Northern California Wedding Planner | Planning ahead

Just the other day, a good vendor friend of ours mentioned that she had no idea that planners handled so many of the details - to which we thought maybe we should share a bit more about the behind the scenes work that goes into a wedding. If we only share what fits into a small Instagram caption, how can clients and vendors alike learn about what planners do? So here is trip down the planning lane.

Photo by TreCreative

First, we will preface by saying that every wedding is very very different from the next and no two events are the same because of the variables from location, season, budget, vendor team, style, guest count etc. Second, no matter which “package” a couple books - our role is to help you plan ahead for each phase of planning and to help present solutions along the way.

Photo by Gretchen Granka

From a full planning & design stand point we jump into planning details with a master planning session where we will get into many details from style inspirations, likes/dislikes, must-haves, preferences on food & beverage to the textures and palette that you envision and go into vendor recommendations so that we can curate a vendor team who will work seamlessly together on your event. Throughout the project we are going to walk you through the various phases and transitions of your event so everything from rehearsal, getting ready, set-up, decor, food & beverage service elements, reception formalities, open dancing, send off down to the strike (breakdown) of the event. The draft master timeline is our living document of your wedding so it will start with the foundation of sunset and hours of photography coverage then we work our way backwards to determine when you and your wedding party will need to be camera ready.

Photo by Sarah Tamagni Photography

Planning comes in waves, so while some of our check-in calls may be spent on decor or invitations we may have a whole meeting on site logistics like restrooms rentals, power, heating/cooling, parking, lighting, garbage, neighborhood sound ordinances etc. Those logistics are so important when hosting events in a private space that doesn’t already have the built-in infrastructure that a typical venue would include. As we near your event, you will have less on your planning plate so you can instead focus on how you will spend time with your friends and family while they are here for your big day! We use a checklist so that our couples can see where they are in their planning process at any time.

Aside from your timeline, we put a lot of focus into your layout because this will be where all of the vendors working on your event will be able to ensure they have what they need factored into your space. If we know that for your live band they need 4 dedicated outlets or a minimum of 15 ft clearance for their stage set-up we can build around those details.

Your day is about the personal details, so our team will work with you on your ceremony processional order, song selections, vows, reception formalities, dances, toasts and more so that your whole day flows in fluidly and organically. The timeline should be created with not only your preferences but timing that works for your whole team so that everyone is set up for success and they can do their absolute best for you. Meaning we get feedback on the timeline as we build it but we are also able to improvise on the day-of as needed. If you are still bustling your dress - we have an announcement ready for the DJ to remind guests to refill their drink at the bar before they take their seat and we give the caterer a heads up not to pull lids yet; it’s all about communication!

Photo by Matthew Lim Photography

Well friends that was a snapshot of the behind the scenes world of wedding planning but we could go on forever about all of our favorite planning milestones. In 2020 much of our work was focused on finding alternative dates or locations for couples, researching best practices for modifications and adjusting plans to the micro-wedding scale and we were glad that we were able to ease some of the stress for our couples. With 2021 being right around the corner we have a lot of excitement to bring in the new year and to get back to planning pretty gatherings again!

~ Happy Planning~
The 530 Bride

Northern California Wedding Planner | The Good Stuff

In the thick of wedding season, it could be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of email inboxes, layouts, to-do lists and budgets .. but the special moments when couples get a little watery in the eyes thinking of their ceremony details or when they see their engagement photos come back; that’s the good stuff!

Photo by AVH Photography

You see, it is so personal and special to be a part of this experience with our couples. We are there for the big decisions down to the smallest of the details, the phone calls and texts with advice and support through every planning milestone. Even for the couples who book with us a few months out before their wedding after they have made the majority of the decisions, realize the benefit to having someone to advocate on their behalf while bringing the details together in the final weeks.

We find ourselves telling our couples how fast the wedding day truly will fly by and we want to help them enjoy every moment of it. So the more we can do to take your focus off of the “stuff” and put it back on your experience, and being present with your fiance, friends & family - that’s what matters most.

When we meet with our couples and potential clients we will be able to help you prioritize the details that will actually impact your day and streamline the rest. Our goal is to also make sure that all of the event partners who are a part of your day (photographer, videographer, hair & make-up, transportation, florist, caterer, DJ and venue for example) are all set up for success as well. This helps to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that you know the details are handled!

Sometimes the biggest impact of all, is the ability for the parents of the couple and their immediate family to be able to relax and know that everything is in place for the big day which allows them to be able to relax and enjoy as well. This sweet note below is from a bride’s mom at a recent wedding and it touched our hearts:

“Dear Veronica, Thank you so much for all of your guidance & help to make Jade & Mark’s wedding perfect for them! You were the super glue that held it all together. Also, holding my peace of mind in check with your amazing timeline. Anxiety comes from fear of the unknown. When we organize our plans & see it in writing, it helps so much. You came into our lives quickly, but made a long lasting impression. So grateful you helped Jade navigate the dog situation and went above & beyond in delivering our leftovers to our home. The 530 Bride is amazing!”

— Julie A.

So no matter how close you are to your wedding date we hope you will consider having a wedding planner or wedding management/coordination team support you. If we are booked, we are always happy to provide recommendations of local and reputable planners who will do an amazing job for you.

~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Booking your glam squad

If you follow us on Instagram or if you’ve scrolled through our gallery here on our website you will see the work of so many dedicated professionals to ensure that every detail is above and beyond the couple’s wishes. We love seeing the wedding glow and “glammed” bridesmaids so this post is all about the glam squads that make sure couple’s look and feel their best!

Photo: Daffodilhill Photography

Why hire a professional?
We feel pretty strongly about hiring professionals for your wedding day, because they not only come prepared for just about anything, but they also have experience staying on track with the timeline! When you combine a room full of girls with the excitement of a wedding day it can be easy to get behind on the schedule without a plan in place.

Photo Matthew Lim Photography | Make-up Sam MacDonald

How to plan your hair & make-up timeline
Look over your list of bridesmaids, family members or other special guests at your wedding that will be getting ready with you. Determine who will need hair and make-up services and when they will need to be ready for photos.

You’ll also want to decide if your wedding party will have a specific style or if each style will be up to the individual, that way you can work with your hairstylist to see how long they need per person.
For make-up you will want to know who is getting full make-up vs eye make-up and how long you need to expect per person.

Then you will need to ask your stylists if they will have an assistant coming or if they will be doing all of the services one at a time. Remember these stylists are very skilled at what they do so as long as you let them know what time you all need to be camera ready they can determine when they should start.

Photo by EMK Photography

Look for the best lighting
You’ll want to make sure that where ever you plan on getting ready has a lot of natural light. This helps ensure that your make-up looks natural and picture perfect! This is also the best lighting for your photographer to capture those stunning bridal portraits.

Photography by Sunnie Heers | Hair by Allure Salon

As wedding planners we aren’t always able to be at your getting ready location so it gives us a lot more reassurance when we know you have a wonderful team there to support you before your ceremony. We do get to pop in to say hello and it is always so fun to see the glam happening with all of those pre-wedding butterflies!

We can’t wait to help you create a seamless wedding day timeline and if you need recommendations for hair and make-up artists we’ve got you covered!

~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Can you do it all?

When I talk to couples about planning their wedding there can be a lot of elements that they feel confident about doing on their own. It’s understandable to want to cut costs, and to want to feel connected to the details of your wedding. What some clients don’t realize is that you are going to have a lot on your plate in the weeks leading up to your wedding so you aren’t able to approach these projects with a lot of free time.

Photo: Grace Aston Photography

Even when you have an open schedule, you won’t be able to solve the age-old problem of being in two places at once. We find the most stressful situations that we hear about are when the couple has booked a venue for one day and have 12 to 15 hours total to bring in all of the decor, set-up - hold the event and then break down.

The reason we have our Wedding Management package is to help couples tie up these loose ends and organize some of these elements so that our team can handle placing the details and fine tuning everything while the couple enjoys getting ready with their wedding party or family. They get to walk down the aisle and look around at their venue with all of their special people surrounding them and not worry if everything is ready for cocktail hour and the reception.

So if you are considering doing some of the work yourself, here are some do’s and don’t’s:

Projects that you can tackle early on such as collecting the centerpiece vessels (wood boxes, vases, vintage books, lanterns, jars, etc) that you can take to your florist to use for the arrangements, or creating cute signs & photo prints that you want to place around your venue to personalize your space —> Yes!

Intricate details that need to be assembled on the day of your wedding at each of the 150+ place settings —> No!

Seating charts and escort cards when your guest count is finalized two weeks out —> Yes!

Anything that can melt or wilt (flowers, cake, desserts, bags of ice) etc —> No!

