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Kaley and Mitch had a clear vision for their wedding from the very beginning! It was a dream to help bring their chic ideas to life. It wouldn’t have been possible without an amazing vendor team!
Vendors:
Photographer: Wandering Heart Photography
Wedding Planner & Designer: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Florist, Decor, Rentals: Detail & Design
Venue: Black Iris Estate
Caterer: Thomas Caterers
DJ: Marc Williams
Photo Booth: DJ Sound Solutions
Paper: Interprintations
Cake: Classic Cakes
We came across this article from Brides magazine and thought it was so helpful we wanted to share! Check it out below!
How Much Does a Wedding Planner Cost?written by Michelle M. Winner updated Mar 02, 2020PHOTO BY LAUREN GABRIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY IN THIS ARTICLE
Planner vs. Consultant vs. Coordinator: What's the Difference?What's Typically Included in a Wedding Planner’s Fee?How Wedding Planner Costs are Calculated?Questions to Ask Before Hiring a PlannerMost couples need help with their wedding plans. A wise couple will work with a professional planner to ensure a seamless, stress-free celebration. But where to begin? And how much does a wedding planner cost?While your planner will help you develop your final budget, here are preliminary questions to define whom to hire. Consider location, guest count, how much time you can invest (without a planner estimates are 200+ hours over 12 months), and how much money is available for the wedding and associated costs. Based on these decisions, you can decide whether a full-service planner, partial planner or a coordinator would be best.All planners will save you time. Most planners will save you money by helping you create and stick to your budget. They have money-saving strategies, a network of trusted vendors and they’ll negotiate to get you the best deal without sacrificing quality. You're hiring them for their expertise, style, calming attitude, and business acumen. And for your once-in-a-lifetime wedding celebration, you'll want someone in charge who embodies all of these things.
Planner vs. Consultant vs. Coordinator: What's the Difference?You’re either looking for someone who plans and executes your entire wedding, or someone who manages specific tasks. If you want a destination wedding or a large wedding with multiple events and many moving parts, hire a full-service wedding planner. If you're a DIY couple who only needs guidance and assistance with wedding day logistics, hire a partial planner or coordinator.Full-service wedding planners are involved in the entire wedding process, which includes concept, planning, managing, coordination and a myriad of details until you wave goodbye to your guests.In today’s vernacular the term wedding consultant has largely been absorbed into the term wedding planner. "I think the word 'planner' is easier to comprehend for couples who are looking for assistance,” says Micki Novak, Executive Director of the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP). “If someone advertises themselves as a consultant, there is always a question about what they can or will do." If you find a "wedding consultant" that you like, ask them what their services cover."A wedding coordinator is very different from a wedding planner," says Ashley Paul, Co-owner of C & A Event Planning. "Most think of a 'day-of' coordinator who manages the vendors and venue the couple has hired. Actually, the coordinator has to come onboard a month or more before the wedding to know who is who, what needs to go where and what your expectations are."
Don't be confused by an on-site coordinator offered by the venue. While they make sure the ceremony, reception, and catering are on schedule, they are working from the venue's point of view, not yours. Wedding Coordinator vs. Planner vs. Designer: What's the Difference?
What's Typically Included in a Wedding Planner’s Fee?"Every planning company is different," explains Kimiko Hosaki, Founder and Executive Director of Elements by K.H & co, specializing in destination weddings. "K. H & co. is a full-service design, planning and production company, so we take care of every detail. On average, we put 300 hours into planning, designing and producing a wedding for 100 people." Hire a wedding planner to take care of all of the planning and details so you'll be able to enjoy this joyous time with your family and guests. Hire a coordinator if you want help with the timeline, vendor management and specific tasks for your wedding day.
The 6 Major Reasons You Should Hire a Wedding Planner Interview several wedding planners. You'll spend a lot of time communicating, so find someone that you like. Ask what their services cover and what they don't. For comparison, here are a few of the items the full-service planning company K.H & co. includes as they guide you through and manage the entire process:Assist with stationery design and printing Assist in venue scouting and negotiations. Assist in vendor sourcing, interviewing and negotiations RSVP and guest list management. Floral design, florist interviews, and proposal reviews Rental recommendation and sourcing Rain contingency planCatering negotiation, communication and menu development, Timeline management, Wedding day staffing, pre-production and post-production management
How Wedding Planner Costs are Calculated: The Typical Breakdown Ask prospective planners if they charge a flat fee, a percentage of total wedding costs, or an hourly rate for their services.
