Today on the blog, we have a very special guest feature! Brooke Benson, Virginia wedding planner and owner of Lemondrop Events Co, has given us her top tips and tricks for planning a wedding. I know how difficult it is to get started with planning your wedding day. That’s why I asked Brooke to give us some advice! Hopefully this finds you just in time for engagement season. And if you need more advice, reach out to Brooke!
Tips and Tricks from a Wedding Planner
Hey! Hey! My name is Brooke, and I am your wedding planning guru for the duration of this blog. I am so happy to be able impart some wedding planning wisdom to all of you who are getting married soon. What an exciting time! You’ve got the rock. You have a Pinterest board overflowing with inspo. What now? Keep reading for FIVE of my biggest tips for planning your big day.
- Trust your Instincts.
- Dream Big.
- Budget. Budget. Budget.
- Don’t Say Yes to the Dress.
- Book your Planner First.
When it comes to your wedding, trust your instincts!
No one knows you better than you know yourself. With that in mind, get off Pinterest. Seriously. It is fine for inspiration, but it might end up giving you a complex about what a “perfect wedding” looks like. You have your own flair and style, so trust it. At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your SO and what you want. To steal Maria Kondo’s philosophy, if it doesn’t spark joy, then don’t do it. Pinterest, your relatives, me (your planner), are not the final word on your wedding—you are. Trust your gut, and it won’t steer you wrong.
Dream Big! Your wedding day is once in a lifetime.
What is that adage, “shoot for the moon and you land amongst the stars,”? Well, apply that to how you plan your wedding. Pretend money is no object, inclement weather doesn’t exist, and your perfect venue is available. What does your day look like? This is a wonderful place to start when planning your wedding. Imagine it all from your perfect tablescape and overall ambience to your signature cocktail. From there, you and your planner can identify non-negotiables of that dream and make sure to incorporate them into your big day.
Budget. Budget. Budget:
With your non-negotiables in mind, you need to recognize that compromise is necessary. Budget constraints are very real when planning such a huge event. Know your budget up front. No one wants to find their dream dress or fall in love with a venue, only to have your heart broken when you discover that it’s out of your budget. When you sit down with your planner, they will help guide you through the real cost of a wedding—a personal reality check. Armed with your non-negotiables and an excellent planner (Lemon Drop Events Co.), despite the compromises you will make, you will have an incredible wedding.
Don’t Say Yes to the Dress… yet!
Wait on saying yes to that perfect dress, because it may not seem so perfect a couple months into wedding planning. I strongly encourage my brides to pick their venue before they even look at dresses. What if you say yes to an exquisite ball gown, only to decide you want a beach wedding? Your dress should complement the space you get married in. I know it’s hard, but wait.
Book your Wedding Planner First
You know who the best person is to turn to from day one with questions? A planner! I may be biased, but I’m also right. As a planner, my job is not only to create mood boards and timelines, but to offer my expertise and guidance on choosing the perfect vendors for your day. I will make sure that each vendor is a perfect match for you and your wedding!
Happy wedding planning!
Do you feel a little more equipped to tackle planning a wedding? u can do it. I believe in you. For more great advice on planning a wedding, follow me on Instagram.
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Jo Mahaney is a professional photographer of PhotographyByJo.net based in Staunton, Virginia, specializing in wedding photography. With over eight years of experience, Jo is dedicated to creating effortless, joyful imagery that authentically captures the essence of each couple’s unique love story. She is known for her ability to create meaningful galleries filled with emotion and personal narratives. Jo is not just a photographer; she is an active supporter of her clients, providing resources and guidance to ensure a stress-free experience. From the initial inquiry call to the wedding day, Jo is transparent, open, and ready to get to know her clients to provide the best service possible. Her commitment to her craft and her clients is evident in the glowing testimonials she has received. Jo’s work extends beyond Staunton, covering areas such as Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Lexington, Roanoke, and Richmond. She has also had the privilege of photographing weddings in various locations, including the Outerbanks, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, and even Spain.