A planner’s workflow is very detailed and while detail can be awesome, it can also feel completely overwhelming. That’s why having a wedding planning process is a necessity for planners.
I was taught a simple and foul-proof planning process by fellow planner Kat Schmoyer, that allows the process to be more organized and to run smoother. I have been using this process for a couple of years now and it’s been a game changer for my business. Now, I can explain to my brides and even the fathers of my brides our planning process in an easy to understand format.
Five Step Planning Process
Phase 1: Planning
The first phase of planning is just that: planning. We will start with budget planning, venue selection and vendor selection. In this initial phase I want to make sure we we have the budget tackled as well as the majority of your vendors booked before we move on to phase two. The main vendors I want to book during this phase is your venue, photographer, cinematographer, officiant and caterer.
Phase 2: Design
Once we’ve established the majority of your dream team, we move on to the pretty – the design phase of planning is centered around the things that are aesthetic pleasing. We will talk about the overall look and feel you are wanting for your wedding day. Once I know the look and feel you are wanting to achieve I will create your Wedding Lookbook, which will act as a playbook for the wedding. It will list all of the details we have chosen so you can see how it all will come together. I will also send you off to purchase your wedding gown during this phase! You will also shop for a bridesmaid dress and look at Groom and Groomsmen attire.
Phase 3: Coordination
This is where it all starts to come together! The timeline is crafted, vendors are contacted and the pieces of the puzzle begin to create one beautiful spread! I work closely with the photographer to establish a timeline that works best for the photo schedule. The time photos will begin dictate everything else for the day… what time hair and makeup needs to begin, what time the wedding party needs to arrive, etc. Then I contact the venues, cinematographer and caterer to ensure we’ve got an optimal timeline for each vendor.As a planner, my role is to facilitate all the moving parts of your wedding day; coordination helps do just that!
If you are a bride that has hired us for day-of coordination, this is where you jump in!
Phase 4: Execution
The week-of… when all the magic happens!!The week of the wedding, I’m sending out final timelines and handling emails and logistics for you. I don’t want you touching your inbox; my goal is to have to ask you the least amount of questions and to be the go-between for vendors and your desires. My director coordinates the rehearsal the night before your wedding, and we provide unlimited hours of service to you on the day-of. I’m typically one of the first vendors to arrive, and usually one of the last (if not the last) to leave. As a planner, my role is to execute the wedding day the very best I can. I want to take roles AWAY from you (and your mom!), so y’all can focus on the memories and moments.
Phase 5: Post-Wedding
After the wedding there are still tasks left for both the planner and the client to complete.
I’ve found that having these planning phases has saved me so much time and keeps me more organized with every client. The phases are broken down in an easy to understand format for clients and their parents making it easy to explain your process to potential clients. I am able to balance multiple weddings at once using this simple process.
To get our exact Full Service Wedding Planning Process broken down task by task click HERE.
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xo, Terrica