Custom sign-in books, welcome table signs, keepsakes and other handmade items —> Yes!

Cleaning-up/Breaking down the tables, chairs, linens, rentals and garbage on your wedding night —> No!

To learn more about how we can help you have a stress-free wedding day, we can get started with a complimentary consultation!

~ Happy Planning!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Wedding Day Roles & Responsibilities

So who does what on your wedding day?  This can be confusing, and sometimes you just don't know what needs to be done in the first place..read on for just 5 of the many roles that are essential for a seamless wedding day!

Photo by Daffodil Hill Photography

It's scientifically proven that you can't be in two places at once so how can you reduce the stress of making sure that everything is done according to plan on your wedding day? This question should be considered long before you hire your wedding vendors, because if you select a venue, caterer or rental company who does not set-up the tables & chairs or handle any of the labor - you'll need a small army to take on the task.  Want the short version? -- > Meet with a wedding planner who can help you book full service professionals! 

1) Tables and chairs - This is one that seems to sneak up on people because you may have only considered that you need 150 chairs for your guest count, but will you need to rent two sets (ceremony + reception) or have one set that needs to be moved over during cocktail hour? Table set-up is straightforward in theory but you do want to ensure that all of the tables are spaced evenly and leave enough room for chairs/guest movement. A full service caterer is well equipped with an efficient staff to handle the set-up and break-down of tables, chairs and food service areas for your event. 

2) Centerpieces & Decor - We love when couples personalize their wedding by incorporating design elements that are authentic to them as well as photos and signage. As wedding planners we assist with overseeing the placement of your rentals and putting the final touches & personal decor together for your welcome table, ceremony area, guest tables etc. 
Tip: Try to hold back the temptation to go crazy on Etsy, Amazon, Pinterest and other rabbit holes so that you won't need a U-Haul just for all of your decor.  We recommend finding focal points that have an impact and being conservative with extra items - sometimes less is more! 

3) Guest tables - You probably have an idea where we are going with this by now - but it is imperative that you have a catering staff on board who is prepared with the correct event details, brings adequate staffing, and will handle bussing/clearing plates & garbage etc.  Don't get left with plates piled high at your guest tables and dishes to wash for 150 guests, that's not cool.

4) Pop Fizz Clink - Thinking of your wedding has you reaching for the champagne bottle - but hold that thought! What will your guests be drinking out of (glassware or disposables?) and who will be providing/delivering/stocking/serving and last but not least - cleaning up your bar? 
Be sure to double check with your venue about required license/insurance requirements for the bartender. 

5) Order of events - A wedding day goes by so fast and there is only so much lighting to go around, having an organized timeline including all of the photos that you are planning to incorporate is important.  Your wedding planner and photographer will work together on the timeline details along with your DJ and caterer to ensure that everyone is on the same page.  Your wedding planner will be there to cue each element (ceremony processional, wedding party introductions, toasts etc) while your DJ will be the emcee to keep guests informed throughout the evening. 

We hope these 5 wedding day responsibilities are helpful for you, and that you have a rockstar team to handle the details! If you have questions about tasks or need more information to organize your vendors feel free to reach out or leave a comment below! 
~ Happy Planning!~ 

Northern California Wedding Planner | Logistic's For The Win

We've all heard that old saying - "practice makes perfect;" well when it comes to weddings we think it is the logistics that save the day! 

When you book your wedding venue or even when planning a wedding in your own back yard, you are taking a canvas and filling it with tables, chairs, DJ equipment, dance floor, buffet tables, a bar and much more.  Then the task becomes designing the space so that it is not only beautiful, but so that it is nice and open - no bottle necks of traffic at the bar or the buffet line and that everyone can see the events going on throughout the evening.  

Adding tools, features and resources to our planning packages not only improves efficiency on the backend but we know it gives couples the extra reassurance that all of the details are being managed.  When we sit down with our full service and design clients we are able to build the experience with them from day one!

This process takes vision, and critical thinking skills because we aren't always working with a cookie cutter space.  We also have to consider power supply, lighting, level ground and the logistics for catering to prep and serve the food.  Sometimes we sketch the space and give an outline of the set-up after walking through the space, and getting to hear more about your vision.  Then we can apply these sketches and the couple's wish into a more detailed floor plan design that we can share with all of the vendors ahead of time. 

