Emily Ziegler • November 20, 2024
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Planning a wedding is a thrilling journey, but it can also bring moments of uncertainty and stress. That’s why we’re committed to supporting our couples by providing not only custom stationery but also expert advice to make the entire planning process smoother and more enjoyable. We recently had the pleasure of chatting with Lauren Cross, owner of Spring Lane Event Planning, to share some essential wedding planning tips. Lauren’s expertise ranges from navigating the benefits of hiring a wedding planner to staying calm when unexpected challenges arise. Her advice will help you feel empowered, informed, and ready to savor every moment of your big day. We’re excited to bring you her insights and practical tips so that you can approach your wedding planning with confidence, ease, and inspiration. Read on to discover how to make your dream wedding a truly unforgettable celebration!
Meet Lauren Cross of Spring Lane Event Planning
Could you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?
I’m Lauren Cross, the lead planner and owner of Spring Lane Event Planning. We specialize in curating weddings that are elegant, heartfelt, and tailored to each couple’s love story. Our team thrives on bringing ease to the wedding planning process, managing the intricate details, and creating a celebration where you can embrace each and every moment!
The Benefits of Hiring a Wedding Planner
What are the key benefits of hiring a wedding planner?
Hiring a wedding planner brings peace of mind, expert guidance, and a stress-free planning experience. We provide the knowledge and experience our couples need to feel confident as they navigate the planning process. At Spring Lane, we handle the vendor selections, logistics, coordinating the details, and curate a seamless wedding day, allowing you to fully savor each moment leading up to and on your wedding day!
What’s the most common misconception couples have about working with a wedding planner?
One of the most common misconceptions about working with a wedding planner is that we’ll take over or make decisions for you. In reality, our role is to bring your vision to life, not to replace it. We’re here to guide you through the process, offer expert advice, and handle the logistics, allowing you to stay fully involved and in control. Our goal is to ease the stress and enhance your ideas, so you can enjoy planning without feeling overwhelmed.
The Wedding Planning Process
When should couples start looking for a wedding planner?
Ideally, couples should reach out as soon as they have their wedding date and venue, although some do reach out earlier if they want assistance with venue selection. Early planning allows us to secure the best vendor team, develop a cohesive vision, and ensure a smooth journey from start to finish.
What’s the process like when a couple first starts working with you?
We start with a warm, casual consultation to get to know you, your story, and your wedding vision. From there, we determine what planning approach is best for the couple based on their specific needs and focus on what matters most to them. For our couples that we work with in a full or partial planning capacity, we get right to work by determining which vendors to book, what their wedding design will look like, and discuss each step along the way. Communication, collaboration, and trust are the foundation of our planning process
What’s your favorite part of working with couples as a wedding planner?
There are so many wonderful parts to working with our couples, but we love seeing the end result of all of the hard work. It’s such a joy when our couples, their family and friends say they have fully enjoyed the celebration and didn’t have to worry about anything. We love getting to play a part in allowing our couples to enter into marriage stress-free and full of joy!
How do you help couples manage stress and stay organized during the planning process?
We break down the planning process into manageable steps and keep communication open, so you always feel supported. When it comes to planning with such detail, we always make sure we are clear and concise with our communication with couples. With detailed timelines, regular updates, and a focus on what matters, we keep stress to a minimum and enjoyment high.
How do you handle unexpected challenges on the wedding day? Any stories you can share?
At Spring Lane Event Planning, we’re well-prepared to handle any surprises on your wedding day with calm expertise and an adaptable approach. Our team always has a backup plan in place, and we work closely with trusted vendors to ensure smooth adjustments when needed. Whether it’s a sudden weather shift or last-minute changes, we move seamlessly behind the scenes so you can stay fully present and enjoy every moment. Our goal is for you to feel confident that no detail will go unnoticed, no matter what comes our way. I remember one outdoor wedding where the weather turned windy unexpectedly and made set up nearly impossible without blowing everything away. We coordinated with the rental company to get additional tent sides delivered and was able to have the cocktail and reception space fully ready to go following the ceremony.
Personalizing Your Wedding
What are some ways couples can personalize their wedding to make it feel unique?
There are endless ways to make your wedding feel deeply personal and meaningful. We love helping couples incorporate details that reflect their unique story and style. We’ve seen customized cocktail napkins and drink stirrers to cookies decorated with the faces of our couple’s pets. One of our favorites is when couples have a family heirloom or special memory that is incorporated in the day – like a grandmother’s locket that get carried with the bridal bouquet, or a specialty drink from your favorite vacation spot! It’s these small details that really elevate the guest experience at a wedding and make the day feel like a true representation of the couple.
What are your favorite trends in weddings right now?
I’m loving the shift towards intimate gatherings with intentional details and thoughtful design. Couples are prioritizing guest experience, unique floral installations, and warm, elegant color palettes that still incorporate color.
Tips for Couples Planning Their Wedding
What advice do you have for couples who are planning a destination wedding?
Start early and choose a planner who knows the area well! Since you’ll be out of town, it will be key to have a vendor team you can trust to bring your vision to life. You’ll have to rely on their expertise and insight, so make sure you book a planner you trust!
What’s your number one tip for couples planning their wedding right now?
Focus on what matters most to you as a couple. This may sound odd coming from a planner, but your wedding isn’t what’s most important – it’s the days that follow and the life you build together that are of utmost value. Plan your celebration in a way that honors the commitment you are sharing together, and don’t get too caught up in the details. (Besides, that’s why we’re here :))
Memorable Moments: A Wedding Planner’s Perspective
Can you share one of your favorite moments from a wedding you planned?
One of my favorite moments from a wedding we planned was seeing the groom get dressed an hour earlier than he needed to because he was so excited to get married! The couple was so sweet and their love for each other just radiated! It was exceptional to see and such a joy to watch them experience the best day of their lives!
What’s the most fun aspect of being a wedding planner that people might not realize?
Being a wedding planner is so fun! We love getting to witness those private, behind-the-scenes moments that are truly so special. It never gets old watching couples share a quiet, joyful moment exchanging private vows. That’s truly a privilege to be a part of. Tasting the cake and seeing everyone break it down on the dance floor is pretty great, too!
How can couples get in touch with you?
We would love to hear from you! You can visit our website at www.springlaneeventplanning.com and our Instagram @springlaneeventplanning, or reach us directly via email at connect@springlaneeventplanning.com.
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