From Yes to “I Do”: Your Southern Belle Wedding Planning Experience

So, you’re interested in becoming a Southern Belle Bride? I’m thrilled! You're probably wondering what the booking process looks like and what it’s like to work with me as your wedding planner. Let’s walk through the steps together—from your first inquiry to the big day!

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

Before we sign any contracts, I love to meet with prospective brides to get to know one another. After all, we'll be working closely throughout your wedding planning journey—and I hope we become fast friends!

We’ll schedule a virtual or in-person consultation to chat about your wedding dreams, vision, and needs. This meeting helps both of us decide if we’re the perfect fit. After our chat, if you decide to move forward, I’ll send over a contract and invoice for the initial payment. Once those are completed—your date is officially in my books!

Step 2: The Welcome Package

Once you're officially a Southern Belle Bride, you'll receive a curated welcome packet with helpful planning info and access to Asana, my project management platform. Think of it as your digital wedding binder—a custom checklist, a place to store ideas and notes, and an easy way for us to stay organized from start to finish.

If you've booked me early, we’ll officially start the planning process about 12–14 months out from your wedding date.

Step 3: The Planning Foundations

We begin by laying a solid foundation for your big day. We'll meet to:

• Build a detailed, realistic budget

• Define your overall wedding vision and aesthetic

• Discuss your guest list and potential wedding dates

From here, I’ll start matching venues and vendors to your style, preferences, and budget.

Step 4: Venue & The Big Six Vendors

Next, we'll focus on what I call The Big Six Vendors:

1. Venue

2. Photographer

3. Caterer

4. DJ or Band

5. Florist

6. Baker

These are the basic vendors that most, if not all, brides have for their wedding. We'll start with the venue, and I’ll send you a curated list of options that align with your vision and budget. Once you choose your favorites, I’ll schedule venue tours. We'll follow a similar process for each - I'll provide recommendations, and you'll select your top choices while I handle the logistics.

During this phase is also when you will start looking for dresses as well! I'll provide you a list of bridal stores in your area that have dresses that match your vision and book appointments.

Step 5: Design & Personal Details

Now the fun really begins! This is where we bring your love story to life through personalized details and intentional design.

I’ll create a style and design dossier—a visual planning guide we share with your vendors to ensure everyone is aligned on the look and feel of your day. During this phase, we’ll also:

• Choose your invitations and stationery

• Finalize your attire accessories

• Select decor, rentals, and florals

• Book additional vendors such as:

  • Officiant

  • Hair and makeup

  • Specialty vendors like live painters, charcuterie stylists, or late-night snack trucks, the options are endless!

Step 6: Logistics & Final Touches

In the final few months, we focus on making sure every detail is perfectly planned for a seamless wedding day. This includes:

• Finalizing your wedding day timeline

• Creating shot lists for the photographer and song selections for your first dance and more

• Coordinating final meetings with vendors

• Confirming delivery schedules and details

If you've booked me for day-of coordination, I’ll be there on your wedding day to manage everything behind the scenes—so you can relax, be present, and soak in every special moment.

Let’s Plan Your Dream Wedding Together

If you’re ready to start your wedding planning journey and become a Southern Belle Bride, I’d love to hear from you!  Schedule your consultation today and let’s create something romantic, elegant, and unforgettable—just like your love story.