Planning a wedding can be an exciting and stressful experience, and having the right type of wedding planner can make all the difference. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which type of wedding planner is best for your specific needs. There are three primary types of wedding planners: full-service wedding planners, day of coordinators, and venue managers. By understanding the individual and unique roles of each, you can then make your informed and thought-out decision as to which one is the best fit for you.

Types Of Wedding Planners

According to a wedding study, roughly 29% of couples hire a wedding planner. When choosing a wedding planner for your special day, it is important to know the different types and make a decision that best suits you. Each type of wedding planner is unique and special in their roles and responsibilities. Though they may be different, one thing all have in common is their dedication and drive to make your special day everything you imagined it to be.

Full-Service Wedding Planners

Full-service wedding planners are experienced professionals in the wedding industry who are dedicated to assisting couples in planning their dream wedding. They work with couples from the beginning all the way to the end of the wedding planning process. Their planning services include vendor selection, contract negotiations, budget management, and coordinating all of the wedding activities.

A predominant benefit of having a full-time wedding planner for your wedding is their level of expertise in the industry. Many full-service wedding planners have had years of experience in planning weddings as long as lists of vendors that are reliable and trustworthy. This ensures that everything runs smoothly and goes according to plan.

Another benefit of full-time wedding planners is that couples can save an immense amount of time and stress. Wedding planners handle all of the planning from the details to making sure everything is correct on the special day. This leaves couples stress-free and able to enjoy all the exciting activities that come with wedding planning like the bridal shower and engagement party.

By hiring a full-time wedding planner, couples save time, and stress, and are at ease knowing that their special day will have their vision brought to life.

Day Of Coordinator

A day of coordinator also referred to as a wedding coordinator is a wedding planning professional who focuses on the management of details for the couple’s wedding day. A day of coordinator’s primary role is to oversee all the logistics of the day and ensure that everything runs according to plan.

Though the name may entail that this type of wedding planner is available only on the day of, wedding coordinators are on board weeks and months before the special day. The main responsibilities of a wedding coordinator include coordinating with vendors, managing payments, directing the wedding party and guests, and dealing with any last-minute issues.

With a day of coordinator, couples are left with a piece of mind that an experienced professional is overseeing all the necessary details of the wedding day. They will also take on the role of managing the timeline of the wedding, allowing the couple to focus on other aspects of the wedding.

Venue Coordinating Manager

A venue manager is a professional that is responsible for overseeing the operation of a specific event space or venue. Due to the venue manager being very familiar with the wedding venue, they are an integral part of the wedding planning process to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Venue managers take on the role of scheduling the wedding, coordinating with vendors, and managing all the logistics of the venue itself. They are also responsible for guiding couples on how to utilize the venue space in the best way possible.

One of the notable benefits of venue managers is their familiarity and knowledge of the venue itself. Their deep understanding of the event space, its limitations, and available amenities is valuable when it comes to planning a successful wedding.  Their deep understanding also coincides with their own list of trustworthy vendors that the couples can contact and utilize.

With a venue manager present, couples remain calm and stress-free knowing that there is someone who ensures that all runs smoothly on the special day. If any issues arise on the wedding day, the venue manager is there to handle them and ensure it gets resolved effectively and quickly. 

How Are They Different From Each Other?

Though these types of wedding planners all have similar qualities and roles, each are vastly different from each other. Full-service wedding planners are an ideal option for couples who want help with every aspect of wedding planning from the beginning all the way to the end.

On the contrary, the day of coordinators are more ideal for those who have already done most of their planning themselves and simply just need assistance with the final touches and coordination of the event.

Vastly different from the other two, venue coordinating managers are within the selected venue of choice for the wedding and are there to make sure everything within the venue itself runs smoothly. These include in-house catering, tableware decisions, and making sure the vendors are all prompt and situated.

At Étage, our team of experienced venue managers is there to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of your wedding. Our team will work with you hands-on to ensure that all your needs are fulfilled and are able to provide you with an extensive list of trustworthy vendors to consider. We’ll be there every step of the way and help you transform our glamorous wedding venue into your dream wedding.

After Choosing Your Planner, Choose Your Venue!

With so many types of wedding planners, choosing the right type is a crucial step to creating your dream wedding. By understanding the unique differences of each type, you can then choose the one that best suits you.

