S9E4: Instagram vs. Reality: Wedding Edition
We've all done it. We're scrolling through social media and we think, "I want that for my day!"
But, then... there's reality. And, those things don't always meet up.
This week's guest is dishing about how to manage your expectations surrounding Instagram inspiration and the reality of your wedding day.
Guest: Valerie, Vintage Luxe Events
This week, we’re dishing about…
how to manage your expectations
what to look for in the images you are drawn to on social media
how to get the day you want without busting your budget
... and more!
Meet Valerie!
I decided to start my wedding planning company during the COVID-19 pandemic. What a crazy time to start a company when you couldn’t gather and most countries were on full lockdown. I’m so happy that I did! Every day, I am fortunate to get to help couples plan their wedding and I am also lucky to work with some great wedding vendors in my area. I have a diploma in event and conference planning as well as a certification as a certified wedding planner from the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada.
When it comes to wedding planning, the majority of newly engaged couples go straight to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms and start to get ideas that may not be completely doable depending on many different factors.
Don’t get me wrong social media is a great place for inspiration, but some of the information can be very misleading.
For example, on social media, you might see a reel or a story stating that said wedding cost $$$ and suggesting how you can do it for less.
Which is not necessarily the case.
There are so so so many factors that determine the overall cost of your wedding, such as
location
budge
vendors
and so on.
As a wedding planner, when I happen to come across this information, I get a little frustrated knowing that this information is not true in some cases.
I have had to tell clients that they cannot sometimes replicate what they see online because it’s not realistic for X reason, but I always give them alternative options and how we can make it better than what they saw online.
Business Info
What areas do you serve?
Montreal and Canada
How long have you been in business?
2 and a half years
Why did you decide to start your own business?
The reason that I decided to start my own business was to be able to help couples plan their dream weddings and also one day when I gain more experience and years in the industry to be able to educate other wedding planners and be a voice in the wedding planning industry
What's the coolest thing about owning your own business?
Knowing that I can do something that love every day!
What challenges have you had to overcome?
Many but mostly when it came to work and life balance.
What advice could you offer to someone starting a business like yours?
The best advice that I can give is to do your research and to see what it really involves to become a wedding planner also don’t be afraid to say no to a potential client if they don’t match your style of wedding planning
What's the most memorable thing you've seen happen at a wedding or celebration?
At the moment the most memorable thing that I witnessed at a wedding that I planned was when the ceremony had just begun and the guests were told they can be seated, the groom ran so fast to the exit doors. So, the best man and I ran after him since it was so unexpected, the groom went to throw up because he was not feeling well. Let’s just say the remainder of the ceremony and the reception the Bride was not happy at all, I mean, I can’t blame her…
What does your future wedding look like?
I’m actually getting married next year in May!! The inspiration for the wedding is Alice in Wonderland!
Photo credit:
@Vintage_Luxe_Events @pamkay.ca @pamkay.love @lumalofts @beautybyroha @salonmonse @celebrationgroup @cartandcoevents @hautecarat @alycia.Lavoie @bigflower_mtl @fleuristevanda @overthemoonpaperdesign @chocolata.ca @atelierblucouture @hopenuygenphotographer
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