wedding 2024 | wedding planning 101

date posted: February 27, 2024

Photo by Olya Vysotskaya. Flowers by Flora Good Times. Planning by Gina Maloney Events.

Photo: Kate Edwards Photography
Rentals: Events Unlimited Party Rentals
Flowers: Athabold
Planning: Main Course Events

A planner is your point person and your native guide to the local wedding world, so hiring the right person is one of the most important choices you’ll make.

Some people thrive on the nitty-gritty details of wedding planning, and if that’s you, have fun! Other couples, though, know what they want the Big Day to look like but aren’t sure how to get there — or just don’t want to add a long list or organization jobs to their busy lives. If you fall into the second group, think about hiring a planner.

picking a planner

A wedding planner’s duties, should you hire one early in the process, can include helping you work out a budget, finding, hiring, and communicating with the vendors who’ll make your dream come true, organizing the day-of schedule, and making sure all the moving parts fit together smoothly on the Big Day (or Big Weekend, if you’re doing that).

It’s a big job, and it’s key to a smooth celebration. A planner is your point person and your native guide to the local wedding world. So hiring the right person is, like choosing a venue, one of the most important choices you’ll make. Here are some things to consider and questions to ask:

choosing the right planner

• Do your styles mesh? A great planner can work with everything from formal romantic to backyard hoedown, but what won’t work is tension between the two of you. To avoid that, figure out upfront how hands-on you want and need to be. Some planners love to get your input at every turn; others prefer to take the reins and handle details themselves. Make sure you know which sort of service you’re after, and hire someone who’ll provide exactly that.

• Can this planner execute your vision within your budget? Ask to see photos and cost breakdowns for past weddings they’ve handled at a similar price point to get an idea of what you can expect. A thorough, honest discussion of costs is the only way to prevent hassles and unwelcome surprises.

Photo by Nato Tuke. Planning by Gina Maloney Events.

You want a planner who loves the work and will bring their own creative excitement into the process.

• What kind of staff does the planner have, and what jobs and decisions might get delegated to someone else? Will the planner or an assistant be there to coordinate on the Big Day? Do they seem enthusiastic about your vision? You want a planner who loves the work and will bring their own creative excitement into the process. This is your Big Event, and you deserve to work with someone who honors that.

working with a planner

• Make a list of everything you consider essential, whether it’s specific decor touches, custom signage, or particular rituals. Rough out a plan that includes all of these and an approximate schedule, and go over it with your planner. They can’t know that you need rose petals for a brigade of flower children, or would rather skip the garter toss, unless you tell them.

• Make sure you are crystal clear about who’s handling what and exactly what services are included in the planner’s job description, down to dull details like permitting and insurance.

• It’s a good idea to make the seating plans yourselves. You know these people.

• A planner can usually provide a tipping guide that will specify industry-standard tips for various types of vendors.

• If you’re planning to hold all or part of the festivities outdoors, make sure you and your planner both understand the Plan B you’ll use in case of rain.

Photo by Lisa Woodward Photography. Planning by Main Course Events.

GATHER CATSKILLS

Delaware County, gathercatskills.com

The wedding of your dreams awaits in the Great Western Catskills. From timeless venues in the forest to renovated barns with modern amenities, the venue you long for is at your fingertips. Gather Catskills brings all the wedding resources of the Great Western Catskills together to make your planning process as easy as can be.

GINA MALONEY EVENTS

Hudson Valley, 845-853-4075, ginamaloneyevents.com

For Hudson Valley’s most beautiful and unique weddings, couples call upon Gina Maloney Events. Winner of The Knot’s “Hall of Fame” and voted “Best Wedding Planner in The Hudson Valley” by Hudson Valley Magazine, Gina and her staff are dedicated to making your wedding the most special, stress-free, and fun affair that reflects your personality and dreams. Follow us on Instagram @ginamaloney_events

MAIN COURSE

New Paltz, 845-255-2600, maincoursecatering.com

Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day, and Main Course event planners are there to help bring that vision to life. Whether it’s deciding on the perfect venue or choosing the right china pattern, Main Course staff will be by your side to ensure that every detail is addressed. Expect highly personalized service from their professional staff whose only goal is to make the planning process as easy for you as walking down the aisle.