After choosing your planner, it is time to choose your venue! Let Étage make your dream wedding come true with our spacious and magnificent wedding venue! Transform our venue to fit any style or theme you may want and our venue managers will be there every step of the way to make sure everything goes accordingly. Explore our glamorous venue and begin your planning your very special day!

Contact us at 818-722-8490 or check price and availability.

Planning your big day can be an exciting, yet intimidating experience. No particular couple wants to feel stressed or rushed when preparing for their wedding. But with proper wedding planning organization techniques in place and a few simple strategies, couples will have more time to savor the joy that comes from this momentous occasion!

In this article we’ll cover various tactics on how you can stay organized throughout the entire planning process – whether it’s crafting a timeline or budget tracking- so you’re able to set aside all worries and fully enjoy being engaged without sabotaging any of these special memories along way!

5 Wedding Planning Organization Tips

At Étage, our hands-on team is there to ensure that the wedding planning process remains stress-free and simple. Wedding planning organization can at times be a stressful and daunting task. Luckily, our professional and experienced team at Étage is there to keep you on track and take relieve some of the stress.

Stay organized while wedding planning with these 5 helpful wedding planning tips.

1. Create A Wedding Planning Timeline

A thorough timeline is required for organized wedding planning to guarantee that everything is on track leading up to the big day. Begin by deciding on a wedding date and booking a venue. After that, you can choose your wedding party and providers. During this time, you should also send out save-the-dates.

It’s time to start thinking about your wedding dress and outfit about six months before the big day. Finalize arrangements with vendors and establish a seating plan as the wedding approaches. Check everything one to two months before the wedding to ensure you have everything you need.

Finally, the day before the wedding, have a rehearsal dinner, and on the big day, just relax and enjoy yourself. You’ll be able to handle all of the aspects of your wedding, reduce stress, and ensure that everything runs well if you create an organized wedding planning timeline.

2. Use A Wedding Planning Binder

A wedding planning binder or application can be quite helpful in staying organized during the wedding planning process. Whether you use a real binder or digital software, the idea is to divide your wedding into sections or categories for venues, vendors, guest list, and budget. Use it to organize critical information, track deadlines, stay on budget, and bring it with you to appointments. Putting everything in one location can help to minimize stress and make the wedding planning process easier to manage.

3. Communicate Effectively With Everyone Involved

Communication is essential for organized wedding planning. It’s critical to successfully communicate with your partner, family, and vendors to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that your wedding day is all you’ve imagined.

While communicating with your partner, make sure you’re both on the same page about what you want on your wedding day. Make time to talk about your expectations and views, and be willing to compromise. Remember that this is a day for both of you, so collaborate to plan a wedding that reflects both of your personalities.

Family members can also play a crucial role in wedding organization and preparation, so it’s critical to communicate properly with them. Make it obvious who is in charge of what tasks, and keep everyone up to date on any changes or revisions. Remember to be respectful of each other’s viewpoints and to attempt to develop solutions that work for everyone.

Finally, communicating with vendors is critical to ensuring a seamless wedding day. Set expectations, clarify your budget and timeline upfront and don’t be shy to ask questions or voice any worries! Maximize the chances of no surprises by getting everything in writing for extra reassurance that all goes according to plan on the big day.

When planning your special day, open dialogue is key. Connecting with your spouse, family members and vendors can help make sure everything falls into place for an unforgettable wedding experience! Clear communication will ensure that everyone understands their roles so you’ll have the confidence to focus on enjoying every moment of the ceremony without a hitch.

4. Prioritize Correctly

Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming process, but if you focus your energy on the important tasks and divide duties accordingly, it’ll all come together in no time! Start off by making a to-do list that prioritizes every task. Tackle the most pressing needs first—like reserving venues and vendors—and save those minor details for last. This way everyone involved will stay organized while keeping stress levels low!

Once you’ve determined your priorities, it’s time to delegate duties. Don’t be scared to seek assistance from friends and relatives. Give tasks to individuals who are eager and able to assist, such as choosing a music playlist or assisting with décor. This will relieve some of your stress and allow you to concentrate on other crucial areas of the wedding preparation process.

