#36 Lessons (Planners) Learned

Big Takeaways May is the beginning of WEDDING SEASON in most of the country, and industry pros are very busy (usually happily)! We may not be as responsive as quickly at this time - it’s like tax accountants in early April. If you know a wedding planner, and it’s May, give her a hug. We love it, but this job is tough! Second systems needed from your DJ, for a ceremony: ask questions, get specifics, and make sure that the second system that you are hiring a DJ to set up is an actual system. Do not approve of a DJ simply plugging in his phone to a speaker or 2. This can be a hard lesson to learn if a giant mistake is made during a very important time in your ceremony. There are a lot of variables that can go into what is ultimately a giant mistake...don’t let spotty wifi or a distracted DJ be one of them! Microphones for the ceremony: You probably want at least one for amplification, and this is often a lapel mic clipped to your Officiant. We suggest that you ALSO have a wireless, handheld mic available as well, in the event that the lapel mic on the Officiant cuts in and out, or doesn’t pick up any sound from the couple saying their vows. All your vendors will be working together on the wedding day. A photographer may motion to an Officiant to step out of the way for a second during the exchanging of the vows - the photographer is trying to get the best shot, but this move may affect the amplification if the Officiant is the one wearing the mic. Just have a plan B available to you up there! Share the cost of things like ceremony florals if at all possible. Think outside the box! It doesn’t hurt to ask! This works the best when your venue has a strict preferred vendors list, or even a house vendor, like a florist. Also, it’s most convenient when your wedding is on a Friday, or Sunday...see if it’s possible to use the same lighting company as the other weddings that share your wedding weekend. You could end up saving a couple hundred bucks because they are already installing something that both weddings can actually use. Whatever decisions you make for your wedding day - let the decision making be done by your actual wedding day. Give yourself permission to actually let things flow on the wedding day. The more laid back and happy you can be, the better. It sounds too simple, but trust us, we’re professionals. Getting hung up on details is great during the planning process, but not during the wedding day. Links we referenced Michelle’s Instagram Feed DJ Justin Foreign Cinema Eothen Floral Helena and Laurent Photography Venmo The Big Wedding Planning Podcast is... Hosted and produced by Michelle Martinez. Edited by Veronica Gruba Music by Steph Altman of Mophonics On Instagram @thebigweddingplanningpodcast and be sure to use #planthatwedding when posting, so you can get our attention! Inviting you to become part of our Facebook Group! Join us and our amazing members. Just search for The Big Wedding Planning Podcast Community on Facebook. Easy to get in touch with. Email us at [email protected] or Call and leave a message at 415-723-1625 and you might hear your voice on an episode On Patreon. Become a member and with as little as $6.99 per month, you get 2 exclusive, ad-free episodes, + Zoom Happy Hour with Michelle and fellow patrons every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices