Behind the Veil The Magic of Wedding Planning

---

I believe every wedding should be a reflection of the couple’s journey together. 
I get to know them personall , learn about their story, and incorporate elements that are meaningful to them. 

 

 

My journey into wedding planning began in 2015 when a close friend asked for my help with her wedding. At that time, hiring a wedding planner was seen as a luxury. I assisted her with everything from creating mood boards to organising the wedding agenda, and I felt a deep sense of satisfaction that I never experienced in my 9-5 role as a business development executive at a prominent Colombo conglomerate. Following that wedding, I reached out to other friends who were getting married and volunteered to plan their weddings and manage their agendas, all free of charge. In total, I planned several weddings this way. Seeing the joy and happiness on couples’ faces as their dream weddings come to life was incredibly fulfilling and inspired me to pursue wedding planning full-time.

 

 

In addition to my MBA and over ten years of work experience in marketing, I have had the privilege of working closely with leadership teams of organisations both in Sri Lanka and overseas. This background has provided me with strong business and organisational skills. I have also completed specialised courses in project management and key account management. This combination of formal education and hands-on experience equips me to handle all aspects of wedding planning, from initial planning to detailed design.

Q: What are the first steps a couple should take when planning their wedding?

 

The first step in wedding planning is to create a guest list and determine the number of guests, as this will influence your choice of venue and overall style. Next, set a budget and a tentative date. Booking a venue early is crucial, as popular locations tend to fill up quickly. Once these foundational elements are in place, couples can start thinking about the overall vision and style of their wedding.

 

 

I begin with an in-depth consultation to discuss the couple’s likes, dislikes, and specific ideas. I encourage them to share inspiration boards or Pinterest boards. Based on their inspiration, we created a mood board to help them visualise their wedding. Throughout the planning process, I maintain open communication and provide visual proposals to ensure we stay aligned with their vision.

 

 

Budgeting is a critical part of wedding planning. I help couples prioritise their spending by identifying what’s most important to them. I also provide detailed budget breakdowns and keep track of expenses. Additionally, I have strong relationships with trusted vendors who offer quality services within different price ranges.

 

 

Common challenges include managing expectations, dealing with last-minute changes, and coordinating multiple vendors. I overcome these by maintaining a flexible yet organised approach, staying calm under pressure, and having backup plans. Clear communication with couples and vendors is also key to ensuring everything runs smoothly.

 

Planning a wedding typically starts 12-18 months in advance. Here’s a rough timeline:

 

 

Take it one step at a time and try to check off 2-3 key aspects of the wedding at a time for a month. Start a Shared Wedding folder with your partner where you have tabs for the guest lists, to-do list, budget, inspiration and timeline. This way you’re keeping track of all the important elements of your wedding. It has helped some of my couples to create a WhatsApp group for the couple. 

 

Remember, this is your special day, and it should be enjoyable. Hiring a wedding planner can significantly reduce stress, as we handle the details and logistics, allowing you to focus on the joy of your upcoming marriage.

 

 

I believe every wedding should be a reflection of the couple’s journey together. I get to know them personally, learn about their story, and incorporate elements that are meaningful to them. Whether it’s through custom décor, unique ceremony rituals, or personalised favours, I ensure each wedding is a true reflection of the couple’s individuality. Our speciality lies in envisioning their entire day based on just one sample picture, their favourite colour, or even their love story. 

 

 

One theme that has stood out is timeless romance. For a truly classic and elegant wedding, we installed the Poruwa ceremony on a pool, creating the enchanting illusion of a floating ceremony. 

 

Another memorable idea was a garden wedding inspired by the couple’s love for nature, featuring lush floral arrangements, fairy lights, and an outdoor dance floor under the stars. These elements created an atmosphere of enduring love and romance that felt both intimate and grand.

 

 

Preparation is key. I always have an emergency kit and a detailed contingency plan, especially for outdoor weddings or ceremonies. On the day of the wedding, I stay in constant communication with vendors and the wedding party to address any issues immediately. My goal is to ensure that the couple remains stress-free and unaware of any behind-the-scenes hiccups.