All-inclusive fee: The term "typical" is not used by Michele Fox Gott, celebrity planner and President of Center Of Attention Events, in Burbank, California. "I call myself a 'wedding producer' because I produce everything," Michele says. "We design every element, so all details match. We contract entertainment directly with the artists; we do lighting and set design in-house, which saves clients money and gives them a custom look. With a wedding producer, in the end, it should not cost you more than your total budget. We tell clients to give us an all-inclusive price and we will happily produce the wedding because we feel our discounts will cover our fee."
Blended Percentage and flat fee: Kimiko Hosaki of K.H & co. charges a design and planning retainer fee and production fee at a flat rate. Her vendor management and coordination percentage fees are calculated on a percentage of the total vendor and venue cost. "This is standard practice in the industry and is typically 20 percent,” Hosaki said. “Since we charge an initial retainer fee, we charge 15 percent on average. I don't suggest billable hours as your costs can get out of control quickly without you even knowing it."
Flat fee packages: C & A Event Planning's Ashley Paul, based in New York, offers two comprehensive base packages and a la carte options. "We customize anything in between as every wedding is different," Ashley says. Her full-service planning and coordination package starts at $6,200 and the month-of planning/partial planning package begins at $2,150.
As wedding planners we LOVE wedding day details! Client’s often ask us what are some details they can incorporate to help wow their guests. See some of our favorite ideas for inspiration below. We also have tons of ideas on our Pinterest here.
Ceremony Details:
This arch was such a beautiful backdrop to Abigail’s ceremony. The ferns with flowers that lined the aisle were a real show stopper! We later repurposed these beautiful details to the reception. We placed the arch behind the head table and lined a beautiful staircase with these ferns. See the stunning images below.
Place Setting Details:
Below are two images with great ceremony details. We love a beautiful charger and it can make all the difference. Menus and personalized name cutouts can make all the difference. A small flower or sprig of greenery goes a long way! We also love these specialty linens. The add a beautiful layer to the table setting.
Paper Products:
Beautiful invitations can make for a great first impression to your guests and for beautiful images. Custom calligraphy can make an even bigger impact on your guests. Custom graphics or paintings can personalize your details even more. This wedding took place on Mackinac Island so the iconic bridge was the perfect statement but often times paintings of a family home or church can make such a statement.
Welcome Bags:
Welcome bags are a great first impression for your guests when they check into their hotel. It’s another great place you can add personalization and include items local to the location of your wedding. The bride loved champagne so each guest got their own bottle as well as the bride’s mom’s famous homemade cookies and spicy bar nuts that were famous from the restaurant she used to be a chef at. Local taffy and a guide to the island helped make guests feel right at home.
Different Desserts:
Wedding cake is delicious and we love that but it’s fun to switch it up or add a secondary dessert to cake. This client chose creme brûlée which was their favorite. Pies, donuts, cookies and ice cream bars are all great ideas we’ve had clients do in the past as well. Pick whatever your favorite is. The more personal the better!
Make a Getaway:
Horse carriages are iconic to Mackinac Island so it was the perfect fit to get the couple around on wedding day. Antique cars or a limo are also great options as well!
Dress Up Your Seat:
Let guests know exactly where you’re sitting by dressing up your seat. A little chiffon or flowers goes a long way and will make a fun focal point for the evening.
Custom Signage:
A custom welcome sign or sign to inform guests throughout the day can make your day even more personal. Dress up your signs with some greenery or flowers to put things over the top!
Mix Up Your Reception Centerpieces:
Incorporating different kinds of candles, fruit, or floral colors and textures can add such dimension to your table. Talk with your florist and your wedding planner, get creative!
Creative Escort Card Alternatives:
This bride sat her guests with their names on each champagne glass in custom calligraphy. Mosaic tiles or custom cookies are also a great way to seat your guests.
Custom Cocktail Napkins:
Mr. & Mrs. cocktail napkins were a fun touch for this client. You can also further customize them with your name or wedding date.