Need to figure out how many extra uplights to add on with your DJ? Let's see those lights in action and plan out your space accordingly.  Visualize where the guests will be when the reception is underway!

Aside from the planning of the space we also build your timeline so that you can make the most of your day.  We don't want to waste any precious moments due to something that could be prevented such as transportation problems, lighting or venue access.  

Our couples can log into their planning dashboard and have 24/7 access to their timeline, guest list, budget, design studio and planning checklist among many other helpful tools!

When your guest count changes so does your rental order, catering invoice, floor plan and transportation schedule.  Having a wedding planner on board to communicate with all of the event partners you have booked will save you time and ultimately give you a smoother wedding experience overall.  

Are you considering hiring a wedding planner for your special day? We would love to learn more about your vision and help you create the logistics to make it all happen!

~ Happy Planning! ~ 

Northern California Wedding Planner | Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Hey there Spring! It's been an exciting last few weeks of wedding prep for our spring weddings and now that we are in full on wedding mode we also have planning sessions for our fall 2018 weddings and our 2019 couples.  So what that means is we are working on finding the perfect event partners for our couples from caterers, florists, bakers, DJ's and everything in between.  

If you've been reading our blog you know that we feel strongly about connecting with your wedding team, and that when you are making these decisions it truly is not just a matter of price.  Photo and video teams are going to spend a significant amount of time with you on your wedding day so it's important to vibe with them.  

Photo by Felix Russell-Saw on Unsplash

Regardless of how many months or even year(s) out you are from your wedding day, you may start hearing this phrase quite often "it is your day" or "whatever you like" because it's true we can't simply pick a list of people that we like and expect it to match all of your specific preferences.  However if the process of making all of these decisions feels overwhelming than by all means ask your wedding planner to give you their narrowed down preferred vendor list.

For this example, we will assume you are starting from scratch in the photographer search and we will take you through our process for finding the right photographer for your wedding!
 

Photography Style/Editing 

When our couples are looking for photographers we send them a list of several styles of photography to see which direction they are leaning towards, that could be a natural light photographer who has a lot of light/bright and colorful photos or a photographer who does a darker moodier edit. 

Photo by Petr Ovralov on Unsplash

Sometimes we find that couple's aren't set on a specific type of edit but rather the style in which the photographer shoots portraits (posed vs more candid shots) etc.  If you love that one photographer gets really unique angles and uses dramatic lighting and editing techniques then we know your list of photographers to meet with will be much different than a couple who really prefers soft natural light photos with minimal editing. 

Coverage

Now that you have narrowed down the style of photography that you are interested in, it is time to start thinking about your wedding day coverage and what your priorities are for photos.  This is important when you are comparing the number of hours included in wedding collections that you are considering. 

For example if you are looking at photographer A who you really love but are thinking of a 7 hour package, you will need to decide when their coverage would begin.  If sunset portraits are important to you then you can also look up with when the sunset is on your date and assume you will do sunset portraits 15-20 minutes before the sun actually sets.  Then work your way backward for the coverage start time.

If you ask us, we always recommend having at least 8 hours of coverage on your wedding day.  This allows you to plan your reception without feeling like you are rushing through all of the formalities to squeeze everything into a 6 or 7 hour photography timeline.

Pricing

We understand that your wedding budget is a real thing, and we want to provide you with options that make sense for your specific needs.  We help you narrow down the options to then reach out to the photographers and schedule a consultation or phone session so that you get to know them and understand more about the value they provide.  

If you have questions about choosing your wedding photographer feel free to reach out to us, we're always happy to help out!

Northern California Wedding Planner | Real Talk - Vendor Communication

Happy Spring! Today we're talking all about keeping up with communication during your wedding planning process and how a wedding planner can help you stay organized.  Let's assume you have anywhere from 5 to 10 wedding vendors from your venue, caterer, florist, DJ and rentals to bakers, tent company and stationery designer.  That's a lot of moving pieces!

As a wedding planner, communication is our top priority because when everyone is on the same page for your wedding day we know things will go smoothly as planned.  If details and updates aren't distributed across the board you can bet there will be a snag in the process which can ultimately cost you money if you need to add something that was missed, or an important detail isn't executed as promised.  It is imperative for your wedding vendors to work as a team, and we want to ensure that everyone is set up for success from day one.

Email communication 
As convenient as text messages are these days, it still isn't a professional form of communication and because texts are often very short and sweet it is always going to be more thorough to communicate via email.  This also will be helpful in the long run in case you need to look back through your previous emails to refresh your memory on a decision or update from a few months prior.  

