We sat down with wedding planner extraordinaire, Lisa Li of Blooming Wed, to learn her tips on planning a wedding on a budget, and her list of favorite wedding venues for Chinese weddings.
How did you get started doing wedding planning?
Before I started my company, I worked at a video production company and I worked closely with some couples who needed our video services. After I quit, I started building my own wedding planning company. From there, I found my deep interest in design, communication, planning, and helping people. After getting my wedding planning certificate and assisting more experienced wedding planners in the bay area, I started to take clients on my own and crafting wonderful wedding experiences catered just to them. This included not only making sure that the wedding preparations were stress-free, but that the event was beautifully-designed and suited to the unique tastes and culture of each couple. I have served more than 50 couples and I think my clients really appreciate my attentive, personable, and dedicated attitude.
What do you think is the most important part of wedding planning?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Photographer: @allentsaiphoto | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @quissy
We specialize in creating weddings that showcase the couple’s love story. We believe that a wedding is not only an event to celebrate a couple’s new beginning, but also a good chance for the guests to learn more about them. To us, the most important part is listening to our client’s vision and needs. We always appreciate clients who trust us, open their hearts, share with us as much information as possible so that we can design a one-of-a-kind wedding.
How do you decide if you need a wedding planner?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @bun_bun_bridal_lab
Couples planning their weddings are often soon overwhelmed by the many negotiations with vendors, creating very exact timelines of every detail, and responding to an increasingly growing inbox of emails and phone calls. It may take much more time and energy than you expect, and may soon start to feel like a second full-time job. If you find yourself feeling stressed, feeling like you have no time, or having difficulty making decisions, then you should start looking for help from a professional planner. At Blooming Wed, we not only plan weddings, but design them to meet the aspirations and dreams of every client. If you would like your wedding to have a cohesive look or a sophisticated style, then you should find a wedding planner that can also help you with the wedding design. In terms of what you should look for in a wedding planner, I believe that price should not be the main element you should consider. The planner’s aesthetic sensibilities, their prompt and honest communication skills, and their connections within the industry are also key factors you should consider.
If a bride is on a limited budget, what do you recommend she prioritize?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @bun_bun_bridal_lab
Budget planning is a big part of our wedding planning at Blooming Wed. If our clients have a tight budget, we suggest they prioritize what’s most important to them. If it is food and drinks, we will hire a spectacular cater. If their priority is the beauty and aesthetic appeal of the wedding, we allocate more budget on flowers and decor. With our step by step guidance, our clients maximize their budget and take part in a wedding that is meaningful, beautiful, and also thoughtful.
What are some trends you love?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @bun_bun_bridal_lab
We are known for our classic, elegant, and timeless style, as we believe trends come and go. But we do love to incorporate fun ideas that add a personal touch to the wedding. For example, we once had some Fujifilm instant cameras on the welcome tables for guests to take photos and stick them to the guest book. In the past, we’ve also used fruit as centerpieces instead of flowers. We’ve even developed special glass terrariums to display a couple’s favorite quote.
What pieces of advice do you have for brides on their wedding day?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Photographer: @jasmineleephoto | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @quissy
First, just relax and enjoy the big day without worrying about anything. Even if the officiant is late or the wedding cake melts, or the day doesn’t go otherwise as planned…. don't panic. Let your planner handle all the surprises. Remember there is nothing else more important than celebrating the marriage with your loved ones on this big day.
Second, give the rings to the ring bears at the last minute before the wedding ceremony, so they don’t lose them.
What are some unexpected issues that might pop up?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @bun_bun_bridal_lab
You may be surprised how many unexpected things may happen during the wedding, which is why we are always over prepared! For example, one bride skipped the last dress fitting and we found out on the day of the wedding that the zipper in the back of her dress didn’t work… We didn’t have time to find her a tailor so I stepped in and sewed the back of her dress with our emergency kits! With the cover of the veil, no one could tell the back of the dress was sewed by hand.
Another time, an officiant’s car malfunctioned on the way to the venue and called us to tell us she would be late. I sent someone to deal with the car issue so that the officiant could immediately come to the venue. At the same time, I told the ceremony musician to keep playing pre-ceremony music until the officiant showed up. Had you been the guests, you wouldn’t even have noticed that the officiant was late.
What are some tips for brides planning an Asian-American fusion wedding?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @bun_bun_bridal_lab
I think it is important to honor both cultures, not just one of them. Have your fiancé also involved in the planning process to see if he also likes your ideas. Asian culture is known for its family oriented values. Thinking of ways to honor your parents’s love and support on your wedding day is highly recommended.
What are some venues you recommend for hosting Chinese-American weddings or banquets?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Photographer: @jasmineleephoto | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @quissy
The venue is such an important part of the wedding-- it sets the mood and atmosphere of your wedding day. Chinese banquets are considered very convenient in terms of serving Chinese food. However, I would recommend you explore other options. There are so many different venues out there: mansions, vineyards, redwood forests, hilltop luxury resorts, and so on. If you would like to serve Chinese food on your wedding day, you can simply hire a Chinese food caterer.
Planner: @blooming_wed | Photographer: @allentsaiphoto | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @quissy
If you live in the Bay Area, here are a few venues I highly recommend: Kohl Mansion, Nestldown, San Francisco City Hall, Montalvo Arts Center and Thomas Fogarty Winery.
If you live in New York, the following are my favorite places: 620 Loft and Gardens, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and The Foundry.
What are some budget-friendly ways of incorporating Chinese culture into your wedding?
Having a tea ceremony to show your love and respect for your families is always a great idea. You can add Chinese calligraphy to your invitation suite, guests escort cards and other day-of stationeries. Wedding favors like chopsticks and red envelopes with thank you cards are other ways to incorporate Chinese culture. Instead of having a traditional reading, invite your family member or friend to read a Chinese love poem during the ceremony.
Tips for planning a wedding during COVID19:
Planner: @blooming_wed | Photographer: @jasmineleephoto | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @quissy
1: Stay Calm. Even though we are facing uncertainty right now, it is important for us to remember why we hold a wedding ceremony: to celebrate your love and make unforgettable memories together.
2: Identify your priorities. If all vendors are available on the new date, you are extremely lucky. If there are conflicts, please identify your highest-priority vendors and be prepared to give up some lower priority ones.
3: Make quick and thoughtful decisions. If you are thinking of rescheduling to another month in 2020, please make the decision quickly as many couples may be considering the same date.
4: Communicate with your guests. If many of your guests are already aware of the previous wedding date, please send them an email with a postponement announcement and keep them posted on the new date.
What are some aspects of wedding planning that brides can focus on during this time?
Planner: @blooming_wed | Floral: @amandavidmardesign | MUA: @bun_bun_bridal_lab
Selecting ceremony and reception songs, writing vows, collecting inspiration for your wedding design will prove very useful even during these uncertain times.
About Blooming Wed:
Blooming Wed is a boutique wedding planning and design company that serves sophisticated couples who like romantic, elegant and timeless weddings. We specialize in crafting unforgettable wedding experiences for couples, their families and friends. This includes not only making sure that the wedding preparations are stress-free, but that the event is beautifully designed and suited to the unique tastes and culture of the couple. Our clients really appreciate our care, attentiveness, and dedication.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blooming_wed/
- Website: https://www.bloomingwed.com/