Favors:
Favors are another great way to incorporate some local flare. This client used locally made fudge which the island is famous for in custom boxes. Custom popcorn bags, cookies, and home made treats are all things past guests of our clients have enjoyed!
Pampas grass, glam glassware, holistic cocktails, oh my! With so many 2020 wedding trends on the rise, we can’t wait to see how wedding and event planners go above and beyond to personalize their happy couple’s day this spring! One of our favorite trends for weddings is creative ways to incorporate Pantone’s Color of the Year, Classic Blue. Whether it be through a simple manicure color or an extravagant floral archway there are so many ways to include Classic Blue into your wedding to reap the benefits it was selected for.
The Pantone Institute ensures its selection is reflective of macro trends that are taking place in society and is commonly influenced by art, media, movies, lifestyles, socioeconomic and political conditions, travel destinations, and new technology. The vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, Laurie Pressman describes it as a “color that anticipates what’s going to happen next” as we enter into a new decade. This definition perfectly illustrates the milestone newlyweds approach through marriage.
Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman announced that “we are living in a time that requires faith and trust and is a kind of consistency that the solid, dependable Classic Blue expresses”. Classic Blue encourages viewers to look beyond the obvious, expand their thinking, increase their perspective and engage in an open stream of communication.
To help you reap these benefits the color reflects, FTD has created 4 moodboards geared at showcasing Classic Blue in your wedding through florals. They’ve sourced beautiful bouquets inspired by the four color harmonies Pantone released to compliment Classic Blue and help you tell a color story that you connect with. Check out the color harmonies below!
Now that you are familiar with the Pantone palettes of 2020, use your floral decor, tablescapes and bouquets to express the sensations you are feeling as you enter a new decade and a new life together! Collaborate with your love to share your feelings of mystery, bliss or tranquility with all who attend your special day that will leave a lasting impression and a mark on 2020! Cheers!
We had the best time helping Katrina + John with their beautiful Summer wedding at Crowne Plaza Union Station in downtown Indianapolis! It was the perfect day for this sweet couple. They were so gracious and kind, we were sad for their wedding to be over. See all the stunning wedding day details below from Ian Borgerhoff Photography!
Photographer: Ian Borgerhoff Photography
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Crowne Plaza Union Station
Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Cake: Cakes by Donna
DJ: Lakeside Entertainment
Florist: Lilly Lane
We loved helping Elyce + Austin with their beautiful Summer wedding in the Ritz Charles Chapel and Garden Pavilion! See their lovely video below from Bliss Video Memories!
We loved helping Anisha + Thomas plan their big fun Indian Fusion wedding at the Marriott North this past Spring. We helped them select every single vibrant detail of the day and it was such a joy to work with both their families! See their beautiful video below from Cotangent!
We loved helping Adam + Lauren plan their wedding at The Cardinal Room at the Golf Club of Indiana along with Adam’s mom who lives in Arizona. The three day weekend was full of fun details from a 125 person rehearsal dinner at Ruth’s Chris Ironworks to Nicey Treat at the shuttle pick up for guests it was fun from start to finish! See all the great details below!
Thank you: Photographer: Shelly Ruth Photography
Wedding Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Florist: McNamara
Cake: Classic Cakes
Rehearsal Dinner: Ruth's Chris Ironworks
Reception Venue: The Cardinal Room at Golf Club of Indiana
We loved helping Megan + Braydon our wedding giveaway couple plan their wedding at BASH in Carmel! They were so sweet and deserving! See their beautiful wedding day highlight below. Thank you: Wandering Light Films, Conforti Photography, Accent Floral Design, Something Blue Stylists, Classic Cakes, Deoc Ensemble, Any Style Wedding Officiant, A Classic Party Rental and Jupiter & Juno.
We’re so excited for Katrina + John’s wedding at Union Station this Summer! See their beautiful sunflower filled engagement pictures from the incredibly talented Ian Borgerhoff below!
We have loved helping Lauren & Matt plan their upcoming wedding at the Omni! We helped Lauren’s sister years ago plan her wedding and it’s always such an honor to get to work with a family again. See their stunning engagement pictures below from Traci + Troy!
