Wedding Planning Hacks from Top Wedding Planners: Chandni Mistry from Pearls Event & Co.

As the big day draws nearer, brides are often bombarded with a million different thoughts and questions. We spoke with top wedding planner Chandni Mistry from Pearls Event & Co. to get their expert advice on some of the most commonly asked questions.

What inspired you to become a wedding planner?

The inspiration to become a Wedding Planner came at a very young age for me. I was only 18 when I had to plan my own sister's wedding and at that time the concept of having a Wedding Planner in the South Asian Community was almost unheard of. Friends and Family would just help the Bride and Groom put together all the events, there was no real systematic way of planning. As I took over my sister's wedding planning, I realized how exciting the wedding planning world is. I enjoyed coming up with spreadsheets for budgets, creating mood boards, having checklists, etc. My interest grew throughout my college career and I finally decided to pursue this passion as my Full-time career.

What do you like best about your job?

The thrill on the wedding day! I love when we are executing the events and are able to bring the couples' vision to life. The smile on their faces is our biggest motivation to keep on going.

How long have you been in wedding business?

Over 8 years in business.

Do you provide various packages?

Yes, we provide 3 packages. The Royalty Bash (Full Service), The Grandiose Soiree (Custom Package), and, The Socialite (Day of Coordination).

Are there any additional services you offer?

We have recently started working with Venues as consultants. We provide workshops for new properties on how to host a South Asian Wedding.

What’s your planning process like?

Consultation, Booking Process, Budget Analysis, Venue Selection, Vendor Bookings, Concept and Designing, Logistics, and Day of Coordination.

Are there specific venues you're mostly working at?

We work at many venues domestically and internationally. However, NYC venues have our heart as it is home to us (Gotham Hall, The Plaza, Tribeca Rooftop, etc).

What's your main advice for couples when handling contracts with other vendors?

The biggest thing couples should focus on when handling contracts is thoroughly reading all the terms and clauses in addition to dates, timings, and pricing. Many times couples get excited to lock a vendor down and they don't fully understand the agreement or may just overlook the clauses. You want to make sure you are protected in case you run into any unforeseen situations.

What's your main advice with a backup plan for inclement weather?

Whenever you have an outdoor space, venues must block off an indoor space as backup for inclement weather so you can easily move the event inside once you make the weather call and shift to Plan B. When working with us, we not only think of Plan A and B, we also think of Plan C. If Plan A and Plan B do not work, Plan C would go into effect and that would be only in the worst case scenario, which would mean postponing the date.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced with weddings in the past?

One of the biggest challenges we have faced in the past during weddings is when families are not aware of the wedding flow. We have now started implementing communication between us and immediate families the week of the wedding to review the flow and set expectations so there is no room for confusion on the day of. In South Asian Weddings, families play a huge role in relation to the ceremony and traditions. We want to work with couples, families, and bridal party to ensure everyone understands their roles and are aligned with what we have planned!

How can you help the couple stay on budget? What's your main advice?

We create a budget analysis based on the overall number a couple wants to spend. We also add in our input to help keep them on track when we are finalizing venues and vendors. Keep some cushion for each vendor so you can plan your services with them with a little bit of ease.

What's your main advice when creating a timeline?

I like to work my way backwards from when the events start to when the couples should start getting ready. This gives you a better idea of how much time you can allocate for photos.

Do you have any advice for couples who are currently planning their wedding?

Discuss your budget prior to the venue and vendor bookings so there aren't any surprises down the road. Always remember less is more, the wedding should be a reflection of your relationship, not a "one up" from your best friend's wedding!