What a Wedding Planner ACTUALLY Does

Many couples who reach out to me have a common question when they start planning their wedding day: What does a wedding planner actually do? And that’s a completely normal question. Most couples are experiencing wedding planning for the first time, and there’s so much about the process you don’t realize until you’re in it. The good thing is, you don’t have to know everything. That’s the whole point of having a wedding planner!

There are three main phases that break down what a wedding planner does. 1. Planning and guidance. 2. logistics and organization. 3. execution and advocacy.

Phase 1: Planning and Guidance

In the first phase, your wedding planner gathers information about you as a couple, learning the fun details of your story and what matters most to you. We’ll talk through your vision, priorities, budget, and the overall vibe you want your day to have. From there, we create a mood board that becomes a visual “home base” for your wedding. The mood board guides all of the design decisions that unfold during the planning process. Another big part of this phase is the vendor research and referrals. Once your planner understands your style, priorities, budget, and personalities, they can point you toward vendors who truly fit, not just vendors who are available. And of course, a planner helps you build and manage a wedding budget from start to finish. We help you prioritize what matters most, make smart decisions, and keep the overall plan on track.

Phase 2: Logistics and Organization

Once the vision is dialed in and the major vendors are booked, we move into the second phase: logistics and organization. This is where your planner starts locking in the details, like reviewing contracts, creating a detailed timeline, designing a venue layout and flow plan, finalizing design choices, and managing vendor communication so you’re not overwhelmed with a hundred emails. One major perk to having a wedding planner is simple: the details you didn’t think about have already been considered. Your planner has done this before, has seen what can happen, and knows how to prepare for it. For example, didn’t think about a rain plan? Your planner already has a backup layout in mind, plus a plan for how the day pivots if needed. Room flips, ceremony location changes, vendor timing adjustments. These are the kinds of invisible details we’re proactively preparing so you don’t have to carry the mental load.

Phase 3: Execution and Advocacy

Once the details are finalized, the timeline is complete, and vendors have what they need, we move into the final phase, execution and advocacy, where months (or even years) of planning come together. Your wedding planner is on-site to ensure the day is set up exactly as discussed, your vendors are supported, and the event flows smoothly. If something unexpected comes up (and it usually does), your planner handles it calmly and quietly, often without you or your guests ever knowing. Another important part of having a wedding planner is that we are your cheerleader and advocate, not just on the wedding day but throughout the entire process. You have someone in your corner who will protect your experience and your priorities. Sometimes that means we have to play the “bad guy” on your behalf, and that’s okay. You are our priority, not Uncle John wanting to do a 20-minute unplanned speech, or Aunt Jane standing in the middle of the aisle taking photos right before the ceremony begins. We’re prepared to step in, redirect, and keep the day aligned with your vision.

So.. what do you get to do? The wedding planning process can be as collaborative as you want it to be. After we do the vendor research and offer recommendations, you still choose the team you feel best about. Nothing is finalized without your approval. Your planner is there for support, guidance, and execution so the decision-making feels clear and the process feels lighter.

When should you hire a wedding planner?

If you have a busy work schedule, you’re planning out of town, or you simply want a calm experience, hiring a wedding planner may be the best decision you make. Wedding planning can truly be a full-time job if you let it. There are so many moving parts and decisions that can start to feel overwhelming, and that can take the joy out of the process. I always tell my couples: this season flies by. My job is to help you soak it in by taking the heavy lifting off your plate and giving you space to actually enjoy being engaged. When you have a wedding planner you trust (that’s the key), the planning journey can feel freeing, exciting, joyful, and fun.

My Philosophy at Jules Fern Events

At Jules Fern Events, I believe weddings should feel just as beautiful as they look, and that ease comes from thoughtful, intentional planning. When logistics, design, and timelines are aligned, the day unfolds naturally, without unnecessary stress or chaos.

My approach blends organization with creativity. Every design decision is made with both beauty and function in mind, ensuring the day flows smoothly while still feeling deeply personal. With experience in both planning and florals, I’m able to see the full picture and anticipate details others may miss.

I also believe the planning process should feel collaborative and supportive. You’re never handing your wedding over; you’re gaining a trusted guide. My role is to offer clarity, calm support, and confident direction while protecting your vision every step of the way.

On the wedding day, my focus is simple: to quietly manage the details, advocate for you, and create space for you to be fully present with the people you love.

Ready to see if a wedding planner is right for you?

If you’ve been wondering whether hiring a wedding planner is the right move, I’d love to connect. I offer complimentary consultation calls so you can ask questions, talk through your needs, and make sure it feels like the right fit.

Because choosing a wedding planner isn’t just about logistics, it’s about relationships. You spend a lot of time with your planner, and it should feel aligned from the start.

Send an inquiry today, and let’s see what kind of support would serve you best.