Yes, we plan social and corporate events in addition to weddings.
Generally we take on about 6 events per year (a mix of weddings, social and corporate events) in order to make sure we are fully focused on each of our clients.
Generally we recommend planning about 14 - 18 months in advance. For more complex wedding plans (structure building, multi-day events, etc.) we recommend up to 2 years planning time. You can most certainly plan a wedding in less than a year but we find that the most stress free route for our couples is spreading out the experience over a year plus.
First off, bask in the glow of your engagement!!! You will likely get a lot of people asking about wedding planning as soon as they hear the news, but please take some time to enjoy this special occasion with your partner.
Right away! It's never too early to speak to a planner. In general we recommend finding a planner BEFORE you sign any contracts, especially a venue.
Besides general expertise, a big part of interviewing a planner is making sure your personalities mesh. Remember, you are going to spend a lot of time with this person so you want to make sure you have similar "vibes" which include personalities, design esthetic, etc. We generally recommend meeting with at least two potential planners. Next you can ask for a personal reference (past client who may be willing to chat wi, read their reviews online and look at their work reflected in photo albums.
Start thinking about location. Is it local or destination? Next consider budget and who will be contributing to the wedding (if anyone, besides yourselves). The next consideration is guest list and approximate count. Having these 3 basics will help give you a great start! After that, hire a planner and let the fun begin!
We are based in Marin County nestled in the Northern California bay area between San Francisco and wine country.