FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WE JUST GOT ENGAGED. WHEN SHOULD WE HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER?

You should hire us 18-12 months prior to our wedding day for the smoothest planning process.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT COLLECTION IS BEST FOR US?

We always set up a free 30 minute consultation with potential clients to gauge what collection is best for you based on your needs.

HOW MUCH OF YOUR OVERALL BUDGET SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO WEDDING PLANNING OR COORDINATION?

Roughly 10 to 20 percent of your total budget should go towards wedding planning and coordination. Although, this may change based on your vendor priorities.

WHAT IS YOUR STARTING RATE?

Our Month-of Coordination collections starts at $3,000 for full day-of coverage.

WHAT EVENT BUDGETS DO YOU WORK WITH AND DO YOU CHARGE A PRECENTAGE RATE?

We typically work with clients who have a $45,000-$150, 000+ overall wedding budget. Occassionally, we plan elevated micro weddings with budgets of $20,000-$40,000. When clients are planning an event that has a six figure budget we charge a 20% of the overall event budget.

SHOULD WE PICK OUR VENUE OR OUR PLANNER FIRST?

We reccomend client’s book their planning team first when possible. We can offer you valuable insight on what venues may fit your style, budget, needs, and even your ethics, however, you can still book your planner or coordinator after you reserve your date with a venue.

The bottom line is if you form a connection with your planning team and want to guarentee that they are available for your date, book your planner first.

WE JUST WANT A COORDINATOR ON THE DAY OF OUR WEDDING. IS THAT A SERVICE YOU OFFER A LA CARTE?

We do not offer day-of coverage a la carte. We have found that day-of coordination with no prior meetings sets us up for failure because we don’t have enough context going into your event to execute your day-of plan perfectly. We need two meetings and one consultation, as well as vendor communication the month leading up to the wedding day to discuss the timeline and generate a game plan for the big day. We always say if you’re looking for “day-of coordination” you’re really looking for “month-of coordination”.

MY VENUE INCLUDES A VENUE COORDINATOR. DO I NEED A PLANNER OR WEDDING COORDINATOR IF MY VENUE INCLUDES A POINT PERSON?

A venue coordinator is an hourly employee who represents the venue and helps with all things related to the venue. While the venue coordinator is an expert in all things regarding to the venue, a venue coordinator does not represent the client and will always do what’s in the best interest of the venue. A wedding planner or wedding coordinator represents the client and will always do what’s in the best interest of the client while following the limitation of the venue. A wedding planner aids in planning your wedding. We have meetings with you leading up to your event up to 24 months beforehand to establish a game plan to execute your vision. On the day-of the wedding, a wedding planner coordinates the events of the day, offers you aid and keeps you in the loop regarding the schedule, ensures that you are receiving the services you’ve paid for with the vendors that you’ve hired, communicates with vendors before the event, and on the day-of the wedding so you don’t need to act as a manager. A wedding planner makes executive decisions when things don’t go exactly according to plan so you don’t have to. When you hire a wedding planner, you should sit back, relax, and enjoy the best day of your life.

I DON’T LIVE IN ARIZONA. CAN I PLAN MY WEDDING REMOTELY?

Absolutely! All of our planning meetings are held over Zoom and we are happy to do venue walk throughs, tastings and more in person on your behalf.

DOES GABRIELLA & CO. OFFER DESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING?

Yes! We currently offer nationwide wedding planning and coordination services. Just cover our travel fees and we are there!

CAN I ADD ON HOURS OF SERVICE IF I NEED MORE COORDINATION COVERAGE?

Yes! Our hourly rate is $250 for an additional hour of day-of service with a lead planner. On the wedding day we over full day coverage so most clients don’t need to add on hours on the wedding day but may need to for surrounding events such as a welcome party or rehearsal dinner.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES CAN I ADD ON?

If you can dream it, you can add it. If you’re looking to add on a venue walk through, an additional coordinator, a rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch set up, coordination, planning and design, we have a variety of a la carte options for weddings and surrounding events that may require more coorination or planning than what’s included in our standard wedding collections.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE GIVE TO THE NEWLY ENGAGED STARTING THEIR PLANNING JOURNEY?

Book vendors that you’re excited about! Nothing makes us more happy than that natural connection we get with our dream clients. As much as possible, try to hire vendors who align with you and your values. Hire vendors who view working on your wedding as an honor, because it is.