Emily Ziegler • February 18, 2025
Share it:
Planning a wedding is an exciting but overwhelming journey! One of the best decisions couples can make is hiring a wedding planner to guide them through the process. To help couples navigate wedding planning, we chatted with Lisa Yarbro to get her expert advice. Lisa is a certified wedding planner and owner of Weddings by Lisa Yarbro. She started her career in the hospitality industry, and then went on to plan weddings for 15 years at Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens in Uptown Dallas. In 2016, she started her own wedding planning company. Her inspiration? “I have a servant’s heart and love to spread joy in people’s lives!”
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Lisa has planned hundreds of weddings and knows exactly what it takes to create a seamless and unforgettable celebration. Let’s dive into some of Lisa’s expert advice for couples planning a wedding!
Planning a wedding? Pin this image to save all the advice!
Why Hire a Wedding Planner?
One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is that they don’t need a wedding planner. Lisa often hears from couples who planned their wedding without a planner and later wished they had professional support.
“Without a leader, all of the vendors are doing their own thing and not working together cohesively as a team. The planner is the one who brings it all together and ensures that every vendor is providing the service the client contracted,” Lisa explains.
Not only does a planner ensure everything runs smoothly, but they also help couples save money. They do this by directing them to vendors with competitive pricing and preventing costly mistakes. Lisa recommends hiring a planner as soon as possible—ideally right after getting engaged. That way they can assist with venue selection, budget management, and timeline coordination from the very beginning.
The Wedding Planning Process
When a couple first starts working with Lisa, her priority is building trust through knowledge. She listens closely to their vision, creates mood boards, and offers flexible communication to accommodate busy schedules.
“Understanding the couple’s vision from the start is essential. I work closely with them to ensure every detail reflects their unique style and personality,” she says.
The Role of Stationery in Wedding Planning
From Lisa’s perspective, wedding invitations and stationery play a crucial role in setting the tone for a wedding. “The save the dates and invitations are the first impression guests have about what type of event this is going to be. It’s important that they match the quality of the wedding,” she notes.
Lisa collaborates with stationers like Heather and me (Emily) to ensure couples get expert guidance on creating invitations that reflect their wedding style. Whether it’s custom watercolor artwork, letterpress printing, or elegant envelope liners, a well-designed invitation suite creates excitement and anticipation for the big day.
Current & Upcoming Wedding Trends
Lisa has seen some exciting trends emerge in the wedding world:
- Fresh fruit paired with floral decor (See how we did this for a summer garden wedding!)
- Large floral installations over the dance floor
- Fun signage
- Gelato carts
- Dance floor lasers
- Cold sparks
She has also planned weddings with very unique and creative elements. Interactive entertainment like character artists, Pick Flips, and beer donkeys all rank high for being particularly memorable!
(We’re based in Pennsylvania, so we had never heard of beer donkeys before! How cute is that idea?!)
Looking ahead, she predicts what will be trending for weddings in 2025 and 2026:
- Deep burgundy florals
- Candlelit receptions
- Artistic wedding decor
- Photography reels
Wedding Planning Advice
Common Wedding Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
One of the biggest mistakes Lisa sees couples make is not hiring a wedding planner. While DIY planning may seem like a way to save money, the stress and unexpected costs can quickly add up. Another important tip? Create a realistic budget. Lisa recommends setting an initial budget but planning for about 50% more than what Google says the average wedding costs to avoid financial surprises down the road.
Destination Wedding Planning Tips
For couples planning a destination wedding, Lisa gives three pieces of advice:
- Hire a planner who is experienced with destination events.
- Bring a photographer from their home city for consistency in style.
- Always carry on the wedding dress when traveling—never check it!
Are you planning a destination wedding? Check out our destination wedding invitation guide!
Final Wedding Planning Advice for Couples
Lisa’s last piece of advice? “Invest in a planner who will create a realistic budget, coordinate with trusted vendors, and bring your vision to life without the stress.”
We have to say we agree.
If you’re searching for a wedding planner to guide you through the process, Lisa Yarbro is a fantastic resource. You can connect with her at www.weddingsbylisayarbro.com or reach out via email at info@weddingsbylisayarbro.com.
Planning your wedding invitations? We specialize in creating custom stationery that beautifully complements your wedding vision. Get in touch today to start designing your dream invitation suite!
Don’t forget to pin this image to save all the tips!
Leave me a note!