Make sure to speak effectively and provide all necessary information when distributing assignments. Establish expectations and timelines, and ensure that everyone understands their roles. Check in on a frequent basis to ensure that everything is running smoothly and that everyone is happy with their assigned tasks.

You may reduce stress and guarantee that everything is completed in a timely and effective manner by prioritizing and delegating duties. Remember to speak openly and frequently with everyone involved, and don’t be afraid to seek assistance when necessary. You can plan and delegate your way to the wedding of your dreams without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.

5. Establish A Budget & Track Expenses

Creating a budget and keeping track of spending is an essential part of wedding planning. Begin by determining your entire budget and categorizing it, such as location, food, and décor. Assign a part of the budget to each category, leaving some room for unanticipated expenses.

Fortunately, our all-inclusive wedding venue has it all. Our elegant and sophisticated wedding venue has everything you need to stay within your budget, from cuisine to tableware to a wide range of amenities that are available to you.

Keep track of your costs and check in on a frequent basis to determine if you’re remaining within your budget. If you see that you are overpaying in one category, try if you can cut back in another. Be realistic about your financial situation and don’t be hesitant to make changes as needed.

Finally, keep all of your receipts and invoices organized. This will make tracking your costs and ensuring that everything is accounted for much easier. You may stay within your means and avoid financial stress during the wedding planning process by developing a budget and tracking spending.

Let Étage Assist You In Wedding Planning Organization

There are several strategies to keep organized during the wedding planning process, from developing a wedding planning timeline to successfully communicating with your partner, family, and vendors, to prioritizing correctly, to creating a budget and tracking spending.

Reduce stress and ensure that everything is completed in a timely and effective manner by following these tips and methods, allowing you to focus on enjoying your wedding day with your loved ones.

Now that you have all the information for wedding planning organization, let Étage host the wedding of your dreams. See what our glamorous venue has to offer by contacting us at 818-722-8490 or check price and availability today!

Your wedding is an important day, and many steps are involved in the planning process. First, it’s a day to celebrate you and your fiance’s transition into a married couple with everyone on your guest list. Whether you have a thousand ideas or don’t know where to start, you’ll want to hire a wedding planner to guide you through the process and leave you stress-free while you cherish every moment of your big day.

What Are The Questions To Ask A Wedding Planner?

Before hiring a wedding planner, there are some wedding planning questions you should have in mind. We’ll cover everything from basic questions to questions regarding specific details. Here are 11 key questions to ask a wedding planner before you hire them:

1. Are You Available on My Wedding Day?

A lot of wedding planning services happen behind the scenes. However, you still want a wedding planning service available on your wedding day. Most wedding planners will lead by asking when you want your actual wedding day to be.

Of course, if your wedding date is still flexible, you can ask a potential planner for a few options.

2. Is Your Wedding Planning Process Collaborative?

A professional wedding planner generally plans the wedding day with the couple’s preferences in mind. Then, of course, they’ll make their suggestions, but their goal is to bring your dream wedding to life.

However, some wedding planners prefer handling the entire process without much input. Furthermore, some planners expect plenty of information from the bride and groom. Decide if you want your wedding to be hands-off or if you want a significant role in the event planning process.

There are three primary wedding planning services that may be offered:

• Full-service planning: A full-service planner handles everything, including choosing the couple’s preferred vendors, creating an overall concept for the wedding, communicating with the vendors, and more.
• Partial-service planning: Some couples prefer handling much of the wedding themselves. However, you may still want a planner to take wedding details, like choosing the right vendors.
• Month-of coordination: Maybe you’ve already booked your venue and completed your vendor meetings. However, you still want to enjoy your big day, enabling you to leave the day-of details to a wedding coordinator.

3. Can You Adhere to Our Wedding Budget?

Important questions to ask your wedding planner should include a mention of your budget. Come to your first meeting with a prepared figure in mind and see if potential wedding planners can work with that figure.

A professional planner should tell you whether your budget is realistic or not. Factors like if you need a full-service or partial, alongside if your event will be a destination wedding, can influence the price.

For preparing your budget, it’s essential to have a range in mind versus a set figure. Limiting yourself to an exact dollar amount can make you miss out on the perfect wedding planner. Be sure to start budgeting your wedding planning necessities before adding luxuries.

