Wedding Planning Tips from the Pros

We recently reached out to a few of our favorite event planners and asked them to share some of their top wedding planning tips. The biggest takeaway? Working with a top-notch vendor team will make your day SO much easier and stress free. Book vendors who you really feel comfortable with, and be sure to always ask your wedding venue which vendors they work with on a regular basis.

Read on for more helpful wedding planning tips!

Photography by Ginny Corbett

Gina Johnston, Megan Gillikin, and Elizabeth Flake, event planners at A Southern Soiree

Every wedding should be uniquely personalized to reflect the couple and their story! This doesn't always have to be an elaborate gesture, but we recommend finding at least one detail to custom-tailor. Whether it be a signature cocktail named after a beloved pet, a favorite dessert from your first date, or a themed cake from your favorite TV series, these touches personal touches will make your day special. Because weddings are leaning less traditional these days, it opens up the possibilities for couples to plan an event that leaves their guests saying "that was so them!”

Photography by Kasey Smith Creative

Alexia Williams, event manager at C and D Events

A lot of couples and families want to dive right into the wedding planning process without setting a clear and concise budget for their big day. I always suggest having an ideal budget prior to booking or reaching out to any vendors. This will also assist your planner in tailoring your entire vendor search to your specific budget during the planning process. We understand that changes come along the way, but it is consistently a good idea to start with a budget and make changes when necessary.

Photography by Carolyn Marie

Casey Harris, lead planner at La Fête

Start early and enjoy the process! The first two things many people say when they hear you are planning a wedding are: "Congratulations!” and “that must be stressful”, but wedding planning does not have to be that way! Sure, there will be family dynamics to navigate and a lot of decisions to make, but the earlier you decide that you are going to enjoy the planning process and not just have your eyes set on the wedding day, the easier planning will be and the more fun you will have! Each vendor you book, paper good you design, and menu item you taste all play a part in an event that is happening just for YOU - how amazing is that? When you take time to enjoy those little in-between moments, you will find the stress transform into memories and in the end have a wedding that is more unique, creative, and reflective of your personalities. 

Always remember that you have a whole group of people that are so excited to be a part of the most special day and are there to support you the entire way. Your planner is your coach to help create a game plan and guide you through the process. Your family and friends are your teammates and biggest cheerleaders and are always there to help if you need it - all you need to do is ask! 

Photography by Krystal Kast

Cheryl-Anne Kast, owner and lead planner at Kast Events & Company

Hire a planner! A planner is invaluable, especially during hard times. I recommend hiring a planner before selecting a venue. Your planner can help you find the perfect location based on your budget, aesthetic, and group size to ensure the venue and vendors are a good fit.

Make sure that you hire a planner and vendors you feel good about. Your crew is important and good relationships are key! Trust your vendors, they all have your best interests at heart. As industry professionals, they can also help lead you to other vendors. Word of mouth is the best way to find your perfect team that works well together!

Photography by Megan Morales

Meagan Culkin, owner and planner at Magnolia Grove

I always tell my clients to rank their top three priorities before they spend any of their budget. If your top three priorities are beautiful florals, an outdoor ceremony, and a full bar, and your partners top three are a vintage getaway car, an outdoor ceremony, and a full bar, the items that are on both of your lists will take higher precedence when we're planning the rest of the wedding. Listing out priorities is a great way to keep everyone focused on the things that are specifically important to them as a couple, so they don't get carried away worrying about small details that aren't ultimately that important to them.

Photography by Morgan Caddell

Aneesa Glines, owner and lead planner at Harmony Weddings

Select vendors based on their work AND personality! You are going to be working with this team for months leading up to your special day. You not only want to love their products (photos, cake, flowers) but who they are as a person. There are hundreds of photographers who can take stunning photos, but not hundreds who are the perfect personality match to be beside you every step of the way. Decide what qualities matter to you- enthusiasm, compassion, calmness, light-heartedness- and keep that in mind as you interview each vendor. In the end, we hope you end up with a dream team of vendors who truly feel like friends celebrating alongside you on your wedding day.

Follow along on Instagram to see more of our weddings or take our quiz to discover your wedding style. If you’re interested in hosting an event at the Barn of Chapel Hill, send us a message to find out more and request a tour. We also offer offsite floral design and à la carte services.