Your trusted planner with taste has a super valuable list of recs
And sometimes when your planner tells you not to hire a vendor, or they didn’t recommend them initially, there’s a whole story they’re professionally choosing not to tell you 😂 There are people with beautiful work I would NEVER put in front of my clients again.
How often do planners take this into account?
There’s been a few weddings I’ve second shot and the lead says “this isn’t even my vibe or type of client I like to work with” or “I’m never gonna share this wedding in my portfolio”. Should planners do better at actually aligning styles/vibe versus just editing style? Looking beyond their typical go-tos and find someone who’s actually excited to be at that wedding instead of just clocking in for a paycheck?
Not every vendor is the right fit 👀
I know you have choices when hiring vendors. We do too. A beautiful venue, incredible design, or a wedding that looks amazing on paper is exciting. But we’re there to contribute to your story. Sometimes that means realizing we might not be the best match for each other. Maybe it’s style, personality, communication, expectations, or just the overall vibe. And honestly, that’s okay. The best work happens when both sides trust each other and are genuinely excited to be a part of it.
At some point more is just more
I know it’s tempting to keep adding flowers and different elements, especially when you’re seeing so much inspiration online, but at some point more starts working against the design. Sometimes it just feels overproduced. Trust us when we say restraint can make the whole thing feel more elevated. Less done really well can feel like more.
AI doesn’t know what weddings cost in your market
I appreciate when clients come in having done research. But national wedding averages rarely reflect what things actually cost in a specific market. And now with AI, it’s even messier. Whatever AI tells you a wedding or vendor “typically costs,” I’d assume it could easily be 30% off, minimum. Our industry has dealt with inaccurate averages online for years, and those numbers keep getting repeated without context. Hire a planner you trust to guide the way, and come in with an open mind.
Follower count and social media “fame” doesn’t equate
to talent and experience and capability! I love how this was put here- https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbgrItPBMAp/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== So important to thoroughly vet your team and not fall to this trap.
Rosemary Beach is SCAMMING YOU
If you are planning to get married in Rosemary Beach, you’ll soon find out about their preferred photographer and videographer list. They started this preferred list as a legal way to make more money off of you when you choose someone that is not on their list. They don’t want you to choose someone from their preferred list. They WANT you to choose someone off list so they can make $1000 more off you. Don’t yourself a favor and choose Seaside or Watercolor instead if you want 30a.
[community sourced #5] What do you wish couples planning a wedding prioritized more?
4. The guest experience, it’s not a performance…you’re hosting. Comfort, flow, great food, and good energy. 5. Hiring the right planner early. They'll help you avoid expensive mistakes and build the right team from day one. 6. Taking time to actually think of the overall aesthetic and the vendor team that can bring that to life. Not just jumping in and quickly booking things
[community sourced #5] What do you wish couples planning a wedding prioritized more?
1. Be realistic about your budget instead of chasing AI and ultra-luxury inspo. Protect the experience, not just the aesthetics. 2. Hiring fewer, better vendors you trust, then letting them do what you hired them to do 😅 3. Lighting is everything. Great lighting can completely transform the atmosphere, the vibe, and the photos.
First looks are better
Here’s why: You spend more time together You get a quiet, private moment before everything begins You enjoy more of your wedding instead of missing cocktail hour for photos Your portraits feel more relaxed and natural There’s less pressure to rush after the ceremony You have more flexibility for good lighting The day feels less stressful Yeah yeah well honor what your vision is but just consider the above ♥️