Exploring certain options such as an all-inclusive wedding venue can have a positive impact on our wedding budget, allowing you more room for adding luxuries.

4. Can You Show Me a Similar Wedding at the Same Price Point?

Weddings and how much they cost aren’t an exact science as many elements can impact the cost. However, a wedding planner can still produce a few reference points that’ll help you better understand what your wedding setup and services included will be.

These references can include pictures alongside testimonies from the couple and guests.

5. How Do You and Your Team Handle the Big Day?

A lot can go wrong on your wedding day, and your wedding planner and their team need to stay organized. There should be a floor plan and a point person to field questions and communicate between the couple, guests, and individual vendors.

You should also ask the wedding planner how they handle stressful situations. Guests can get excited during the rehearsal dinner, bridal party, or wedding. Ask a planner how their team will deal with rowdy individuals who drink too much, for example.

6. How Many Assistants Do You Have?

Naturally, bigger weddings generally require a bigger wedding preparation team. Of course, a bigger team can also impact your budget.

Be sure to ask a planner how big their team is. You also want to know if you’ll primarily communicate with the planner during the setup and execution.

7. How Do You Handle Vendor Contracts?

There are two main methods for hiring vendors for weddings. The first method involves a planner hiring a vendor themselves, which they will include in your final payment or flat fee.

The other method involves a planner connecting you with potential vendors where you can work out the details yourself. Both have pros and cons, but you’ll want to know ahead of time in order to accommodate your wedding planning necessities.

8. How Many Meetings Will There Be?

Depending upon the service you requested, you may only have a few meetings over the phone or several in-person meetings. There’s no correct option, and sometimes planners let you choose. Regardless, you want a workflow style that matches your personal needs.

9. Do You Carry Personal Liability Insurance?

Another important aspect of the wedding preparation process is finding out if your wedding planner has personal liability insurance. Wedding pros should carry personal liability and professional indemnity insurance.

These policies can financially cover you if an issue arises, like if equipment damages the wedding venue. A wedding coordinator might be able to refund you if you need to cancel your wedding.

10. Do You Have a Rain Cover Plan?

Some couples prefer having their wedding outside as the outside world can add a certain charm unattainable inside. Unfortunately, mother nature can strike anytime, and you may end up with rain on your wedding day.

Solutions for combating a rainy wedding can range from adding tents to completely rearranging plans. Rearranged plans may include booking a different venue or choosing a different date.

11. What Happens If You Become Sick on My Wedding Date?

A wedding planner with a fever on your wedding is the worst nightmare. However, many wedding planners will have a plan in mind in case this occurs. They may have their best assistant or another planner take over.

Let Our Team Plan Your Wedding Party

There are many essential questions to ask a wedding planner. To make your dream wedding come true, at Étage, we’ll work and coordinate with vendors to make sure your vision is brought to life and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Contact us at 818-722-8490 or check price and availability to discover more about our wedding services!

You and your partner have a unique relationship, and your wedding will join two family histories in an event that celebrates your future together.

The wedding planners at Étage Banquet Hall hope these wedding vendor ideas strike a chord with you as you plan your wedding day. 

You Deserve a Wedding with Imagination and Innovative Wedding Vendor Ideas

Why should you settle for picking an off-the-shelf wedding plan that thousands of people have done before? Honor your family traditions but give them new life by adding new twists to make the day your own.

The wedding experts at Étage Banquet Hall have helped many couples chart their own course with custom wedding planning. We hope these ten wedding entertainment ideas inspire your perfect wedding day.

1: Tie the Knot Surrounded By Natural Beauty

Do you have a perfect spot to escape the ordinary world, like a serene beach, secluded forest, or garden brimming with flowers?

Maybe it’s the spot where you shared a first kiss or first shared your feelings for each other.

Why not use the outdoors as your wedding venue?

We’ll bring a mobile bar and entertainment equipment to your location and frame your wedding in surroundings that evoke priceless memories.

2: Make Your Food and Drinks an Exciting Part of the Wedding Party

Most weddings have a cocktail hour and a wedding dinner after the ceremony. You can stun or inspire your guests by creating a theme for the drinks, dinner, and wedding cake.

