Wedding Planning Q&A with Amanda DiUglio

Congratulations on your engagement! After celebrating this momentous occasion, it’s time to jump into the exciting world of wedding planning. We turned to our resident wedding expert, Amanda DiUglio, who has successfully planned hundreds of weddings for Great Performances, to answer some common questions couples have during this journey.

Q: What’s the first thing a couple should do after they get engaged?

Amanda: After you’ve celebrated the moment, take in the fun! Enjoy this time together, as the planning will happen quickly. The next big step is to decide where you want to get married. Find the perfect venue first, and the rest will really fall in line.

Q: How soon should a couple start planning? Is there a ‘sweet spot’ for timing?

Amanda: Each client is different. If there’s a must-have date or venue, the sooner, the better. If you’re flexible with details, you can take a little more time to enjoy being engaged.

Q: What are the top priorities couples should focus on?

Amanda: Budget is one of the biggest factors. It’s heartbreaking for a couple to fall in love with a venue that’s outside of their budget. Determine how much you want to spend, and then explore options within that range.

Q: What are a few main things to keep in mind while touring venues?

Amanda: Consider whether the venue fits your wedding vision, if there’s a rain plan in place, and where each significant moment of the day will happen. It’s important to visualize the flow of your event.

Q: At what point should I get a planner, and what are the benefits of having one?

Amanda: This depends on how hands-on you want to be. Full planners can help execute everything from start to finish, while others offer various packages that might better fit your level of involvement.

Q: What key questions should couples ask a potential wedding planner during their consultation?

Amanda: It’s all about personality. Make sure you like the person you’re working with! A good rapport will lead to a smoother planning process.

Q: How would you recommend picking a date?

Amanda: This is such a personal question! Think about what matters most to you: Is the weather important? Do you have a favorite flower? Do you prefer an outdoor or indoor setting? All these factors will play into your date selection.

Q: What are some common mistakes you’ve seen couples make in the planning process?

Amanda: Talk to the professionals! We all want the day to go smoothly for each couple. When we make recommendations, it’s based on experience. Even if it doesn’t align with your exact vision, we’re here to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Q: What’s the best way to keep the planning process from feeling overwhelming?

Amanda: Hire a planner! Let the professionals handle the details so you can enjoy the process. It makes a huge difference.

Q: Are there any current trends or ‘must-haves’ that couples are requesting?

Amanda: We’re seeing a lot of interactive moments this year. For example, several couples want us to build their wedding cake live in the traditional Italian style, allowing guests to watch and enjoy the experience!

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give a newly engaged couple?

Amanda: It all goes by so fast! Try to relax and enjoy the special moments instead of just checking them off your list. This is a beautiful time in your life—savor it!

Q: What’s a cute engagement story a couple has shared with you?

Amanda: One of our clients met in preschool! They found all their old photos from when they were kids and incorporated that into their story for the night. It was such a charming touch!

As you embark on this exciting journey of wedding planning, remember to savor each moment and embrace the joy of being engaged. With Amanda’s expert advice, you’re equipped to make thoughtful decisions about your venue, budget, and the overall vision for your special day.

We’re here when you’re ready to embark on your next steps! Here at Great Performances, we’re happy to work with you and your planner to create a beautiful day crafted just for you and your partner. Together, we’ll ensure your wedding is not just an event but a memorable celebration of your love story!