Once you start the journey of wedding planning, you can feel both excited and overwhelmed. The myriad of details, decisions, and coordination involved can leave even the most organized couples feeling a bit lost. That’s where Sweet Sarabelle comes in—a wedding planning powerhouse that has been turning dreams into reality for nearly a decade. In this exclusive interview with the founder, we delve into Sweet Sarabelle’s Advice for Wedding Planning: the origins of Sweet Sarabelle, the range of services offered, the unique needs they meet for couples, the benefits of hiring a wedding planner, and the joy they find in working with each client.

1. Tell us a little about Sweet Sarabelle. How did you get started, and how long have you been in business?  

I’ve always enjoyed event planning, although I didn’t realize it at first. After college, I pursued a career in marketing and became a marketing director for a student housing facility in Raleigh. During that time, I found myself loving the small details of event planning that came with my role. My grandmother owned a historic B+B for a long time (and a hotel before that!) so hospitality is in my blood. My parents are also both entrepreneurs, and own local businesses, so starting my own business was a process that I was familiar with.  During my time working as a marketing director, and event planning as part of that role, I saw that there was a market for wedding planning. That’s when I really dove into researching what it would take to start my own business.

Sweet Sarabelle officially launched in 2012. During the first year of my business, I worked both my full-time job and ran Sweet Sarabelle, which I was transparent about with my clients. By the end of that year, I was able to leave my corporate job and pursue wedding and event planning full-time.

We started with coordination and wedding day management and then expanded into all-inclusive events within a few years. Shortly after that, we began to manage venues, and we currently manage Sunnyside at Baldwin Farms.

Most of our work now comes from word of mouth, which we’re grateful for. It’s amazing to think of how we’ve grown from a small table at a bridal show to the clients and venues we get to work with now. It’s been an exciting adventure!

2. What types of wedding planning services do you offer? 

To keep it super simple for our clients, we offer three types of wedding planning services: wedding day management, full-service planning, and all-inclusive planning.

Our wedding day management services and full service planning services are unique as we work with our couples from the very beginning until the wedding day. We customize every planning experience, and give couples a personal connection to vendors. This gives them peace of mind, knowing we are there to support them every step of the way.

Our all-inclusive planning service is the perfect option for couples who want everything taken care of, from decor to florals and beyond. As part of our all-inclusive services, we offer floral services to our clients.

3. As a wedding planner, what are the biggest needs that you meet for your couples? 

We specialize in creating a seamless experience for our couples by streamlining the planning process. We understand that it can be overwhelming to navigate through various platforms such as Google, Pinterest, and social media. That’s why we listen to our clients’ needs and work towards turning their vision into reality. We don’t believe in ‘cookie-cutter’ experiences because we know that each couple is unique and deserves a personalized experience.

One of the most important things we tell our clients is that they shouldn’t let wedding planning consume their every day. We encourage them to stay involved but also focus on other important events in their engagement season.

With over a decade of experience in the industry, we take pride in providing expert advice and support to our couples. We are committed to meeting their needs and ensuring that their special day is one they will remember for a lifetime.

4. In your opinion, what are the top three benefits of hiring a wedding planner versus trying to plan your own wedding without assistance (or even just using a day-of coordinator that a venue may provide)? 

It’s important to have an expert to rely on during the wedding planning process. While Google, Pinterest, and family and friends can be helpful, nothing beats having an experienced professional to advocate for you.

Consider your own level of expertise and the time you have available. Even if you enjoy planning, it’s important to have time to focus on other aspects of your life during this exciting season. Hiring a professional planner can give you the headspace you need to enjoy the planning process while leaving the rest to the experts. Plus, experienced planners are better equipped to handle unexpected challenges, such as the COVID-related disruptions that affected thousands of wedding plans in 2020.

When choosing a wedding coordinator, it’s important to remember that venue coordinators are primarily focused on ensuring the success of the venue, not necessarily your specific needs. A dedicated wedding coordinator who you hire is there to advocate for you and ensure your wedding day is exactly as you envisioned. They also have the benefit of experience at multiple venues and are well-equipped to handle any hiccups that may arise on the big day.

5. What is your favorite part of working with your clients? 

Many couples come to us for help with their wedding planning even before they finalize a venue. We enjoy working with them throughout their entire planning journey and getting to know them better. It brings us joy to wake up every day excited to assist each client on their big day!

While every wedding is special, there are certain days that have particular moments and details that stand out more than others.

6. Sweet Sarabelle’s Advice for Wedding Planning: If you could share one piece of advice with a couple who is newly engaged, what would it be? 

Plan with a purpose! I know it sounds cliché but hire a wedding planner first. Even if it isn’t me – hire someone at the beginning of your planning. A good planner can help you navigate all the details from the start. I know it’s an investment upfront, but it really will save you so much time and money in the long run.

Sweet Sarabelle’s journey from a small table at a bridal show to managing prominent venues reflects their commitment to excellence and personalized service. With a passion for turning visions into reality, Sweet Sarabelle’s advice for wedding planning continues to be a guide for couples navigating how to bring their vision to light. So, whether you’re eyeing seamless wedding day management, full-service planning with a personal touch, or an all-inclusive dream fest, Sweet Sarabelle is your go-to.