Helpful Advice From A Maine Wedding Planner
An Interview with Jessica Riley of Jessica Riley Events
Jessica Riley. Photo by Darling Photography
Reconnecting with Jessica Riley at last month’s styled shoot at Live Well Farm in Harpswell, Maine, was such a treat. Her expertise and creative vision inspired me to learn more about her approach to wedding planning.Below are some of Jessica’s own insights and images. Briefly describe how you got started in the industry and explain what services you offer and which service is the most popular.
I was working a summer job as a concierge at a premier guest ranch in Colorado. After graduating college, I planned to stay year round at the ranch. When corporate events or weddings were booked, it was my responsibility to plan and execute them. After planning numerous corporate events, I planned a few weddings for the property and loved it. That was it- I was hooked!I offer partial planning and full planning for clients. Partial planning includes a few check ins throughout the year leading up to the event, then confirming and organizing all the details that client has put in place starting 2 months before the event, being the liaison between the client and their vendors, then executing the day from start to finish. [With] full planning, I would be involved from the beginning and assist with vendor reach out, contract negotiations, design, planning all of the details with the clients and executing the celebration start to finish. Both options afford the couple the ability to be present and really take in how special their love is and how much love surrounds them.
What are your favorite aspects of wedding planning?
I love finding new and interesting pieces of decor to really bring a couples vision to life…mismatched China, so each place setting is different, embroidered napkins, beautifully designed stationary, ornate furniture for the perfect lounge set... Then seeing it all come together. [When] the couple sees the reception space for the first time, I've cried happy tears seeing their reaction.
Maine, and generally Portland to Bar Harbor. I am located in the Mid Coast, so a bulk of my events take place there.
What areas do you serve?
Maine, and generally Portland to Bar Harbor. I am located in the Mid Coast, so a bulk of my events take place there.
What's a common misconception about hiring a planner?
That they are a waste of money and a friend or family member can do the work.
What do couples miss out on when they choose not to hire a planner?
They miss out on a stress free day. If there is not someone who can answer all the questions, know all of the details for the schedule, cue the musicians, set everything up, etc... that falls to the couple or the family and creates undue stress. It is so important to me that the couple is present and can really take in the day for how special it is.
Jessica Riley. Photo by Darling Photography
Jessica Riley Events. Image by Mel Toms Photography
In your opinion, what are the best months to plan a wedding in Maine? Are there times of the year you would recommend in the off season that are overlooked?
I think the best months are July and August. Its going to be the warmest and nicest weather. September and October are always incredible too, but the weather is a little less predictable.December and January are overlooked. I love a winter wedding! And couples can often save money on venues and some vendors in the winter months.
How do you advise couples when picking the right venue for their event? What features do you look for in a venue, beyond the setting?
It is important that first and foremost, it fits within their budget. Next, would be that it accommodates their guest count and has indoor options for ceremony and reception. I love a venue that has multiple spaces for clients to use, so if they are utilizing the property for the weekend, they can use different spaces for each event.
Is any private home a good candidate for hosting a wedding? What features should a property have to make it work?
Not all homes/properties are able to host weddings. It is always important to have the tent company survey the land [with the planner in attendance] before making any concrete plans. For the home to be an ideal spot there needs to be enough flat land for a large tent, catering tent, and restroom trailer [and] ideally [have] running water, a power source, and some parking.
What is something you see couples spending a big part of their budget on that isn't necessary?
Having a conversation with a planner about your overall budget, guest count, and vision is the first thing that should be done before signing any contract. What I see too often is that couples book a venue, then hire their planner. I think this should be done simultaneously so couples do not book a venue that, unbeknownst to them, that is outside of their budget. Find a venue you love, tour, hold the date, then chat with a planner before signing with the venue.It is all relative. Couples' priorities are different and should all be handled and managed differently. If having a killer band is top of list, then the budget for the photographer may need to be adjusted to compensate.
For design and decor, what are your favorite color combinations?
