Let me tell you, wedding planning is stressful AF. Sticking to a budget, making sure the timeline runs smoothly, and scheduling a moment to sip some champagne between entertaining all your out-of-town guests can make your wedding day feel more like mom planning a party rather than feeling like the birthday girl!
I knew I had to write this article after I witnessed some wedding-day drama. PICTURE THIS – Waking up early on your wedding day to set up your outdoor reception space: steaming table linens, arranging wildflowers in mason jars, and struggling to toss your fabric arch up into the most incredible oak tree to frame you and your boo tying the knot. Florida summer weather is unpredictable, and BOOM- thunderstorm happens. All of your Pinterest-worthy decor swept away with the wind and rain! While your hair is still in curlers, you run out and set everything back up with your relatives and friends who may have arrived early. Can you imagine the stress this bride was going through?! After that, I knew I would recommend this vendor to every wedding couple I worked with!
Let me introduce you to the QUEEN of wedding day coordination, Chloe Sexton – with Supposey Co., a floral design, rental studio, and event planning and coordination studio here on the Emerald Coast. I had the chance to ask her some v important q’s about wedding coordination and why every wedding couple should have one!
How did you get into wedding planning and coordination?
I began working in the Wedding Industry in high school, and fell in love with weddings from the first one I worked. After starting my own company at 19, I quickly outgrew the category of just a florist, and expanded into wedding rentals and Coordination + Planning services.
As a florist, I had worked with many planners and coordinators and understood the need for an easier and more effective method for couples. Supposey simplifies the planning process, and our unique approach to offering all 3 crucial aesthetic and execution services under one roof, allows couples a totally streamlined process. They work with one contact from conception to completion, and this minimizes the “telephone effect.” Having one vendor to fill 3 crucial main roles, creates a straightforward and more relaxed version of the normally stressful job of selecting various vendors and hoping they mesh well together.
What is the difference between a wedding planner and a coordinator?
This is crucial to understanding prior to hiring an execution vendor. A Wedding Planner is going to take a brides vision and plan and execute it fully. A Wedding Coordinator is going to guide the bride through her planning, and then take over to execute the day of. It is also important to note that these descriptions vary, depending on the company you are interested in. My advice to any couple looking into a Planner or Coordinator is to read reviews. Get on site like Wedding Wire, The Knot, Google and read as many reviews as possible! These are words straight from prior client’s mouths, and are like gold! Really, read reviews before booking any vendor. You will have a better grasp for the vendor as a whole, verse just what is displayed on a website.
Why do you think couples should hire a wedding planner or coordinator?
I think it is more a question of do they want one.. You see, this vendor category is offering a professional service. Much like having your oil changed, calling a plumber, or filing your taxes, you may want a little professional help for something you don’t do everyday! So, I think it is important to consider that, and think to yourself…. “Do I really want to be worrying about things on the big day? Do I want my mom, family member, or friend stressing about things I could have delegated elsewhere? Do I know everything about events, and what I will need for my wedding?” Having been married myself, and working in the industry for 10 years, I know just how important it is to enjoy your big day, and also have your loved ones get to enjoy it too! Not to mention, the disasters I have seen caused by the “DIY Bride.” My advice: If you love DIY, pick a few small projects to do that will be fun, and leave the rest to a professional to do the worrying, planning, re-arranging, stressing, and coordinating.
What is something unique you offer or something you do differently than other planners in our area?
Supposey is the only company in Pensacola that offers Flowers, Rentals, and Execution services all in one company. This differentiates us from our fellow vendors in the area, and gives local and destination couples another option when looking for these 3 services.
What should couples look for in a wedding planner and coordinator?
The main thing to consider, when hiring any vendor, especially your event leader, is if you connect with them. You should get a warm-fuzzy feeling knowing this person has your back, and can laugh with you, but also buckle down and get things done. Couples should hire a vendor they know is professional (accolades and reviews!), but also that they create a connection with. If you have an off feeling from the start, trust your gut! Go with the choice that meets your vision and budget. Be clear about budget up front, and you will find vendor selection is much more simplified.
What are some ways a wedding coordinator can help throughout the wedding planning process?
This list would be endless if I could honestly list EVERYTHING that wedding planners and coordinators do.
Coordinators and Planners typically:
-Plan Checklists + Schedules
-Create Timelines + Draft Layouts
-Connect and Refer Vendors
-Assist with Budgeting
-Guide Wedding Design and Aesthetic
-Remind clients of TO-DO’s
-Coordinate your ceremony and reception order
-Setup your personal items
-Handle wedding Emergencies
-Bustle your dress, wipe your tears, make the hard decisions, speak for the couple, fill in where another vendor lacks, run to get the item you forgot, make you laugh, give you peace of mind, and give you professional guidance.
A lot of couples turn to their photographers for wedding day timeline needs. I believe photographers and coordinators can work together to ensure the timeline stays on schedule. Some ways a coordinator can work with photographers, are by keeping getting ready details (dress, rings, invites) organized the morning of, and helping coordinate the family portraits (calling out names for photo groups). Do you think this sort of teamwork should be industry standard?
When we begin working on Timeline, the first vendor I reach out to is the couple’s photographer! This is crucial to creating a Timeline that will allow the necessary time a photographer needs to achieve the couple’s photo shot list, and also have creative time with the couple. This style teamwork should 100% be standard in the wedding industry, as should the desire for all vendors to want to “play for the same team!” ….. TEAM BRIDE! We as vendors all need to work together to make a wedding day the best it can be. That often means lending a helping hand to another vendor in need, or just being flexible to a Coordinator or Planner directions or changes short notice. A Photographer is really calling the shots, and needs to be considered when creating any Timeline for a wedding day.
If a bride chooses to plan and set up her wedding on her own, what is one piece of advice you would provide her to make her day run smoothly?
Delegate, delegate, delegate! If you plan and do everything yourself, at least on the day of, put someone else in charge. Your focus should be on your marriage in the end, not your wedding and all it’s details, stress, and hiccups. On the big day, focus on your new spouse to be! Let the little things (and big things) go, and enjoy your wedding day! Once it’s here, it’s here and you might as well create happy memories, no matter what the day holds. The Bride’s attitude is going to reflect in her bridal party, family, and vendors. You set the tone for the day, so smile and be beautiful! Prepare your heart ahead of time for the new chapter of life you are entering, and let the celebration happen along the way.
Hiring the right photographer can also ease the wedding planning process. Once you have secured your wedding date with me, Love, Anneliese Photography, I will send you a packet of helpful information containing my preferred vendors, what to expect, and more- along with periodic e-mails sharing wedding planning or photo session tips, like this one!
Although your photographer is not your coordinator, I totally will collaborate with all of your awesome vendors to ensure we have enough time to photograph those incredible wedding day moments and still be present during your magical day <3
If you are ready to book, or if you have more questions about what it’s like to work with me- please reach out using the form below! Super stoked to share this vendor insight with you and I can’t wait to hear about your wedding day dreams!
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