Wisconsin Wedding Planning Pros!

Now more than ever there are a million questions about planning, timelines, what’s allowed and how to make your wedding as perfect as you’ve always dreamed. And while it may feel a little overwhelming, there is an elite group of people who live for these moments and can make your dreams a reality. Scroll on to meet some of Wisconsin’s finest wedding planners who are just a phone call or email away!

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Meet Janelle…

What made you want to start your own consultant/planning business?

Being in the industry for so many years in operations and sales gained me the experience to feel confident in jump starting the opening of my own business. I was working as Director of Catering/General Manager at Discovery World/Pier Wisconsin and loved every minute of it, but opening my business did allow me to be working from home while my daughter continued to grow up and I was able to spend more time with her.

What do you love about planning weddings?

I love the relationships I get to develop with my clients and even more so with the vendors involved.  I love being able to use my creative juices and have the opportunity to create amazing weddings that the couple and families will remember for a lifetime!

How long before a wedding date would you suggest finding a planner and meeting with them?

At any time.  Obviously the more time to get to know each other and work on the details the better BUT I have planned amazing events with much less time…We had the pleasure about 5 years ago in designing a wedding for a wonderful couple and 300 of their favorite in less than one month…

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning their wedding and what are the perks of bringing on a consultant?

Bringing on a planner will allow the couple to enjoy EVERY bit of the planning process, they will have someone to rely on that has the local connections and the experience to give them the perfect wedding by the planner being always proactive going into the special weekend!  It will be one of the best money spent.

Are there any unique trends you see for 2020 and coming for 2021 for weddings?

(not to be funny) Trends in 2020 have shifted quickly to smaller/intimate Weddings and same as 2019 a lot of green vibes & soft colors such as blush…….2021 trends seem to be a little more relaxed, sustainable and more Eco friendly and even mystical!

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?

Typical for me is to wake up to check on the “hair and make-up pro’s” have arrived, Communicating with photography and video as to the room numbers and then head in with my comfy shoes, ice cooler for the trolley and always be one step ahead of the timeline details.

Is there anything you wish couples knew about hiring a consultant that doesn’t seem to get shared?

We could actually save them money…

And we always love to hear…..what to you is the most magical part of the wedding day?  

The ceremony: the vows!

Ambrosia Events

Meet Oscar…

What made you want to start your own consultant/planning business?

I have a background in Culinary Arts. Working in the Industry as a chef in Cancun, I was involved in very large and luxurious events. I fell in love with the process of putting all the pieces together and interacting with “clients.” Being a part of bringing their vision to life is a great satisfaction.

What do you love about planning weddings?

It represents a very high responsibility because you are put in charge of someone’s best day ever. Having that close relationship with the client and helping them make the right decisions so they can have one of their best days, is awesome. It is priceless seeing their reaction the moment the couple enters the space for the first time.

How long before a wedding date would you suggest finding a planner and meeting with them?

I personally suggest it should be the first thing they do before committing to anything else. Not just because the planner can help you to organize all your ideas, but also because planners have relationships with vendors for the type of event you are looking for. Sometimes a venue may not be the right fit for the type of event.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning their wedding and what are the perks of bringing on a consultant?

Often couples see a planner as an unnecessary expense but when you really understand their job you will see the value in it. In addition to the benefits I mentioned prior, I can also negotiate contracts and help them get the most with their budget.

Are there any unique trends you see for 2020 and coming for 2021 for weddings?

Trends I am seeing include entertainment experiences, sustainability, over-sized everything, ceiling installations, Immersive ambiances, and breaking the rules (just be you).

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?

Omg get ready- haha!! Since we are a full event planning, design and décor company, we sure do a lot. In the morning, we have our team of drivers and set up crew, arrive at the venue and start setting up all the big pieces, drapes, rentals, chairs, tables, etc. Myself and my assistants check everything around to make sure is in the right place as your floorplan shows, several hours later our florist team arrives and sets all your big pieces, centerpieces, focal points, common areas, and I make sure all flowers look great and have the best view from all around. It is important to stay on schedule. We make sure every single detail is being taken care of. I check silverware, name cards, chairs, curtains, centerpieces, vacuum where needed, restrooms clean, band/DJ equipment working and so much more. Once the room is ready, I usually have a short meeting with all the people that will be involved to announce any changes if needed or just to make sure we all are on the same page. During the course of the event, I continue to walk around to make sure everything is being taken care of and looks great. I make sure the event runs smoothly and on schedule. Finally, at the end of the event my team arrives and takes down everything. I take care of your gifts and personal belongings to make sure everything is protected and ready for you to take home. Wait, my night still continues ….:)

Is there anything you wish couples knew about hiring a consultant that doesn’t seem to get shared?

I would say there is a big difference between being an event planner, event designer, and an event coordinator. Make sure your event planner has all of those qualities. Then you can rest assured the event will be spectacular from every angle.

And we always love to hear…..what to you is the most magical part of the wedding day

I think the ceremony where the couple exchange vows is the most touching and magical moment. I also love the speeches, which is when you notice that the couple was meant to be together Hahahahah!!

Rosewood Weddings

Meet Danielle…

What made you want to start your own consultant/planning business?

