Photo by: Massart Photography
Yay! Congrats!! You're engaged! Finally, the moment you've dreamt of for as long as you can remember. Now it's time to start planning that fairytale wedding you've been fantasying over and over in your head since you were a little girl. But, where to begin?
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and now you & your better half get to plan an unforgettable day to share with all your loved ones. After that initial cloud nine feeling starts to subside and it is time to pick a date, a venue, a bridal party, color scheme, determine a budget - it can all be extremely overwhelming. How can you not let it overwhelm you? There's so much to do! "Where do I start?!" That's where wedding professionals like myself come into play.
HIRE. THE. WEDDING. PLANNER.
As soon as you feel overwhelmed and the planning process is no longer exciting and as enjoyable. That's when you should make the call for help.
So why hire a wedding planner? Here are my top 5 favorite reasons to hire a wedding planner like myself:
1. You should enjoy this moment!
Enjoy being engaged! It is such a special moment and you do not want the planning process to come between you and your fiancé, your friends, or your family. Leave the stress to someone else. When you hire a wedding planner you will still be 100% involved in the planning process. You call the shots and have all the say in the fun stuff, without having to deal with the drama and stress of the not-so-fun parts. It's a win-win for you!
2. Help you stay on track
Wedding planners will keep you in line! They will make sure you're getting everything you need to done, booked, and keep you on timeline for a magical wedding day. I mean, we ARE planners. But on a serious note, especially now, wedding vendors book up quickly. So making sure you book far enough in advance is huge. They will also help you stick to a budget. Weddings can get very expensive, very fast and making sure you create a budget and stick to it can also help eliminate a lot of stress revolving around the big day.
3. Wedding Planners = Encyclopedia of the wedding industry
The connections that us wedding planners have in the industry will help you plan the most perfect day. Working with a wide variety of vendors, we know exactly who to suggest when you're searching for your "dream team" of vendors. We are also your go to for any and every question you may have. Unsure how far in advance to send out Save the Date cards? We've got you! Not sure the proper way to word your invites? No probem. Day of, your Maid of Honor doesn't remember how to bustle your dress? We've seen thousands of different bustles, wedding planner to the rescue!
4. Bring your vision to life
Having seen many weddings come together right before my eyes, it is truly remarkable how uiquely different each event can be. Most wedding planners are also event designers as well, and if they aren't personally - they know someone who is. This can help you pick your color scheme, overall "feel" for the wedding you wish to achieve, and stick to it. Sometimes you can have so many diffferent ideas going through your mind. Your Pinterest board is filled with everything you love, but how do you make it all come together and look good? Wedding planners can help. This is especially helpful if you also have some sentimental components you are hoping to include somewhere on the day-of, but just need some pointing in the right direction.
5. Carefree wedding day
When your big day is finally here you will be flooded with all types of emotions. The best thing to do - sit back, relax, have someone pour you a glass of champagne, & enjoy being pampered. You are finally marrying your best friend after all! Leave the stress to your planner! That IS why you hired them after all. From the setting up of items, making sure all your vendors show up on time, know where to go, know what they should be doing when, making sure your guests are pointed in the right direction, the list goes on and on. There are so many moving parts to the actual day, that you do not need to worry about. You've been waiting for this day for so long, now enjoy it and take it all in - it will go by in a blink of an eye!
Xo,
Dana Marie
Photo above from October 2021 Fall inspired styled shoot, vendors below:
Venue: Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI
@fortadamsevents
Planner: Dana Marie Weddings & Events
@danamarie_weddings
Photographer: Audrey, Massart Photography
@massartphotography
Florals: Michelle Jeanne Floral Design
@michellejeannefloral
Rentals: Uniquely Chic Vintage Rentals
@uniquelychicvintagerentals
Models: Courtney Botelho & Helio Dante
@courtchristinee
@h.dante_77
Bridal Boutique: Melissa Ashley Brides
@melissaashleybrides
Makeup Artist: Jenna Irving
@herefortheglam_
Tux: Aldo's House of Formals
@aldos_formals
Hair Stylist: Cassandra Broccoli, RI Wedding Hair
@rhodeislandweddinghair
Stationery: Pencil & Ink Design
@pencilandinkdesign
Calligraphy: Cookie Calligraphy Co.
@cookiecalligraphyco
Desserts: Kerri Cupcake, Sweet Indulgence
@kerricupcake