From Wedding Planner, Danielle Pasternak
Wedding planning tips, resources, and inspiration
Why I Don’t Offer Day-Of Coordination (and Why You Deserve So Much More)
Many couples consider day-of coordination services, thinking they’ll ease wedding planning stress. However, coming in at the last minute can often add to that stress instead of alleviating it. In this post, I share why my Signature Coordination service — where I support you from the very beginning — creates a smoother, more enjoyable planning experience. By earning your trust and being involved throughout, I ensure that every detail is managed, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: fully experiencing the joy of your engagement and wedding day without worry.
Wedding Planner Must-Haves: Gear and Gadgets for a Great Wedding Day
Discover the essential gear and gadgets every wedding planner needs for a flawless wedding day. From the perfect water bottle and snacks to keep you energized, to must-have attire with pockets and multiple pairs of shoes for ultimate comfort, this guide has it all. Learn about the best bags and tech tools, including a lifesaving emergency kit bag, efficient walkie talkies, and a versatile collapsible wagon to handle heavy-duty setups. Equip yourself with these must-haves to stay organized, comfortable, and ready to tackle any challenge on the big day. Make your wedding planning experience smoother and more enjoyable with these top picks.
Must-Have Items for Getting Ready on your Wedding Day
As your wedding day draws near, the flurry of excitement and nerves is all too real. You've got your venue locked in, your attire fitted to perfection, and your heart set on a day you'll never forget. But before you say "I do," there's a chapter of the day that demands your attention: the morning of your wedding.
In previous articles, I’ve delved into the intricacies of What to Wear the Morning Of Your Wedding and Six Things To Remember For Getting Ready On Your Wedding Day for a smooth getting-ready process. If you haven't already, be sure to check those out. Today, we're taking it a step further by highlighting the must-have items that will be your steadfast companions as you and your VIPs get ready for the day.
Party Like a Philadelphian: A Deep Dive into the “East Coast” Wedding Reception Timeline
Discover the perfect dance of tradition and celebration with this guide to an East Coast wedding reception timeline. From intimate pre-dinner moments to the grand finale on the dance floor, this insider's view unveils the unique rhythm of a Philly-style celebration. Learn how to customize your East Coast timeline, collaborate with vendors seamlessly, and explore our Wedding Timeline template for a stress-free planning experience.
Favorite Wedding Splurges To Elevate Your Day
I’m a firm believer that couples should invest in the parts of a wedding that mean the most to them. Outside of the four major aspects of hosting any event (providing food, drink, entertainment, and comfort), I think you — as the couple — are allowed to do (and not do) what makes the most sense for you.
But, in my many years as a wedding planner, there have been a few “splurge” items that can really enhance the day — especially from a guest experience.
Pocket Timelines: The Best Tool for a Stress-Free Day
The wedding day is a momentous occasion filled with love and a flurry of activities. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, having a well-organized timeline is crucial. But sharing that BIG timeline with the VIPs is simply too much. That's where Pocket Timelines come in.
8 Practical Wedding Attire Tips for Comfort
With all of the planning and preparation that goes into a wedding day, it’s easy to forget that what you’ll be wearing throughout the day ALSO requires some planning and prep.
For most marriers, there’s quite a bit of thought put into WHAT they’re going to wear on their wedding day. But, there is far more to consider when it comes to making sure you actually feel (relatively) comfortable.
Wedding Management or Signature Coordination: Which is best for you?
While there a few different ways you can work with me, the two most common options are Wedding Management and Signature Coordination. Since planning services aren’t quite as obvious as other vendor categories, I’ve broken down some ways to determine which might be the better fit for you.
Meet “Betty”, the Emergency Kit Bag for Wedding Planners – plus a free download
For a wedding planner, being prepared means having a well-stocked emergency kit with anything you might need. And it is so important to your wedding day running smoothly that the emergency kit becomes a vital part of the team.
Need to purchase alcohol for your wedding? Start here.
Planning the alcohol for your wedding may feel like a big deal. No one wants to run out of alcohol, but you also don’t want to spend a ton of extra money either. You want to respect the budget, but you also want to have a good time. Feel like you can’t have your wedding cake and eat it too? With a wedding alcohol calculator, you bet your gorgeous wedding you can!
Thinking about having a friend officiate your wedding?
If you’re planning to have a friend or family member officiate your wedding, let me introduce you to wedding celebrant, Alisa Tongg and her Wedding Ceremony Master Class.
Meet Foxblossom: An amazing option for luxury gift giving
One of my amazing brides recently asked her closest and dearest friends and family members to be her bridesmaids for her upcoming wedding. When she shared with me the site she used to ask, I just knew I had to share!
Meet Do Amore: An ethical wedding and engagement ring company
Do Amore, the direct-to-consumer wedding ring company offering ethically-sourced, handcrafted engagement and wedding rings, officially launched yesterday. Every ring is made in the USA from recycled precious metals, as well as diamonds and gemstones that are conflict-free.
Wedding Votives: What to Know and What to Buy
When you’re searching for wedding votives to place on your tables and throughout your space, it can be tough to know which ones to go with. Over the years, I’ve seen and tried MANY, but Amazon has some great options to add a beautiful glow.
Creative Spotlight: Tree of Life Films and Photography
Meet Jennifer and Tom, of Tree of Life Films. They’re a husband and wife, photography and videography team based in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA.
Creative Spotlight: Daniel Moyer Photography – Part II
Many, many moons ago (what the…) we had the pleasure of meeting and working with the awesome photographer that is Daniel Moyer Photography. In 2013, we had the opportunity to chat with him for a bit in what we’re now calling Part I. This is Part II and it’s amazing how much someone can grow and achieve in just a year and Daniel is no exception.
Creative Spotlight: Monachetti Weddings
This week, Michael, owner of Monachetti, shared his thoughts on his craft, his business and of course, what type of burger he’d be. Enjoy…
Wedding Bathroom Baskets: Everything You Need (And an easy way to buy!)
Wedding bathroom baskets, also called “hospitality baskets” can be a great addition to your wedding. A bathroom basket for wedding is filled with often-needed toiletries for guests to use while getting their celebration on at your wedding.
