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: Stephanie Antoinette
Company: Events By Stephanie Antoinette
Location: Arizona
What do you think is THE most important area for a couple to allocate their budget towards and why?
Anytime I create a budget I ask my clients what the most important thing is to them! That is where we allocate a good portion of the budget. I do encourage my clients to get a good photographer since you only have this day once, and you will have those photos forever! Guests always remember the food, entertainment and ambiance, so wherever we can create that is a good place!
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What can couples save on?
I adore fresh flowers and lots of them, that said this can easily add up! So alternate your favorite more spendy centerpieces with a more cost effective one. Same with linens: Alternate a favorite that costs more with a solid linen that doesn’t. Most importantly find a venue that won’t eat up your entire budget!
What’s the easiest way for a couple to transform a plain wedding venue?
Linens, centerpieces, and lighting (IE: candles or string bistro lights). Find a venue that goes with your theme and look so you are not spending tons of money to completely transform the space!
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?
Well most planners (myself included) offer a variety of packages so that most brides can afford something! Wedding planners & designers get a great amount of discounts on vendors and can negotiate prices with venues- so almost all my brides save more money than what my flat fee is. Plus, we help brides save time on endless searches by matching them with the perfect vendors/venues. We create a budget worksheet to keep them on track, design for the wedding, planning process timeline, etc. Hiring a planner is always the best route!
Favorite wedding venue(s) you’ve worked at?
I love a private estate…it really gives you a chance to do something unique! In Arizona, Royal Palms, Montelucia, El Chorro and Paradise Valley Country Club are beautiful spots as well!
I absolutely LOVE what I do! As a wedding designer I strive to find my clients unique style and personality so we can incorporate that into their day. I truly believe your wedding should be a reflection of your personal style and taste. I love beautiful linens, fresh flowers, custom designed invitations and paper products. My wedding planning packages were designed so that almost every bride can afford some level of professional help. Planning your wedding should be exciting, not overwhelming. So lets pop the champagne, taste some delicious cakes and get lost in the excitement of design of one your most memorable days!
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