By Alana TostiBy Alana Tosti|September 17, 2024|Wedding Authority,
Liz Barrella is a designer who specializes in event and production design. She founded her first design firm, Elle Projects, in 2014 and has designed events for iconic brands that span from NIKE to the Philadelphia Eagles and The Roots. Liz is also the founder and creative director behind a wedding focused brand, Elizabeth Margaret—a full-service event design firm that specializes in creating high-level event experiences for brands, couples, and corporations around the world. Here, she shares her top five planning tips.
1. Do your research. It’s important to spend some time researching your venues of interest, the rates of the industry and how the process works from start to finish.
2. Make a list of your priorities. Getting clear on what your non-negotiables are will help you better understand how to focus your energy and budget, and will help you navigate the decision-making process.
3. Make your own traditions. There are tons of wedding traditions, but you do not have to do them all. If it doesn’t feel right for you then omit it. Get creative and make your own.
4. Invest in your ceremony. It may only be 20 minutes, but it’s the whole reason for your day. Plan for details that feel authentic for yourselves as a couple through a unique flow, special music or a beautiful design.
5. Don’t forget the lighting. One of the biggest opportunities to change space is through lighting. Lighting isn’t only important from a design perspective, it also affects your guests’ moods. No one wants to dance in an awkward, brightly lit space.