This is such a great question that we get all the time! The simple answer is Yes! Many venues come with a venue coordinator but their role is different than ours. Their focus is on the venue and their direct responsibilities (tables, chairs, their staff). Our responsibility is your entire day: from communication with your vendors, entire day timeline creation, scheduling your vendors, confirmation of vendors week of wedding, managing your rehearsal, communicating final details to vendors the day before (your hotel room number or any last minute changes), confirming vendor arrival on wedding day, ensuring you’re ready on time, setting up any needed decor, confirm things are as they should be (we refold a lot of napkins that are not folded properly), helping solve any day of issues (we sew a lot of wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses), orchestrating your ceremony, keeping you fed and with a cocktail in hand during photos, keeping your reception on track and prompting all involved just before their role so they’re prepared (caterer, DJ, family, and bridal party), packing up your personal items, doing your bustle, and keeping you smiling all day!
These are just a few of the things we typically do at a wedding. Each wedding is unique and requires different elements so we adjust as needed. Our extensive role is not covered by a venue coordinators list of duties. We promise you’ll be so glad you had someone whose first priority is YOU! (not giving tours on your wedding day)
We have so many clients each year that live out of state and we love helping them plan their weddings from far away. It’s so fun when their wedding photographer can go to where they live and take their engagement pictures. Sara Ackermann was able to do just that for this Chicago couple and we couldn’t be more thrilled! See the beautiful summery images below! We can’t wait for their Columbia Club wedding next Spring!
We are in LOVE With Hope & Blaine’s gorgeous engagement pictures from Cara Boyer Photography! We can’t wait for their 2020 Black Iris Estate wedding!
We loved planning all the dreamy details of this “Game of Thrones” inspired style shoot with Violet Short. It was an incredible team who brought this vision to life!
Photographer: Violet Short
Planner & Designer: Plum & Poppy
Florist: RK Florals
Wedding Gown: Sophia's
Rentals: A Classic Party Rental
Hair & Makeup: Something Blue Stylists
Custom Invitations: Lokee Lettering
Videographer: Blushing Films
Dessert: Cake Bake
We had so much fun helping Amy pull together all the details for this beautiful photo shoot at Laurel Hall in March of this year! Thanks to a fantastic team below for making it happen!
Vendors: Photographer: Amy Mulder Photography
Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Florist: Le Fleur
Wedding Dress: Nancy's
Table, Chairs, Glassware, Flatware: Burn's Rental
Linens: A Classic Party Rental
Venue: Laurel Hall
Hair & Makeup: Something Blue Stylists
Dessert: Gallery Pastry Shop
Invitations: Lokee Lettering
We have been working with Anisha + Thomas to plan both of their weddings! They had their Catholic wedding with a funky little reception at Taxman Brewery in Fortville this past August. We’re looking forward to their big, fun Hindu wedding this April. See their pictures below from their wedding this past August from One Journey Photography.
We loved helping Allie + Scott with their wedding coordinator at the Conrad Indianapolis. They have the most fun teaser below from Sergi Studios. Thank you to our entire team: Accent Floral Design, Naked Karate Girls, Deoc Ensemble, and Blush & Bobbypins.
We had so much fun making this quick little video about 3 reasons why you should hire a wedding planner with Sergi Studios! Check out our fun little project!
We loved planning every detail of this Tuscan inspiration shoot at Hillcrest Country Club! Thank you Vow & Veil for publishing it! Check it out here.
Vendors:
Photographer: Conforti Photography: https://www.confortiphoto.com/
Planner & Designer: Plum & Poppy Weddings: http://www.plumandpoppy.com/
Florist: Accent Floral Design: http://www.accentfloraldesign.net/
Paper Products Printer: Jupiter and Juno: https://www.jupiterandjunoshop.com/
Paper Products Designer: Just Invite Me {by JBDESiGN}: https://justinviteme.com/
Silk Ribbons: Luminous Style Supply Co.:
Venue: Hillcrest Country Club - Indy: https://www.hillcrestccindy.com/
Cake: Confectioneiress Cupcakes & Sweets: https://www.confectioneiress.com/
Linens: LGi Linens: https://lgilinens.com/
Hair & Makeup: Something Blue Stylists: http://somethingbluestylists.com/
Dress: LUXEredux Bridal: https://www.luxereduxbridal.com/
