Planning a wedding that feels like a great representation of you and your partner can be a daunting task. Choosing between all the different options out there can be overwhelming, but there are a few key things to consider that will help you create a wedding that is uniquely you.

STEP ONE
Identify what kind of wedding you want. When it comes to planning your big day, the style and theme of your wedding can be the difference between a beautiful, one-of-a-kind wedding and a lackluster event. But how do you know what kind of couple you are and what style and theme will work best for you? Are you more traditional and classic, or do you like to play with funky ideas and take risks? Knowing how you want to represent yourselves on your wedding day is a great place to start. If there’s a particular style or theme you love, go for it! Have fun with it and make sure that it’s something that celebrates your love and reflects who you are as a couple. Figuring out what you really want will help you choose your venue that matches that vibe AND narrow down your vendor search to people who can nail your aesthetic. 













STEP TWO
Find a photographer who matches your vision and the vibe of your wedding, because this is one of the most important steps in creating a wedding that is a true reflection of you and your partner. Think about things like the photographer's editing style. Is it contrasty and shadowy? Warm and orangey? Light and airy? Which style do you like best and what style aligns with your vision of your wedding day? Beyond that, you need to find someone you know you can trust to capture all of the moments that are the most important to you. Is the hug you share with grandma after dinner something you want to see in your wedding gallery, or are you more a Major Moments type of couple? Some photographers specialize in epic portraits, others in documentary moments. Some photographers (like us!) combine a mix of the two to tell a story and also deliver kick ass portraits. Another big thing to look for?  Be sure to hire a photographer who you truly connect with and whose personality you genuinely like-- after all, other than your spouse-to-be, that photographer is the professional third wheel who is going to be with you all.day.long.  















STEP THREE
Think about your vendors-- if you're hiring vendors who all work in the same area, chances are we know each other and have a list of people who we LOVE creating with! Creating a vendor team that works well together and supports each other plus you and your bae on the wedding day is essential to feeling the least amount of stress possible. It’s important to find vendors who share your vision and understand your needs. A collaborative and supportive vendor team will ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly and looks the way you want it to-- not to mention, you can sit back, enjoy your honey, and know that wedding professionals have you in good hands. Don't know where to start? Ask your wedding photographer for their favorite florist, planner, caterer, DJ,  baker, and videographer.  When you work with us, we send you a whole list to make it easy :)














STEP FOUR
Learn the difference between a venue coordinator and a day-of coordinator and wedding planner. A venue coordinator’s main concern is the venue and the interest of the venue they manage – they will make sure lights are on, sparkler exits happen where they’re supposed to, and that the venue is locked up at the end of the night. The venue coordinator will enforce the venue guidelines for your vendors and direct them where they can set up/store their gear/where they sit, but they are not there to line up your bridal party for intros or make sure you walk down the aisle on time. 
BUT! This is why the wedding industry has day-of coordinators! Day-of coordinators will keep your wedding timeline, organize your vendors, light candles, and make sure the entire wedding day goes as planned. A day-of will touch base with you 3-6 months before your wedding day, collect your timelines, interface with vendors to make sure everyone is on the same page, and then direct the wedding day.  Want to take this all a step further? Wedding planners go beyond just the day-of coordination by curating the design of your wedding day. Wedding planners can be as involved as you want-- they can help you book your other vendors, put together your seating charts, manage your RSVPs, confirm alcohol counts, and manage Uncle Bob when he gets a little too tipsy on the dance floor. Wedding planners often come in pairs day-of so that they can literally be in multiple places at once. 















Planning a wedding that reflects you and your partner’s personalities and style can seem like a huge task, but with the right team of vendors and coordinators, it can be done! With the help of a supportive team, you can create a wedding that is uniquely you and will be remembered for years to come.  Looking for a good place to start? 



XOXO,
THE JBP TEAM