for the e-book version to be approved, so it's just the paperback at the moment. But I'll post a link to the Amazon listing as soon as both versions are available.