Our “Secrets from a Wedding Planner” series reaches out to our favorite wedding planners across the country to answer your TOP questions. Whether they’re a seasoned veteran or an up-and-coming star, every wedding planner is hand-picked by us for their expertise and all-around awesomeness. Have a question you want to see added to this list? Contact us!
Name: Melanie Ewing
Company: Melanie & Co. Weddings
Based In: Dallas, TX
What do you think is THE most important area for a couple to allocate their budget towards and why?
I always tell my clients to pick a pretty venue! Venues with natural beauty, lots of windows, exposed brick, and generally bright spaces help couples capitalize on the natural appeal of the space and atmosphere. Not to mention, those spaces usually demand less “dressing up” and can really help ease the floral and decor budget!
TRENDING NOW: Here’s How to Nail Your Maid of Honor Speech (Examples Included!)
What can couples save on?
Save on the paper products! While custom calligraphy will really wow your guests, redistributing the “custom” price tag to other elements such as the venue and the florals will make the biggest impression! While pretty wedding invitations are fleeting, your guests gasping at the first sight of your beautifully transformed venue will be forever engrained in their minds!
What’s the easiest way for a couple to transform a plain wedding venue?
Currently, “plain” venues are very trendy, and we are loving it! A plain venue is your canvas – an opportunity to paint your love story! My favorite way to transform a blank slate venue is to play up fun colors. Try taking your floral to a “hotter” level, using a blend of ivories, blushes, fuchsia, and deep reds. Even bright yellows, oranges, and blues can create really cool looks! Don’t be afraid to experiment! Hot colors will really bounce off of a neutral space, and create a interesting palate your guests are sure to study throughout the night!
For couples unable to hire a full-service planner, what’s the one piece of wedding planning advice you would share with them if you could?
If you can’t hire a full-service planner, I would recommend finding a venue that offers more of a “turnkey” operation. Splurging on a venue that provides it’s own catering, staffing, rentals (some even offer centerpiece options!), and site coordinator will make a huge difference in quality for your wedding. Since everything is handled in house, all gears in the operation work together smoothly to ensure a seamlessly executed event.
Besides Pinterest, do you have a favorite wedding resource (local or online) and why do you love it?
Oh my goodness, so many!! While Pinterest is fabulous, there are so may other more wedding-focused publications, blogs, and websites that can be a huge inspiration and help for you. I would really surf the web and see what is out there. Hundreds of wedding blogs publish new content daily, just waiting for the right hearts to see and fall in love with their designs! On the local level, bridal shows are a great way to see what unique contributions vendors can incorporate into your vision to bring your big day to life!
Favorite wedding venue(s) you’ve worked at?
For the rustic feel, I am loving the Venue at Waterstone and the Flying V Ranch. For a more urban love, I have fallen head over heels for Hickory Street Annex, 6500, the Venue at North Ervay, and Marie Gabrielle! Finally, you can never go wrong with a classic wedding at the Dallas Arboretum wedding and the eternally stunning Ashton Gardens in Corinth, TX.
I specialize in creating unique, romantic weddings that truly capture the special, individual love story of my client. My job celebrates your love through constant communication, immaculate attention to detail, deep and focused designs, and careful coordination with top Dallas vendors!
Some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. Thank you for your support!
