Question 1

BOOKING YOUR PLANNER

Accepted Answer

STEP 1: Let's Chat
After you reach out, we’ll schedule a relaxed inquiry call to learn about you, your story, and what you're dreaming up for the big day. It's our chance to get to know each other and see if we’re a perfect match.

STEP 2: Lock It In
If it feels right (we hope it does!), we’ll send over your contract and invoice. A retainer officially secures your date on our calendar.

Question 2

OUR PLANNING STEPS

Accepted Answer

What Happens After Booking?

The Planning Begins
Within the first week or two, we’ll meet in person or virtually to dive into the vision and start laying the foundation. We’ll talk through vendors, overall aesthetic, and what matters most to you.

Vendor Matchmaking
We’ll suggest vendors who align beautifully with your style, budget, and personality. We typically focus on 2–3 categories at a time so you’re never overwhelmed. We’ll handle communication and set up meetings—you just show up and fall in love with your team.

Creative Design + Full Support
From color palettes to napkin folds, bridesmaid dresses to hotel blocks—we design every layer of your event and keep everything cohesive. Invitations, signage, music, lighting—we’re thinking about it all. And we're always just a message away for the big or small stuff.

Bringing It to Life
As the day nears, we confirm all vendors, solidify your timeline, and make sure every detail is ready to roll. We’re there for rehearsal, and of course, all day on your wedding—managing the timeline, styling your space, fixing the little things before you even notice them.

Question 3

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEDDING MANAGEMENT AND PLUS?

Accepted Answer

What to Expect with Wedding Management and Wedding Management Plus

Getting Started
Once your contract is signed and your retainer is in, your wedding date is officially on our calendar—cheers to that! You’ll receive a warm welcome email with helpful tools, reminders, and next steps to keep everything organized as you finalize your details.

90 Days Out – We Step In
Around three months before your wedding, we’ll schedule a detailed kickoff meeting to review your plans. We’ll go over your vendor team, what’s booked, what’s pending, and how everything fits into your vision. From there, we take over vendor communication and logistics so you can focus on enjoying your engagement—while we handle the details behind the scenes.

Timeline, Vendors, and Coordination
We’ll craft a comprehensive, minute-by-minute timeline for your entire wedding day, ensuring every transition is seamless. We’ll confirm details with all vendors, align everyone on expectations, and serve as their main point of contact so you don’t have to lift a finger.

Setup, Styling & Teardown (Plus Package)
For couples who book our Wedding Management Plus package, we’ll also handle full setup and teardown of your décor and styling elements. From table settings and candles to signage and personal touches, we ensure everything looks exactly as envisioned—then return at the end of the night to carefully pack it all away, allowing you and your loved ones to simply celebrate.

Final Walkthrough + Rehearsal
If you’ve chosen to include rehearsal coordination as an add-on, we’ll attend or lead your walkthrough and rehearsal to ensure everyone knows their timing, cues, and placement for the ceremony. This service is automatically included for Wedding Management Plus couples, ensuring your celebration flows effortlessly from start to finish.

Wedding Day Magic
On the big day, we’re there from the first mimosa to the last dance—managing vendors, overseeing the timeline, cueing special moments, and handling any hiccups before you even notice them. You stay fully present in every moment; we take care of everything else.

Question 4

DO WE TRAVEL?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we love to! Whether you're getting married close to home or planning something far away and dreamy, we’re in.

We specialize in weddings across the U.S. and select destinations abroad, with a special love for Italy.

Travel costs are already included in our destination packages, though final pricing may adjust slightly depending on your location and logistics. We’ll always outline everything clearly in your proposal so there are no surprises, just seamless planning from start to finish.

Have a dream destination in mind that’s not listed? Let’s talk! We might already be dreaming about it too.

Question 5

WHAT DOES PRICING LOOK LIKE?

Accepted Answer

What Does It Cost?
Each service begins with a base rate, which adjusts based on your guest count, location, and the overall scope of your wedding or event.

Looking for an exact number? Simply fill out our contact form, and we’ll create a custom quote—personalized, transparent, and pressure-free.

Question 6

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?

Accepted Answer

To ensure a smooth and seamless planning experience, certain services are outside the scope of our packages:
 • Bussing tables, washing dishes, filling water glasses, or handling catering staff duties
 • Returning rentals from other vendors (tables, linens, chairs, etc.)
 • Providing cleaning or janitorial services
 • Assembling or disassembling furniture (tables, chairs, easels, etc.)
 • Managing responsibilities beyond the agreed-upon package

If linens are included in teardown, linen bags must be provided by the rental company or client, and tables must be cleared by catering or a bussing service. Should additional tasks, like bussing tables or handling trash, be required, these will be billed accordingly to the card on file. A card on file is required for any booked teardown services to ensure additional needs can be handled efficiently.