After coordinating events for a mid-size law firm for a few years, I had the privilege and opportunity to pivot into the wedding industry and work for a planning company. It didn’t take long for me to absolutely fail in love with the entire creative experience and close connections with clients. After several years of working as a wedding planner, and growing a family of my own, the time came for me to take the leap!

What do you love about planning weddings?

As a full-service wedding planner, I get a deep dive into my clients’ lives; their relationship, their families. It’s typically a brief, but very saturated relationship. That relationship is my favorite thing about my job. Learning about how my clients met, what roles their families play in their planning process + lives, what their passions are, and what’s most important for them come wedding day.

How long before a wedding date would you suggest finding a planner and meeting with them?

This usually depends on your specific planning needs; however, a wedding planner undoubtedly adds value right from the get-go. After the engagement-moon is over and you’re ready to start laying the groundwork of planning…that’s the perfect time.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning their wedding and what are the perks of bringing on a consultant?

I’m a firm believer that there’s a perfect planner for every couple. The most important thing to look for when shopping for a wedding planner is the ‘fit.’ This person will be in ‘your business,’ and an integral part of the production of your wedding. Make sure that outside of the logistical, contractual, financial questions you ask while interviewing a planner, you make sure you’re attracted to them as a person. The biggest perk of bringing on a consultant is knowing, without a doubt, that someone is in your corner – rooting for you and supporting you from start to beautiful finish.

Are there any unique trends you see for 2020 and coming for 2021 for weddings?

Let’s look at the positives from COVID-19 (because there aren’t many): all rules will be thrown out the window! Couples and guests will be itching to celebrate and get together. The biggest trend for upcoming weddings is the ‘togetherness.’ Couples will find their own unique way to celebrate and get married amidst this health crisis, and they’ll continue to form new trends. I’m so excited to see how that turns out! Also, I’m hoping to see more floral installations, edible favors and outfit changes for 2020 & 2021 weddings.

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?

It starts with coffee, duh. I kiss my kiddos & husband goodbye and am usually out the door by 8am. Immediately, I begin to perspire and that doesn’t usually stop until I’m home showering at 1am. It’s a hot hustle all day long  from checking in on hair & makeup, meeting my assistant for set up, changing for ceremony, room flip for reception, cueing speeches, cleaning up and everything in between. There’s not much that I won’t do on the wedding day.

Is there anything you wish couples knew about hiring a consultant that doesn’t seem to get shared?

For a while, I think hiring a wedding planner was looked at as a luxury expense. I’d probably like to combat that, because, for one, planners can end up saving their clients a lot of money!  Additionally, it’s money well-spent, not so much a luxury. Your wedding planner is an expert in the industry on your behalf and constantly supporting you & your wedding vision. Oftentimes, that’s considered priceless for couples.

And we always love to hear…..what to you is the most magical part of the wedding day?

Recently, I surprised my clients with cookies decorated like their puppy. Yield Bakehouse created a delicious treat that looked exactly like their beloved pet. I placed these cookies on every place setting at their head table. My favorite part of that wedding day was seeing my client’s reaction to their little surprises.
Of course moments like sending my brides down the aisle, or creeping on first looks are powerful & moving. But these days, I find myself drawn to acute moments between siblings, or catching sweet encounters between the couple.

Timeless Events LLC

Meet Kristin…

What made you want to start your own consultant/planning business?

I started planning events in college and really fell in love with it. After I graduated, my friends started giving out my name and number to people looking to plan parties – and it all snowballed from there!

What do you love about planning weddings?

I love being able to craft a celebration based on the couples’ personalities, interests, and vision. Your wedding should represent you, and being able to find the perfect fit for my couples (in terms of vendors, decorations, etc) is fun and exciting!

How long before a wedding date would you suggest finding a planner and meeting with them?

It depends on what amount of help you’re looking for. If you want a planner to assist you with the entire process from start to finish, then they should be the first vendor you hire before you dive into any planning. If you want to plan a majority of the wedding on your own and really just want assistance coordinating the day of the wedding, you could wait until you’re closer to the wedding – 6-12 months out.

What is a tip you have for couples who are starting the process of planning their wedding and what are the perks of bringing on a consultant?

Always start with a budget. It will guide you through the process. If you bring on a planner to help, we can help you build that budget because we know approximately how much to allocate for the different pieces based on your vision.

Are there any unique trends you see for 2020 and coming for 2021 for weddings?

Well, before COVID-19 hit, my answer would have been more interactive pieces: food stations, live artists, etc. Post COVID-19, I think we’re going to see a lot more intimate weddings with a focus on celebrating with those who really matter.

What does a typical wedding day look like for you?

We’re on the go all day. Our couples’ wedding binder and our phone is typically glued to our hands the first half of the day. We’re directing vendors, the wedding party, guests…making sure everything looks perfect…making sure no one has forgotten anything. Maybe we’ll get a chance to sit down and breathe for a few minutes during dancing. Then it’s back to it – time to make a plan for tear down and the end of the night!

Is there anything you wish couples knew about hiring a consultant that doesn’t seem to get shared?

Planners aren’t just for high-end weddings or busy couples…every couple can benefit from having a planner or at the very least, a coordinator. There’s a variety of service levels and price points, and the benefits are endless. This is your 1st wedding (usually)…this is our 100th. Let us help guide you.

And we always love to hear…..what to you is the most magical part of the wedding day?
For me, it’s sending my brides down the aisle. I still get goosebumps and occasionally cry!