Wedding planning is not black and white with stringent rules, nor is it a cookie cutter package that works exactly the same for every couple. Instead it is a very personalized, fluid experience that differs for every couple. That’s why we feel it is so important to try to really gauge each couple’s expectations and preferences for the best possible experience, and to be able to proactively avoid scenarios where something goes wrong due to lack of planning or the foresight into what simply works well for hosting a large number of guests.
Our role as a wedding planner is to take the couple’s preferences, site logistics and all contracts/proposals and read through all of the details including what isn’t stated in a contract.. So not only will we look for what each vendor is providing, we seek to understand what is NOT included or provided by all of the vendors to ensure that nothing is missed.
For instance, if your DJ package includes only one sound set-up we may work through your site logistics and determine that it’s sufficient or we may see that having the second sound system set for cocktail hour & reception is necessary. We may also see that you need a lapel microphone for ceremony rather than a stand microphone. Or perhaps your bartending service does not provide the alcohol or ice, cups, straws, napkins or garnishes but they do provide the bar kit (cocktail shakers, lemon slicer, bottle openers, ice bucket etc.) We go through all of these details and confirm before your wedding so that nothing is left to the day-of to improvise.
We’ll confirm pricing for overages so that if you decide to extend your DJ for an hour or your photographer stays late for that epic moonlight portrait you are aware of any additional fees as well as how those will be charged (check or cash the night of, invoiced the following day, etc.) Our couple’s best interest is always at the forefront of our planning and you have our team to advocate for you.
One area that we feel strongly about is keeping our couple’s budget on track so that none of our client’s ever feel like they are over extending what they originally budgeted. Instead the planning process should be transparent and information should always be accessible at all times. All of our couples have access to their own custom planning dashboard which gives them full control of their planning details 24/7! If you are feeling stressed about your upcoming wedding and feel like you could benefit from having another set of eyes to help you read between the lines - we’d love to chat!
~ Happy Planning! ~
The 530 Bride Team