Hiring Lauren as our wedding coordinator was the best decision we made during the whole planning…read moreprocess! She was extremely communicative, helpful, honest, and proactive - and helped make our vision a reality. We planned our whole wedding, but also work several jobs and live out of state. So at times, it was challenging to stick to our timeline and keep track of all the moving pieces.
Here are the qualities we experienced with Lauren, and I'm confident you'd get the same:
PROACTIVE: We shared our planning document with Lauren early on, and she was so great about jumping in and providing recommendations, asking questions we hadn't thought of, and reminding us to do things before it was too late. We had a list of "items we need" and Lauren went so far as to lend us some things she had, search Craigslist/Offer Up/ Etsy to make suggestions, and even went out of her way to pick up some decor for us from a vendor in CA since we were out of state.
HELPFUL: Lauren helped us navigate how to get our marriage license and sent us a very detailed email with all the specifics. These little things REALLY add up when you're running 100 miles per hour with your job, planning, family stuff, etc.
COMMUNICATIVE: Lauren took the initiative to reach out to all of our other vendors to check in with them, answer questions, provide information and make sure they had what they needed. Towards the end, she also took over communication with our venue on our behalf, which was a weight off my shoulders because they kept forgetting things I had told them! It was nice to have her as the middle-woman. By the time we actually got to the wedding, Lauren was so familiar with our vision and plan that everything was flawless!!
ACTION-ORIENTED: I had intended to be much more involved on the day with helping get set up - but I didn't get a single thing done on my to-do list because everyone was talking to us / asking how to help / etc etc - it was so overwhelming but I knew that I could comfortably go upstairs to get ready with the girls and Lauren would have it handled. By the time we walked out for the ceremony, everything was STUNNING. Lauren helped set up the table decor, all the signage, the florals, etc. I had so many family and guests say what a hard worker her and her husband (who showed up to give an extra set of hands) are.
I have to admit, I really had to convince my husband (and other family members involved in the wedding) that we even needed a coordinator and to make space for it in the budget. Given that we were planning it all and had so much help, it was difficult to convince some people. We were hesitant at first since every other vendor was a friend or acquaintance and we weren't sure we needed a coordinator. And for all the people who were skeptical about hiring a coordinator, they all understood what a necessary role they plays when they saw Lauren and her husband in action. For anyone in a similar situation: DON'T SKIP OUT ON IT. Having someone that is not directly involved with your guests is essential in getting stuff done. From the planning to having someone give a non-biased perspective, to all the help setting up, breaking down, and making sure guests knew where to go and what to do - the day wouldn't have been the same without Fancy Fern Events. She will allow you to sit back and enjoy your special day with all our closest friends and family, without worrying about a thing!
I feel like I've known Lauren for a long time and have developed a friendship I am sure will last far beyond this day. The cherry on the cake was her thoughtfulness after all the festivities - a personal note and gift, and helping us to sell all the items from our wedding. Thank you, Lauren and Fancy Fern Events for going above and beyond to make our wedding magical!