There is something incredibly reassuring about a wedding planner who not only understands the logistics, but truly gets the vision behind a wedding. The feeling, the flow and the details that make it the most memorable. That is exactly what you will find with Kate from Hitch Perfect Weddings.
Kate has built a reputation for creating weddings that feel equal parts intentional, personal and unforgettable. In this interview, we are diving into the insights, advice and behind-the-scenes perspective that only an experienced planner and stylist can offer.
- What is something couples think will “save money” that almost always backfires?
Oh it’s always a private property wedding, every time! I totally understand why couples go down this route. They see the costs associated with venues and if they’re fortunate enough to have access to a beautiful property, a marquee wedding can feel like a great way to save.
What often isn’t considered initially are all the little things that a venue provides that they now have to source individually – generators, catering tents, portable bathrooms, cold rooms, heating and cooling, the list goes on! Those “little things” add up very quickly. It can be done cost-effectively, but it’s incredibly logistically heavy, so I always encourage couples to go into it with eyes wide open. -
Have you ever had to step in and fix something that a couple thought wasn’t worth investing in?
This is such a great question – and yes, absolutely! One of the most commonly DIY’d elements is stationery. With the rise of Canva, Etsy templates and Cricuts this does tend to be an element that couples choose to try and tackle themselves, however, I do often see things unravel quickly here!
It can be attention-to-detail oriented things, like using a different shade than we’ve incorporated everywhere else in the design approach – which has a big impact on the cohesion of the overall look. Other times it’s more costly issues, like signage arriving pixelated, incorrectly sized for stands, or containing errors. At that point, we’re arranging rush reprints on tight timelines, which can really add up. I truly believe good stationery design is worth the investment. -
What is something couples think wedding stylists do that actually isn’t part of your job?
I think scope creep is a big thing in my case, as I offer styling, planning and coordination. Clients might engage me for styling, but then refer to me as their planner when speaking with vendors, which can create the expectation that I’m managing far more than I’ve been engaged to do.There’s also some crossover assumptions with other vendors – for example, front of house duties. While I handle styling bump-in and bump-out when engaged for that service, I’m not clearing plates or managing the catering service. I do always set clear expectations early and guide couples on what additional vendors they may need.
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In your opinion, has social media led to weddings feeling overproduced or set unrealistic expectations around what a ‘perfect’ wedding should be?
This is a great question. I think this one has quite a nuanced answer to be honest. I believe it greatly depends on how the couple exists online. Some couples may follow a lot of very curated accounts that exist in the “luxury” wedding space, which will naturally contain elements that do actually require that level of production and will present as such.It also varies by vendor. A stylist might share detail-heavy tablescapes, whereas a celebrant is more likely to share moments with the couple – so the perception of what a wedding “should” look like can differ depending on whose content you’re viewing. Pinterest and Instagram absolutely contribute to unrealistic expectations, but I think the bigger issue is that budget context is often missing. Couples aren’t searching “$6k ceremony florals” – they’re just searching “ceremony florals.” On top of that, pricing transparency isn’t always there from vendors, which does contribute to confusion and some unrealistic expectations.
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What do wedding planners talk about after a wedding that couples would be surprised about?
The couple!! Of course we talk about the logistics of the wedding, but I’m always gushing about how beautiful the couple are and how lovely it was to be a part of such special moments – it’s so sad when a wedding is done as I’ve usually been with these couples 12-18+ months and I’ve gotten to know them so it really does feel like watching a friend’s wedding. -
Are there any venues you’ve worked at that look beautiful online but are logistically really difficult?
Oh yes!! It’s always the venues that have a big footprint. We’re fortunate in SEQ that we have so many gorgeous sprawling venues around but the logistically challenging thing is when the spaces within the venue are really spread apart.You’re coordinating movement between getting ready locations, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception, relocating vendors like bands and bars, and often repurposing styling elements across multiple areas, so it’s naturally more challenging when there’s a bit of ground to cover. It’s all doable though, it just requires really thoughtful planning behind the scenes.
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Have you ever had to manage a major family conflict on a wedding day?
Yes it’s not uncommon actually. My very first questionnaire I send to the couple actually asks about family dynamics for this reason! The key to managing this is to have a good understanding of any tension early on, which we build into the flow of the day – whether that’s seating arrangements, photo groupings or how certain moments are handled.Thankfully given this process, it’s usually just the case of guiding the family to their respective seating or similar. When couples trust me with that information, it allows me to proactively manage the environment so the day feels smooth and comfortable for everyone.
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What is the most unrealistic Pinterest request you’ve been sent?
Haha it’s always the AI generated pins!! There’s SO much AI that’s on wedding Pinterest these days. I’ve had a couple send through a pin they found of a floor plan that was clearly an AI image of their venue – it looked really beautiful, but physically just couldn’t work within the space they had – it would have compromised guest experience and flow quite significantly.That said, it’s not the couple’s job to know that, it’s mine! I always aim to educate and offer alternatives, rather than just saying “that won’t work.”
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When you’re working as a wedding stylist, what are the first three things you do when you arrive on site?
First is always a site walkthrough with my team and the venue or event manager. It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve been to a venue, no two weddings are the same and it’s key to make sure everyone is on the same page.Second is to review our timeline – I break tasks down by area, assign responsibilities and confirm key timing. Time is really of the essence with weddings and certain styling elements like draping can be very time consuming so it’s vital to rehash the timeline before we get started.
Third is unloading and staging items. We organise everything by area or table so setup can begin efficiently!
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What is the main thing couples should look for when choosing a wedding planner/stylist?
You’ll always hear people say that portfolio and style is critical, which is very true, but in my view, rapport is just as important. Particularly as a planner – I’m working so closely with couples for months – often years – and I’m by their side for the whole day, so you really want someone that you genuinely vibe with that’s going to enhance your experience of the day, not just deliver a service!
A beautifully designed wedding is only half the story. What matters just as much is how it feels. That’s where intentional design and thoughtful planning come together. If you are searching for a wedding planner or stylist, do not hesitate to reach out to Kate from Hitch Perfect Weddings. You can find her here on her website or here on Instagram.