Organized Master Timeline
Without an organized master timeline to serve as the main anchor point for your event, you could easily have several different variations of your wedding timeline with each vendor.  It doesn't seem like 10 minutes here and there make a big difference but when it comes to the caterer pulling lids off of the buffet and food being served fresh and hot, every minute counts.   We also want to make the most of your coverage with your photographer so giving enough time for formal portraits but keeping dinner and toasts running smoothly will ensure you have time for those dreamy sunset photos! 

Efficient Decision Making
A wedding planner can help present options to you in an efficient manner, making side by side comparisons based on your budget and preferences.  This will cut down on the back and forth emails to get the information you are looking for and can also streamline the time that it takes to book vendors.  Decision making was one of the 5 toughest things about planning according to WeddingWire

Details, Details, Details! 
We can only imagine what your day looks like inside your mind until we get to draw this out and break it down detail by detail.  This will ensure that no one is coming to you with questions on your wedding day while you are getting your hair and make-up done.  We will work with your vendors to review set up and breakdown details, and the smallest detail when it comes to your preferences. 

Managing your calendar
We want to assist you with making sure you know when appointments and payment due dates are with your vendors, when you need to have your final guest count, where and when you need to purchase event insurance and if desired we'll follow up on your behalf to ensure you receive your deposit back from your venue after your wedding. 

Planning Dashboard
Our couples have access to their personalized planning dashboard where they can access their wedding details 24/7.  They will have the ability to view and customize their planning checklist, master timeline, budget details, guest list, rsvp tracking, vendor contact info and contracts, design details and more.  This makes us happy wedding planners because we know they can relax knowing exactly where they are in the process. 

Every couple is different with respect to how involved they want to be in their day-to-day planning, so we have different packages and options to serve those needs individually.  We'd love to chat with you about your wedding plans even if are just looking for an extra set of hands on your wedding day.  

~ Happy Planning! 

Northern California Wedding Planner | How To Organize Your Wedding Details in Under 30 Days

Forget the countdown to Christmas, you're counting down to your wedding day and it is coming up fast.  Aside from watching the forecast you aren't quite sure what else you can do to prepare.  Often we come into the picture when a couple or their family decides that an extra set of hands and some organization would really help ensure that everyone can just enjoy the day without worrying.

Timeline - We love pretty things we do, and organizing the decor details will come but first it is so important to see all of the variables together on one timeline.  We take a few things into consideration: 

• Getting Ready - Where do you plan on getting ready before the ceremony? Will you put your dress on there or at your ceremony venue?
• Transportation - Are you taking transportation to the venue, if not how and when will you arrive to the venue.
• Photography Coverage - If you would like photos of your gown, shoes, accessories and invitations, this will need to happen prior to getting dressed.  So we look at how many hours of coverage you have and prioritize what they will cover if we are limited.  If you have a huge family - make sure to have a clear shots list with your photographer and account for that on your timeline.
• Access to Venue - We'll look at decor load in times and if any set-up can be done at the time of rehearsal, if not then we put together an outline of what items are arriving and where everything will be set-up.  This also includes what time everything needs to be cleaned up at the end of the night, so thorough communication with all event partners is key.
• Food & Beverage for Guests - Everything from what time ice needs to arrive for the kegs/bar items and water, to what appetizers are being served if any and if any additional items need to be brought in by the couple (example: ziplock bags or to-go containers for leftovers, disposable plates and forks for cake if caterer is not providing) 

Ceremony - This often comes together in the last few weeks so don't feel like you are too behind.  Now is the time to start deciding on the processional order of how your wedding party and any escorted guests will come down the aisle, and what music they will be accompanied by. 

• Any Special Readings/Traditions 
• Who will have the rings
• Who are your witnesses and when would you like them to sign the license
• Who will mail the license after the ceremony? - Make sure to get this in within 10 days of your ceremony!

Schedule a phone session with your officiant if needed to get an idea of how long the ceremony will be.  You don't want to give yourself 30 minutes on the timeline for the ceremony if its going to be done in 11 minutes flat! There are some great guides to planning your ceremony vows, we've linked to some here if you want to check them out.  (Download Link) 

Confirmations  & Final Details - You met with your caterer what 6 months ago? Did you have the correct dinner time listed on the consult sheet? Maybe something has changed, and now is the time for the timeline and confirmation calls with each of the event partners you've hired for your wedding day.  If you don't have a wedding coordinator yet, we strongly urge you to consider one even if only for the prep and hourly for assistance.  Otherwise, appoint a very organized friend who can assist with covering all of the bases.  Final headcount, rental numbers, song selections and announcements to shuttle pick up times and arrival time for hair and make-up - you name it, it needs to be confirmed.