After the ceremony, the reception gives you and your guests a chance to unwind and enjoy the big day. Whether you want comfort food or exotic delicacies, trust the fun wedding vendors at Étage Banquet Hall. Experience their fantastic culinary wedding catering and vendor suggestions.

3: Invite Your Wedding Guests to Be Part of the Show

In ordinary weddings, the wedding guests spend a lot of time watching the married couple stand around or mingle with the crowd. Liven things up with entertainment that lets your guests be part of the entertainment.

Let your friends and family show their excitement with a karaoke night, a dance contest, performance art, or any other fun activity you and your guests might enjoy.

4: Carry on Cultural Traditions

Just because you have an innovative and unique wedding doesn’t mean you have to leave your beloved family traditions behind. Bring the past to life with live music and professional dancers that reflect your heritage.

Whether it’s a lion dance, a line dance, or a sword dance, Étage Banquet Hall is the best choice among entertainment vendors if you want to blend old and new to create a unique wedding celebration.

5: Amaze Your Guests with High-Tech Entertainment

Enhance the wow factor of your big day with the latest technological gadgets and cutting-edge wedding vendor ideas. Bring robot DJs, virtual reality, big-screen video, and other technological innovations to your wedding day.

Let your friends and distant relatives share their memories and well wishes by video chat at the reception.

6: Incorporate a Movie, TV, or Literary Theme

If you and your friends have a favorite book, TV show, play, or movie, why not re-enact your favorite movie scenes?

One of our popular wedding ideas is to play the bride and groom from your favorite romance while guests dress up as characters. Take priceless wedding photos with the best wedding vendors in Los Angeles.

7: Commemorate Your Wedding in a New Way

Everybody wants to take home souvenirs so they can savor every moment of the ceremony and the celebration for years to come. Try some of these vendor suggestions to give you, your partner, and your guests a gift they will never forget.

• Have an artist paint the wedding party as it happens.
• Include themed photo booths.
• Give out party favors that fit the theme.
• Have the photographer zoom in to take close-up shots of the ceremony.
• Take a souvenir from the venue, like a fallen leaf or a matchbook, and turn it into art.

8: Revolutionize the Dance Floor

Make the wedding reception stunning with a dance party for the ages. Colorful lights, energizing music, and delicious cake for the guests will set the stage for spectacle and celebration. Decorate the dance floor with flowers, colors, and more. Our wedding venue has countless amenities including a spacious white marble tile dancefloor where you and your guests can dance the night away with the best entertainment vendors.

9: Host a World-Wide Wedding Online

Will many of your guests miss your special day because of COVID or because they live too far away? Consider a virtual vendor approach.

Let your virtual guests celebrate your wedding from afar by live-streaming the wedding ceremony and hosting a virtual reception everyone can participate in.

Include online games, a virtual photo booth, and more.

Mail out personalized party favors to online guests to show your appreciation.

10: Script Your Personal “Happy Ever After” Story

You don’t have to follow the typical wedding party playbook. After the ceremony, you can start your married life together. Put your spin on these wedding vendor suggestions.

Want your guests to do a choreographed dance routine in your honor? We’ll set it up.

Want to take all your guests to a sporting event or movie screening? Why not?

You and your partner deserve a wedding that announces to the world that you will live your life on your terms, and your big day should reflect your values and priorities.

A wedding planner should spend time with you, crafting the story you want to tell and the storybook life ahead of you.

At Étage Banquet Hall, we pride ourselves on hosting unique wedding vendors. We strive to make the most out of your ideas and to provide our own customized suggestions that will give you and your guests a truly memorable day.

Make Your Wedding Entertainment Ideas a Reality with Étage Banquet Hall

Call 818-722-8490 today to speak with an experienced and hands-on team about your needs, expectations, and dreams for your wedding day.

We look forward to your unique wedding ideas and sharing our wedding vendor ideas with you.

Your choice of wedding venue is one of the most important decisions of your wedding day and will set the stage for the ceremony and reception. Finding the dream wedding venue is tough but doable if you know what to look for.

With that in mind, we’ll be providing tips on choosing the best wedding venue for your big day. Contact us today if you would like to explore the captivating dream venue at Étage Banquet Hall!

Tips For Choosing The Best Wedding Venue

Make sure you and your wedding planner consider the following features to choose a wedding venue.

