By Tracey Manailescu, WPICC, DWC, CWD
Photo: Emma Bauso
Congratulations on your engagement! Planning your wedding is such an exciting time, but I know it can also feel overwhelming. With so many details to juggle, it’s easy to get lost in the process. As a wedding planner and expert, I’m here to make your journey smoother, more organized, and much more enjoyable. Let’s walk through seven crucial steps of wedding planning and how I can help you every step of the way.
1. Establish Your Budget
Budgeting can be one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning. We’ll sit down together and create a budget that makes sense for you and your vision. I’ll guide you on where to allocate your funds based on your priorities and help you avoid common budgeting traps. Together, we’ll maximize your budget without compromising on the things that matter most to you.
How I Can Help: I’ll track your spending, negotiate with vendors, and keep us on budget, so there are no surprises down the line.
2. Create Your Wedding Vision
Your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple. I’ll help you turn your ideas into a clear, cohesive vision that brings your personalities and style to life. Whether you have a specific theme in mind or just a few ideas, we’ll create a plan that feels uniquely you and makes your day unforgettable.
How I Can Help: I’ll guide you through the design process, offer creative suggestions, and connect you with the best vendors to bring your vision to life.
3. Manage Your Guest List
Crafting a guest list is one of the first big tasks. We’ll work together to create a guest list that fits your venue and budget while accommodating the people who matter most to you. I’ll also help you navigate the sometimes tricky dynamics that come with family expectations and“plus one'” decisions.
How I Can Help: I’ll manage your RSVPs, create seating plans, and handle guest logistics to make sure everyone is taken care of.
4. Book Your Venue Early
Securing your venue is one of the most important steps, as it sets the tone for your entire wedding. I have access to some incredible venues and can often help you secure dates or locations that might not be available to the general public. I’ll also handle all the negotiations and logistics with your venue, so you don’t have to worry about the fine print.
How I Can Help: I’ll arrange site visits, review contracts, and ensure the venue meets all your needs, from guest capacity to layout and logistics.
5. Choose Your Key Vendors
Finding the right vendors can be overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered. I work with a network of talented and reliable professionals, and I’ll help you select the perfect vendors for your wedding. From photographers to caterers, I’ll connect you with people who will bring your vision to life while staying within your budget.
How I Can Help: I’ll coordinate with all your vendors, review contracts, and make sure everyone is on the same page, so your day goes off without a hitch.
6. Stay Organized
Planning a wedding involves a lot of moving parts, but I’ll keep everything organized so you can focus on enjoying your engagement. From timelines to checklists, I’ll make sure every detail is accounted for and nothing is overlooked. I’m here to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stress-free.
How I Can Help: I’ll handle the logistics, keep track of appointments, and make sure everything is perfectly in place on your big day.
7. Enjoy the Process Together
Most importantly, I want you to enjoy this special time together. Wedding planning shouldn’t be all stress and spreadsheets. It’s a time to celebrate your love! I’ll take care of the details, so you can focus on each other and the excitement of your upcoming marriage.
How I Can Help: I’ll be your advocate, problem-solver, and guide, so you can enjoy the fun parts of planning while I handle the rest.
Conclusion
Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have the right support. With my experience and expertise, I’ll help you create the wedding of your dreams while keeping the process smooth, organized, and enjoyable. From setting a budget to creating your vision, managing your guest list, and booking vendors, I’m here to make sure every detail is taken care of. Most importantly, I’ll ensure that you can focus on what truly matters…Celebrating your love and enjoying every moment of this exciting journey together.