Design - Alright, now to the pretty stuff! We'll sit down with the couple or go over their rental orders of what items they are having brought in and identify if any other items need to be on their packing list such as AA batteries for LED Pillar candles.  We encourage couples to take a mock picture of any tables they would like set-up in a specific way or make notes/instructions on the boxes they pack in.  So if you want 4 votive candles, one frame per table in addition to the centerpiece and table number - write it down.  This also helps for clean-up because the boxes will be labeled and super easy to pack back up.  So make sure you have even a basic sketch/idea of: 

• Floorplan and or seating chart layout
• Special items (toasting flutes, cake cutting set, card box, guestbook, memory table items, chair signs for newlyweds, etc) 
• Signage & Frames - Do you want these in a particular place or can these be styled at the discretion of who is setting up?
• Florals - What time are your bouquets arriving? Where - to your hotel room or the venue? Are your ceremony florals being used after the ceremony in another spot after the ceremony? If so, where are they moving and who is moving them?

Did you know that The 530 Bride offers a la carte services like set-up and break down for weddings, just to make this process a little easier? If you're 30-45 days away from your wedding date (or less) and could use some help, shoot us a message and we'd be happy to schedule a free consultation/therapy session haha.  In all seriousness, it's going to be fine! 

Northern California Wedding Planner | The Top 3 Scariest Wedding Tales

In true Halloween fashion, we've gathered up the three scariest tales for wedding days and hope to help couples avoid these coming true on their wedding day!

The Uncle Joe's

Despite the innocent appearing thought of having your friend's uncle Joe DJ, Photograph or even provide floral arrangements for your wedding, it can turn down right frightful very quickly.  This particular Uncle Joe claims to have over 10 years experience and "knows what he is doing."  What makes this so scary is that he isn't sharing what he is doing with anyone else, so no one is on the same page about what time to expect him there to set up, what he needs or what exactly he is providing.  Then since it's a friend of the family or your friend's uncle you feel between a rock and a hard place to complain or discuss your frustrations.  

The Mysterious No Shows

Two weeks before your wedding, you are chasing down RSVP's and making sure everyone has their hotel rooms booked (because they didn't book one under your room block..) and as you finally get these numbers confirmed with your caterer and rentals you feel like you are in the home stretch.  

Your cousin decides she wants to also get her hair done and you send a message to your hair stylist four days before the wedding to add one more to the headcount.  Oddly, you don't hear back but chalk it up to being a busy week and you move on to other tasks like making sure you have enough votive candles for each table and that your seating chart is spot on.   Fast forward to the morning of the wedding and you look at the clock, the hairstylist should have been here 20 minutes ago to set up. 

Someone confirmed with the hairstylist right? She knows which hotel you are staying at right?
We won't get into the gory details but without a timeline that has been distributed to each of the vendors and confirmed, how are you certain that everyone knows where to be and when to arrive? This is where a wedding planner comes in to play as we are checking in with your event team 6 weeks out and confirming once a timeline has been approved that all details are good to go.

The Death of The Timeline 

This last tale is one that has plagued couples in the past but can be easily avoided.  No one vendor runs the show, all have to work together to ensure that your day is smooth and that you make the most of it! So when we hear stories of the ceremony not starting on time because of hair and make-up, or dinner being late because the photography took longer to get all of the family shots, wedding party & and/or sunset etc we instantly ask *what did the timeline say? 
While a timeline is always meant as a guide and we don't force things to happen down to the minute, we do expect that all event partners are working together and that can only happen when all are following the same timeline.  

Don't let the sun go down and miss your sunset photos because toasts run 20 minutes longer than expected, plan ahead and consider who you would like to have toast then give this to the DJ.   

The moral of the story is to always hire professionals, have a point person *ahem* a wedding planner and discuss your wishes to everyone ahead of time.  You can have your dream wedding as long as you clearly tell others and plan to make this dream happen! 

