I’m really thrilled to finally share with you all that my incredible wedding planners are Nicole and Katharine from Exhale Events! Even before getting engaged, I knew I’d need some help planning the wedding. I’m not exactly a natural when it comes to bridal stuff—my planners joke that I don’t have the “bridal gene.” I’ve never been one to dream about my wedding, so, yes, help is definitely necessary.
To add to the challenge, we’re planning to tie the knot in Copenhagen, which made having a professional on board even more important, and I had no clue where to even start. I was torn between hiring a planner from my area or someone local in Copenhagen. I spent countless hours researching without much success. Fortunately, Katharine and Nicole from Exhale Events reached out at just the right moment.
We exchanged emails and they explained their approach to working with clients and their experience with destination weddings. Then, they said something that completely sealed the deal for me—they offered to make custom ‘Zack & Erica’ rolling papers. That’s when I knew they understood my vibe perfectly. I’m not looking for a usual wedding with burlap and fairy lights; I want something different, something memorable for everyone coming all the way to Copenhagen. I’m a pretty laid-back bride right now and I place a lot of trust in my planners, encouraging them to get creative without constraints. Plus, I’m not well-versed in weddings, so I’ll lean on their expertise.
I must also mention how super organized Katharine and Nicole are! They have this amazing system to keep everything in check, including weekly notes, to-do lists for both me and Zack, financial spreadsheets, and inspiration boards. It’s incredibly calming for me, and even though having a planner is quite an investment, I’d skip having a big wedding to ensure their help. It’s invaluable for someone who wasn’t born with that bridal gene!
Being a bit lost when it came to weddings, I had tons of questions when I decided on a destination wedding. It turned out my Instagram followers had a lot of questions too! So, I combined our questions and thought—why not just ask the planners?
**Let’s Dive into Some Wedding Planning Questions:**
**Choosing a Destination:** Picking a wedding destination can be tough. It’s helpful to list places you love and what you liked about each. If you’re adventurous, think about the experiences you want for your event and guests. Cost is another big factor, so compare cities and trust your instincts.
**Affordable Bar Options:** Instead of a full open bar, which can be really expensive, consider offering a selection of drinks, like a few beers, wines, or signature cocktails that represent you and your partner.
**When to Start Planning:** There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your wedding’s complexity. Some manage it in under four months, while others start two years in advance. Typically, planning spans 12-16 months to secure vendors. For destination weddings, send save-the-dates about a year ahead.
**Guest List Size:** Your budget is crucial when deciding how many people to invite. More guests mean higher costs—not just for food, but also extra tables, linens, and flowers. If details matter, consider a smaller guest list.
**Wedding Budget:** Budgets vary greatly. Talk with your partner and anyone contributing financially to set your budget. It impacts your wedding’s size and vendor choices. Averages differ by city, so do some research and don’t go into debt over your wedding.
**Cost of Full-Service Planners:** Planners can be pricey, ranging from $5k to over $10k or charging a percentage of the wedding budget. This investment is ideal for busy couples or those planing destination weddings.
**Month-of Coordinator Tips:** Even short-term coordinators can make a big difference. They help organize the day and keep things running smoothly. Avoid DIY floral arrangements—they can be stressful and are better left to professionals.
**Invitations for Destination Weddings:** Destination weddings usually have smaller RSVPs, making them great for intimate gatherings. Send save-the-dates a year ahead, so guests can plan for vacation time and expenses.
**Inviting People Who Can’t Attend:** Still send invitations to those you care about, even if they can’t come. It’s a nice gesture and lets them know they’re important to you.
**Planner Location for Foreign Weddings:** Both options have pros and cons; choose based on your comfort level. A local planner may save on travel fees, while a planner back home can facilitate easier communication.
**Not Inviting Certain People:** Be honest about wanting a small event. If someone reacts poorly, it’s likely they weren’t meant to attend.
**Gift Registries for Destination Weddings:** Registries are suitable if you’re having a bridal shower. They’re also nice for guests who can’t attend but want to send a gift, ensuring it’s something you’d like.
**Dealing with Pushback on Wedding Plans:** Stick with what makes you happy. Discuss non-negotiables with your fiancé early on and present a united front when faced with unwanted opinions.