I love mixing colors! Each season has beautiful color palettes. Spring and summer lends itself to bright pops of color; yellows, pinks, orange. In autumn, I love burnt orange, maroon, blush, purples. In the winter months, I love hunter green and gold. Give me all the color!
Jessica Riley Events. Image by Mel Toms Photography
What characteristics do you look for when recommending other wedding vendors to your clients?
Personality types, sense of humor, professionalism, flexibility, ease of communication, to name a few. Each vendor needs to have a different skill set to be the best at what they do. In the beginning of planning, I work hard to get to know the couple and what they are looking for. A lot of factors come into play when suggesting vendors; budget, their body of work, and how well they work with a team.
If your couple has a limited budget for floral and decor, what would you recommend for the biggest impact?
I always suggest repurposing. Whatever florals are used for the ceremony can be repurposed in the reception space. Bouquets, urns, aisle flowers, etc... In the reception space, florals on 1/3 or 1/2 of the tables and greenery with candles on the other tables can be another cost savings. It also keeps things interesting for the eye to not have all of the tables the same.
What are your favorite textiles and rentals to work with? Are any of them so important that you recommend them to every couple?
A Family Affair for different, more curated rental options. Wallace Events for everyday items (tables, chairs, glassware, silverware, etc...), Linens- I try to get away from a standard polyester blend. It feels cheap and there are other options that do not break the bank.
What do you love most about planning small weddings or events?
How thoughtful and personalized details can be. With a smaller guest count, couples are able to be thoughtful about the guests experience. I've had couples write individual letters to each guest to have at their place setting, others create sea glass and rock art in shadow boxes for favors, another couple with a literary themed wedding put together a library with book shelves and comfy couches. In each book on the shelf was a bookmark stating why that book was important to the couple and how it impacted their relationship. So many special details.
What do you love most about planning large weddings or events?
The party is always amazing and the energy is contagious. Having 150+ guests that are all there to support the love two people have for each other is so special.
Jessica Riley Events. Image by Novae Film and Photo
What's the most effective way to elevate a table design and add some sophistication on a limited budget?
Including a menu at each place setting and a beautiful napkin with either patterned material or fun texture.
Jessica Riley Events. Image by Rachel Buckley Photography
What's your advice for creating an atmosphere for a timeless and sophisticated wedding design if there was no budget?
Think of the big picture. Tying everything together with a common theme, start to finish. Welcome bags, weekend itinerary, personalized favors, fun laid back rehearsal dinner, over the top florals, killer band. The guests’ overall experience is key.
What are your favorite flowers to see in wedding designs?
Dahlias and Peonies.
Is there some aspect you wish more couples would invest a bigger portion of their budget on?
Florals, always florals! But they're expensive and not all couples see the value.
Describe a few unique small details from past weddings that were memorable to you.
Hand painted wooden buoys to note each guest’s table assignment, the reception program "schedule" on the back of the menu so guests knew what to expect and would not miss anything and embroidered linen coasters as favors for guests.
What do you look for when choosing to work with a couple? Describe what made some of your past clients a perfect fit for you.
My past clients that were a perfect fit became friends of mine following their wedding celebration. I have past clients that I visit with when they travel back to Maine each summer. They are people that I would surround myself with in everyday life. They're driven, smart, genuine, and fun to be around.
What descriptive words have past clients consistently used to describe their experience working with you?
Seamless. Easy. Organized. Calm.
If a couple gave you full creative freedom to design the look of their event, what would you design?
If given complete control I would plan an early summer celebration with lots of vibrant bright colors (yellows, pinks, oranges) . Weather dependent, I would plan an alfresco dinner under a blanket of twinkle lights and long sprawling tables with lush, whimsical, floral arrangements both hanging from above and on [the] tables. Beautiful candlelight for a soft warm glow, customized embroidered napkins, and complementary linens with a fun texture or design. There would be a string quartet through dinner and a band to keep the dancing long into the night under the stars.