wedding planner & DESIGNER in washington, DC AND CHARLESTON, SC
We understand that wedding planning can be very overwhelming. Our owner, Madison, has created a seamless planning experience from design conception to wedding day execution so you can relax knowing all the details are taken care of by professionals with a tried-and-true process. This will help you enjoy this special era of your life with your soon-to-be partner, while still creating a high-quality wedding day experience that reflects your unique story!
OUR PROCESS
As wedding planners and designers, our “toolbox” consists of food, drinks, linens, draping, cakes, music, attire, and so much more that we intentionally curate together in a wedding day experience for you and your loved ones, while also ensuring a smooth logistical flow.
Our process is organized into clear steps below so you can understand what our company does on your behalf to save you time, sanity, and even money!
01 Wedding Planning
Creating a wedding checklist
Creating a wedding budget
Complimentary access to Aisle Planner (online wedding planning organizer)
Booking a venue or tent
Vendor recommendations & contract review
Booking all vendors for the wedding day
Managing all vendor correspondence
Creating multiple floor plan options for you to choose from
Customizing stationery and shipping it to your doorstep to mail
Attending the wedding tasting and other in-person meetings
General wedding etiquette, insurance, and website guidance
Discounts to our exclusive brand partners
Optional add-on: Mailing invitations on your behalf
Optional add-on: Wedding website creation
Optional add-on: Tracking RSVPs
Optional add-on: Booking hotel room blocks
02 Wedding Design
Analyzing your Pinterest board or inspiration photos
Providing unlimited color palette options
Creating 2-3 mood boards that narrow down the vision for you to choose from
Virtual design meeting to finalize mood board selection
Communicating the vision with florists, bakers, caterers, venues, and rental companies
Going to the rental showroom to select place settings with you
Sourcing, ordering, and prepping all wedding day supplies
Styling all details on the wedding day such as flat lays, escort displays, photo angles, and more
03 Wedding COordination
Confirming all details starting 8 weeks prior to the wedding day
Finalizing the timeline and floor plan
Answering any last minute vendor questions
Leading the final walkthrough at the venue
Guidance on the seating chart, music, entrances, introductions, and more
Planning the processional & recessional
Leading the wedding rehearsal
04 The Wedding Day
Planner and 2+ assistants on the wedding day
Directing vendor set-up & answering all questions
Guiding family, bridal party, & guests
Styling all details for photos
Ensuring the execution of the timeline & contracts
Dealing with any unforeseen hiccups
Overseeing cleanup
Packing your car or hotel with all gifts & supplies
INVESTMENT
Our pricing is custom based on the scope of the event. Please fill out our inquiry form for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
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There are a variety of types of planners and planning packages available, so there is quite a range of answers to this question on the internet. As a planner who has been in the DC market for 8 years, I can confidently say that a full-service planner will range from 10-20% of your wedding budget. The lower end of the percentages will be for planners who have less experience or are less design-oriented, while the higher percentages will be for planners who have more experience and are highly design focused.
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If you are looking for full-service wedding planning, right after you are engaged is most ideal so we can create the perfect vision for your wedding together from the start. If you already have a venue booked, that is a perfect starting place too!
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A wedding planner is a hired vendor who manages the entire wedding planning process. A wedding coordinator is a hired vendor that comes in towards the end of the process (typically about 2-3 months prior to the wedding day) and ties all the details together that you have been managing thus far.
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There is a common fear I hear among brides that if they have a full-service wedding planner, they are giving up control of their wedding. While we can’t speak for other planners, we can confidently say that our couples are at the forefront of our process and we have a collaborative approach that involves our clients in the process without them taking on so much that it becomes stressful.
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This can vary between planners depending on experience level and scope of the wedding. For example, a custom tented wedding is going to take more hours than a venue with lots of in-house items. Another example is that a newer planner will take longer to create a master timeline than a seasoned planner.
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Our full-service planning package is very comprehensive. The only things it does not include and can be discussed as add–ons are wedding website creation, RSVP tracking, and hotel room blocks.
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The investment is broken up into three throughout the planning process. We send a secure digital link for you to pay via ACH (no fee) or credit card (3% fee).
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For weddings within a 50 mile radius of our three locations of Washington, DC, Charleston, SC, and Nantucket, MA, all travel costs are covered in your planning fee.
For weddings outside of our locations, we do ask clients to cover travel fees. Our planning contract clearly lays out these would be and we are happy to provide any clarity you would need.
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Fill out our inquiry form for us to review and we will schedule a time for a 1-hour complimentary consultation if we have availability for your date! If both parties feel that the consultation went well, a contract and invoice will be sent within 48 hours to be signed and paid. Then the planning fun begins!