Additional Services:
Any of the above services can be arranged as an add-on if desired, typically priced per table, per guest, or based on the scope of work.

Why This Matters:
By clearly defining these boundaries, we ensure that every element of your wedding, from planning to design to day-of coordination, is handled with the attention, care, and professionalism it deserves. This protects the quality of your experience and prevents last-minute misunderstandings, so you can fully enjoy your celebration.

Question 7

WHAT IF YOU HAVEN'T WORKED AT MY VENUE?

Accepted Answer

That’s totally okay—we actually love walking into a space with fresh eyes! No two venues operate the same (even the same one can change over time), and we’re pros at adapting and bringing new ideas to the table. We’ve worked in all kinds of spaces and know how to quickly build relationships with staff, vendors, and teams to make sure your day runs smoothly and beautifully, no matter the setting.

Question 8

WHEN'S THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A PLANNER?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you’ve set a date—or even if you just have one in mind—it’s a good time to reach out. For full planning or design, the sooner the better so we can dive in and guide you every step of the way.

For day-of/month-of coordination, we recommend booking at least 4–6 months before your wedding. It gives us time to get to know you, your vendors, and your vision—so everything feels seamless. Dates fill up fast (especially during peak seasons), so don’t wait too long once that venue is locked in!

Question 9

WHAT ARE YOUR TRAVEL FEES?

Accepted Answer

Michigan Weddings
For weddings within Michigan, travel fees apply for events located more than 30 miles from our Harbor Springs home base. Depending on distance and timing, overnight lodging may also be required for our team to ensure we arrive rested and ready to deliver a seamless experience. Holiday weekend weddings are billed at holiday rates, reflecting both the high demand and the extra commitment required to work during these times. All travel details, fees, and expectations will be clearly outlined in your custom proposal so you know exactly what to expect and can plan with confidence.

Destination Weddings
All destination wedding packages include travel expenses, giving you a stress-free planning experience. To ensure the same quality and accessibility for our team, accommodations must be within your room block or at the same property as you or your guests. This allows us to coordinate logistics efficiently, maintain consistent timing, and fully execute your vision.

Any additional travel needs, extended hours, or unforeseen delays will be communicated and agreed upon in advance. A card on file is required to ensure any necessary adjustments are covered, as the final invoice is issued two weeks prior to the event. Holiday weekends for destination weddings are also billed at holiday rates, reflecting the additional commitment and coordination required.

Why This Matters
Our goal is to make your planning and wedding day as smooth and enjoyable as possible. By clarifying travel expectations upfront, you can relax knowing your timeline, accommodations, and logistics are handled professionally—allowing you to fully enjoy your celebration, whether it’s locally in Michigan or across the globe.

Question 10

CAN YOU WORK WITH OUR BUDGET?

Accepted Answer

We strive to work within a variety of budgets while maintaining the high level of service, expertise, and attention to detail that defines our work. Our pricing reflects not only the wedding day, but the behind-the-scenes planning, vendor coordination, design guidance, and stress-free experience we provide. While we do our best to accommodate, there may be occasions where our services aren’t the perfect fit—and we’ll always be upfront and honest about that.

Question 11

CAN YOU COORDINATE MULTIPLE EVENTS?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If your wedding weekend includes rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, post-wedding brunches, or other celebrations, we can manage them all. From planning and timelines to vendor coordination and day-of execution, we ensure every event flows seamlessly—so you and your guests can fully enjoy a stress-free, unforgettable weekend.

Question 12

HOW MANY TEAM MEMBERS WILL BE ONSITE?

Accepted Answer

For nearly all of our packages, except Wedding Management and Elope/Micro Weddings, your day will be supported by one lead coordinator and one assistant, ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly. Additional assistants can be added as needed for larger or more complex events, with any extra fees clearly outlined in your proposal.

Question 13

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS?

Accepted Answer

We make staying connected easy and organized. You’ll have access to our HoneyBook planning portal and Aisle Planner, plus phone and video calls that are scheduled as needed. Emails and texts (if preferred) are responded to within 48 hours, so you always know where things stand. Our goal is clear, consistent communication that keeps your planning stress-free and seamless.

LJ COORDINARE

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LJ Coordinare plans and designs weddings throughout Michigan, the Midwest, Florida, and select U.S. and International destinations.

LJ Coordinare
Wedding Planning & Coordination

With a calm, organized approach, we create celebrations that allow you to feel fully present on the most important day of your life.

support@ljcoordinare.com