Now that Macy and Ethan have been named the winners of our Dream Day Giveaway, they’ve got a wedding to plan! You’re invited to accompany them as they plan each element of their big day with our partner vendors, leading up to one special celebration on September 10 at The Mason Dallas. If you’re planning your own wedding, be sure to follow along for tips and insight on what to expect with each step, what to know going into every meeting, and how to make sure your path to the altar is a smooth one.
For our first installment, we speak with Macy and Ethan’s wedding planner, Jess Wegner of Jess Wegner Events. She shares a few tidbits about what Macy and Ethan want from their big day, what to look for in a wedding planner, and the difference between a wedding planner and designer.
Can you give us a brief overview of how the first meeting with Macy and Ethan went and what emerged from those conversations in terms of a look and feel? How were Macy and Ethan at decision making, and how do you think that will serve them the rest of the way through the wedding-planning process?
My first meeting with Macy and Ethan was a dream (pun completely intended!). They were so kind and beyond excited to be a part of this amazing experience. I really loved walking through the venue and getting to see it from their perspective. I love to hear what they like about the venue because that helps me when it’s time to make it shine. This is also a fantastic opportunity for me to pick up on little things that I know they would be ecstatic over (*cough cough* confetti cannon).
Macy has great taste, and I loved seeing her inspiration photos! Her vibe is very romantic, and her color palette of whites, ivories, and creams are really going to suit the rich tones in The Mason.
Ethan wants a good party (like most grooms!). You can tell he is a fun-loving guy who really wants his family and friends to feel like they had the night of their lives. It was truly hard to keep a smile off my face; the excitement is contagious!
Macy and Ethan were very open to ideas, and I could tell they were willing to lean on me for my knowledge. Trust is such a huge element between a client and planner, and it really is a wonderful feeling to have that right off the bat!
What do you typically cover in a first meeting with a client?
As I did with Macy and Ethan, I always go over the “Master Checklist” with clients at a first meeting. This is a month-by-month checklist that helps keeps my clients on track while breaking things out into manageable tasks. So often I will have clients who are overwhelmed at our first meeting because they think they must tackle everything all at once. Having a checklist where priorities are identified is a great way to make the wedding planning process less stressful. And more fun!
It’s also a great way to open a dialogue about wants vs. needs. It gets the ball rolling on not only the tough conversations (like budget), but also things you may not realize your partner wants (like scrapping the garter toss).
How many meetings do you typically have with a couple?
They are unlimited! I’m there through it all!
How do you suggest couples prepare for meetings with their planner so as to make most effective use of their time? Do you give your couples guidance or “homework”?
My best advice is to not be afraid of what you “don’t know.” I tell my clients day one, “You are not supposed to be an expert at planning a wedding. If you were, we’d have a bigger problem!” I do give my clients homework. Each couple is different: Some clients can handle several to do items at once, while others need them in piece-by-piece bits. It’s about getting to know your client, their communication style, and how busy they are professionally.
Do you like when a couple has a clear vision for every detail or prefer someone who goes with the flow?
I like both! And I think a couple can be both. I tend to attract clients that trust and like my design skills. Most of them will say, “I know what I like, I just don’t know how to make it happen.” Well, let’s make it happen!
What should a couple look for when interviewing prospective wedding planners?
Ask yourself: Do they seem excited about creating your wedding? Do they seem organized and confident? Do their weddings make you feel like you know that couple better? Do you just click? If the answer is yes, hire them!
Can you talk about the difference between wedding planning and wedding design? Why is it beneficial to hire a planner who can do both, as you can?
Great question! A wedding planner who does design is someone who not only coordinates the logistics (manages vendors, makes timelines, communicates on your behalf), but also creates the look and feel of the wedding. Think: How the linens coordinate with the floral. How the paper coordinates with the tabletop pieces. I tackle my designs much like an interior designer would decorate a home. I love showing my clients swatches of fabric or mockups of how I would style certain rental pieces. I curate tailored options for my clients, so it is far less daunting for them than trying to do it on their own. It’s what makes my job fun, and what makes my weddings so wonderfully unique!
