Spotlight Series: SMALL SHINDIGS

A series of posts dedicated to the pillars of the event design world that spotlight talent and creativity.  Be sure to read from start to finish, noting some of Sarah's particularly personal touches. 

Please describe your service in 3-5 sentences. 

I am a New York wedding planner focused on small & intimate weddings.  I take a personal approach to every event I plan and feel strongly that no detail is too small. I love working with the “in-between” couple—those who may want more than a courthouse style elopement but less than a 100+ person extravaganza. Above all else, I enjoy supporting those who truly want their day to be meaningful.

Complete this sentence.  A wedding can never have too many Peonies!           

Their season is really short and they aren’t cheap but they are so stunning. (Solemates' agrees, 100%)

Best describe your style:

My personal style is boho & inspired by the outdoors. That said, there is truly no “one-size-fits-all” wedding style and I’ve worked with plenty of clients whose tastes were different than my own.

Champagne: Rose or Classic. Classic. I’m more of a garnish type of person if you want to dress up champagne. Adding some fresh rosemary sprigs, or an edible flower for a pop of color. 

What trend are you excited about?

I’m super excited that couples seem to be more interested in being eco-friendly when it comes to weddings. I’m seeing less and less confetti and paper goods, and more bubbles, flowers without foam and rented chinaware.

What (if ever) is the most thoughtful or romantic gesture/surprise a client has planned for his/her spouse?

I had a bride surprise her new husband by serenading him at their reception in front of everyone. It was really sweet.

Why should a person hire an event planner?

Wedding planners often offer a range of services and customize their offerings to best suit your needs. Most planners will offer support in different forms, so it’s always a good idea to have the conversation rather than writing it off from the beginning that you can’t afford one. 

Firstly, we’re there to support you and have your back. That means we’ll do all of your negotiating with vendors, manage all of your conversations and only present you with vendors we know and trust. 

Second, we are logistics focused. There are so many moving parts to wedding planning and it’s really great to have someone who not only enjoys, but has a solid handle on putting all the details into place. 

Finally, you’ll have hands-on support the day of the wedding. From setting up escort cards to keeping all of your vendors on track, we have you covered.

Self-aggrandizing bonus question: When planning an outdoor wedding, how often do clients comment on the challenge of wearing heels in grass? Do you suggest Solemates Heel Protectors?

Yes I recommend Solemates--I actually had a basket of them at my own wedding as I got married on a farm! 

Tips of the trade: please provide 3 tips or tricks for each event category:  

Outdoor (wedding or any other celebration).  What are 3 things everyone planning an outdoor wedding should consider:

• Have a rain plan! If your venue does not have a built-in rain plan venue, you absolutely must rent a tent.
• Be prepared with shaded areas, sun screen and bug spray. Guests likely won’t bring their own.
• Understand that wind is a factor. Candles likely won’t stay lit, your flower vases might need sand to hold them down and you may need linen ties to keep them on the tables.

At home. What are the 3 things everyone planning a “simple wedding” at home should consider:

• Bathrooms! You will need to rent bathrooms if you don’t want all of your guests going into your house the entire evening.
• Lighting. Do you have enough light in your backyard for an evening wedding or will you need to bring a lighting vendor to install?
• Catering prep area. Is there a designated space out of the way that your caterer can prep and bus?

Please find Sarah and her extraordinarily personalized touches here: 

Instagram: instagram.com/smallshindigs

Facebook:  facebook.com/smallshindigs

Pinterest: pinterest.com/smallshindigs 

Website: www.smallshindigs.com 

Email: sarah@smallshindigs.com 

Phone: 973-943-6884