What does a wedding planner do?
This is a very loaded question… there isn’t a lot we don’t do! In essence, we are help guide, educate, plan, interact with vendors, develop budgets and timelines and on top of it all, make it our duty to make sure your wedding day not only meets your expectations in every way but exceeds them. We are there to help set realistic goals, help you create what you’ve envisioned, and to help bring on and maintain an incredible vendor team.
We not only help with these logistical details but work with your vendors behind the scenes – always making sure your vision is top of mind. In the end, we are your go-to’s, your timekeeper, your financial planner, mediator and etiquette expert. We have played doctor, seamstress, and zen-master. There’s not a lot we don’t do because every event, and every client, is so different.
Day in the Life of a Wedding Planner with Marsha @ Distinctly Yours Wedding &Events
As a wedding planner, no two days are the same for me. I coordinate everything from style and design, day-of coordination, and full wedding planning. I wanted to share with you what a typical day in the life as a wedding planner looked like.
“One thing that I love about my job is that every day varies from one day to the next and there is never a dull moment. Each week changes, every day is slightly different, and with different seasons come different demands.”
In addition, different seasons are busier than others and this greatly affects my schedule. I ask my clients to leave the wedding planning to me so they can focus on their busy careers and planning for their marriage.
If you are wondering about hiring a wedding planner and just curious what we do on a daily basis, here’s a sneak peek at what it’s really like planning a wedding with us.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
Tasks can vary, depending on the couple I’m working with. However, with any wedding, you can always count on these responsibilities being mine to take care of:
Planning
This one may sound obvious, but after I meet with you and understand your vision for the wedding day, it’s my job to build a plan. From the announcement to the reception, you’ll have to consider budgets, schedules and a checklist of everything that needs to be done.
Communication
I provide recommendations and feedback while also taking into consideration your wishlist. I answer email (lots of emails), make appointments and handle phone calls or meetings need to be made to discuss options or details with your wedding vendors. In addition, I will send you updates on a regular basis.
Vendor Contract Review
From the wedding venue to the cupcakes,it’s my job to review your vendor contracts and send reminders concerning payments or deadlines. I take care of reading the “fine print” so nothing gets missed in the details.
Wedding Day Coordination & Execution
Friday through Sunday will typically my busiest of days, since those are actually executing all the detail that we planned for. It includes the preparation through event clean and take down after the event. Those tend to me my long days.
Typical Week for a Wedding Planner
What are three things you never show up without on a wedding day?
My team! My team is the backbone behind what happens on a wedding day. I couldn’t do what I do without them. I also don’t leave home without an emergency kit. There’s always a bridesmaid or guest that needs something that we have in our kits. Lastly, I bring a few pairs of shoes. When doing 15-16 hours days, having a different pair of shoes to change into helps save my feet.
What’s your personal philosophy on being a great wedding planner?
Work Hard – designing and planning beautiful weddings isn’t easy – the hours can be long, some of the planning and logistics can be really complicated and there will be some aspects that I don’t necessarily enjoy, but if I work hard and hone my skills every day. This is truely a rewarding career for me. I get the privilege to work with people on the most special day of their lives and it’s important not to forget that.
Being Nice! I am lucky to work with the most amazing clients who are just lovely and have I have a vast network of talented and supportive wedding professionals who over the years have become friends. Planning a wedding should be fun; clients & suppliers tell me that they love working with me because I make the process enjoyable, and I am nice to be around and don’t take myself too seriously!
Always Going the Extra Mile – I always go above and beyond for my clients and love thinking of unexpected thoughtful touches I can add to their celebrations. I am also always available to my clients for any questions, concerns or detail and for me that is the definition of providing a truly great wedding planning and event experience for you and your guests, which I have built my reputation.
Just for fun…
Dogs or cats?
Cats! I am fiercely independent. I can relate.
If you owned a restaurant, what food would it serve?
I would own a bakery full of home-made delicious baked goods!
What skill would you like to master?
Learning how to have a well-balanced life, if that even exists.
On my days off you can find me…
Taking a walk or taking in a musical with my husband.
