by Guest Blogger Laurie Larson
4 Unexpected Reasons You Need a Wedding Planner
 
If you are in the beginning stages of planning your wedding you’ve likely heard all of the horror stories from the extra venue costs to brawling bachelors and of course the seating arrangements. In fact, television has made an entirely new genre of reality TV with shows such as Bridezillas and Whose Wedding is it Anyway?
 
Your wedding will be one of the most important days of your life, so how do you avoid the unexpected crisis?
 
That’s where the wedding planner comes in. From napkins to cake and venues, the wedding planner is someone who will help you prepare for that special day while also making sure it goes off without a hitch.
 
Hiring a wedding planner isn’t just about cake and photos, though. Bringing a wedding planner into your life can make the entire experience of getting married more stress-free.
 
Not convinced you need a wedding planner? You will be after learning about these four unexpected benefits of hiring a wedding planner.
 
Wedding Planning Will Actually Be Fun
 
Your wedding should be your dream day but planning everything isn’t nearly as easy as you think. The detail matters are numerous, and sometimes it’s hard enough to just get through a normal day on your schedule.
 
So, you’ve heard it before, don’t even consider planning your wedding on your own. Not only has a wedding planner been down this road before, but they likely have enough checklists to fill your venue. They can take care of all those details and arrangements that have you feeling nervous.
 
Instead of calling four bakeries to taste-test the cake, you just show up. Instead of visiting a dozen potential venues, your planner can help you narrow it down before you go.
 
While your planner handles the details, you can just enjoy the experience.
 
You’ll Keep Your Sanity
 
Juggling your normal life to-dos with all your wedding to-dos is nearly impossible. There simply aren’t enough hours in the day, and soon you’ll find yourself staying up late nights, waking up early, and losing your mind from exhaustion.
 
Insomnia is the second leading mental health disorder and the primary reason is due to anxiety and stress. There are a ton of decisions to make when it comes to your wedding and it is natural that you will be kept awake overthinking your game plan.
 
Sleep deprivation will not only make you feel fatigued, but it will also affect your ability to focus, think clearly and make decisions. Your sleep is your body’s way of repairing damage, improving creativity, handling emotions and organizing your memories and thoughts. Without quality sleep you will find planning a wedding is much more difficult.
 
A wedding planner can help you by narrowing down your choices and handling the stressful decisions that would otherwise keep you awake at night.
 
Limit Those Not-So-Minor Unexpected Expenses
 
There are a lot of unexpected expenses that can occur with your wedding. For example, if you are planning an outdoor wedding, what is your plan B if it rains or is too windy? Can your venue handle both on short notice?
 
Your planner will know the cost of things and will probably know where your wiggle room is at as well as the likelihood of an unexpected cost. They can also guide you on how much of a buffer you should set aside for unexpected costs.
 
Receive Priceless Emotional Support
 
Wedding planners have been there before, so when you are suddenly crying because your napkins are a color-shade off, or because your cousin suddenly cancelled the RSVP, you can rest assured that your planner will not freak out. In fact, in many cases your wedding planner will be that shoulder you can cry on and the wedding therapist you need to talk to.
 
It is natural for the soon-to-be-bride (and the groom) to suddenly break out crying. Your wedding planner is the person to give you the assurance that, “yes, everything will be fine.”
 
 
All of these factors combine into the perfect package deal. Now you’re probably wondering how you would ever manage wedding planning without a planner’s help!
 
If you’re getting married soon, take the burden off yourself of doing it all alone. A wedding planner will offer all of the support you need to help you fully enjoy your season of engagement.

Laurie is a writer based on the east coast who enjoys writing on health and lifestyle topics. In her free time, she loves doing anything that gets her outdoors breathing some fresh air.

​Say I Do to Engagement photos! Engagement photos are a great time to get to know, and more importantly, get comfortable in front of, your Wedding photographer. Your photographer will be right there with you for the entire Wedding Day and it’s important that you get comfortable around them and that your personalities jive so that your pictures are natural and the process is fun.
Engagement photos are also great to use in your save the dates and throughout your web-site, not to mention the fact that you have a treasured keepsake from such an exciting time in your life! 

​Location, Location, Location – It is nice to have two or three locations during your shoot. Choose somewhere special or significant to you as a couple or listen to your photographers recommendations. Photographers are constantly scanning for peak locations. Trust their artistic eyes and you will be glad you did! 

​Wardrobe + Props - If you're worried about color, pick a neutral and a few coordinating color tones you both like and stick to those hues. But otherwise have fun! Don’t shy away from a pattern or bold color {just make sure your outfits complement one another} and bring at least one wardrobe change – a casual set and a classy set is a good rule of thumb. Also incorporate props if that works for you! A bottle of champagne, a picnic basket and blanket, an umbrella, your dog, you get the picture😉 The goal is to have a unique and beautiful reflection of you as a couple and your life together.

​Get Cozy – these photos are all about the love so shed any awkward feelings and shout out to the whole world about how sweet your love is!