~ Happy Halloween & Happy Planning~ 

Northern California Wedding Planner | Wedding Day Essentials

We keep our clients organized with a checklist during the planning process as we guide them to their wedding day, but the goal is to be done with all of those items before the week of the wedding.  So pin this easy list to your boards now, or post it on your fridge to remind yourself to keep it simple!

Despite what you see on The Knot or Pinterest, you don't need to do all the things and buy all the stuff.  Less is more when it comes to a wedding, it's about the experience and making memories with your guests! We keep our clients organized with a checklist during the planning process as we guide them to their wedding day, but the goal is to be done with all of those items before the week of the wedding. 

Here's our break down of the wedding day essentials: 

All of our wedding planning clients get to use our planning dashboard to keep them organized, plus it's so rewarding to check off all of the items on a to do list! We'll be posting tips on organizing your wedding planning so stay tuned!

~ Happy Planning ~ 

Northern California Wedding Planner | Creating Your Vendor Team

In the movies wedding planning sure looks glamorous! We won't lie there are some pretty great perks to being a wedding planner like being able to witness so many beautiful wedding days, surrounded by lovely florals and decor.  With that being said, the point we want to hit home is that no one vendor is solely capable of executing the logistics of a wedding day.  We are absolutely a team and we rely on other professionals to be experts at their craft.  We are sharing a handy guide on venue and vendor selection, so make sure to grab your free PDF.

Today we met with wedding vendors who each blew us away with their incredible passion for their profession and for serving couples.  A florist who can take a few inspiration photos and pull pieces that took the design to the next level and made the bride so excited about her upcoming wedding she was instantly glowing.  Later in the afternoon we met with a DJ who gave great advice about the floor plan and had excellent song recommendations to help the couple capture the energy and essence of their relationship into their reception.  While every wedding is unique, there are common practices for weddings and large events that are important to not only keep the event running smooth but to also enhance the couple's experience with their guests.

Wedding budgets can be tricky and understandably it is tempting to want to start cutting costs or to reach out to friends and family who have various connections or interests in related fields.  Personally, if I could give one piece of advice to couples it would be to hire professionals across the board.  While aunt Linda bakes excellent cakes for birthdays and family reunions, taking on your wedding cake is another ball game!

So what goes on behind the scenes amongst vendors? How do they communicate and who gets to decide what is happening when? Well first off, you are the client and can decide when you want to cut the cake! Aside from those details, the main goal is to make the most of your day (it goes by so fast!)  Our preference is to help couple's curate their vendor team based on budget and style preferences but often for event management and partial planning packages the majority of the vendors have already been selected.

When we communicate with your vendors we start to gather details like how many hours of service they are providing, when they will set-up/break-down and any needs they have from us.  From a wedding planner standpoint, I like to start with the photographer's timeline first based on the hours of coverage and where the bride will be getting ready.  Then if the photographer's assistant or (second shooter) is able to capture the groom and groomsmen portraits we build that in as well.  Once we have designated the coverage and ensured that you will get everything that you need covered such as getting ready shots, first look photos, all the way through bouquet & garter if you are opting for those.

For the most part we very rarely have major changes to make on the timeline, but once the timeline has been reviewed by the couple, photo & video team, hair and make-up, caterer and florist we can pass it along to the remaining vendors.  Now, if couples are using a family member or friend I will also call them and go over the timeline to ensure they understand the expectations.  By not voicing your specific needs to your friend or family member even if they are gifting their services, it can easily lead to miscommunication or disappointment if outcome wasn't what you expected.  

Every couple's priorities are different as far as where they want to allocate their budget. For example, If creating an incredible dining experience for your guests is the top of your list you should start with a full service catering who can staff and execute the event to your standard and discuss venue options that are suitable for this experience.  

Make sure to download our free vendor and venue selection guide, this handy PDF is a great starting point. 

~ Happy Planning~

Northern California Wedding Planner | For the Guys

When planning the master timeline, there is a lot of emphasis on the bride and her bridal party as we need to ensure we have a smooth hair and make-up timeline, everyone is where they are supposed to be and that no time is wasted between stepping into her gown to walking down the aisle.  What about the guys you ask? This one is for them!

Photos courtesy of Diane Nicole Photography

As a wedding planner, some of the questions that I ask when building the details for the timeline include:

1) Will you see each other before the ceremony? Meaning where will both parties be and do we need to make sure we have a buffer just in case?

