Planning a wedding is like orchestrating a symphony—it’s beautiful, complex, and every little detail must be in harmony to create the magic you envision. Many couples are surprised to learn that a full-service wedding can take 400+ hours to plan. So, what goes into those hours? Grab a coffee (or a glass of wine), and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what it really takes to bring your wedding dreams to life!
1. Initial Consultation and Onboarding (15-20 Hours)
First things first! We start with getting to know you. Your likes, your dislikes, your favorite date night spots, and that weird thing you two do together that makes you laugh uncontrollably (we love hearing it all!). We’ll dig deep into your vision, your style, and how we can turn your Pinterest board into a real-life celebration. We also get all the official stuff set up—agreements, timelines, and a personalised planning guide to kick things off smoothly.
2. Venue Research (20-40 Hours)
The venue sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s not just about finding a pretty place—it’s about finding the right pretty place for you. We’ll dive into research mode, exploring hidden gems, charming estates, or chic urban venues that fit your vibe. This involves emails, calls, and site visits to make sure it ticks every box. Expect lots of scouting, negotiating, and navigating fine print!
3. Key Suppliers Researching and Booking (50-70 Hours)
The right vendors are the beating heart of any wedding. We’ll find the best caterers, photographers, florists, and musicians to bring your big day to life. It’s not just about booking them; it’s about building a team who “gets” your vision and can execute it flawlessly. There will be meetings, emails, contract reviews, and negotiations to ensure you have the A-team by your side.
4. Design Process / Design Suppliers Researching and Booking (60-80 Hours)
Now comes the fun part—designing! From selecting colour palettes to choosing centrepieces, we’ll develop a design that reflects you. This involves creating mood boards, sourcing the perfect décor, and consulting with floral and rental suppliers to make sure everything is cohesive. It’s all about those wow-factor details that will make your wedding uniquely yours.
5. Event Logistics (70-90 Hours)
This is where the magic behind the curtain happens. We’ll handle all the logistics, from dietary restrictions to seating arrangements, and create a rock-solid timeline so that everything happens right on cue. Expect lots of site visits, floor plans, and nitty-gritty meetings to make sure every moment is perfectly orchestrated. We’re like the air traffic controllers of your wedding—making sure every detail is in the right place at the right time.
6. Concierge Service (20-30 Hours)
Weddings are about the experience, and we want to make sure every guest is having the time of their lives. This part is all about handling special requests—whether it’s booking accommodations, arranging transportation, or organising fun local excursions for your guests. Need a surprise spa day for the bride? Consider it done. We’re here to make your day as effortless as possible!
7. Final Details and Checks (30-40 Hours)
We’re in the home stretch! This stage is all about double-checking and fine-tuning. We’ll go through every detail with a magnifying glass to ensure there are no surprises on the big day. From confirming vendor details to doing a final walkthrough of the venue, it’s all about making sure everything is perfect before the celebration kicks off.
8. Travel and On-site Wedding Day Execution (15-30 Hours)
For destination weddings, we arrive at least two days before the big day to ensure everything is in place and nothing is left to chance. The travel time gives us a chance to meet with local vendors, do a final venue walkthrough, and ensure all logistics are set. On the day, we’re there from start to finish—directing the ceremony, coordinating with vendors, and handling any last-minute hiccups so you can focus on enjoying every moment. We’re there to make sure everything runs smoothly and that your destination celebration feels like a seamless dream. For local weddings, we still arrive early on the day to manage the set-up and ensure everything goes according to plan, staying until the event concludes to manage the breakdown.
9. Post-Wedding Wrap-Up (5-10 Hours)
Even after the last guest has left, our work isn’t done! We manage the final wrap-up—ensuring rentals are returned, the venue is cleared, and all post-wedding to-dos are checked off. We’ll also follow up with vendors, collect photos and videos, and make sure you have every keepsake from your special day.
Why It’s Worth Every Hour
Planning a wedding isn’t just about booking vendors and sending invites—it’s about crafting an experience that’s uniquely yours, from the first look to the last dance. Every one of those 400 hours is dedicated to making your wedding day seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. It’s about creating moments that you and your guests will talk about for years to come.
So, when we say it takes 400+ hours to plan your wedding, know that every single hour is spent with love, care, and dedication to making your dreams come true. Your wedding isn’t just another event to us—it’s a story, a celebration, and a day you’ll cherish forever.
Ready to make magic happen? Whether you’re planning a local celebration or a destination getaway, we’re here to make sure every detail is flawless. Let’s create a wedding that’s as unique as you are—without the stress. Fill the contact form on our website today to start planning the best day of your life!
Photo Credits
Stylist: Maila Enea Weddings & Events
Venue: The Langham Hotel
Photographer: Maxeen Kim
Florist: C Taylor’s Floristry
Makeup Artist & Hairstylist: Bridal by Barbara Ayisi
Videographer: AI Weddings Films
Stationery: Liv Laermann
Cake: RT Cakes
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CATIA LEMMI
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