*This beautiful engagement session was photographed by Chris Glenn Photography of my beautiful clients, Candace and Willie Burnham in Joshua Tree.

Moody is a word that perfectly describes fall. It’s dark, mysterious and romantic, a perfect time to showcase Jen and Simon’s elegant and dramatic wedding in Big Sur. To the backdrop of rugged cliffs and sheer drops to the crashing ocean below, this moody wedding featured a stark contrast of dark red, burgundy floral on top of light and flowing blush linens and pampas grass, black candles in gilded candle holders, and brass animal figurines collected by the Bride, at every table. Speaking of the Bride, Jen was nothing short of stunning in her vintage ivory gown with silver beading, matching hair piece and arm cuff. Dramatic make up accentuated the look with bold lips and dark eyes. From the woodsy coastline to the shaded beach, photographer David Fiser explored the transition from light to dark, and it's so gorgeous, it will surely take your breath away. Congrats Jen + Si! Thank you David Fiser, Ragged Point Inn, Brooke Edelman Floral Design, The Queen's Bee's.

The Scottish prove that real men wear kilts, maybe in this case, Scottish descendants, but whose quibbling with all these tartans around? I've yet to visit Scotland, but this Wedding? It tells me everything I need to know. In addition, this fun filled Wedding featured a bagpiper, breakfast for dinner and the groom singing a surprise serenade to his new wife. Swoon.  Thank you Zest It Up, Gabriel at La Cuesta, my assistant Emily, Brooke Edelman Floral Design, SLO Do Co., Negranti’s Ice Cream Truck, Chad with Speakeasy Entertainment, Photographer John Patrick Images, Avenue Videography.

​Last year Courtney and Hugh won the prize for being my clients who lived furthest away. Both of them are residents of Australia! Family had property here in California and A Perfect Day was more than happy to help bring their California Wedding dreams to life. Australian details were incorporated throughout the day with things like kangaroo paw boutonnieres and table numbers named after fun to try to pronounce Australian Cities. The celebration took place at the new Wedding venue, 1800 El Pomar, a historical Ranch in the Templeton countryside. Thank you to photographer Jonathan Roberts with Blue Photo, my assistant Emily, Lori Boe Floral Design, Epic Entertainment, 1800 El Pomar.

Erica and Gavin's gorgeous, love filled weekend began with a rehearsal dinner in the Santa Barbara Hills, otherwise aptly known as the American Riveria, at the Groom's family home. The celebration continued the next day with a Ceremony at the stunning Anacapa Arch at the Sunken Gardens at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. A string quartet played as the wedding party and Bride walked through the lush gardens and up the Spanish steps. Following the Ceremony a surprise  Dixieland brass trio along with the Bride and Groom, paraded guests to the El Paseo Restaurant where the beautiful courtyard was decorated in creams, greens and blush to set the tone for the romantic Reception. Thank you to the fabulous vendor team: Ella & Louie, I Heart My Groom Photography, El Paseo Restaurant, my assistant Aimee, Enjoy Cupcakes, Santa Barbara Courthouse Staff, the Tent Merchant and AMS. Congrats Erica and Gavin!

Than and Evan's Terra Mia Wedding was dreamy in every way. From the dusty blue linen of the bridesmaid dresses, runners and Blush Fine Linen Napkins, the fluffy white florals to the overall tranquil feel of the venue, we never want to wake up! Thank you to the great vendor team who pulled this marvelous dream together: Erich Chan Photography, Chelsea Smith Videography, my assistant Emily Martzen, Mistura Events Catering, Kramer Events, All About Events, Blush Fine Linens, Lori Boe Floral Design, Paper Cake Events, Scout Rental Co., Tracy and Rich and the team at Terra Mia, Brown Butter Cookie Co. and Sugar Lips Mini Donuts. Congrats Than & Evan!

Bentley and Frank's classy chic wedding at Adelaida Cellars took place on one of those hot Paso days that turns into a gorgeous summer night. Peer Johnson Photography captured the essence of that perfectly with his sunset photos of the couple and their family owned getaway car, a classic cream colored Woody. Ceremony and Cocktail Hour took place on the stunning hilltop at Adelaida which correctly boasts some of the best views in town. The professional vendor team extended the elegance and sophistication of the event through every detail. Thank you to Peer Johnson Photography, Rhonda Johnson Hair and Make Up, my assistant Emily Martzen, Liz and the team at Adelaida Cellars, DJ Mel, Mistura Events, Fluidbloom Floral, Tap Truck and Paper Cake Events. Congrats Bentley and Frank!

Juliana and Henry wanted an intimate wedding Ceremony on the beach in Cambria followed by a quaint reception in the Garden at Robin's Restaurant. With a stellar team of vendors including the ever so talented Allyson Magda of Allyson Magda Photography, fantabulous Erin from Sprigs Floral Design, go to Bagpiper Paul Dunn, Sax player Ron, Linn's Bakery {yum!}, the lovely DJ Malik and the fabulous staff and setting at Robin's Restaurant, the evening was nothing short of magic. Congrats to this wonderful couple Juliana and Henry!