2) Where will the grooms party stay the night before? Often the bridal party or the bride and a close friend or sister will stay together the night before but the groom may stay at home or have friends over.  *We typically get a blank stare at this point because these are details couple's haven't talked over yet! 

3) What will the groom and groomsmen be doing before the ceremony, when will they be getting dressed and where will they take their formal portraits.  Guys have had appointments at the barbers, bowled or even played a round of golf which made for some cool photos beforehand.
Some venues have separate bridal and grooms lounges so it makes it nice for getting ready but if your venue doesn't have this available make sure to consider travel times and your photography timeline so that you can ensure the groom will have time for portraits. 

Photos courtesy of Diane Nicole Photography

We love seeing the guys incorporate their style and personality into their attire and into the wedding itself.  These shots from Juan and Lindsey's Wedding in Live Oak photographed by Diane Nicole Photography are a perfect example of having fun! 

~ Happy Planning~

Timeline Tips | Part Three ~ Order of Events

Your wedding day timeline isn't just a piece of paper, it is a compilation of all of the details that you have selected throughout your planning process all rolled into one.  Everything from where you are getting ready in the morning, who is bringing you coffee, what time the flowers are getting delivered, the ceremony processional order and much more.  

You can easily google a wedding day timeline, that's the easy part.  But to personalize the timeline so that it not only flows smoothly but for you to also get to maximize the hours in your day.  If you have selected a 6 hour photography package you will need to really streamline those six hours.  

In order to make your day truly memorable for you, try to see the big picture.  How many hours will you be getting ready? Are you making time to see your mom, your sister? Are you getting photos of these intimate moments before you put your dress on?  

Catch Part One: Contracts and Two: Photography Coverage of our Timeline Series!

Build in enough time into your day to be able to reasonably have time to take it all in! We can't emphasize enough how quickly your day will go by, and if you don't allow yourself to have a few moments alone together to just breathe it won't happen on it's own.  You will have 100+ guests wanting your attention (rightfully so, since they came there for you!)   We put a very basic order of events here for you, you can download the free pdf here.

Have you heard of a First Look? This is somewhat of a newer trend but has become popular for a few different reasons.  If you aren't overly traditional about not seeing your future other half before the wedding, the first look photos give you a little more flexibility in your timeline because you are getting to ensure you have ample time for your formal portraits which will also help reduce the amount of time you are in photos during the cocktail hour (that means you get to actually hang out with your guests longer!)

Rather than re-create the wheel, we wanted to show you a great comparison of a timeline with and without a first look. Check out Stephanie's blog post on Pinterest:

Have timeline questions: You know you can always speed date with a wedding planner and shoot us an email! 

~ Happy Planning!~ 

Timeline Tips | Part One: Contracts

A wedding day timeline is absolutely the most important piece to planning your wedding! 

You can find THE dress, and have the perfect flowers and decor but without a well planned timeline your wedding day can feel hectic and unorganized, not just to you but also to your guests.  That is why we are writing a series of blog posts focused solely on helping to ensure you understand the elements that make a fluid timeline and a smooth wedding day.

The contracts that you sign with your wedding vendors (wedding venue, photographer, caterer, etc.) are extremely important because they outline the services that are being provided.  The first contract that we take into consideration is your wedding venue.  Why? A wedding venue that includes the whole wedding weekend from rehearsal on Friday for example to breakdown/clean-up on Sunday will be much different from a venue that allows 12 to 15 hours total.  

Photo of one of our wedding day timelines from a recent event

Knowing how many hours you have onsite will dictate how much man power is needed to set-up and break-down as well as what time you should start the ceremony in order to have time for dinner and dancing before having to turn the music off and start breakdown.  

What you need to know about your wedding venue:

• How many hours are included in your venue/site rental
• If you are having your ceremony and reception at separate locations make sure to factor in the time it takes to travel between locations especially if your photographers/videographers or any other vendors are traveling between sites.
• Does the venue allow you to have your ceremony rehearsal the night before? If not, what is an alternative date when you can access the site to rehearse?
• Can any set-up be done before or after ceremony rehearsal (tables and chairs placed etc)
• What time can vendors begin set-up? 
• What time must music be turned off/down (if any restrictions apply)
• What time must all guests exit the premises, and all clean up be completed?
• Can any items be left to pick up the following day?

Next we will be talking about how to make the most of your photography coverage.  Catch Part Two or subscribe to our updates to get all of the latest blog posts!

~ Happy Planning!