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We loved helping Abbey plan her beautiful wedding in a short time frame at the Mavris Arts & Event Center. See the beautiful details below.
Vendors:
Photographer: Danielle Harris Photography
Wedding Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Florist: McNamara
Venue: Mavris Arts & Events Center
Bakery: Classic Cakes
Hair & Makeup: Kathryn’s Bridal Bar
We are always over the moon when we get to work with Rebecca Shehorn Photography! These Fall Bloomington engagement pictures make us so happy for this sweet couple. We are so excited for their wedding later this Summer at the Biltwell Event Center.
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.
We were so honored to be nominated for a 2020 PACE Award for Best Team Effort over $75,000. We worked with a fantastic team to create a beautiful wedding day for Christina + Brian. Christina’s parents own Thomas Caterers so we knew it would be a fabulous day from the get go. Thank you: Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Black Iris Estate, BBJ Linen, ENCORE Entertainment, Event Source, Indy Visual, Jim Cerone, Classic Cakes, Ian Borgerhoff Photography, McNamara Florist, and Wow Factors!
See some of our favorite images from the day below!
We loved helping Laura, Rafe and their families plan their beautiful fall wedding at St. John the Evangelist in Indianapolis along with their reception at the Eiteljorg. See all their beautiful images below from Meghan Harrison Photography.
Vendors:
Photographer: Meghan Harrison
Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Ceremony Venue: St. John the Evangelist
Reception Venue: Eiteljorg
Caterer: Kahn’s Catering
Florist: The Empty Vase
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!
We had so many beautiful Summer wedding at Black Iris Estate this year and we fell more in love with the property each time we were there! Amanda, Joe and their families were so incredibly sweet and we had the best time helping them bring together their wedding while they lived in Washington, DC. See their beautiful images below.
Vendors:
Photographer: Jen Clark Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Black Iris Estate
Caterer: Thomas Caterers of Distinction
Florist: Mother of the Groom
Makeup: Julia Wadsworth
Cake: Classic Cakes
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 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 grew to LOVE Ellis, Mitch and both of their families through helping them plan their wedding! They were so lovely and had such fun and unique ideas for their wedding at the Biltwell Event Center. See the sneak peek images below.
Vendors:
Photographer: Arielle Peters Photography
Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Ceremony Venue: Redeemer Presbyterian Church
Reception Venue: Biltwell Event Center
Caterer: Hoalgin Fine Catering
Video: Marshall Movie Maker
Hair: Tangled Up
Makeup: Olivia Rodriguez
Florist: The Empty Vase
Rental: Atmosphere’s Indy
Band: Bluewater Kings
Linens: LGI Linens
Chairs: Wow Factors
Abbie + Dylan had the most stunning wedding day at the Golf Club at Chatham Hills and Lindley Farmstead! We loved working with Abbie and her mom to plan their beautiful wedding! There was no detail overlooked and Abbie along with her mom have impeccable taste. See all the gorgeous details below from Joni Bilderback!
Vendors:
Photographer: Joni Bilderback
Wedding Coordinator: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Videographer: Ian Borgerhoff
Hair & Makeup: Something Blue Stylists
DJ: Jim Cerone
Florist: Graceful Hands
Decor: Detail & Design
Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cake
Ceremony Venue: Golf Club at Chatham Hills
Reception Venue: Lindley Farmstead at Chatham Hills
We are always so intrigued each year to find out the Pantone color of the year. Some brides really embrace it and it can be a lot of fun to get inspired. See some of our favorite inspiration below. There isn’t a lot out there yet which always makes truly planning something unique even more exciting! What is inspiring you this year?
30-50% of our clients each year live out of state. That makes our job extra fun because we get engagement pictures from all over the country! Check our Ellis + Mitch’s Chicago engagement pictures from Arielle Peters Photography below. We loved their Fall 2019 Biltwell wedding that we’ve been planning!
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
Anisha + Thomas had two fantastic wedding days! A Catholic wedding last August and this big beautiful North Indian wedding below this April at the Marriott North. See all their stunning pictures below from Jessica Strickland Photography! We couldn’t have done it without our amazing team:
Photographer: Jessica Strickland Photography
Wedding Planner: Plum & Poppy Weddings
Caterer: India Garden
Venue: Marriott North
Florist: McNamara
Hair & Makeup: Cache Ellis
Decor: Atmospheres Indy
Videographer: Cotangent
DJ: DJ Mavi
Cake: Classic Cakes
Horse: Graceful Equines
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!
