Why You Need a Wedding Planner

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

I am my couples’ biggest cheerleader while providing guidance, a listening ear and a calm, positive attitude. I pour my heart into every wedding I plan & coordinate as if it’s my own!

Hello! My name is Lisa Norris and I am a wedding planner based out of Indianapolis. I am my couples’ biggest cheerleader while providing guidance, a listening ear and a calm, positive attitude. I pour my heart into every wedding I plan & coordinate as if it’s my own!

I always knew I wanted to work in the hospitality & events industry. In high school, I worked at a wedding venue, and I knew that’s where my heart was! I graduated from Purdue University where I received my Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in Hospitality Management and also obtained my Certified Wedding Planner certification through The Bridal Society. It’s been over 20 years since I first began, but my path has taken me through many wonderful opportunities in the event planning world.

How did you become a wedding planner?

Building relationships with couples & their families and seeing their joy on their wedding day is such a reward. My goal is to allow them to focus on love, not logistics.

My career has blossomed through many wonderful opportunities including catering, event planning and venue management. As a General Manager of a venue, loved working with our couples. Wedding days were always my favorite and I LOVED going to work. In 2016, I decided to start my own wedding planning business, Lisa Norris Events – and never looked back! Building relationships with couples & their families and seeing their joy on their wedding day is such a reward. My goal is to allow them to focus on love, not logistics.

What are the most common questions that couples ask you at the first introductory appointment?

All couples have worries in the back of their mind. My job is to reassure them that I’ll be with them throughout the process, and most importantly, on their wedding day.

All couples have worries in the back of their mind. My job is to reassure them that I’ll be with them throughout the process, and most importantly, on their wedding day. Whether it’s a rain plan, planning a rehearsal or keeping their Uncle Bob from drinking too much, I am there to help make sure their day goes smoothly!

Are there things that differentiate wedding planners?

Of course, all wedding planners are different, just like all people. Finding the one you feel the most comfortable with is key to a great relationship. You want to be able to freely express your wishes and concerns throughout the planning. If you are trying to decide between two options, ask yourself “who would I feel most comfortable picking up the phone and talking too?” It’s also good to scout out their portfolio through social media and online sites such as The Knot, Wedding Wire, & Google to read about past clients’ experiences and see photos of their work.

What are the typical services/packages offered by wedding planners?

Couples can be overwhelmed by various services that are offered.

Is hiring a wedding planner an expensive decision?

Hiring a planner doesn’t have to be an expensive decision. With an array of services offered, you can align your needs with the best planner for you. Perhaps you have a grip on your smaller scale wedding, but need someone to step in during the last three months to finalize your details and coordinate on the day of your wedding. By working with a planner or day of coordinator, you can be calm & relaxed on your wedding day which is priceless!

What are some pre-wedding tips you would give to a couple?

• Don’t wait until the last minute to print your seating chart & escort cards. No one wants to be up until midnight fretting over those a few days before your wedding (it has happened!). Better yet, hire a wonderful stationery professional to help you!
• If you’ll be dropping off décor or DIY items for your wedding, label your boxes (mock photos of setups are great too!).
• And finally, my best advice is to eat small meals or snacks and hydrate the morning of your wedding. It may be an afterthought, but you’ll feel better if you take care of yourself!

What are the advantages of hiring a wedding planner?

Hiring a planner/coordinator is the best gift you can give yourself and your family. The peace of mind leading up to your wedding and on your wedding day is worth your sanity.

Hiring a planner/coordinator is the best gift you can give yourself and your family. The peace of mind leading up to your wedding and on your wedding day is worth your sanity. We’ve planned many weddings. We know the best vendors, the hidden costs, the extras you don’t need. We’ve seen almost everything – and as knowledgeable experts, we can allow you to be smart in your planning.

How to plan a big wedding on a small budget?

Staying in the budget is always a couple's goal without sacrificing their wishes for their special day. Here are a few tips:

• First, invite-only close friend and family. By limiting your guest list, you can utilize smaller venues & your menu won’t break the bank.
• The venue & catering are typically the highest spending category for couples. Consider alternative venues such as a private home, private room at a restaurant, park or outdoor venue. When it comes to catering, timing is everything. Avoid the expense of an expensive dinner by scheduling your wedding in the afternoon and planning a reception that’s more like an extended cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres.
• Saturdays are the most popular wedding day. Why not consider a Friday or Sunday? Additionally, popular months like June, September & October will most like have higher premiums that an off-season wedding in January.

What was the most memorable wedding you planned?

Last year I worked with a couple who planned to get married back at their alma mater of DePauw University. They came from a long line of Depauw alum and the University meant a lot not only to both of their families but also to their relationship. From our first meeting on campus, I was smitten with the University. It was gorgeous! As we walked the campus discussing plans, they pointed out campus landmarks and told stories of their rivalry with another local college. Learning about the history of the campus, but also the historic MeHerry Hall which housed their ceremony, made the wedding so memorable! The couple invited all their college friends back to their alma mater to celebrate - with a few extra surprise appearances. Their favorite bartender from the college watering hole, The Fluttering Duck, was their celebrity bartender for the evening and a late night snack of the campus’ famous garlic cheeseburgers from Marvin’s was catered in! It was definitely a wedding for the books!