This was such a fun interview, grab a Margarita and enjoy!
Why should couples hire a wedding planner – whether a hometown or destination wedding in Todos Santos?
What used to be luxury of hiring a wedding planner is now the new norm, you don’t have to be a celebrity to be able to hire a wedding planner. When you hire a wedding planner, couples are saving themselves so much unnecessary time and stress. Many couples have this perception that a wedding planner is too expensive but when it comes down to your budget and the percentage for each vendor, you will see the small percentage that goes towards your wedding planner compared to your budget. I get it when you have Pinterest & Etsy all the family and friends saying they will pitch in to help the day of so you don’t have to go the planner route. Reality is all those “helpers” will start to voice their opinion and finally when the wedding comes around why should you and they be stressed making sure they do what they are supposed to and not get distracted by other guests and the festivities. Let your family take care of the Bridal Shower or Engagement Party and let them enjoy the Wedding Day!
I like to see it as the couple gets to do all the fun stuff in the planning process and we take care of the rest, making sure they are getting the best part of planning and the most for money. Especially when you are planning a destination wedding, I love when the couples come down here to Todos Santos, Mexico and get to explore all the venues and eat amazing food – they leave with such a happy heart knowing their wedding is going to be amazing.
How can hiring a wedding planner be effective for the couple?
Couples can spend hours researching venues by location, capacity and cost, when you have a Planner that time will be cut more than in half as we know most of this information already.
The best example is when the couples think they found the perfect venue when they are start searching online but planning a wedding from afar isn’t as easy as clicking book venue. I had two different couples who were in the process of planning their wedding and then mid-planning they realized they should hire a wedding planner especially for a destination wedding.
One couple already had their venue booked through an AirBnB, as soon as they hired me my first question was did they confirm they allow events there and second that property is actually for sale so no guarantee in a year it will be the same owners. Sure enough they did not allow events so they had to start over with finding a venue but this time I was there to help and already had multiple options laid out and we found the perfect venue.
Another example was one couple who was having a hard time finding a venue to fit in their budget. They had a smaller budget so they didn’t think they could hire a wedding planner, I was able to do a custom wedding planning package to help them through this process. I knew the perfect venue for them, one that doesn’t advertise and fit perfect with their budget – one they probably wouldn’t have found if they didn’t hire me. This is such a big reason why I love my job, I love seeing how happy each couple is when we find the perfect venue and seeing their faces envisioning their big day there.
Okay so they hire you, then what comes next?
While I wish every couple hires me freshly engaged and ready to plan that isn’t always the case, some already have their venue booked while others thought they could get more for their money and have to start over with a whole new budget.
That brings me to the first step is finalizing that b-u-d-g-e-t and figuring out what is most important to the couple on their wedding day – whether it be décor or DJ etc. Then start with the vendors who book out farthest and go from there on the list all while making sure we keep within your vision. I love working with each couple on their design board and getting learn about each one of them to make sure we incorporate your personalities throughout. If the couple is able to come down prior to the wedding I set up a couple days to scout for venues, do some tastings and plan a mockup for the décor – that way they leave knowing what to expect on their wedding day.
What wedding packages do you offer to your couples?
Each of my packages are pretty straight forward and no hidden “extra” add-on services.
The most common package I book is the Full Planning Package – which is ideal when it comes to destination weddings. The package is for the couple who wants to have a fun stress-free planning experience knowing that all the details will get taken care of. There is no limit on phone calls, emails, in person meetings – we work together as much or little as they want. I understand when the bride is up at 10PM on Pinterest and getting her creative juices flowing and starts to email questions, I cannot go to bed with any emails unread. Living down here in Todos Santos, Mexico the “Mexico Time” is 100% accurate – which isn’t a bad lifestyle to live but I also know how hard it is to wait to get any answers and I always want to make sure my couple knows I am going to respond in a timely matter.
The other package is Partial Planning and it isn’t just a “day of coordinator” it is for the couple who has figured out all their vendors but needs help with last minute details and to be there a month prior to their wedding making sure everything is set and ready. I like to meet with the couple to still make sure I understand their vision and needs as a wedding planner so when it comes down to a month prior to the wedding there are no surprises. I think it is important no matter if it’s full planning or partial planning each couple is set up for success on their wedding day - so if that means emails upon emails even if it’s partial planning, I am okay with that and prefer it that way!
Some advice for each couple:
· Make sure you put your energy of details for the wedding where you know it will get appreciated. Do you have a lot of Foodies, Artists or Musicians – meaning maybe put more money into your Food, Personalized Décor or DJ
· While most couples want a quick ceremony, make sure you soak in every short minute – this is the reason why you are getting married – so your family and friends can witness your love.
· There is no cocktail hour without food, especially if the bar opened prior to the ceremony. No one wants that one person already over-served when the speeches start.
· If the reception is most important to you AKA party aspect of your wedding – make sure the bar is open late and the DJ has that playlist on fire all night long.
· Everyone will tell you the day goes by FAST, they are right! I love it when couples decides to extend their wedding into a late night bonfire at the beach followed by a pool party brunch the next morning. This way it gives your guests more time to spend with family.
· Remember, IT IS YOUR DAY! I see so many family members overstepping and honestly you do whatever you want.
DESIGN | PLAN | LOVE
Baja Destination Wedding Planning
TODOS SANTOS | CERRITOS | EL PESCADERO
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