How to choose between Planning & Design and Month-of Planning

If you know you need some assistance with vendors and the feel and look of your wedding, this post should help you decide which Sonnet Weddings package will fit best. Like I said in the last how-to-pick post, with all my packages, I am your wedding buddy and I’ll be there to support you through your process.

Didn’t see the other how-to-pick posts? Check out The two biggest differences between Month-of Planning and Day-of Coordination and Full Service or Planning & Design… what’s the best fit for me?

The Basics

Although both of these packages start out similarly and end similarly: a kick-off meeting where you share all the details of what you want, any vendor you’ve already booked or want to book, the look and feel you’re going for, budget goals, etc., they diverge after that meeting. I’ve shared below the two biggest points that couples usually cite when they let me know how they chose, but when it comes to wedding day, both packages include support from our team for the whole day, greeting vendors, assisting with set up, supporting your family/wedding party, and assisting with clean up.

Vendor Booking

With Month-of Planning, you’ll receive personalized suggestions for all vendors and you’ll be responsible for booking and selection.

With Planning & Design, I’ll assist with booking your design vendors including venue, florists, rentals, bakers, designers, and lighting (I help set up the meetings and attend meetings to help with the discussion). You’ll receive personalized suggestions for the remaining vendors and you’ll be responsible for booking and selection for any other vendors (examples may include: alcohol, catering, favors and welcome bags, hair and makeup, hotels, music, officiant, photo booth, photographer, staffing companies, tents, transportation, and videographer).

Maddie was irreplaceable in planning and executing our wedding! When we decided to have our ceremony and reception in NW Arkansas, a destination from Chicago, we weren’t sure where to begin. We had a vision and vibe that we wanted to create but didn’t know what that looked like until we were introduced to Maddie’s creativity and experience in the industry. She walked us through the whole process, and with each call and visit, she adjusted and executed the details to make our wedding exactly what we wanted! Her boho, whimsical, eclectic style added character to the modern look that we also wanted to incorporate. She was so easy to work, so sweet, so calm, and she made us feel like a priority always. We were relaxed through out the whole year of planning, up until it was all over. Our wedding turned out flawless! I highly recommend her to anyone and wish we could do it all over again 🙂

– Britt B. Planning & Design client

Design/Look of the wedding

With Month-of Planning, you’ll share your look and design goals and I will make sure to suggest vendors that can help you meet those goals. For example, if you have a particular floral style that you like, I’ll be sure to suggest vendors that I know can confidently achieve that look. Another example would be if you are looking for a specific rental item, I will suggest local or online companies that have those items.

With Planning & Design, I create a design direction document which is usually about ten pages of feel, atmosphere, colors, florals, table and decoration ideas, wedding party looks, rental options, etc. You’ll add suggestions to the document and I’ll revise back and forth until it’s perfect, and then I’ll use that document to help book the design vendors.

Maddie is a rockstar, and we’re so glad we found her to assist with our wedding. From the minute details to the big picture, Maddie offers a very balanced, practical perspective on planning and decision making–which is super helpful during wedding prep-land! Almost immediately after meeting, we felt connected to Maddie and that she was in sync with our goals and perspective. She’s a genuine, thoughtful person, and great to work with. Regardless of where you are or what you know, Maddie is talented at meeting you exactly where you are and making your day great.

– Derek L. Month-of client

How to Choose

If you want support with honing in on the look and feel of your wedding (and then booking all the right pieces to make those ideas come to fruition) I would recommend Planning & Design. Month-of is a great fit for couples who know what they want the day to look and feel like and have the time (and/or interest!) for booking all the vendors themselves. I’ll also say that usually my P&D couples book me early in the process so I can help with booking most vendors, whereas M-o couples book me at all different stages of the planning process!

Have more specific questions? Check out my pricing page which details what each package contains. Email me at maddie@sonnetwedding.com and let’s chat!