Determine a Wedding Budget

Few things are as frustrating as finding your perfect venue but realizing the price is too high. The first part of the wedding planning process should be determining how much to spend on the event venue.

According to most experts, the cost of your venue should make up about 30% of your total wedding budget. For most people, that comes out to anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 to rent traditional wedding venues.

Keep in mind that different venues have different amenities. For instance, an all-inclusive venue might include in-house catering or other services. Our all-inclusive wedding venue includes in-house catering and amenities that all fall in your wedding budget and venue price.

Check the Venue’s Availability

Next up is the wedding date. If you want to schedule your event on a specific date, you’ll need to start the search early. Many venues get booked months in advance, so you should start looking at least a year before your intended date. It may be harder to book a date if people use the location for multiple events and not just weddings.

Alternatively, you can choose a date according to venue availability. Keep in mind that many reservations require non-refundable deposits, so make sure that your desired date works before making a final decision and signing on the dotted line of a venue contract.

Does the Venue Match Your Theme?

When searching for event venue options, find one that matches the theme of your wedding ceremony. For example, a church is one of the classic wedding venue ideas, and for good reason. However, a church might not be a good idea if you want a more casual wedding style at your event.

Consider how the reception space will complement the ceremony space and how decorations fit into the larger picture. You can research potential venues like country clubs and hotel ballrooms online to see if they have any images of ceremonies.

Venue Capacity

Obviously, you will need to match venue capacity with your estimated guest count. The last thing you want is to rent a reception hall that doesn’t have ample space for your guests. As a general rule of thumb, your prospective venues should have at least 10 to 15 square feet of space per guest.

Your total budget ultimately limits the size of your guest list. If you run over your budget, you may have to reduce the number of people on your guest list. Make sure the dance floor is large enough for your guest count too!

Outdoor or Indoor Options

Outdoor venues are always a classic wedding location, but there is always the risk of bad weather. If you want to use an outdoor venue, make sure there are indoor options in case the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Similarly, see if indoor venues have any outdoor space so your guests can get some fresh air if they want. Talk to the venue coordinator to see if they can provide tent options for cover in case of bad weather.

What Are the Surrounding Accommodations?

The actual venue itself is not the only consideration for choosing a wedding venue—you also need to consider the venue’s location and areas surrounding the ceremony site. For instance, are there nearby hotels for out-of-town guests? Is the location nearby an airport or photography sites? What is the surrounding town like, and is it safe?

For instance, if you want to get married way out in the country, it might be hard for your wedding party to find accommodations. Put yourself in your guests’ shoes to choose a wedding venue that works for the majority of your guests.

Venue Accessibility

Venue accessibility is important to make sure everyone can partake in the festivities. For example, older guests or disabled guests might require accessible exits and additional seating options. The ideal wedding venue will have accommodations so that it is accessible for everyone.

Vendor Options

Many locations offer inclusive services like an in-house caterer or open bar. However, it’s always worth exploring alternative vendor options. If you already have a florist or band picked out, find a space that will allow you to use them.

Guest Amenities (i.e., Parking, Bathrooms, etc.)

Your venue might be perfect for your wedding photos, but how is it for the guests? Things like parking, bathrooms, and valet services are amenities that wedding planners should ask venues about.

Before you pick a wedding venue, ensure that it has ample amenities so guests are comfortable. Things like standing space, chairs, or a dance floor make a space much more welcoming to guests.

At Étage, we offer valet and parking services, not letting our guest’s worry about getting there early or struggle finding parking. Additionally, our spacious white marble ballroom provides the space for you and your guests to dance the night away.

Read Customer Reviews

Last but not least, read customer reviews about any local wedding venues. Previous customer testimony can give you a reliable idea of the experience working with the venue and what to expect.

Try to find reviews that are not on the official location website. Reviews from third-party sites like Yelp or Google give a more objective picture of their reputation. Venues often curate on-site reviews, so they only show the best ones. 

Book the Perfect Wedding Venue Today!

Our coordinators at Étage Banquet Hall strive to make your wedding day truly special. Our knowledgeable planners can explore options for choosing the best wedding venue based on your theme, the time of year, and your guest count.

Call us today at (818) 722-8490 or check prices and availability for the best Los Angeles wedding venue!