Planner - Ciara
- Business: Kansas Event Planning
- Location: Wichita, Kansas KS
- Experience: 4 Years
- Profile: Kansas Event Planning
- Website: www.kansaseventplanning.com
1. Introduction: What's your story?
Hi, my name is Ciara, owner of Kansas Event Planning or KEP for short! I started KEP mid-2017, although I helped with a few big events voluntarily before I became official to the public for hire. Even when I was in high school I was the planner of my friends group and organized most all of my family and friend gatherings. I have always had a gift with organizing and being detail oriented. Believe it or not, I even make Excel spreadsheet for food sign ups for my family holidays!
2. What's your experience as a wedding planner? How many weddings have you planned?
I started KEP mid year in 2017. Since then I have had roughly 30 weddings under my belt. The first couple years of my business was mostly getting the word out and only having a few weddings here and there. And while 2019 was my best year, when Covid hit in 2020, I had clients cancel and postpone their weddings. I have a full time job that I have still have today and ideally would only take up to 2-4 weddings per month.
3. What sorts of services do you offer (month-of coordination, full-service planning, or à la carte planning)?
My most purchased service is day-of coordinator. With my particular day-of coordinator package it really is more like a month-of coordinator. Day-of coordinator, for me, also includes creation of a day-of schedule, confirming vendor arrival times, attending the venue walkthrough, attending the rehearsal, and being at the event for up to 8 hours to ensure we stick to the wedding schedule.
4. How do payments work (a percentage of the wedding budget, a flat fee etc.)? What are the different packages that you offer and which one is your most popular package?
My day-of coordinator package is only $500 total with a $50 deposit to reserve your date. Additional fees may apply for travel or additional services or needed time.
5. Who else is in your team and how many people on your staff will be at the wedding?
I do not currently have a staff that joins me. I am the sole owner and person that will be working with the bride and doing the work!
6. What happens if you're sick or otherwise unable to be there on the day of the wedding?
If for some reason I have to cancel my service, the bride would be fully refunded for any payments made to me.
7. How many meetings will you have with the couple and how will they be involved?
Typically we would have at least two face to face meetings; one would be to discuss my service and expectations and the second would be to determine the day-of schedule.
8. Will you handle the invitations, from wording and ordering to the addressing and mailing? What about guest list coordination and RSVPs?
I do not handle this activity in my service package.
9. Do you handle rentals? Will you coordinate delivery, arrival and set up times with the photographer, the florist, the musicians and the caterer/banquet manager?
I do not have any items for rent with my service.
10. Can you create a timeline that tells everyone involved in the planning process (other pros, members of the wedding party, to-be-weds and families) what to do and when to do it? How will you make sure everyone sticks to the schedule?
This is one of the big items I do and brides look forward to! Sometimes photographers or DJs create a schedule as well but my schedule is more encompassing of the entire day, not just the time those vendors are there. My schedule includes what time/where the bridal need to arrive to start hair and makeup. We also talk about if you want first look photos or want to see each other for the first time at the ceremony. I am realistic and know that most likely, we won't stick exactly to schedule. That's why I typically include some wiggle room into the schedule as well. For instance, an hour before the wedding I usually include "Hide and Wait." Some guests will arrive early and you don't want to be out in sight to ruin the big reveal! Another way I get the day to stick to the schedule is to constantly communicate with all the vendors and help out wherever I'm needed. If the photographer says "oh we forgot the bride's bouquet in the dressing room" you better believe I'm high tailing it to the get what's needed!
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