by Jennifer at Outstanding Occasions on January 5, 2012

People often ask us “Why should someone hire a wedding planner?” After being in business for 8 years we could talk about this for hours. We can provide true stories to entertain you during our earnest conversation on why everyone should hire a wedding planner. My first question to anyone who asks is “When you have a leaky toilet do you call a plumber or an electrician*?” Well of course you call the PROFESSIONAL PLUMBER! Why when planning one of the most important days in your life would you consider using a relative, a friend, a co-worker or even a combination of all three to pull off your perfect event? Hire a professional wedding planner who works full time executing flawless events. Here are just a few benefits on what we can bring to the table:
1. Alleviate Stress: Planning a wedding is FUN but between etiquette, finances, family, friends and everything in between there are times of stress. A professional wedding planner is educated in all things wedding. We are a huge resource for everyone involved. This allows you, your partner, your family and friends to enjoy the wedding day and make great memories together!
2. Mediator & Advocate: It’s impossible to make everyone happy planning a wedding, its an unfortunate fact. Between parents, siblings, future in-laws and friends someone is bound to end up feeling hurt, side-stepped or just plain bummed. We often take the brunt of this for our clients. It allows for you to say, “My wedding planner recommends we do this…. instead of ” I want it this way…” We also act as your advocate. With so many opinions being formed decisions can become cumbersome in the planning process. Our job is to help guide everyone to make the “right” decision.
3. Chasing Vendors: There are hundreds of “wedding” vendors out there and it’s easy to connect with ones that aren’t reputable. A professional wedding planner has the resources and first-hand knowledge on what wedding professionals will match your style, budget and provide you with best service for your needs. We all know that venues have a referral list of photographers, videographers, florists etc. Use these lists as a guide and don’t be surprised if you are disappointed with their service even before you hire them!
4. There will be times during the planning process where you need someone to say and MEAN it, “Everything is going to be ok…”
*I know many of you will trust your significant other to “fix” the problem only to find out that the problem has now become an even more costly leak due to the fact they aren’t a plumber :)
Image: Amazon Everything is Going to be OK by Unnamed Anonymous
by Rachel at Outstanding Occasions on January 3, 2012

So, he popped the question and you said yes! Yay! I am sure you’re thinking, now what? The thought of planning a wedding can be, well, overwhelming! After you slowly come down from cloud nine, there are five things you should do first. Read below for our advice on how to get started on your road to happily ever after.
- Set a timeline: The first thing to consider is what time of year do you and your fiance envision getting married? Second, how long do you want to be engaged? There isn’t a right or wrong answer when thinking about this, it’s whatever works best for you and your fiance and what feels right! If you always dreamed of a Fall wedding then plan to say I Do in October or November. Once you pick the time of year, everything will fall into place.
- Determine your budget: Like it or not, your wedding budget will be the determining factor on almost any decision you make for your wedding day. The budget will affect how many guests your able to invite, the types of venues to consider, the style and formality of the event and so on. We always suggest to not make any decisions or sign any contracts until you have determined what your overall budget is.
- Draft a guest list: While you don’t have to decide on your exact list right away, it’s a good idea to at least create a rough draft. By gathering you and your groom’s potential lists as well as both sets of parents lists you will get a good estimate of how many guests you are looking at hosting, and how large of a space you will need for your wedding day festivities. Once you are armed with a drafted guest list you can begin your venue search.
- Consider hiring a planner: Whether you are a super busy couple and need a planner to help you plan every detail of your entire event, or you are just looking for a bit of assistance along the way, it’s always a great idea to discuss whether or not you feel a wedding planner is right for you! Hiring a planner in the very beginning will get you in touch with the best vendors and help give you a clear vision of how to begin the planning process.
- Register: Once word gets out that you are engaged, engagement gifts and cards will start arriving from friends and family full of good wishes. Take the guess work out of gift giving by registering for items that you want and need.
Although wedding planning can get overwhelming at times, especially in the beginning stages, try to always remember to enjoy the process! Wedding planning should be a fun and exciting time for both you and your fiance.
Tagged as:
How To Start Wedding Planning,
outstanding advice,
Tips After Getting Engaged
by Rachel at Outstanding Occasions on December 30, 2011
With a new year upon us, we thought it was only fitting to review all that we have accomplished in 2011 and what is in store for us in 2012. Here is a small glimpse of what we have been up to, and what’s to come.


From our Outstanding Family to yours we wish you a very happy new year and 2012! 
Tagged as:
2011 Accomplishments,
2012 Goals,
New Year,
The Special Event
by Rachel at Outstanding Occasions on December 19, 2011
Today is the beautiful wedding day of Katie & Ian. We have enjoyed the last three months planning this wedding with Katie and her mom, Barb. Katie & Ian’s wedding day held at JW Marriott Desert Ridge will be filled with beautiful black and white details, with hints of red throughout. Flora Bella will have the reception shining with lots of beautiful white flowers, and hints of bling. The gorgeous day will be captured by Melissa Jill Photography with MT Sounds providing the music to fill the dance floor. We can’t wait to share the gorgeous details of today.

Katie & Ian, I hope we have made your wedding day everything you have imagined and more. We wish you a lifetime of love, happiness and laughter!
Tagged as:
JW Marriott Desert Ridge,
Melissa Jill Photography,
Outstanding Weddings
by Heather at Outstanding Occasions on December 13, 2011
What do you get when you combine the desert with a modern aesthetic and an amazing bride and groom? A simply wonderful wedding !! Caitlin, the bride, looked absolutely stunning and everyone loved her simple and modern bouquet designed by Petal Pusher.


Adam, the groom, looked fantastic too with his uber cool guitar cufflinks :)

And when you have a beautiful bride and a handsome groom, you get an OUTSTANDING couple!!

The ceremony was simple and modern. We loved the purple and white striped ribbon that we incorporated everywhere.



Our event team:
Event Planner: Outstanding Occasions
Photographer: Cristi Owen
Venue: Desert Botanical Garden
Florist: Petal Pusher
Caterer: Arizona Taste Catering
DJ: Mike Mancini, Mancini Entertainment
Strings: Art of Music
Cupcakes: Butter & Me
Makeup: Brooke Kramer
To see more photos of this wedding, check out Cristi Owen’s blog :)
Tagged as:
Cristi Owen,
Desert Botanical Gardens,
Outstanding Weddings,
Petal Pusher